Top 11 Warehouseman Certifications

Certifications are an important way for warehousemen to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in the job market. Certification programs provide warehousemen with a formal recognition of their experience and qualifications that can be used to differentiate them from other applicants when applying for jobs. Certifications also provide employers with assurance that the warehouseman has been trained in specific areas, such as safety, inventory control and quality management. Furthermore, certifications demonstrate a commitment to professional development and provide warehousemen with opportunities for career advancement.

This article reviews the top certifications for Warehousemans and explains how they can help to enhance a warehouseman's career.

What are Warehouseman Certifications?

Warehouseman certification is a process that requires a warehouse manager or operator to demonstrate their knowledge, skills and abilities in order to be certified as a warehouseman. This certification helps to ensure that warehouses are managed and operated safely, efficiently and properly. It also enables companies to have confidence in the competency of their warehouse personnel.

The certification process includes an assessment of the candidate's knowledge, skills and abilities related to warehouse operations, including safety protocols, effective inventory management and storage techniques, order processing procedures and other related topics. The assessment is typically conducted by a third-party organization that specializes in providing certifications for various industries. After successful completion of the assessment, the candidate will receive a certificate indicating their qualification as a certified warehouseman.

Having certified personnel on staff can help businesses save money by reducing errors due to improper handling of goods or ineffective inventory management. In addition, having certified personnel also demonstrates that the company takes its commitment to safety seriously and provides assurance that goods will be stored correctly and handled with care, increasing customer satisfaction levels. Finally, having certified personnel on staff can help businesses gain access to better job opportunities since many employers prefer hiring employees who possess this type of specialized training and experience.

Pro Tip: To become a certified warehouseman, make sure to take advantage of any training and certification programs offered by your employer. Having formal training and certification in warehouse management can help you stand out from other job applicants and give you an edge in the industry. Additionally, studying for and passing the Certified Warehouseman exam is essential for those interested in pursuing a career in this field.

Related: What does a Warehouseman do?

Top 11 Warehouseman Certifications

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

1. Certified Warehouse Associate (CWA)

Certified Warehouse Associate (CWA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals working in warehouse operations. The CWA credential is offered by the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). This certification is designed for those who have at least 3 years of experience in warehousing, or have completed a formal training program.

The CWA exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as inventory management, safety, customer service, and other related topics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must score 70% or higher on the exam to be certified.

To become certified, candidates must submit an application to WERC along with proof of their warehousing experience or training program completion. The application fee is $150 USD, and there are additional fees associated with retaking the exam if necessary. Once approved, candidates must register for the CWA exam through WERC’s online portal.

The CWA certification is valid for three years from the date of issue; however, recertification requirements must be met every three years in order to maintain active status. Recertification requires the submission of continuing education credits earned during that time period as well as payment of a recertification fee.

2. Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLT certification is designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of logistics and supply chain management. The certification is awarded to those who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies required for successful logistics operations.

To become a Certified Logistics Technician, applicants must pass an exam administered by AST&L. This exam covers topics such as warehouse operations, inventory management, transportation, customer service, and global supply chain management. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete.

The cost of the CLT certification exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken; however, it typically costs around $200 USD. To maintain their CLT certification status, individuals must complete continuing education requirements every three years.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage global supply chain activities. The certification is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS).

It takes approximately three months to complete the CSCP program. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design, implementation, and operations. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within four hours.

To get the CSCP certification, applicants must first register with APICS and pay a fee of $695 USD. After registering, applicants can choose from several study options including self-study using print or digital materials, instructor-led courses, online courses and webinars. Once they have completed their studies and passed the exam, they will receive their CSCP certificate in the mail.

The CSCP certification is valid for five years after which recertification is required. Recertification requires applicants to earn 75 Continuing Education Points (CEPs) over a three-year period or retake the exam every five years.

4. Certified Warehouse Manager (CWM)

Certified Warehouse Manager (CWM) is a professional certification program developed by the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC). The CWM certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in managing warehouse operations. It is the highest level of recognition for warehouse professionals.

