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Best distribution manager certifications
Distribution manager certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an distribution manager to employers. However, not all distribution manager certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a distribution manager are Commercial Driver License (CDL), Six Sigma Green Belt, and Certified Manager Certification (CM).
Below is a list of the best distribution manager certifications. Obtaining an distribution manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for distribution managers
| Rank | Distribution manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 2 | Six Sigma Green Belt | IASSC |
| 3 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 4 | Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) | APICS |
| 5 | Certified Sales Professional (CSP) | MRERF |
| 6 | Forklift Safety and Inspector | CIC |
| 7 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 8 | Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS) | IFPO |
| 9 | Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) | MSSC |
| 10 | Sales Management | SIOR |
| 11 | Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) | IHMM |
| 12 | Incident Safety Officer - Fire Suppression Certification (ISO) | FDSOA |
| 13 | NSF-IFSEA HACCP Manager (HACCP) | IFSEA, MCFE |
| 14 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
| 15 | Operator Certification | CSDA |
| 16 | Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CLT) | ASTL |
| 17 | Six Sigma Black Belt | IASSC |
| 18 | Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) | ISM |
| 19 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 20 | Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehouse Management (CPDW) | American Purc... |
20 best distribution manager certifications
1. Commercial Driver License (CDL)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the agency of the U.S. Department of Transportation that is responsible for establishing standards for Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) operators, including the Commercial Driver's License (CDL). The minimum national CDL testing standards and licensing requirements established by FMCSA are administered by state driver licensing agencies when they issue a CDL. You are required to obtain and hold a CDL if you drive interstate, intrastate (within a state), or for foreign commerce and drive a vehicle that meets any of the classifications of a CDL. States develop their own tests which must meet the minimum federal standards, but which also may have standards unique to the state. To get a CDL, first you must get a commercial learner's permit. States can only issue learner's permits and CDLs to drivers after they pass knowledge exams and skills tests. You have to pass the CDL knowledge and skills tests for the class of license and type of endorsement required to operate the type of commercial vehicle you plan to drive. And, you have to take the skills test in a vehicle of the same type as the vehicle you plan to operate. For a quick reference of CDL Classes, see the CDL License Matrix.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
2. Six Sigma Green Belt
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology who both leads or supports improvement projects, typically as a part-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
3. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
4. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Thousands of employers worldwide look for the CPIM designation when making critical hiring decisions. These companies know that CPIM designees have the proven knowledge and skills to strategically streamline operations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
5. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
6. Forklift Safety and Inspector
Most personnel operating and working around forklifts have had little or no quality training. This training program exceeds OSHA's new training requirements.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
7. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
8. Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS)
The program candidate must have six months previous security supervisory/management experience or equivalent. Remit the certification fee to IFPO to receive the CSSM application. Candidates accepted into this portion of the program are required to address 10 simulated workplace scenarios demanding supervisory/management action.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
This credential addresses the core competencies of higher skilled, front-line material handling workers (entry-level) across the supply chain: from factories, to warehouses, to distribution centers to transporters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
10. Sales Management
The SIOR designation is a professional achievement for highly qualified commercial real estate practitioners with a strong transactional history in brokerage, fee-based services, or executive management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
11. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
12. Incident Safety Officer - Fire Suppression Certification (ISO)
A fire department incident safety officer's mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. Members of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, applicants sponsored by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and individuals meeting the duties and requirements of a company officer or an Incident Scene Safety Officer may apply.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
13. NSF-IFSEA HACCP Manager (HACCP)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
14. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
15. Operator Certification
Operator Certification is an intensive six-day training program that educates operators in the correct applications and techniques for safe, competent operation of sawing and drilling equipment.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
16. Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CLT)
The exam modules are constantly revised to meet the needs of transportation logistics professionals. To qualify an individual must be an active member of ASTL and have earned an undergraduate degree or have at least three years of professional experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
17. Six Sigma Black Belt
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt (ICBB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology, who leads improvement projects, typically in a full-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Black Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
18. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
19. OSHA Safety Certificate
This 40-hour program covers both the Construction 1926 and General Industry 1910 Standards, how to effectively interpret the Federal Register, health issues related to a work environment, recognition of physical hazards related to the violation of OSHA standards, and employer implementation of their own pro-active safety and health procedures.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
20. Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehouse Management (CPDW)
The area of distribution, logistics and warehousing is a quickly blossoming type of business in the U.S. and other places. Warehouses and distribution centers are popping up everywhere as competition for immediate delivery increases. As this quickly growing business advances, the need for professionals in this field increases. The Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing (CPDW) program is designed to educate and train people in distribution, logistics, and warehousing management. Students who take this course will be prepared for professional jobs in distribution centers and warehouses.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
What is the best certification for a distribution manager?
The best distribution manager certification is Commercial Driver License (CDL). The Commercial Driver License (CDL) is awarded by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The advanced certification is for more experienced employees as it often requires some work experience to acquire.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this distribution manager certification:
- To become a certified Commercial Driver License (CDL), you need to pass the exam.
- Lucky you - certification doesn't require more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 4 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for distribution managers?
The most in-demand distribution manager certification is Commercial Driver License based on all active job postings. Having this distribution manager certification will give you access to more distribution manager jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a distribution manager career and salary?
The Six Sigma certification will help you to secure a operations manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A operations manager's average salary is $77,288 whereas distribution managers make an average salary of $89,264.
The most common combination of distribution manager certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), Six Sigma Green Belt, and Certified Manager Certification (CM).
Online courses for distribution managers to earn certifications
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