Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Credential: Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)  GI Bill resource CA Eligible
Credentialing Agency: Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)

Renewal Period: Not Renewable

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a foundational-level certificate and is a prerequisite for the Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification. MSSC training and assessment addresses the need for employability and academic skills as well as technical skills. There are no experiential or hands-on requirements for MSSC certification as it is expected that individual employers will determine those requirements based upon their own specific needs. MSSC evaluates basic computer, analytical and problem-solving skills. Critical work functions and their related key activities for the CLA include: global supply chain logistics life cycle, logistics environment, material handling equipment, safety principles, safe material handling and equipment operation, quality control principles, workplace communications, teamwork and workplace behavior to solve problems, and using computers. Candidates must pass a written exam.

More information can be found on the certifying agency's website.

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Attainability:    high

Eligibility Requirements (View Details)

  • Credential Prerequisite
  • Experience
  • Education
  • Training
  • Membership
  • Other
  • Fee

Note: This credential may have multiple options for a Service member to meet eligibility requirements. Requirements listed here are based on the minimum degree required.

Exam Requirements (View Details)

  • Exam
  • Written Exam
  • Oral Exam
  • Practical Exam
  • Performance Assessment

Exam Administration (View Details)

  • In-person exam
  • Remote proctored on-line exam
  • Third-party test vendor

RECERTIFICATION SUMMARY

Renewal Period: Not Renewable

  • Continuing Education
  • Exam
  • Continuing Education OR Exam
  • Fee
  • Other

AGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC)

901 N Washington St.
Suite 600
Alexandria, VA  22314

Phone: 703-739-9000

Fax: 703-739-9008
Email: info@msscusa.org

Written Exam

  • Global Supply Chain Logistics Life Cycle
    • Demonstrates a clear understanding of how the product life cycle affects the company’s viability and profitability
    • Exhibits a clear understanding of how one’s role affects other parts of the product life cycle
    • Indicates an understanding of various transportation options
    • Applies a clear understanding of the basic principles of cost effectiveness and productivity enhancements
  • Logistics Environment
    • Exhibits a clear understanding of security requirements (e.g. CTPAT, FAST,Homeland Security, etc.) applicable to the logistics environment
    • Applies a clear understanding of the environmental impact of logistics activities
    • Demonstrates a clear understanding of the physical layout of the logistics environment
  • Material Handling Equipment
    • Recognizes and understands uses of different types of material handling equipment
    • Is able to safely operate forklifts, tractors, hand trucks and dollies
    • Is able to operate conveyor systems safely and within operational guidelines
    • Is able to operate automated storage systems in a manner that assures efficiency and safety
  • Safety Principles
    • Participates in all national, state and local safety training requirements
    • Is aware of, understands and complies with relevant safety standards (such as OSHA, etc.)
    • Maintains a clean and orderly work area
    • Is able to demonstrate emergency procedures to be applied in the event of an incident or accident
  • Safe Material Handling and Equipment Operation
    • Applies safe material handling procedures
    • Demonstrates safe lifting and carrying practices
    • Identifies and complies with safety markings displayed on containers and cargoes
    • Identifies, monitors and reports potential work hazards, out-of-compliance conditions and safety concerns immediately
    • Uses appropriate personal protective equipment
  • Quality Control
    • Participates in quality control programs and initiatives
    • Effectively communicates appropriate information to both internal (i.e., coworkers, supervisors, management, etc.) and external customers
    • Explains the difference between preventative and corrective maintenance actions
    • Uses established procedures to promptly document and communicate quality problems or issues
    • Participates in quality audit process
    • Presents quality improvement recommendations in a clear and concise manner
  • Workplace Communication
    • Facilitates communication between shifts by providing input about completed work, work that remains to be completed and shift problems or issues
    • Clearly and effectively communicates thoughts, ideas and information orally and in writing
    • Effectively employs communication practices to solve interpersonal problems
    • Communication reflects a clear understanding and accurate use of logistics nomenclature and terminology
    • Effectively elicits clear statements of customer requirements and specifications
    • Effectively applies appropriate actions for handling customer complaints
  • Teamwork and Good Workplace Conduct
    • Demonstrates ethical and responsible behavior at work
    • Understands and follows company’s Code of Conduct
    • Demonstrates an understanding of work requirements and agreements
    • Applies problem solving tools and procedures to identify problems and suggest potential solutions
    • Effectively works in a team environment to solve problems
    • Demonstrates characteristics of an effective team member in a logistics operation
  • Using Computers
    • Demonstrates effective use of computer systems and software applications (i.e., internet browser, e-mail, word processing, spreadsheet, presentation) to fulfill roles and responsibilities
    • Demonstrate an understanding of common software systems (e.g., Order Management System, Warehouse Management System, etc.) used in a logistics operation

Exam Preparation Resources

There are a number of resources available to help you prepare for the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) examination:

An additional resource is O'Reilly Learning Safari Books Online, a searchable digital library that provides online access to thousands of books, training videos and conference sessions. See the Educational Resources section on the Related Sites page here on COOL to learn how to get free access.

