Inventory control clerks work in factory or warehouse environments checking and accounting for company supplies and inventory. Keep reading to learn what your duties would be and what certifications might be involved.
Career Overview
Inventory clerks are responsible for maintaining and managing all inventory, parts, and/or products, including recording new items, within a warehouse or stock room. As an inventory clerk, you track products or materials that come into and go out of the inventory via inventory records. You'll be responsible for making sure things are stocked and stored in their appropriate places. If there are inventory issues, you might also be responsible for investigating inaccuracies. Because it'll be important for you to know your company's procedures on shipping, receiving, and other related procedures, attention to detail and good organizational skills will be necessary.
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutThisOccupation">Important Facts About This Occupation</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td>Median Pay (2022)</td><td> $40,393 (<i>for inventory control clerk</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> On-the-Job Training </td><td> Up to 6 months; counting stock and marking inventory, before complex tasks</td></tr>
<tr><td> Job Outlook (2021-2031)</td><td> 3% decline (<i>for material recording clerks</i>)</td></tr>
<tr><td> Similar Occupations </td><td> General office clerks, information clerks, hand laborers, and material movers</td></tr>
</table><p><i>Sources: PayScale.com, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.</i>
</p><h3 id="section---EducationAndSkills">Education and Skills</h3><p>Generally, a high school diploma is sufficient education for this position. Some employers will seek a candidate who has several years of control inventory experience in their particular field, i.e. manufacturing or retail. You also need good communication skills, proven knowledge of handling large amounts of data, the ability to multitask, computer skills with Microsoft Office applications (including Excel), and in some cases, forklift operation experience. Other employers may seek employment candidates who are good at math. Some physical requirements may be demanded in this position, which involves moving stock and inventory.
</p><h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3><p>Some employers may require that you're certified to work as an inventory control clerk. Types of certification you may consider include the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) credential and the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential. Both certifications are offered by Advancing Productivity and Innovation and Competitive Success (APICS).
</p><p>In CPIM the training program, you learn about inventory planning and management. It also covers terminology and software usage. The CSCP is for you if you are interested in expanding your knowledge of the supply chain world. It also involves completing a certification training program.</p>
