Certificate

• From those new to the profession who require a foundation course before progressing on to the Diploma;
  
• Through those already working in the field who would benefit from a wider perception of their role and have no formal qualifications;
  
• To those employed in other areas which impact on or are affected by production and operations management.

As part of the Institute's continuous improvement process, the syllabus for this qualification has recently been revised following considerable consultation with industry. The Certificate is now accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) at Level 3 of the National Qualifications Framework (NQF).

Facts about the Certificate in Operations Management

What qualification do I get?

The Institute of Operations Management Level 3 Certificate in Operations Management.
The Certificate in Operations Management (COM) is a vocationally related qualification set at Level 3 in the National Qualification Framework.

How long is the course and how will I study it?

The normal length of the course is 90 hours. The mode of delivery will usually be part-time day and/or evening courses, although it could be more intensive. The sequence in which the units are delivered is not specified, although the Institute advises that the Units 1, 2 and 3 are taught in sequence. Assessment of the course is through one examination and 2 assignments.

The Certificate can also be studied through the ROME distance learning package. For further details click here.

What are the aims of the course?

The Level 3 Certificate in Operations Management (COM) aims to provide:

What subjects will I study?

The COM has THREE units as follows:

Unit C1:  Business for Operations Managers

• The Business Environment
• Strategy Communication and Deployment
• People Working Together
• Quality
• Cost Management
• Performance Measurement

Unit C2:  Demand and Supply Chain Management

• Demand and Supply Chain Concepts
• Customer Focus
• Inventory Management
• Planning and Scheduling
• Procurement Management
• Production Operations
• Distribution

Unit C3:  Improvement Techniques for Operations Management

• People Considerations
• Quality Considerations
• Operational and Investigative Improvement Techniques

How do I become a student?

Candidates enrol at a Centre that has been validated to run the Institute’s Certificate course. The Centre may be a college or university, industrial site, or a private provider of training. The candidate must register as a student of the Institute through the Centre. Alternatively, a candidate can contact the Institute directly regarding the study of the Certificate through the ROME programme.

What qualifications do I need to enrol on the course?

There are no formal qualifications required for entry to the programme. A Centre may admit any
candidate if it believes they will benefit from attending and have a realistic expectation of successful completion of the course. It should be noted, however, that in order to maximise the benefit of the programme, candidates should be competent in the Key Skills of Communication (Level 2), Application of Number (Level 2) and Information Technology (Level 1)

Can I get any exemptions from parts of the qualification?

No exemptions are allowed within the Certificate in Operations Management.

What will the qualification lead to?

Successful students can move on to the Diploma in Operations Management (DOM).

Many successful candidates have progressed into operations management posts in their own and other organisations.  Companies such as Rolls Royce use the Certificate in Operations Management as part of their career development policy.

Other companies using the qualification include

• AstraZeneca
• Boots Contract Manufacturing
• Caradon Mira
• Corus
• Cussons UK
• Stannah Stairlifts
• Thales Missile Systems
• Tyco Electronics

What is the success rate of students on the course?

Well-motivated individuals will almost certainly pass the Certificate and often progress on to the Diploma in Operations Management.  Students’ success rate for is consistently above 70% of all those that have enrolled.

How can I get further help?

For further information contact the Institute