Professional certification is a great way to enhance your prospects in any profession, and manufacturing is no exception. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, manufacturing workers who secure industry credentials tend to earn a higher salary and boast higher employment rates than non-certified workers. But this is just the beginning: Industry certification has the power to build your reputation, increase your job prospects, and position you for upward mobility and growth. So, if you’re eyeing that management position, certification could help you qualify.

In manufacturing, industry certification shows employers that an individual is competent, credible, and a true expert in their field. It can open doors to job promotions, leadership roles, and even specialized projects or work. Perhaps that is why you are here. If you’re looking to become a manufacturing manager or enhance your credibility as a manager today, certain certifications can help you stand out.

Let’s explore the manufacturing management certification options available to you.

Manufacturing management certification options

1. Certified Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE)

Issued by the American Society of Quality, this manufacturing management credential is designed for leaders who are looking to oversee quality systems and improve processes within their facility. Often, a manager’s goal is to ensure organizational performance, and the CMQ/OE credential demonstrates the skills needed to do this: Strategic planning, team leadership, quality control and implementation, and more. For manufacturing workers looking to level up their careers, this credential is a great bridge into upper management.

2. Certified Manager (CM)

Administered by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), the CM credential is a broad management certification that spans across industries. For manufacturing workers, it can complement technical training and highlight your skills in leadership. This credential will evaluate (and nod to) your ability to plan strategically, problem-solve, manage resources, delegate tasks, organize, and motivate or develop teams—thereby showcasing your readiness to become a manager.

3. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

This manufacturing management certification is issued by the Association of Supply Chain Management (ASCM). As one of the most recognized and regarded credentials available, CPIM validates a worker or manager’s expertise in production planning, inventory control, and supply chain optimization—helping them advance into leadership roles. Employers love to see the CPIM credential, as these individuals can directly contribute to improved efficiency and reduced costs for manufacturing plants.

4. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Another broad, cross-industry certification, the PMP credential showcases a person’s ability to plan, execute, deliver, and close projects in an efficient and accurate way. Project management is a highly transferable skill, applicable to any field but especially relevant in manufacturing, where major projects touch multiple teams, departments, and functions. Manufacturing employers find project management a critical leadership skill, and the Project Management Institute can certify this competency for you.

5. Six Sigma Green Belt, Black Belt, or Master Black Belt

Six Sigma certifications are quality control certifications that can mark a top-quality manufacturing manager. Six Sigma is a data-driven approach to improving manufacturing processes; it looks to reduce waste, reduce defects, and, at upper levels, facilitate organizational change. These certifications are offered in different tiers or “belts,” with Green Belt, Black Belt, and Master Black Belt being most relevant to manufacturing managers:

• Six Sigma Green Belt equips managers to lead small-scale projects and process improvements
• Six Sigma Black Belt enables managers to lead larger process improvement initiatives across a manufacturing organization
• Six Sigma Master Black Belt is earned by the upper-most leaders, preparing them to mentor workers and lead organizational strategy across large manufacturers

At Goodwin University, students in our Manufacturing Management program receive Six Sigma Green Belt training, preparing them for certification. With experience, some graduates go on to pursue their Black Belt credential, deepening their leadership skills in process and quality improvement.

How to become a manufacturing manager

Becoming certified is just one way to stand out for management roles. Education and training also play an important role.

Higher education and postsecondary training programs are not always required, but are increasingly preferred by manufacturers. This is especially true for management and leadership roles. An estimated one-third of manufacturing employers agree that there’s a general lack of skilled or qualified workers to hire. So, those with qualifications like a certificate or degree will be more likely to land a job.

At Goodwin University’s manufacturing and machining school, there are a variety of career-focused programs you can choose from. If you’re just starting out or looking to advance your skills, our technical programs in CNC machining, quality management, welding, and manufacturing engineering technology are all great options.

However, if you’re really looking to develop your leadership skills and stand out, our Manufacturing Management degree is a path worth considering. This program develops skills and experience in:

• Supervision of manufacturing processes
• Management of resources (human and mechanical)
• Budget and schedule planning
• Oversight of lean and green manufacturing
• Motivating, mentoring, and training team members
• Ensuring quality control
• Assuring industrial safety
• Resolving conflict within the workplace
• Delivering top-tier customer service

On top of this, the Manufacturing Management program leads students into industry-recognized credentials like Certified Production Technician (CPT) and Certified Logistics Technician (CLT).

Become a manufacturing manager at Goodwin

In the realm of manufacturing, where projects are going left-and-right, cross-functional teams are working together, and the quality of product matters, great managers are vital for success.

But great managers aren’t simply born; they are made. Manufacturing is a highly specialized and technical field, where complex machinery and techniques are being used every day. Managers must learn the ins and outs of the field, while also developing versatile skills in team building, budgeting, planning, communication, and operations management.

If you are looking to develop and certify your skills, and land a manufacturing management position you love, Goodwin can help you get there.

Explore our flexible Manufacturing Management program online today.