Top 11 Warehouse Worker Certifications

Certifications for warehouse workers are important in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that a worker is knowledgeable and experienced in the field. They can also show that a worker has received formal training and is able to follow safety protocols, use warehouse equipment properly, and adhere to industry standards. Certifications can also help workers stand out from other applicants by providing proof of a higher level of knowledge and skill. Additionally, certifications can open doors to specialized positions or higher salaries.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Warehouse Workers and explain how they can help enhance a warehouse worker's career.

What are Warehouse Worker Certifications?

Warehouse worker certification is a type of certification program designed to provide warehouse workers with the skills and knowledge needed to work in a warehouse environment safely and effectively. The certification program covers a variety of topics, including safety regulations, proper lifting techniques, inventory management, shipping and receiving procedures, and customer service. This type of certification helps to ensure that warehouse workers are knowledgeable about their job duties and can handle them responsibly. It also helps employers ensure that their employees are properly trained in the most up-to-date safety regulations, which can help reduce accidents on the job. Additionally, it can be beneficial for warehouse workers who wish to advance their career as having certification can demonstrate knowledge in their field and make them more attractive candidates for higher-level positions.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the certification requirements for the warehouse job you are applying for and ensure that you have all of the necessary certifications prior to applying. This will help you stand out from other applicants and give you a better chance at securing the job.

Related: What does a Warehouse Worker do?

Top 11 Warehouse Worker Certifications

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

1. OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification

OSHA 10-Hour Safety Certification is a program offered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to educate workers on safety and health hazards in the workplace. The program consists of two separate courses: OSHA 10-Hour General Industry and OSHA 10-Hour Construction. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete and includes topics such as hazard recognition, fall protection, personal protective equipment, machine guarding, electrical safety, fire safety, etc.

The courses are offered in both classroom and online formats. To get certified, students must attend an approved training provider’s class or complete the online course. After completing the course, students will receive an OSHA 10-Hour card that is valid for five years from the date of issue.

The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider and format chosen. Classroom courses typically range from $100-$200 per person while online courses can range from $50-$100 per person.

2. Certified Forklift Operator

Certified Forklift Operator is a certification that shows that an individual has been trained and tested to operate a forklift safely and effectively. It is required by OSHA for anyone operating a forklift in the workplace. The certification is valid for three years, after which the operator must be recertified.

To get certified as a Forklift Operator, the individual must attend a training course or program approved by OSHA. This typically involves classroom instruction as well as hands-on training on how to properly operate a forklift. After completing the course, the individual must pass an exam administered by an accredited testing agency in order to receive their certification.

The cost of getting certified depends on the type of training program chosen and can range from $100-$400 or more. Most employers will cover at least part of this cost, so it is important to check with your employer before enrolling in any courses.

3. Certified Inventory Control Specialist

Certified Inventory Control Specialist (CICS) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who possess the knowledge and skills necessary to manage inventory control operations. This certification is offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory management principles, supply chain management, forecasting and demand planning, and inventory optimization.

It typically takes about six months of study to prepare for the CICS exam. Candidates should have at least three years of experience in inventory control or related fields before attempting the exam. The CICS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

To obtain the CICS certification, applicants must first complete an application form and pay a fee of $395 USD. Once approved, applicants can register for the exam online through APICS' website or by mail. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CICS certificate from APICS.

The cost of obtaining the CICS certification includes a one-time fee of $395 USD plus any additional fees associated with taking the exam (such as proctoring fees).

4. Certified Warehouse Management Professional

Certified Warehouse Management Professional (CWMP) is a professional certification program designed to help warehouse professionals improve their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of warehouse operations, inventory management, supply chain management, and logistics. The certification is offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), an organization that provides educational resources and training for supply chain professionals.

The CWMP certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in a warehouse environment or related field. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as warehousing operations, inventory control systems, safety and security procedures, customer service principles, and more.

To get the CWMP certification, you must first apply to take the exam through ISM's website. Once your application is approved, you will be sent a registration form which must be completed within 30 days of receipt. You will then receive an email with information about how to access the exam online. The cost of the exam is $395 USD for members of ISM and $495 USD for non-members.

The exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions which must be completed within three hours. After passing the exam, you will receive your Certified Warehouse Management Professional certificate from ISM.

5. Certified Logistics Associate

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of logistics professionals. The CLA certification is offered through the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L). It is intended for individuals working in logistics, supply chain management, transportation, warehousing, and related fields.

The CLA exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as inventory management, transportation planning and operations, warehouse operations and safety, customer service, sustainability and global logistics. To become certified, applicants must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher.

The exam can be taken at any Prometric testing center across the United States. It typically takes about four hours to complete the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an AST&L member or non-member. For members, the cost is $295; for non-members it is $395. In addition to the fee for taking the exam, there may be additional costs associated with studying for and taking the test such as books or other materials needed to prepare for it.

6. Certified Hazardous Materials Handler

Certified Hazardous Materials Handler (CHMH) is a certification program offered by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). It is designed to ensure that hazardous materials handlers are knowledgeable and competent in the safe handling of hazardous materials. The certification requires successful completion of a written examination and practical assessment.

The certification process typically takes between 4-6 weeks, depending on the individual’s background and experience. To become certified, individuals must first complete an application form and submit it to NICET. Once the application has been approved, applicants will be issued a study guide and must pass a written exam with a minimum score of 70%. After passing the written exam, applicants must complete a practical assessment in order to receive their CHMH certification.

The cost of becoming certified as a CHMH varies depending on the location and type of training required. Generally, the cost ranges from $200 - $500 USD, which includes all necessary materials such as textbooks, study guides, and exams.

