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.