What is an operation manager certification?

While there’s no specific ops manager certification, numerous relevant certifications exist. Consider looking for organizational, leadership and logistics certifications that may help candidates succeed in operations roles.

Benefits of looking for relevant certifications in operations manager resumes

When you list relevant certifications as preferred in your operations manager job description, you may:

• Connect with candidates who have demonstrated operations manager skills

• Reach job seekers with the necessary hard and soft skills to succeed on the job

• Evaluate certifications that support a candidate’s experience and skillset

9 certificates for operations manager candidates

When reviewing resumes for your operations leadership positions, consider the certifications below.

1. Six Sigma Green Belt certification

Individuals can earn a Six Sigma certification through organizations such as the American Society for Quality (ASQ). The credential requires completing a Green Belt training course, passing an exam and demonstrating process improvement practices in real-world projects.

Green Belt certification focuses on using the DMAIC methodology for continuous improvement and statistical analysis for process control. Six Sigma Green Belts demonstrate advanced problem-solving and analytical skills and the ability to apply Six Sigma principles to improve desired outcomes and drive cost savings.

2. Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

PMP certification comes from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Candidates must have three to five years of experience in project management or a combination of relevant education and experience, complete 35 hours of training and pass an exam.

Earning a PMP requires individuals to develop complex project management skills. The ability to effectively manage resources, timelines and budgets is critical in ops management. A PMP credential can also demonstrate a candidate has strong leadership and organizational skills.

3. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) offers the CPSM credential. To earn the certificate, someone must have three years of procurement or supply chain experience and pass exams to demonstrate competency in leadership, processes and supply management.

The advanced knowledge of supply chain management and procurement required for this credential can indicate candidates have the decision-making and organizational skills that may be relevant to your position.

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Another supply chain-related credential, the CSCP is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). To earn this certificate, candidates must have a bachelor’s degree or three or more years of experience in supply chain management and pass a test demonstrating knowledge about supply chain implementation, design and improvement.

5. Lean Certification

Lean Certification is offered by organizations such as the Association for Manufacturing Excellence (AME), various digital learning organizations and through internal training in many businesses. Some organizations require individuals to participate in a Lean process improvement project, demonstrating an understanding of the principles of Lean in a practical setting before they can earn a certificate.

Candidates with Lean certifications on their resumes may be equipped to optimize processes, reduce activities that don’t add value and promote continuous improvement in quality and production.

6. Business Process Management (BPM) certification

BPM certification is offered by a range of organizations, including the Association of Business Process Management Professionals (ABPMP). Applicants must complete training courses or relevant education and pass an exam that demonstrates an understanding of organizational goals and business processes.

Hiring someone with a BPM certification may help improve the overall adaptability of your organization. Individuals with a BPM designation typically have experience and skills relevant to analyzing business processes and making data-based decisions about organizational efficiency.

7. ISO 9001 Lead Auditor Certification

This certification is offered by the International Register of Certified Auditors (IRCA) and other organizations. Individuals who hold an ISO 9001 Lead Auditor certification have typically completed numerous relevant training courses, passed an exam and performed audits in work settings.

If you need an operations manager to align your processes with ISO standards, address compliance management or identify conformity issues in processes, consider requesting this certification in your job description.

8. Certified Time Management Professional (CTMP)

CTMP credentials are offered by training institutions and typically involve completing a program and passing an exam. CTMP credentials help ensure individuals can effectively leverage tools and frameworks for maximizing team and individual productivity.

You might want to look for CTMP certifications if you want an ops leader who can prioritize effectively and allocate resources for enhanced productivity.

9. Certification in supply chain or inventory management

Various operations manager certificates are offered by organizations like the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The individual programs typically involve courses related to ops leadership, and many require tests to demonstrate knowledge.

Because every program differs, you may want to ask candidates about their credentials to better evaluate whether they’re suited for your open position.

Certifications and your search for operations managers

Certifications are just one factor to consider as you search for candidates for your operations management roles. Professional credentials can help you understand a candidate’s skills and knowledge, an important step in skills-based hiring.