Level 3 Certificate in Operations Management

Course Content

This qualification programme (formerly called the Introductory Certificate in Production and Inventory Management) is designed to provide an introduction to supply chain management, production and operations management and to satisfy the need for a course which is broader, more general and at a lower level than the Diploma.

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.

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

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.