SME’s Certified Manufacturing Associate (CMfgA) is an industry certification focused on basic manufacturing concepts, demonstrating an individual's potential for high-demand, entry-level manufacturing roles. It was designed for individuals new to manufacturing who may not currently possess enough knowledge or experience for more advanced technical certifications. This might include high school students, dislocated workers, and individuals coming from other non-manufacturing sectors who wish to pursue a role as an assembler, manufacturing associate, production laborer and other entry-level manufacturing occupations. It is not required that individuals be SME members to pursue the certification.

Covering fundamental topics such as shop math, assembly, maintenance, machining, inspection, and more, this industry-driven certification demonstrates that the individual has basic knowledge of manufacturing and may be an ideal candidate for entry-level manufacturing employment.

The Certified Manufacturing Associate offers an initial step into a technology-rich industry filled with opportunities for continued growth and advancement into higher level positions. After earning the CMfgA, SME encourages individuals to explore a variety of available career pathways in manufacturing and continue with training or education to earn more advanced technical certifications. There are other leading certification providers offering advanced technical certifications (MSSC, NIMS, AWS, etc).  The CMfgA can be a first step and feeder into these more advanced technical certifications offering careers with higher pay and skills. 

Candidates may pursue the CMfgA credential on their own, work with their local training provider, or access Tooling U-SME resources to help prepare for the exam. Tooling U-SME offers an optional preparatory program of 25 online classes covering Additive Manufacturing, Applied Mathematics, CNC, Inspection, Lean, Quality, Robotics, and Safety – topics driven by manufacturing experts as being relevant exposure for entry-level positions and wide-ranging industries.

Upon passing the certification exam, individuals will earn a digital badge that will expire after five years, and they may use the credentials CMfgA following their name.

For more information about Tooling U-SME’s classes to prepare for the CMfgA exam, please contact Tooling U-SME at info@toolingu.com or 866.706.8665. Note that the Tooling U-SME training program is not required.

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Groups

To inquire about certification for groups (companies, schools, etc.) please contact Tooling U-SME at info@toolingu.com or 866.706.8665.

Individuals

Individuals may pursue the CMfgA as part of their own professional development journey.

Individuals must identify a proctor to monitor the individual while taking the exam. A proctor can be a manager, supervisor, HR personnel, or teacher. The Proctor Form should be completed and submitted at least two weeks before taking the exam.

To prepare for the exam, be sure to review the CMfgA Body of Knowledge and certification exam tips.

Pricing for Individuals

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Resources

• Body of Knowledge (PDF)
• Skills Guide (PDF)

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