Missouri Western State University has surveyed and met with hundreds of leaders, organizations and industries to provide only the most relevant training opportunities for the current and future workforce needs. With their input, we started with the following certification programs that are delivered using the Houlne Center for Convergent Technologies state of the art Amatrol smart manufacturing equipment.
Image courtesy of Amatrol.com
Certified Production Technician Training Program (CPT & CPT+ Skills)
Welcome to the Certified Production Technician 4.0 (CPT+) certification program where you’ll receive hands-on training and be job ready as soon as you complete!
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, or MSSC, developed the CPT+ program to assess and certify the skills of front-line manufacturing production workers. We define front-line production workers as entry-level through first level of supervision within all sectors of the manufacturing industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), there are about 9 million jobs in this category in the U.S.
MSSC is a leading, nationwide national certification body. Those who succeed in MSSC assessments receive industry-recognized, nationally portable MSSC credentials. The CPT+ program was developed by industry experts and is updated annually to ensure that the skills assessed are the most relevant to today’s manufacturing employers.
Program Description
The purpose of the Certified Production Technician program is to recognize through certification individuals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of manufacturing production at the front-line level (entry-level through front-line supervisor) through successful completion of the certification assessments. The goal of the CPT+ certification program is to raise the level of performance of production workers both to assist the individuals in finding higher-wage jobs and to help employers ensure their workforce increases the company’s productivity and competitiveness.
The CPT+ program consists of four required individual modules:
- Safety
- Quality Practices & Measurement
- Manufacturing Processes & Production
- Maintenance Awareness
Candidates must pass all four modules to receive the full CPT+ certification. Candidates are encouraged to have a 10th grade reading level and a 9th grade math level for the most likely chance of success in the program.
These courses have a proven track record of success in teaching the knowledge and skills identified in the national standards. MSSC courses are highly interactive and utilize state-of-the- art, computer-based, simulation e-learning technologies and are delivered by MSSC-Authorized Instructors. Additionally, at Missouri Western State University, we provide the hands-on training aspect for each of the four modules to ensure your learning can be put into practice immediately and you’re job ready when you complete the program.
Employers & Future Training Candidates:
Click below to see a video giving more details about the CPT+ program and how it helps employees, employers and communities!
Details about the CPT+ Curriculum
Four assessments are required to receive the MSSC CPT+ certification. Assessments are completed on an Amatrol® “Skill Boss” trainer which takes place inside the MWSU Houlne Center for Convergent Technology in front of a certified instructor or certified proctor.
- Safety
- Quality Practices & Measurements
- Manufacturing Processes & Production
- Maintenance Awareness
- Performs pre-start up inspection
- Demonstrates lockout/tagout procedure
- Confirm safety interlocks on guard are functional
- Confirm zero energy state of all power sources
- Locate and interpret safety data sheets
- Perform measurements using tape measure, caliper, micrometer & dial indicator
- Compare measurements to GDT specifications on a print
- Measure & verify shaft runout falls within specified tolerance
- Locate parts & fasteners for assembly operation using a blueprint
- Assemble parts using Allen wrenches, wrenches & screwdrivers
- Use torque wrench to properly tighten a fastener
- Navigate menus on an HMI
- Manually operate cylinders
- Perform an emergency shutdown
- Reset alarm & restart machine
- Measure cycle time
- Adjust pneumatic lubricator’s drip rate
- Adjust pressure regulator’s setting
- Adjust actuator speed using flow control valves
- Install a pillow block bearing & shaft
- Install a flexible coupling & shaft
- Align & tension a belt drive
- Lubricate a bearing using a grease gun
- Drain an air filter
- Connect pneumatic circuit using a schematic
- Adjust various sensors
Details about the CPT+ Exams
- Safety: This assessment consists of 92 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the assessment.
- Quality Practices and Measurement: This assessment consists of 87 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the assessment.
- Manufacturing Processes and Production: This assessment consists of 97 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the assessment.
- Maintenance Awareness: This assessment consists of 82 multiple-choice questions. Candidates are allowed 90 minutes to complete the assessment.
Upcoming Start Dates
- September 2, 2025
- November 3, 2025
- January 5, 2026
- March 2, 2026
- May 4, 2026
CPT+ Certification Fee: $1,690
This includes:
- All 4 courses and exams
- Hands-on practice sessions unique to our program
- Required MSSC registration fee