7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead and manage improvement projects within their organization. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes, reduce costs, and increase customer satisfaction.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires successful completion of an online or in-person training course, which typically takes between 4-6 weeks depending on the provider. During this time, participants will learn about the Lean Six Sigma methodology, including DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control) and tools such as process mapping, root cause analysis and statistical analysis.

To get certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by an accredited certification body such as ASQ or IASSC. The cost of the exam varies depending on the provider but generally ranges from $200-$500 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must also demonstrate their proficiency in Lean Six Sigma by completing a project or portfolio that demonstrates their understanding of the principles and tools taught during training. This requirement may vary depending on the provider but typically involves completing a project that reduces waste or improves efficiency within an organization.

8. APICS CPIM Certification

APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management. The CPIM program helps professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of production and inventory management. It is designed to enhance the performance of individuals working in operations management, supply chain management, purchasing, logistics, materials management, and other related fields.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management; Master Planning of Resources; Detailed Scheduling & Planning; Execution & Control of Operations; and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time. Once all five courses have been completed successfully, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam to become certified.

To get APICS CPIM certified you must first register with APICS. You can do this online or by mail. After registering you will be given access to the online learning system which contains all the course material needed to complete the program. Once you have completed all five courses you will be eligible to take the comprehensive exam.

The cost for APICS CPIM certification depends on the method chosen for taking each course: self-study or instructor-led classroom training. Self-study costs range from $1,000 - $2,400 USD depending on your membership status with APICS while instructor-led classroom training ranges from $2,500 - $3,000 USD depending on location and number of participants enrolled in a class session.

In total it takes approximately 200 hours over 6 months to complete the entire program including all five courses and passing the comprehensive exam at the end.

9. ASQ Certified Quality Auditor

ASQ Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The CQA certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in quality auditing. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and products, as well as comply with regulatory requirements.

The CQA certification requires passing a comprehensive two-part exam. Part one of the exam covers general principles of quality auditing, while part two focuses on specific audit techniques. The exam can be taken at any ASQ-certified testing center or online. It typically takes about four hours to complete both parts of the exam.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of professional experience in quality auditing and/or related fields. Applicants must also submit an application form and pay an application fee to ASQ.

The cost for the CQA certification varies depending on whether you are an ASQ member or non-member. For members, the cost is $399 USD, while for non-members it is $499 USD.

10. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual’s expertise in project management. This certification is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The PMP credential demonstrates that the individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully lead and direct projects.

It typically takes 6-12 months to prepare for the PMP exam. To qualify for the exam, individuals must have either a secondary degree with at least five years of project management experience or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience. Candidates must also complete 35 hours of formal project management education.

To get certified, candidates must pass an exam consisting of 200 multiple choice questions. The cost of taking the exam is $405 for PMI members and $555 for non-members. After passing the exam, individuals must maintain their certification by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years.

11. Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P) Certification

SCOR-P Certification is a professional certification program offered by the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) Institute. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and understanding of the SCOR framework, which is an internationally accepted standard for supply chain operations. The certification program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam.

The online course covers topics such as SCOR fundamentals, process design and optimization, performance measurement, and supply chain risk management. It takes approximately 10 hours to complete the course. After completing the course, you can take the exam which consists of multiple choice questions and case studies. You must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive your certification.

You can get SCOR-P Certification by registering for the program through the SCOR Institute website or through a third-party training provider. The cost of registration varies depending on your chosen provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Do You Really Need a Warehouse Worker Certificate?

Whether or not you need a warehouse worker certificate depends on the type of work you are looking to do within a warehouse. If you are looking for an entry-level position, then typically no certificate is required. However, if you plan on working in a specialized area such as forklift operation, hazardous material handling, or inventory management, then a warehouse worker certificate may be necessary. In some cases, even with an entry-level position, employers may prefer workers who have taken courses and obtained certificates in warehouse safety and operations.

Having a certificate can also give employers assurance that their employees have been properly trained in the safe handling of materials and equipment within the warehouse environment. This is especially important for those working with hazardous materials or operating heavy machinery such as forklifts. Without proper training and certification, workers could put themselves and others at risk of injury or worse.

Finally, having a certificate can provide proof of job competency which can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs in warehouses. It demonstrates to employers that you have invested time into learning about safety protocols and procedures that are relevant to the job at hand. In addition to this, it shows that you are committed to your profession and willing to further your knowledge in order to improve your skillset.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a warehouse worker certificate depends on the type of work you’re looking for within a warehouse environment. For certain positions requiring specialized knowledge or skill sets such as forklift operation or hazardous material handling, certificates may be necessary in order to ensure safety protocols are followed correctly and efficiently while also providing proof of job competency which can help set you apart from other applicants when seeking employment opportunities in warehouses.

Related: Warehouse Worker Resume Examples

FAQs About Warehouse Worker Certifications

1. What is a Warehouse Worker Certification?

Answer: A Warehouse Worker Certification is a credential that verifies an individual has the knowledge and skills to safely and efficiently perform warehouse-related activities, such as picking orders, loading and unloading trucks, managing inventory, and operating forklifts.

2. Who needs a Warehouse Worker Certification?

Answer: Any person working in a warehouse setting or performing warehouse-related tasks should consider obtaining certification. Employers may require it for certain positions or may prefer applicants who possess certification.

3. How do I get certified as a Warehouse Worker?

Answer: Generally, individuals must complete an approved training course and pass an exam to receive their Warehouse Worker Certification. The requirements may vary by state or country, so be sure to check with your local governing body for more information.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

Answer: The time it takes to become certified can vary depending on the type of training program you choose, but most programs are between one to two days in length.

5. Is there an expiration date on my certification?

Answer: Yes, certifications typically have expiration dates ranging from one year up to five years depending on the licensing body and type of certification obtained. It’s important to stay current with your certifications by renewing them before they expire or risk losing your credentials.