Testing Information

  • Exam Administration

    Credential exams may be administered in-person at a testing site, proctored on-line remotely, or have options for both. If an exam is administered through a test vendor, the third-party test vendor box will be checked. The following test administration options apply to the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) credential where checked:

    • In-person exam
    • Remote proctored on-line exam
    • Third-party test vendor

  • For more information on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) testing process, visit the agency website.

  • Third-Party Test Vendor Information

    Testing for this credential is handled by the following vendor:

    ProctorU

    The test centers are located in the U.S.

    To find out more, use the following links on the ProctorU website:


RECERTIFICATION

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Renewal Period: Not Renewable

The Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) credential has the following recertification information:

  • Recertification is not required for the CLA certificate.

Additional considerations for the Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) include:

  • MSSC does not require candidate to take a specific course or training program in order to sit for an assessment. However, MSSC has found that students enrolled in a training program perform better than those who do not. There are many training programs available and many have used MSSC’s own Authorized Courses.

In Demand

This certification is considered in demand. The U.S. Department of Labor sponsored CareerOneStop's analysis indicates the certification is frequently mentioned in online job postings.

Click for external link to CareerOneStop's Credentials Center.

COOL Bucks

See your installation Education Service Officer for credential exam information and coordinating instructions.

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Gap Analysis

The credential requirements have been compared to military training.

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Some

Credential is related to some tasks associated with the duties of the military occupation (at least one critical task but less than 80%)

Most

Credential is directly related to most of the major duties associated with the military occupation (at least 80%)

Other

Credential is related to this military occupation, but is more advanced or specialized and therefore will likely require additional education, training, or experience

CA Eligible

This certification is eligible for CA.

Promotion Points

This certification has been approved for promotion points.

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Star

Star credentials are MOS enhancing, as designated by the Proponent. MOS enhancing credentials are directly related to an MOS or ASI, are taught either partially or completely as part of a Program of Instruction (POI), and improves the MOS technical proficiency.

Skill Level

The Skill Level reflects the level, based on MOS training and/or experience, the Soldier should be the most prepared to successfully earn the credential. See the Table Legend for details about each level.

Navy Bucks

Credential voucher or reimbursement for credential exam, re-certification, or maintenance fee has been approved for payment through the Navy's Credential Program Office. To get a voucher request form, click Menu at the top of any page, then click "2 Complete Voucher and Apply" under Credentialing Steps.

CG Bucks

Current Coast Guard policy states all credentials listed on CG COOL may be reimbursed assuming the enlisted service member meets the eligibility requirements as outlined in the Coast Guard Voluntary Credentialing Program Policy (COMDTINST 1540.1(series))

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted E1 through E4

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E5 through E6

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E7 through E9

Early Career

1-3 years experience; Enlisted “A” School through E5

Mid Career

4-10 years experience; Enlisted E6 through E7

Late Career

10+ years experience; Enlisted E8 through E9

Early Career

1-6 years experience; Officer O1 through O2

Mid Career

6-12 years experience; Officer O3 through O5

Late Career

12+ years experience; Officer O6 and Above

GI Bill®

Reimbursement for exam fees has been approved for payment through the GI Bill.

Note: GI Bill approval data is updated quarterly. For the latest information, visit the WEAMS Licenses/Certifications Search page. Make sure to select "Both" in the LAC Category Type drop-down before searching.

Click to go to the external link for GI Bill licensing and certification information.

ANAB (ANSI)

This credential has been accredited by ANAB (ANSI).

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ICAC

This credential has been accredited by ICAC.

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ABSNC

This credential has been accredited by ABSNC.

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NCCA

This credentialing program has been accredited by NCCA.

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IAS

This credential has been accredited by IAS.

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Low

May be difficult to attain: minimum education requirement is a Bachelor's degree, and/or minimum experience is 10 or more years.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

Medium

Moderate ease of attainment: minimum education requirement = Associate's and/or prerequisite and/or minimum experience = more than 2 years and less than 10 years of experience.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

High

Highly attainable: minimum education requirement = HS or less and/or minimum experience = 2 years or less experience and no additional requirements.

Note: In some cases “years of experience” refers to time actively on duty or while holding a certain occupation or prior certification and not always in consecutive calendar years. Additional years required for certain preliminary stages may not be included in this classification. For requirements measured in hours, 1080 hours was considered a year. For days, 365 days was considered a year. Please review all prerequisites and requirements for eligibility, and additional information for details.

MOS is Military Occupational Specialty
ASI is Additional Skill Identifier
WOMOS is Warrant Officer Military Occupational Specialty
AOC is Area Of Concentration Officer
Functional Area
Branch

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Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Registered Apprenticeship

An apprenticeship program is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. Go to the Apprenticeship Finder and enter career path or location to find apprenticeship opportunities.

Click here for External link to: My Next Move for Veterans - Logisticians
Click here for External link to: My Next Move salary info for Logisticians

Bright Outlook – new job opportunities are very likely in the future for this job

Click here for external link to: My Next Move for Veterans State Map for Logisticians

This is an official U.S. Army website
Updated: February 26, 2021
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