Top 10 Warehouse Technician Certifications

Certifications for warehouse technicians are important in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and commitment to the field. Certified warehouse technicians have a greater understanding of the logistics involved in managing a warehouse, which can help them become more efficient and productive. Employers also look for certifications when hiring warehouse technicians, as it is an indication that the candidate has invested their time and resources into learning best practices and staying up to date with industry trends. Additionally, certifications can open up career opportunities in other areas such as supply chain management or logistics.

This article reviews the top certifications for Warehouse Technicians and explains how they can help to advance a warehouse technician's career.

What are Warehouse Technician Certifications?

Warehouse technician certification is a credential that demonstrates knowledge, skills and abilities in the field of warehouse operations. It is designed for professionals working in warehouse settings, and it can be helpful for those looking to advance their careers in the industry. The certification is awarded by a variety of organizations and certifying bodies, including the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

The certification covers topics such as inventory management, safety and security procedures, warehouse layout design, and customer service. It also focuses on leadership skills, communication strategies, problem solving techniques, and other essential aspects of managing warehouses. Additionally, certified warehouse technicians are given access to exclusive resources related to the profession through ASCM membership.

By obtaining this certification, individuals demonstrate their expertise in the field of warehouse operations. Having this credential on a resume or CV can make a professional more attractive to potential employers and help them stand out from other candidates. Furthermore, certified warehouse technicians often have access to higher salaries than non-certified professionals due to their specialized knowledge and skill set. Ultimately, this certification can provide individuals with an edge in an increasingly competitive job market.

Pro Tip: When researching warehouse technician certification, be sure to look for programs that are accredited by the National Institute for Warehouse and Logistics Education (NIWLE). This accreditation ensures that the program meets certain standards of quality and provides students with a comprehensive education in the field.

Related: What does a Warehouse Technician do?

Top 10 Warehouse Technician Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Warehouse Technicians today.

1. Certified Warehouse Technician (CWT)

Certified Warehouse Technician (CWT) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who work in warehouse operations. The program was developed by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA).

The CWT certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has a comprehensive understanding of warehouse operations, including inventory management, safety procedures, material handling and storage, shipping and receiving processes, and quality assurance.

It typically takes about three months to complete the requirements for the CWT certification. To get certified, you must first pass an online exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as safety procedures, material handling and storage, inventory management, shipping and receiving processes, quality assurance and more. Once you have passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will receive your CWT certification.

The cost of taking the CWT exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $150-$200 USD to take the exam.

2. Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is a certification program that was created by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics to recognize individuals who demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in logistics operations. The CLT certification is designed to provide employers with an objective measure of a candidate’s ability to perform logistics-related tasks.

The CLT certification consists of two exams: the Fundamentals of Logistics exam and the Applied Logistics exam. Both exams are administered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). Candidates must pass both exams in order to be certified as a Certified Logistics Technician.

The Fundamentals of Logistics exam covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation, warehousing, customer service, international trade regulations, and quality assurance. The Applied Logistics exam covers topics such as material handling systems, distribution networks, reverse logistics, forecasting and planning, performance measurement, project management, and safety compliance.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CLT certification program. During this time period candidates must complete coursework related to the topics covered on both exams as well as attend workshops or seminars on logistics-related topics. Once all coursework has been completed successfully candidates can then register for their respective exams through AST&L’s website.

The cost for obtaining the CLT certification varies depending on which courses you take and how many times you take each exam. Generally speaking it will cost anywhere from $500-$1000 USD for all course materials plus any additional fees associated with taking the actual exams.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of end-to-end supply chain management best practices and principles. The CSCP credential is the most widely recognized and sought after certification in the field of supply chain management.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online course, a comprehensive exam, and a professional development program. The online course covers topics such as global supply chain management, strategic sourcing, inventory control, logistics and transportation, customer service, and more. The comprehensive exam tests knowledge of these topics as well as the ability to apply them in real-world scenarios.

