CPT Training at College of Lake County

Certified Production Technician (CPT)

PLEASE NOTE: The INAM Consortium was funded by a $12.9 million grant from the Department of Labor and tasked with delivering certificate programs in Advanced Manufacturing that can be completed in one year or less and prepare participants for employment in high-wage, high-skill occupations. While the INAM grant project has ended, these training programs remain vibrant at the individual Community Colleges. Please visit the colleges for ongoing program information.  

The Certified Production Technician (CPT) Program offered a nationally-recognized credential for entry-level manufacturing production workers. The CPT credential provided the foundational knowledge and skill sets for anyone seeking a job in the manufacturing industry. Prospective employees who earned this certification entered manufacturing jobs mentally prepared for the new working environment and technical skills they learned on the job. These programs emphasized cross-functional employability skills such as communications, teamwork, customer awareness, workplace conduct, and flexibility.

At the successful completion of the program, students were eligible to take the national recognized Manufacturing Skill Standards Council Certified Production Technician (MSSC-CPT) exam. The training enabled workers to build the core knowledge and skills required in modern advanced manufacturing. This certificate had four modules:

  1. Safety
  2. Maintenance Awareness
  3. Quality and Continuous Improvement
  4. Manufacturing Process and Production

The MSSC Certified Production Technician certification is the nationally recognized certification supported by the National Association of Manufacturers. The Certified Production Technician certification is awarded to those that successfully pass each of the four component examinations. Specific information on the certification is available at the MSSC website.

There is a wide-range of advanced manufacturing career opportunities available to those that successfully earn their CPT certification:

  • Production Assistants
  • Metal and Plastic Processing
  • Mechatronics/Robotics
  • Precision Assemblers
  • Manufacturing Supervisors
  • And Many More

Keys to Success

CPTs demonstrate core skills and knowledge through four assessments based upon MSSC industry-defined, national standards.

Knowledge in:

  • Safety
  • Quality & Measurement
  • Manufacturing Processes & Production
  • Maintenance Awareness
  • Green Technology (not required for CPT certification)

Salary

Potential CPT salaries can range significantly depending on specialty and years of experience.

Metal and Plastic Processing workers generally range from $21,619 to $36,448.
Production Supervisors range from $57,459 to $89,775.

Actual salary will depend on specific career track, years of service, and experience.

Training and Education

This national certification is only available through MSSC examination. Check local community colleges as most are official MSSC testing sites. (Note: Green is not required for CPT certification.)

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