If you want to advance your career in manufacturing operations, getting certified can be a smart move. But how do you choose the right program for your goals, skills, and budget? In this article, we'll guide you through some key factors to consider before enrolling in any manufacturing operations certification program.
Manufacturing operations certification is a credential that validates your knowledge and skills in managing and improving production processes, quality, safety, and efficiency. There are different levels and types of certification, depending on your role and experience in the manufacturing industry. Some common examples are Certified Production Technician (CPT), Certified Manufacturing Engineer (CMfgE), and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB).
In my experience manufacturing certification is achieved in three main forms: 1) Secondary Education (Trade School, Associates Degree) 2) An Apprenticeship or 3) On-the-job training. It is focused training that allows the student to experience and become familiar with manufacturing concepts. It usually involves a lot of hands on which helps the student keep the experience and build on it once they enter the manufacturing workforce. I train students of all walks of life and teach them the necessary concepts to transition into manufacturing. And the best thing is I get to do it at no cost to the student. Better skills means better jobs means better lives.
Getting certified in manufacturing operations can be very beneficial for your career. It can help you stand out from the competition, demonstrate your commitment and credibility, and enhance your skills and knowledge. Additionally, certification can boost your confidence and performance, as well as expand your network and opportunities within the manufacturing community. Pursuing certification is a great way to ensure that you are up-to-date with the latest best practices and technologies in manufacturing operations.
Getting certified is a lot like buying a product with a warranty or guarantee. The employer is not hiring an employee who is unfamiliar with things they will need to learn and expand on. They can hit the ground running and assimilation into their work team will have a kick start with them having a base knowledge of the concepts.
When choosing a manufacturing operations certification program, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Your selection should be based on your current level of education, experience, and skills; desired level and type of certification; preferred learning format and schedule; and budget and funding options. For instance, some programs may require a certain degree or work history before enrollment. Additionally, you may want to pursue a basic, intermediate, or advanced certification, or a specialized certification in areas such as lean, quality, or safety. Furthermore, you should consider the duration, frequency, and flexibility of the program in relation to your availability and learning style. Finally, the cost of certification programs can vary widely. You may need to factor in additional expenses such as exam fees or materials. Moreover, it is worth researching scholarships, grants, discounts, or employer-sponsored programs that can help you cover or reduce the cost.
Once you have chosen and completed a manufacturing operations certification program, you will need to pass a certification exam to earn your credential. The exam format, content, and difficulty may differ depending on the program and certification level. To prepare for the exam, review the objectives, outline, and sample questions provided by the certification provider to get an idea of what to expect. Additionally, study the relevant concepts, theories, tools, and techniques covered in the program and supplement your learning with additional resources. Practice your skills and knowledge by applying them to real-world scenarios, case studies, or projects. You may also join a study group or find a mentor to take a mock exam and get feedback. On the day of the exam, plan ahead and arrive early with the required identification and materials. Relax, focus, and do your best!
After passing the certification exam, you will receive your credential and certificate from the certification provider. However, your certification journey does not end there. You should check the expiration date and renewal requirements of your certification, as some may expire after a certain period, such as one, three, or five years. Additionally, you need to keep track of your CEUs and document them. These activities help you update and enhance your skills and knowledge in manufacturing operations and can include courses, workshops, webinars, conferences, publications, or volunteer work. Furthermore, you should stay informed and involved in the manufacturing operations field by reading industry news, blogs, magazines, or newsletters and networking with other professionals. By doing this, you will be able to renew your certification and submit the required CEUs to the certification provider.
Training is great and the employee needs to remember that it is just the start. A CPT certification covers a wide range of concepts and is just the beginning of becoming an SME(Subject Matter Expert). Learn everything and anything you can of your employer is willing to train you. Once you know what you want to specialize in, immerse yourself and being willing to work hard and make the necessary sacrifices it will take to achieve it; definitely count the cost.