The Materials Handling and Management Society (MHMS) has always prided itself on offering several educational offerings to enhance the members' knowledge in the materials handling field. Some of these offerings are: educational guides, learning systems, seminars, papers, articles, and shows.

But there's more to education than those options. MHMS has long had a certification program to measure peoples' knowledge and accomplishments in materials handling and to offer them recognition among their peers. The Society has traditionally offered two branches of certification – Professional Certified in Materials Handling (PCMH) and Professional Certified in Materials Management (PCMM).

Comprehensive exams are usually offered at trade shows and at different regions to test the qualifications of applicants. Successfully passing the exam, the person is awarded an achievement certificate and the title PCMH or PCMM.

As strong as they are, these two programs do not cover all of the bases. Over the years it was realized that many practitioners with hands-on experience were not being recognized. They are well versed in the materials handling field but may not hold either a PCMH or PCMM certificate. And until now there has been no way for MHMS to formally recognize the abilities of these people.

As a result, a new level of certification has been created – Certified Associate in Materials Handling (CAMH). It is attainable by experienced and qualified people based on their practical experience and longevity in the materials handling field without the requirement of extensive preparation for the exams required by the other two certification programs.

Upon becoming a CAMH, a person can then pursue the PCMM and PCMH certification by subscribing to any of the courses offered or by using the study guides and reference library to successfully complete those exams.

To cope with today's rapidly changing business trends, companies are merging with other companies, streamlining operations, and downsizing. Qualified and non-qualified people may be seeking employment for one of these reasons or may be seeking better opportunities for themselves and their families. Whatever the situation, companies are always looking for qualified materials handling people who are able to step right into the job without training or delay. In that case, who would be a better candidate for the position than a person certified in materials handling?

If you are in sales, management, materials management, maintenance or any other materials handling function, you may already have the experience and expertise to become a CAMH. It is never too late to take the first step toward certification.