Ready for a better career?

Whether you’re entering the workforce or looking for a higher-paying path, the Certified Production Technician (CPT) 4.0 credential can set you apart.   The CPT 4.0 credential is issued through Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and the accredited  under ISO/IEC Standard 17024 for Personnel Certification.

High-demand, high-wage opportunities:

Northeast Arkansas has 5,000+ production jobs with average wages over $45,000 per year with many semi-skilled jobs earning over $60,000. Earning the MSSC CPT 4.0 credential gives you a strong advantage in landing these roles.

Fast, flexible, industry-driven training:

CPT 4.0 is a nationally recognized, industry-led program built with input from local manufacturers. It prepares you—from entry-level to front-line supervisor—for modern advanced manufacturing using both virtual training and hands-on labs.

• Finish in 12 weeks or less
• Hybrid, approximately 80 hours of online content plus 40 hours of labs and instruction
• Schedule weekly labs around your life
• Earn up to six certificates and one full industry certifications

What you’ll learn: CPT 4.0 training is organized into four targeted modules that build essential production skills:

Safety – OSHA standards, workplace safety, risk prevention

Quality Practices & Measurement – inspection, documentation, process control

Manufacturing Processes & Production – systems, workflow, materials handling

Maintenance Awareness – mechanical basics, electrical troubleshooting, preventive maintenance

Complete all four modules and pass the assessments to earn the full MSSC Certified Production Technician credential—a portable, respected certification recognized by employers across the manufacturing sector.

Attend class when it meets your schedule!  Weekly labs are scheduled by you to meet the demands of your life

Job Placement Services

ASUN will assist you with your job search and interview preparation. We have employers who want to see your skills!

CPT 4.0 Module 1: Safety 
This module focuses on foundational workplace safety concepts used in modern manufacturing environments.  The Safety training and certification cover the following skill areas:

• Introduction to Advanced Manufacturing
• Industry 4.0 and IIoT
• Safety Responsibilities
• Practicing Safety in the Workplace
• Types of PPE
• Hazardous Materials Standard
• Hazardous Material Handling and Storage
• Machine Safety
• Equipment Safety
• Safety Inspections
• Fire and Electrical Safety
• Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP)
• Effective Communications
• Receiving Feedback
• Introduction to Teams
• Team Ideation
• Workplace Behavior
• General Industry OSHA-10 credential awarded upon completion.

CPT 4.0 Module 2: Quality Practices & Measurement Course

This module teaches the principles of quality control and precision measurement in manufacturing. The training and certification over the following skill areas:

• Introduction to Quality
• Dimensional Measurement
• Measurement Conversion
• Introduction to Print Quality
• Multiview Drawings
• Blueprint Dimensions and Notes
• Manufacturing Drawings and Scales
• Welding Symbols
• Tolerancing
• Caliper Measurement
• Basic Statistical Concepts
• Introduction to Control Charts
• Quality Inspections and Audits

CPT 4.0 Module 3: Manufacturing Process & Production Course

This module provides an understanding of how products are made using modern manufacturing technologies. The training and assessment covers the following skill areas:

• Principles of Manufacturing Automation
• Industry 4.0 Technologies
• Advanced Manufacturing Materials
• Advanced Manufacturing Processes
• Mechanical Power
• Basic Mechanical Elements
• Power Efficiency
• Hand Tools
• Band Saw Operation
• Introduction to Drill Press
• Machine Operations 
• Introduction to CNC Machining
• Machine Adjustments and Troubleshooting
• Lean Concepts
• Inventory and Production Control Concetps
• Material Quality Control

CPT 4.0 Module 4: Maimtenance Awareness

This module introduces the fundamentals of maintaining and troubleshooting manufacturing systems.  The training and assessment will cover the following skill areas:

• Total Productive Maintenance (TPM)
• Mechanical Power Transmission
• Gear Drives
• Belt Drives
• Chain Drives
• Oil Lubrication
• Grease Lubrication
• Introduction to Fluid Power
• Pneumatic Power
• Control Logic Circuits
• Basic Cylinder Circuits
• Pneumatic Power
• Electrical Voltage, Current and Resistance Concepts
• Introduction to Electronic Sensors
• PLC Operation

Hire with Confidence—Without Shrinking Your Applicant Pool

In today’s tight labor market, many employers have moved away from pre-hire assessments to keep applicants flowing. But that often means hiring with limited insight into a candidate’s true workplace readiness.

