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Best transportation manager certifications
The best certifications for a transportation manager are Commercial Driver License (CDL), Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CLT), and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
Transportation manager certifications demonstrate your competency as a transportation manager to employers. However, not all transportation manager certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best transportation manager certifications. Obtaining a transportation manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
14 best certifications for transportation managers
| Rank | Transportation manager certification | Organization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Commercial Driver License (CDL) | FMCSA |
| 2 | Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CLT) | ASTL |
| 3 | Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) | ASTL |
| 4 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 5 | OSHA Safety Certificate | Delaware Tech... |
| 6 | Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) | IHMM |
| 7 | Hazmat Transportation Safety | OHM |
| 8 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
| 9 | Forklift Safety and Inspector | CIC |
| 10 | Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) | PFMI |
| 11 | Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS) | IFPO |
| 12 | Master Project Manager (MPM) | AAPM |
| 13 | Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) | APICS |
| 14 | Certified Food Manager (CFM) | IFSEA, MCFE |
14 best transportation 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. 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)
3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Due to an overwhelming request for an entry level industry certification, the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) now offers the Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PLS) to professionals seeking an understanding of the key strategies for improving customer service and increasing the efficiency of their logistics and supply chain operations. The purpose of the PLS is to recognize individuals that have completed a course of study examining the strategies for improving logistics and supply chain operations and are seeking to apply this knowledge within their profession. This designation is granted to AST&L members who have successfully passed the comprehensive examination.
- 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)
4. 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)
5. 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
6. 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)
7. Hazmat Transportation Safety
- 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 3 year(s)
8. 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?
9. 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)
10. Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)
By earning the Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) designation, you join a group of transportation professionals who have made a commitment to the private fleet industry, to an ongoing pursuit of career advancement, and to continuing enhancement of their knowledge and skills.
- 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 3 year(s)
11. 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)
12. 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)
13. 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)
14. Certified Food Manager (CFM)
These certifications test beyond culinary skills, but rather, focus on the skills needed for the food service professional seeking a management and executive career. These certifications test your knowledge from basic cooking to menu design, management, human resources, accounting and marketing.
- 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)
What is the best certification for a transportation manager?
The best transportation 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 transportation 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 transportation managers?
The most in-demand transportation manager certification is Commercial Driver License based on all active job postings. Having this transportation manager certification will give you access to more transportation manager jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a transportation manager career and salary?
The Certified Supply Chain Professional certification will help you to secure a director position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A director's average salary is $116,877 whereas transportation managers make an average salary of $77,378.
The most common combination of transportation manager certifications include: Commercial Driver License (CDL), Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CLT), and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP).
Online courses for transportation managers to earn certifications
1. Supply Chain Logistics
Have you ever wondered how goods get delivered to us so quickly as soon as we order them? One word: Logistics! In this introductory Supply Chain Logistics course, I will take you on a journey to this fascinating backbone of global trade. We cover the three major building blocks of logistics networks: transportation, warehousing, and inventory. After completing this course, you will be able to differentiate the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation. You will...
2. Navigating Healthcare Supply Chain Operations
This course is the continuation of "Introduction to Healthcare Supply Chain Operations". If you have not visited the first part yet, please check it out before starting this course. If you have finished the first part of this series: Introduction to Healthcare Supply Chain Operations, you will be able to apply what you learned to your own career. The foundational knowledge and project plan from the introduction are carried through in this deeper dive into healthcare supply chain operations. In...
3. Supply Chain Fundamentals: Logistic & Transportation
Learn the Fundamentals of Logistic, Warehouse, Inbound, Picking, Packing, transportation and apply it to any ERP system...
4. SAP: Supply Chain Logistics & Transportation in S/4 HANA
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5. ISO 22000:2018. Food Safety Management System
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6. Fundamentals of Logistics, Supply Chain & Customer Service
Learn Logistics, Supply Chain and Customer Service. 3 Courses in 1...
7. Supply Chain Management A-Z: Operations & Logistics Basics
Supply Chain Management Basics: An MBA style course to boost your career as a business operations & logistics manager...
8. SAP: Supply Chain Logistics in R/3
Everything you need to know about SAP Supply Chain Logistics and Transportation in one easy place...
9. ISO 45001. Occupational health & safety management system
Upgrate your health and safety career by understanding the requriements for an OH & S management system from ISO 45001...
10. OSHA Safety Training: Heat Stress Management
A Workplace Safety Management Course for Current and Future Safety Professionals...
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It Shows the Start point to Build your Health & safety Career and how to Join the field and becoming HSE Specialist...
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A Brief Safety Management Course for Current and Aspiring Safety Professionals...
14. Operational Risks Management ORM
Operational Risks Management ORM Case Studies for Risk Management, Compliance, Audit, IS Security, Banking Professionals...
15. BIM applications for Roads, Highways & Transportation design
Your guide to plan, design, analyze and manage roads design and transportation projects using infraworks BIM application...
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18. ISO 9001:2015-Quality Management System Implementation & Audit
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19. The Fundamentals of end-to-end Supply Chain Management
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20. Food Safety for Managers and Supervisors
The Highfield Food Safety Level 3 syllabus presented in two hours of video tutorials. Boost your food safety knowledge...