Supply chain management is a growing field and a satisfying profession, as a recent survey from the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS) found that 96 percent of those surveyed were highly satisfied with their career in SCM, with average rating of 8.4 out of 10. The survey also found that it pays to get certified. SCM pros with at least one certification get paid on average 19 percent more than those who aren’t certified, and those with two or three certifications earn salaries that are 39 percent and 50 percent higher than the median, respectively.
Whether you’re already making a career in supply chain management, or want to break into the field, here are eight supply chain management certifications that can round out your resume and give you a leg up against the competition.
Top 8 SCM certifications
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)
- APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P) Endorsem*nt
- ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- ISM Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)
- SCPro Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
- SOLE Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)
- NCMA Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP)
The Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS) offers three certifications to demonstrate your SCM skills. To be eligible to take the CSCP exam, you’ll need three years related experience or a bachelor’s degree or international equivalent. To maintain the certification, you’ll need to earn a total of 75 professional development points every five years. If your certification isn’t maintained within five years, it will expire before the 10-year mark and you will be required to retake the exam. For every year that your certification is suspended, you’ll need to submit an additional 15 professional development points.
Exam fee: $695 for Plus members, $965 for Core and non-members
Retake fee: $450
Renewal fee: $75 for members, $150 for non-members
Expiration: 10 years
APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
You’ll need to pass two exams within three years to earn your Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification from APICS, and you’ll need to maintain your certification every five years by completing 75 professional development points. When considering the cost, remember that you’ll have to pay the fee for both exams — the fee only applies to one exam at a time. Like the CSCP certification, you’ll need to submit an extra 15 points for every year your certification is suspended if you let it lapse.
Exam fee: $495 per exam for Plus members, $690 per exam for Core and non-members
Retake fee: $250
Renewal fee: $75 for members, $150 for non-members
Expiration: 10 years
APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P) Endorsem*nt
The SCOR-P endorsem*nt from APICS validates your knowledge in the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and methods. The SCOR model is a supply chain approach that helps link SCM to business goals, metrics, processes and other internal departments and stakeholders. The exam is included in the course, which extensively covers the SCOR model to help you apply it to real-life supply chain problems, support organizational goals, improve efficiency, organize SCOR projects and implement processes.
Exam fee: The exam is included in the course fee, which varies per program
Retake fee: $350
Renewal fee: N/A
Expiration: N/A
ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) offers a Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification that validates your knowledge on supply management functions across several industries. Pass three exams that you can take in any order — to qualify, you’ll need three years of full-time SCM experience in a position that isn’t clerical or support. To maintain and renew your certification after four years, you’ll need to earn 60 hours of approved continuing education credits. If you already passed ISM’s CPSD certification (see below), you will not need to take the foundation exam for the CPSM certification, since it’s included in both. If you aren’t already a member, the cost of the non-member fee for the exam also includes one year of ISM Direct membership.
Application fee: $119 for members, $179 for non-members
Exam fee: $229 for members, $379 for non-members
Retake fee: $379
Renewal fee: $75 for members, $150 for non-members
Expiration: 4 years
ISM Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)
The second certification from the ISM is the Certified Professional Supplier Diversity (CPSD) certification, which you can earn on top of the CPSM certification from ISM. The CPSD certification consists of two exams — but you can skip the foundational exam if you already hold your CPSM exam. To qualify for the exam, you’ll need three years of supplier diversity or management experience and a bachelor’s degree, or five years of experience. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete 50 hours of approved continuing education credits over a three-year period.
Application fee: $119 for members, $179 for non-members
Exam fee: $229 for members, $379 for non-members
Retake fee: $379
Renewal fee: $75 for members, $150 for non-members
Expiration: 3 years
SCPro Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
The SCPro Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) certification is unique in that it combines a multi-level education with a three-tiered exam process. There are three levels of SCPro certification and the first level, Cornerstones of Supply Chain Management, covers the fundamentals and eight elements of supply chain management. At the second level, Analysis and Application of Supply Chain Challenges, you’ll be tested on your ability to apply SCM knowledge in different scenarios. The third and final level, Initiation of Supply Chain Transformation, certifies your ability to “positively impact an organization” through a hands-on project that demonstrates your skills.
You will need to renew your certification for all three levels every three years, which will require 60 hours of eligible professional development activities. You will need to complete at least 20 hours of professional development annually, but no more than 30 hours per year.
Level 1 exam fee: $650 for members, $975 for non-members
Level 2 exam fee: $1,095 for members, $1,500 for non-members
Level 3 exam fee: N/A
Renewal fee: $50 for members, $100 for non-members
Expiration: 4 years
SOLE Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)
The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) offers a Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) certification in logistics, which is a key element of supply chain management in certain industries such as commerce, defense, federal and local government agencies and education. The exam takes place over a six-hour period, with three two-hour sessions; you will need to pass all three exams before you can earn your certification.
To qualify for the CPL exam, you’ll need at least nine years’ experience practicing or teaching logistics and two years’ experience in at least two fields of logistics. Each year of undergraduate accredited coursework in logistics subjects is equivalent to one year of professional experience, up to four years. For those with a master’s degree or doctoral degree, you’ll need four or three years’ additional experience, respectively.