To become certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as inventory management, supply chain management, safety and security, personnel management, and more. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CWM certification exam varies depending on the country you are taking it in. In the United States, it costs $395 for members of WERC or $495 for non-members. There may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and obtaining study materials.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CWM certificate within 6-8 weeks after passing. You will also receive a digital badge that can be displayed on your website or social media profiles to show off your accomplishment!

5. Certified Inventory Control Specialist (CICS)

Certified Inventory Control Specialist (CICS) is a professional certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). The CICS certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing and controlling inventory in a business. It demonstrates that the holder has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage inventory.

The CICS certification requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in an inventory control or purchasing role. To become certified, applicants must pass a written exam which covers topics such as inventory management principles, forecasting techniques, cost analysis, and supply chain management. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the CICS certification depends on the applicant’s level of experience. For those with two or more years of experience, the cost is $295; for those with one year or less of experience, it is $395. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam including registration fees and study materials.

Overall, obtaining the CICS certification can be a great way to demonstrate expertise in inventory control and purchasing roles. It can open doors to new job opportunities and provide recognition from employers and peers alike.

6. Certified Distribution Management Professional (CDMP)

Certified Distribution Management Professional (CDMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate excellence in the field of distribution management. This certification is offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS).

The CDMP program is a comprehensive, self-study program that covers topics such as inventory management, supply chain management, logistics, customer service, and operations strategy. It takes approximately six months to complete the entire program.

To get certified, candidates must first pass an online exam that tests their knowledge of the topics covered in the CDMP curriculum. After passing the exam, candidates must submit a portfolio that includes evidence of their practical experience in distribution management. Once approved, they will be awarded with the Certified Distribution Management Professional (CDMP) certificate.

The cost of getting certified depends on whether or not you are an APICS member. For non-members, it costs $1,395 to register for the CDMP program and take the online exam; for members it costs $995.

7. OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course

The OSHA 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course is a voluntary course designed to provide workers with an introduction to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards that apply to general industry. It also provides information on recognizing and preventing safety and health hazards in the workplace.

The course typically takes 10 hours to complete, but can vary depending on the instructor. It is usually offered in two five-hour sessions or four three-hour sessions, but may be offered as a single ten-hour session as well. The course covers topics such as hazard recognition, OSHA standards, personal protective equipment (PPE), hazard communication, fire safety, machine guarding, electrical safety, fall protection, and more.

The course can be taken at an OSHA Training Institute Education Center or through an authorized OSHA Outreach Trainer. To find a training center near you or an authorized trainer offering the 10-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course, visit osha.gov/dte/outreach/index.html.

The cost of the course varies depending on where it is taken and who is providing it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $50 - $200 per person for a 10-hour session.

8. OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health Course is an OSHA-approved training program that provides comprehensive safety and health information for workers in general industry. It covers a wide range of topics, including hazard recognition, accident prevention, workplace safety, and health regulations. The course is designed to help employers meet their legal obligation to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.

The course typically takes 30 hours to complete and can be taken online or in person. Online courses are self-paced with the option to pause and resume at any time. In-person courses are usually offered by approved OSHA trainers in a classroom setting.

The cost of the course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $100 - $300 per student.

Upon completion of the course, students receive an OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety and Health card, which is valid for five years from the date of issue.

9. OSHA Forklift Operator Certification

OSHA Forklift Operator Certification is a training program that is designed to provide forklift operators with the knowledge and skills needed to safely and effectively operate a forklift. The certification is valid for three years and requires the operator to be re-certified every three years.

The certification process typically takes around 8 hours to complete, depending on the individual's experience level. It consists of classroom instruction, hands-on training, and a written exam. During the course, participants will learn about OSHA regulations, safe operating procedures, load capacity calculations, pre-operation inspections, and more.

To obtain the certification, individuals must attend an OSHA approved training course from an accredited provider. These courses can be found online or in person at various locations throughout the country. The cost of these courses varies depending on location and provider but typically range from $100-$200 per person.

10. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. The CPIM program consists of five modules, each focusing on a different aspect of production and inventory management. These modules include: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources.

The CPIM certification can be obtained by completing all five modules within 18 months. Each module must be completed separately in order to receive the full certification. After completing each module, you will need to take an exam that covers the material from that module. Once all five exams are passed, you will receive your CPIM certification.

In order to obtain the CPIM certification, you must first become an APICS member. This can be done by signing up for an APICS membership online or at any local chapter meeting. Once you have become an APICS member, you can then register for the CPIM program which includes access to study materials as well as online practice tests for each module.

The cost of obtaining the CPIM certification varies depending on whether or not you are already an APICS member when registering for the program. If you are already a member, then the cost is $1125 USD for non-members or $800 USD for members. If you are not already a member when registering for the program then the cost is $1325 USD for non-members or $1000 USD for members.

11. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage global supply chain activities. The CSCP certification program focuses on end-to-end supply chain management, from demand planning and supplier relationship management to manufacturing and distribution operations.

The CSCP certification process typically takes between four to six months to complete. To become certified, individuals must first obtain an APICS membership and then register for the CSCP exam. After registering, individuals must complete a three-day classroom course or an online self-study course. Once the course is completed, individuals can take the CSCP exam at a local testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CSCP certification varies depending on whether you choose to take the classroom or online course. The cost of the classroom course ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD while the cost of the online self-study course ranges from $800 - $1,200 USD. In addition to these fees, there is also a one-time fee of $695 USD for taking the exam itself.

Do You Really Need a Warehouseman Certificate?

The short answer to this question is: it depends. A Warehouseman Certificate, also known as a license or certification, is typically required if you plan on working in a warehouse or distribution center that handles hazardous materials. However, depending on where you live and the type of job you’re seeking, you may not need to obtain a Warehouseman Certificate.

In some cases, employers may prefer applicants who possess a Warehouseman Certificate because it demonstrates an understanding of safety regulations and procedures related to the handling of hazardous materials. It also shows potential employers that you are knowledgeable about storage and handling best practices, which could be beneficial for any company that deals with such materials.

On the other hand, if you are looking for a position in a warehouse or distribution center that does not handle hazardous materials, then there is no need for you to have a Warehouseman Certificate. Furthermore, if your state does not require such certification for warehousing jobs, then it may be unnecessary for you to obtain one.

Ultimately, it is up to each individual applicant to determine whether they need a Warehouseman Certificate based on their particular circumstances. If the job requires it or if your state mandates it, then obtaining such certification would be beneficial for your future career prospects. Otherwise, it might not be necessary depending on where you live and the type of job you’re seeking.

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FAQs About Warehouseman Certifications

1. What is a Warehouseman Certification?

A Warehouseman Certification is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a warehouse worker's knowledge and proficiency in warehouse operations and safety protocol. The certification is designed to ensure the safety of workers, customers, and products within warehouses.

2. How do I obtain a Warehouseman Certification?

In order to obtain a Warehouseman Certification, individuals must first complete an accredited training program approved by the National Safety Council or American Society for Quality. After completing the training program, individuals must pass an exam administered by the certifying organization in order to receive their certification.

3. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Warehouseman Certification?

No, there is no age requirement for obtaining a Warehouseman Certification. However, it is important to note that some certifying organizations may have specific requirements regarding experience or education levels for certain certifications.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Warehouseman Certification?

The amount of time required to obtain a Warehouseman Certification can vary depending on the individual's background and the specific certifying organization they choose to use. Generally speaking, most individuals can expect to complete their certification within 6-12 months of starting their training program.

5. Are there any renewal requirements for my Warehouseman Certification?

Yes, most certifying organizations require individuals who hold a Warehouseman Certification to renew their credentials every 2-3 years in order to remain certified. Renewal typically involves submitting proof of continuing education or professional development activities over the past two years as well as paying any applicable fees associated with renewal.