It typically takes three to four months to complete the CSCP program. To get started, you must register for the CSCP exam and purchase the course materials from ASCM's website. The cost of the exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $695-$995 USD. Additionally, you will need to pay for any additional study materials or courses you choose to take in order to prepare for the exam.

Once you have completed all requirements for the CSCP program successfully, you will be awarded with your official CSCP credential which can be used to demonstrate your expertise in supply chain management and open up new career opportunities.

4. Certified Inventory Control Manager (CICM)

Certified Inventory Control Manager (CICM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). The CICM certification is designed to demonstrate expertise in inventory management, providing assurance that certified professionals have the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage inventory in any organization.

The CICM program consists of two parts: a self-paced online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as inventory planning, procurement, and control systems. The exam is administered by ISM and tests your knowledge of the material covered in the online course.

To get the CICM certification, you must complete both parts of the program within one year. After completing the online course, you must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher to be certified.

The cost for the CICM program varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For members, it costs $695 for both parts of the program; for non-members, it costs $995 for both parts.

5. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate is a voluntary program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for workers in the general industry. The program provides safety and health training to employees, supervisors, and employers on how to recognize, avoid, control, and prevent job-related hazards. It also covers topics such as hazard communication, personal protective equipment, machine guarding, fire prevention and protection, electrical safety, material handling and storage, workplace violence prevention, ergonomics, bloodborne pathogens, and more.

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate course typically takes 10 hours to complete. It can be completed in one day or over multiple days depending on the provider's schedule. The course is offered by certified trainers who have been approved by OSHA. It can be taken in person or online through an approved provider.

The cost of the OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Certificate varies depending on the provider. Generally speaking it costs between $50-$100 per person for the course materials plus any additional fees that may apply for online courses or other services provided by the trainer.

Overall this certificate provides an important foundation of knowledge for workers in general industry settings so they can work safely and prevent injuries or illnesses in their workplaces.

6. Association for Operations Management (APICS) Certification

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) is a professional organization devoted to the advancement of operations management and supply chain excellence. APICS offers certification programs that provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful operations management professionals.

APICS offers three primary certifications: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM). CPIM is designed to help individuals understand and apply production and inventory management principles, while CSCP focuses on global supply chain management. CFPIM is the highest level of certification offered by APICS, recognizing mastery of production and inventory management topics.

To obtain any of these certifications, applicants must pass an exam administered by APICS. The exams are available at testing centers around the world, or can be taken remotely via online proctoring services. Depending on the certification chosen, it can take anywhere from 1-2 months to complete all requirements for certification.

The cost of each certification varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member, as well as which exam package you choose. For example, the cost for a non-member to take all five CPIM exams is $1,395 USD; however, if you are an APICS member, this cost drops to $995 USD.

In addition to passing the exam(s), applicants must also meet certain educational requirements before they can be certified by APICS. These requirements vary depending on which certification you are pursuing; for example, CPIM requires applicants to have successfully completed two college-level courses in business or operations management prior to taking the exams.

7. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

The CPIM program consists of two parts: the Basic Module, which covers topics such as demand management, operations planning and control, master scheduling, material requirements planning, inventory management, supplier planning and quality control; and the Advanced Module which covers topics such as capacity management, supply chain management, procurement and distribution.

To receive the CPIM certification, individuals must complete both the Basic Module and Advanced Module exams. The exams are administered through APICS-approved testing centers located throughout the world. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions that must be completed within a set time limit.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete both modules depending on individual study habits. To prepare for the exams, APICS offers a variety of self-study materials including books, eLearning courses, practice tests and instructor-led classes.

The cost of obtaining a CPIM certification varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. Self-study materials can range from $500-$1,000 while instructor-led classes can range from $2,000-$3,000. Additionally there is an exam fee of $250 per module that must be paid at the time of registration.

8. National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM) Certification

National Institute for Storage Tank Management (NISTM) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of storage tank management. This certification is offered through the National Institute for Storage Tank Management, which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing educational programs and services related to the proper management of storage tanks.