Exam fee: $225 for members, $375 for non-members
Retake fee: $50
Renewal fee: N/A
Expiration: Does not expire
NCMA Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM)
The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) offers multiple certifications, including the Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM). Candidates for the exam will need a strong understanding of the Certified Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK), business and training education and a minimum of five years’ experience in a relevant field. The NCMA also offers a Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) certification for those working in or with the government and a Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) certification for those in the commercial industry.
Application fee: $210 for members, $410 for non-members
Exam fee: $125 for domestic, $150 for international exams
Retake fee: $100 for domestic, $130 for international exams
Renewal fee: $95 for members, $145 non-members
Expiration: 5 years
FAQs
20 Best Certifications For Logistics Specialists
| Rank | Certification | Organization |
|---|
| 1 | Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) | MSSC |
| 2 | Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) | ASTL |
| 3 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 4 | Certified Manager Certification (CM) | ICPM |
16 more rows9 Sept 2021
The Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation is Canada's principal and most sought-after professional designation for those entering the supply chain profession and advancing as leaders in supply chain.
Is certified supply chain professional worth it? ›
Earning CPIM and/or CSCP certification can lead to career advancement and improved salary. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for professionals with a CPIM certification is $80,000. The average annual salary for professionals with a CSCP salary is $86,000.
What are the certifications for supply chain management? ›
Top 5 Supply Chain Management Certification in 2022
- Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- Master Track Supply Chain Excellence Certificate.
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- SCPro Certification.
The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC), Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a foundational-level certificate and is a prerequisite for the Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) certification. MSSC training and assessment addresses the need for employability and academic skills as well as technical skills.
Which course is best in logistics and supply chain management? ›
Some of the top courses in logistics & supply chain management that can help professionals grow in their career are:
- Principles of Global Logistics Management on FutureLearn.
- Supply Chain Management by IIM Ahmedabad.
- Advance your career in Supply Chain Management on edX.
- Supply Chain Management Specialization on Coursera.
Project Management Institute (PMI) & PMPs play a crucial role in making Supply Chain and Vendors a thriving part of the project and not scapegoats. PMI and PMPs can fill this gap to make Supply Chain Group a holistic process, which can aid in successful completion of the project.
How long does it take to complete SCMP? ›
SCMP Designation Program
The SCMP Designation Program is designed to be completed in 36 months, concurrent with full-time employment. The Program consists of: Eight (8) modules which emphasize the technical foundation of the profession in an integrated manner.
Is CIPS Recognised in Canada? ›
CIPS Certification recognizes leaders within the IT Profession, both in Canada and abroad. Learn more about the I.S.P. and ITCP designations and see how they can add value to your professional career in IT! Canada's only legally recognized designation for IT professionals, I.S.P.
How do I become a supply chain professional? ›
Eligibility requirements include a bachelor's degree or three years of relevant work experience. Applicants must pass an eight-module exam that covers the following areas: global supply chain networks; sourcing products and services; supply chain risk; internal operations and inventory; and supply chain relationships.
CSCP exam date comes with a window pattern, the exam is moderately tough yet not highly hard that one can not crack it! APICS is the organization and awarding body for supply chain administration and a not-for-profit international education organization offering qualification.
What is the pass rate for the CSCP exam? ›
As for the CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), 92% of our candidates pass, and this is an incredible 26% higher than the annual APICS average!
Is the CPIM certification worth it? ›
According to ACM, those with the CPIM earn 14% more than those without it, while 64% believe getting certified had a positive impact on their careers. APICS-certified individuals earn 21% more than their non-certified peers. 95% of all supply chain professionals kept their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic.
What is APICS called now? ›
APICS, currently known as the Association for Supply Chain Management is a not-for-profit international education organization offering certification programs, training tools, and networking opportunities to increase workplace performance.
How much does APICS certification cost? ›
Time to complete this education training ranges from 1 week to 18 months depending on the qualification, with a median time to complete of 5.6 months. The cost to attend APICS ranges from $1,099 to $3,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $1,700.
How long is CSCP certification? ›
To complete the CSCP certification it will require approximately 75-100 hours. To complete the CLTD certification it will require approximately 75-100 hours. For additional information on preparation hours visit the APICS Education Selector at apics.org/education- selector.
Does CLA certificate expire? ›
Yes, all CLAs are required to be renewed to be considered active. Renewal is required every three years from the date of CLA issuance.
How do I get ASCP CLA certification? ›
The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science offers the Clinical Lab Assistants (CLA) certification. To earn this certification, you must have a high school diploma or the equivalent, have completed an accredited training program that was under the supervision of a lab scientist and pass an exam.
What is MSSC certification? ›
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) ®, a 501(c)3 non-profit, is an industry-led, training, assessment and certification system focused on the core skills and knowledge needed by the nation's front-line production and material handling technicians.
Are there certifications for logistics? ›
By earning the Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) designation, you'll learn best practices along with the latest strategies and trends so you can lead in the logistics, transportation and distribution sectors.
