Are you hoping to advance your manufacturing career? Professional certifications are a wonderful way to build your skill set and increase your market value. Here are five top-rated options.
Career-Building Manufacturing Certifications
Certified Automation Professional® (CAP®)
The International Society of Automation (ISA) CAP® Certification confirms an individual has the knowledge and skills needed for competent job performance. This certification especially applies to those working in process automation and manufacturing automation industries.
Prerequisites: A 4-year degree plus 5 years of work experience or 10 years of work experience.
Certification Process: Candidates must pass an exam. Both online and on-site tests are available.
Recertification: Every 3 years
Similar Certifications: ISA also offers a Certified Control Systems Technician® (CCST®) program.
Certified Manufacturing Engineering (CMfgE) Certification
SME’s technical certifications prove individuals have the knowledge needed to succeed in the manufacturing industry. This upper-level certification works well for those in leadership roles.
Prerequisites: 8 years of manufacturing-related education and work experience
Certification Process: Candidates must score 60% or higher on a four-hour, open book exam with 180 multiple-choice questions. Both online and on-site tests are available.
Recertification: Every 3 years
Similar Certifications: SME also offers Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) Certification for entry-level workers and Certified Manufacturing Technologist (CMfgT) Certification for those with 4 years of experience.
Certified Production Technician (CPT®) 4.0
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) grants CPT® 4.0 certification to individuals who demonstrate mastery of manufacturing production. This program is ideal for entry-level employees.
Prerequisites: 9th grade math and 10th grade reading level recommended
Certification Process: Candidates must complete four required assessments in safety, quality practices & measurement, manufacturing processes & production and maintenance awareness. Each exam has 80-101 multiple-choice questions. Both online and on-site tests are available.
Similar Certifications: MSSC also offers Certified Technician-Supply Chain Automation (CT-SCA), and Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) programs.
Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
The American Society for Quality (ASQ) awards CQE certification to individuals who understand the principles of product and service quality evaluation and control. This program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).
Prerequisites: 8 years of on-the-job experience with 3 years in a decision-making position
Certification Process: Candidates must pass a 160 multiple-choice exam. Both online and on-site tests are available.
Recertification: Every 3 years
Similar Certifications: ASQ’s Certification Pathway Tool outlines certification possibilities in fields ranging from engineering to management.
Six Sigma Certification
Six Sigma certification shows an individual understands a highly respected set of quality management techniques. There are six levels White Belt, Yellow Belt, Green Belt, Black Belt, Master Black Belt and Champion.
Prerequisites: Like the karate belt system, levels must be completed in order.
Certification Process: Multiple organizations offer Six Sigma certification including The American Society for Quality (ASQ) and International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC). Candidates need to pass an exam and, in some cases, submit a portfolio.
Are You Working Toward Advancing Your Manufacturing Career?
The recruiters at Connectology can match you with career-building opportunities. We place talented candidates with top companies in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin and beyond. Explore all our available openings today!