The ACT WorkKeys® National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC®) offers a smarter solution. Used as a post-offer assessment, WorkKeys gives you a clear, objective picture of a new hire’s foundational skills—without eliminating candidates from your pipeline. It measures real-world skills for real-world jobs.

How ACT WorkKeys Benefits Employers

ACT WorkKeys is a system of assessments and curriculum that build and measure essential workplace skills that can affect your employees' job performance and increase opportunities for career changes and advancement. By completing the assessments, individuals can earn the National Career Readiness Certificate® (NCRC) — the nation’s most recognized work readiness credential. Issued at four levels of achievement, the NCRC measures and certifies the essential work skills needed for success in jobs across industries and occupations.

Why Employers Use WorkKeys NCRC

When applicant pools are limited, employers are often forced to hire individuals who may need immediate upskilling or lack the capacity to grow into expanded roles. WorkKeys NCRC helps employers:

• Lower employee turnover
• Validate workforce readiness after the offer is made
• Identify skill gaps early and target training investments
• Spot high-potential employees sooner
• Reduce hiring costs and onboarding risk
• Improve retention

Build a Stronger Talent Pipeline

Organizations nationwide rely on WorkKeys NCRC to document skills that apply across a wide range of jobs and industries. The credential strengthens connections between employers, educators, and workforce partners—aligning hiring, training, and advancement around a shared skills framework.

When integrated with your existing talent strategies, WorkKeys NCRC becomes a powerful tool supporting:

• Recruitment and onboarding
• Training and upskilling
• Succession planning and mentoring
• Improved return on workforce investment

Added Value for Employees

While delivering actionable data for employers, WorkKeys NCRC also benefits employees by providing verified proof of skills, identifying training needs, and supporting career advancement. At Arkansas State University Newport, employees can even earn up to six college credit hours, accelerating their academic and career goals.

Bottom line: WorkKeys NCRC helps employers hire smarter, train more effectively, and build a stronger, more reliable workforce—without sacrificing applicant flow.

Format: Paper-based test, each assessment takes approximately 55 minutes.

Cost: $65

Scheduling: Contact us (workforce@asun.edu) to schedule your new hire's assessment, testing scheduled on demand.

Ready for a Better Career in Manufacturing?

The Production Associate Program is your best first step into high-demand manufacturing careers. Designed for individuals new to manufacturing, this program builds the essential skills employers look for in entry-level roles such as assembler, manufacturing associate, and machine operator. It’s ideal for high school students, dislocated workers, and career changers ready to move into a stable, well-paying industry.

You’ll gain hands-on training in core manufacturing fundamentals, including:

• Safety (OSHA standards and risk prevention)
• Effective Communication
• Quality Practices & Precision Measurement
• Process Awareness and Documentation

This credential is built on the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) framework, giving you a strong foundation and a competitive edge.

The Production Associate is just the beginning. Your training can be stacked into advanced, higher-paying certifications such as:

• Certified Production Technician (CPT)
• Packaging Machine Operator
• CNC Lathe Operator
• Production Welder

All MSSC credentials are nationally recognized and ISO/IEC 17024 accredited, trusted by manufacturers nationwide.

Finish in 6 weeks or less

• Hybrid, approximately 40 hours of online content plus 20 hours of in-person labs/instruction.
• Schedule labs around your life
• Earn up to five certificates and one full industry credential
• Combination of online learning and hands-on labs
• Designed with input from local manufacturers

Northeast Arkansas has 5,000+ open production jobs, with average wages exceeding $45,000 per year—and even more with premium pay. Completing the Production Associate credential gives you a strong advantage in landing these roles.

ASUN helps you every step of the way with job search assistance, résumé support, and interview preparation. Employers are actively looking for graduates with these skills.

Whether you’re entering the workforce, feeling stuck, or ready for a higher-paying path, the Production Associate Program can open the door to a future in advanced manufacturing.