5 Best Certifications For Procurement Officers
| Rank | Certification | Organization |
|---|
| 1 | Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) | ASTL |
| 2 | Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) | APS |
| 3 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 4 | Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) | ISM |
1 more row9 Sept 2021
There are more than 125,000+ CSCP's are in the world.
What are the best online courses for Supply Chain Management? ›
The Best Online Supply Chain Management Courses
- Supply Chain Management: Be Global by Coursera. ...
- Supply Chain Foundations by LinkedIn Learning. ...
- Operations and Supply Chain Management by Udemy. ...
- Supply Chain Technology and Systems by edX. ...
- Supply Chains for Manufacturing I by edX. ...
- Supply Chain Risk Management by Udemy.
MBA Logistics and supply chain management is a 2-years course that teaches students the analytical skills and management strategies required for the transportation of goods and services through proper use of inventory, customer service, warehouse, storage.
Which stream is best for logistics? ›
Eligibility: A minimum of 50% marks in class 12 in any stream, preferably commerce. Duration: It is a 3-year course. Institutes: Such logistics courses after 12th commerce/ science/ humanities can be pursued from Galgotias University- Noida, Integral University- Lucknow , Sharda University-m Noida, etc.
How long is APICS certification good for? ›
To keep your APICS certification valid, you must earn and submit 75 professional development maintenance points every five years (100 points for APICS Fellows).
Which is best project management or supply chain management? ›
Difference between Project Management and Supply Chain Management :
| Project Management | Supply Chain Management |
|---|
| It is management of processes and principles to initiate, plan, execute and manage all efforts made to complete project. | It is management of supply chain activities such as good and services. |
8 more rows9 Jul 2021
The APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program is recognized as the standard of professional competence in materials management, master scheduling, forecasting, production planning and how it applies across the extended supply chain.
How much does CSCP exam cost? ›
The exam costs $725 for non members and $525 for members. If you plan on taking the test you are already even. With the free $40 APICS dictionary you also receive for being a member you are already ahead on your initial $200 APICS membership costs.
How much does APICS certification cost? ›
Time to complete this education training ranges from 1 week to 18 months depending on the qualification, with a median time to complete of 5.6 months. The cost to attend APICS ranges from $1,099 to $3,000 depending on the qualification, with a median cost of $1,700.
5 Best Certifications For Procurement Officers
| Rank | Certification | Organization |
|---|
| 1 | Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) | ASTL |
| 2 | Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) | APS |
| 3 | Certified Management Accountant (CMA) | IMA |
| 4 | Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) | ISM |
1 more row9 Sept 2021
To complete the CLTD certification it will require approximately 75-100 hours. For additional information on preparation hours visit the APICS Education Selector at apics.org/education- selector.
How difficult is Cscp? ›
CSCP exam date comes with a window pattern, the exam is moderately tough yet not highly hard that one can not crack it! APICS is the organization and awarding body for supply chain administration and a not-for-profit international education organization offering qualification.
What is a passing score for Cscp? ›
The CSCP exam score range is 200 to 350. Scores 300 points and above are considered passing, and any score 299 points or below is failing. Exams are graded using a scaled score methodology. This technique ensures equivalent passing standards are maintained from varying difficulties of each exam from one to the next.
Is getting APICS Certified worth it? ›
By gaining the APICS CPIM, you end up being an identified specialist in operations and also a valuable asset for your company. Dedicate on your own to a greater level of understanding and skill, increase your job leads as well as assist any type of organization to stay affordable in today's economy.
What is the difference between CIPS and APICS? ›
CIPS is the world's largest organization dedicated to procurement profession. In 1957, 20 production control managers formed the American Production and Inventory Control Society. The organization, which later became known as APICS.
How long is the APICS CPIM exam? ›
To earn your CPIM designation, you must pass two exams covering 14 modules of content. Each exam consists of 150 questions, and you have 3.5 hours to complete each exam. The exam score range is 200 to 350, with scores 300 and above are considered passing.
What does APICS stand for? ›
American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)
What is the highest qualification in procurement? ›
Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply
It's the organization's highest qualification, and it's available to those who complete all six other certification levels or an equivalent professional certification program.
How many people have CPIM? ›
It covers functional knowledge of production and inventory management, internal operations, planning, and sourcing. According to ASCM, over 100,000 people have pursued the CPIM since its inception in 1973, making it the most recognized of all the certifications discussed here.
Is the CPSM exam hard? No, the CPSM exam is not hard, if you are well prepared. TestprepTraining provides test series and practice tests for the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) exam.
Does CLTD certification expire? ›
CPIM, CSCP, CLTD
You must earn a total of 75 professional development points every five years. Certifications not maintained in five years will be suspended.
How many people have CLTD? ›
Worldwide how many folks have earned their CLTD to-date? There are over 1000 certified worldwide.
How many questions are on the CLTD exam? ›
The exam consists of 150 questions (130 operational and 20 pretest), and you will have 3.5 hours to complete the exam. Pretest questions do not contribute to the total score but are necessary for statistical purposes only and are randomly distributed throughout the exam. Candidates should answer all exam questions.
