Open molding is one of the most widely used manufacturing processes in the composites industry—and a critical skillset for technicians across marine, transportation, construction, and industrial applications.
The American Composites Manufacturers Association (ACMA) offers a comprehensive training and certification pathway designed to support both individuals and companies—from foundational onboarding to advanced skill development and industry-recognized certification.
Build Skills. Train Your Workforce. Validate Competency.
Whether you are onboarding new employees, upskilling your team, or pursuing professional certification, ACMA provides a structured progression of training aligned to real-world open molding practices.
Open Molding Training Pathway
1. Foundational Knowledge | → | 2. Skill Development | → | 3. Certification & Validation Certified Composites Technician – Open Molding (CCT-OM) |
This structured pathway helps organizations onboard employees faster, improve production quality, and standardize open molding training across teams.
Start with Foundational Training
ACMA members receive access to Composites Shop Training, a self-paced, entry-level program designed to introduce essential open molding concepts, materials, safety practices, and shop fundamentals.
This training is ideal for onboarding new hires, standardizing workforce training, and reinforcing safe, consistent shop practices.
Advance with Specialized Skills Training
For organizations looking to improve process control, consistency, and operator performance, ACMA offers the Controlled Spraying: Structured Operator Training Program.
This program focuses on spray equipment setup and calibration, material control, application technique, and operator performance—helping teams reduce waste, improve quality, and increase production consistency.
Earn Industry-Recognized Certification
The Certified Composites Technician – Open Molding (CCT-OM) certification validates an individual’s knowledge and competency in open molding processes.
The certification covers materials, gel coat and resin application, lamination techniques, quality control, and safety procedures. Achieving CCT certification demonstrates a standardized level of expertise recognized across the composites industry.
To better understand the certification structure, topics, and exam weighting, use the Body of Knowledge button on this page. This outline provides detailed insight into the content covered within both the study materials and the certification exam.
Modern, Digital Learning Experience
CCT Open Molding enrollments include access to ACMA’s digital study resources, providing a flexible and engaging learning experience:
These mobile-friendly resources allow learners to study anytime, anywhere and prepare more effectively for certification. Printed study guides are also available for organizations that prefer physical materials.
Enrollment, Pricing, and Bulk Options
CCT Open Molding Certification
Members: $320
Non-Members: $443
Enrollment includes access to digital study materials and the certification exam.
For companies training multiple employees, bulk enrollment options are available for both the Controlled Spraying program and CCT Open Molding certification. To learn more about group training and bulk pricing, contact cct@acmanet.org.
Recertification
To maintain certification, technicians must complete recertification by demonstrating continued knowledge and competency in open molding practices.
Recertification supports ongoing professional development and ensures continued alignment with industry standards.
Members: $65
Non-Members: $120
Take the Next Step
Whether you are training new employees, strengthening operator performance, or advancing your own career, ACMA’s Open Molding pathway provides the tools, structure, and certification needed to succeed in today’s composites industry.
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