The NISTM Certification program requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in areas such as environmental regulations, safety protocols, maintenance requirements, and inspection procedures. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers all aspects of storage tank management. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to obtain NISTM Certification, applicants must first submit an application along with proof of relevant experience or education. Once approved, applicants will be required to pay a fee before taking the exam. The cost for the exam varies depending on location but typically ranges from $150-$250 USD. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official NISTM Certificate in the mail within 4-6 weeks.

Overall, obtaining NISTM Certification can take several weeks depending on how quickly you can complete your application and take the exam. However, this certification can provide valuable recognition for those working in the field of storage tank management and help ensure that they are up-to-date on all relevant industry standards and regulations.

9. International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certification

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) is a global trade organization that provides certification to warehouse operators. This certification is designed to ensure that warehouses are operating in an efficient and safe manner, and that they meet the standards of the IWLA.

In order to obtain IWLA certification, a warehouse must go through a rigorous process of assessment and evaluation. This includes a review of their safety protocols, operational processes, facility layout, and overall customer service. The evaluation also includes an on-site audit by an independent third party auditor who will assess the warehouse’s compliance with IWLA’s standards.

The entire process typically takes between four to six weeks to complete depending on the size and complexity of the warehouse operation. Once all requirements have been met and approved, the warehouse will receive its IWLA certification.

The cost for obtaining IWLA certification varies depending on the size and complexity of the warehouse operation. Generally speaking, it can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for larger operations.

10. American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) Certification

The American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of transportation and logistics professionals. The ASTL Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates a commitment to the profession and signifies a mastery of the core competencies required for success in the field.

It typically takes approximately 6 months to complete the ASTL Certification process. To get certified, individuals must first complete an application form and submit it with all required documentation. Once approved, applicants must then pass a comprehensive exam which covers topics such as supply chain management, logistics systems management, inventory control, transportation operations management, customer service management, and financial analysis.

The cost of ASTL Certification varies depending on the type of certification sought. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 for an individual to obtain their certification. This fee includes registration fees for the exam as well as any additional materials needed for study purposes.

Do You Really Need a Warehouse Technician Certificate?

Whether or not you need a Warehouse Technician Certificate depends on the type of job you are looking for. If you are seeking out a position in warehouse management, then obtaining a certificate may be beneficial to demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field. It can also provide additional credibility when applying for jobs, as employers will view it as evidence that you have taken the initiative to become more knowledgeable in the industry.

On the other hand, if you are simply looking for a job in a warehouse, such as an entry-level position, then having a Warehouse Technician Certificate may not be necessary. In this case, prior experience and references may be enough to secure employment.

In conclusion, obtaining a Warehouse Technician Certificate can be beneficial for those who want to pursue higher positions in warehouse management. However, it is not necessary for entry-level positions and those without prior experience or knowledge of the industry may find that their time would be better spent gaining hands-on experience rather than obtaining a certificate.

Related: Warehouse Technician Resume Examples

FAQs About Warehouse Technician Certifications

1. What is a Warehouse Technician Certification?

A Warehouse Technician Certification is an industry-recognized credential that indicates a professional has completed training and/or experience in warehouse operations and management. It demonstrates expertise in areas such as inventory control, order fulfillment, safety procedures, and warehouse layout optimization.

2. How do I become certified as a Warehouse Technician?

In order to become certified as a Warehouse Technician, one must complete training from an accredited provider such as the National Association of Warehousing Professionals (NAWP). This typically involves taking classes or workshops on topics such as inventory control, order fulfillment, safety procedures and warehouse layout optimization. Upon completion of the training program, individuals can then take an exam to earn their certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Warehouse Technician?

By becoming certified as a Warehouse Technician, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in warehouse operations and management to employers and potential employers. Additionally, it can open up opportunities for career advancement or higher pay within the field.

4. Do I need any prior experience to become certified?

No prior experience is required in order to become certified; however, many organizations prefer applicants who have some work experience in the field before pursuing certification.

5. Are there any continuing education requirements for maintaining my certification?

Yes, most certifications require that professionals complete continuing education credits every year in order to maintain their credentials. These credits are typically earned through attending seminars or workshops related to warehouse operations and management topics.