Whether you're thinking of venturing into the supply chain industry or looking for potential ways to hone your skills to move up the corporate ladder, earning an appropriate certification can give you an edge.
However, choosing the best supply chain certification among CPIM and CSCP can take a lot of work.
In this guide, we'll discuss both certifications in detail so that you can find the best supply chain certification for your career needs.
What is APICS CPIM?
The Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification is one of the sought-after and widely-accepted supply chain management certifications.
The CPIM certification is offered by APICS, which was launched in 1973. The certification is recognized as a standard in production and inventory management.
As of now, there are more than 100,000 professionals who have taken the CPIM certification and displayed the knowledge and skills to remain committed to the supply chain industry.
The CPIM certification brushes up the skills and professional value of the candidates and builds a solid foundation when it comes to earning higher packages.
The candidates can learn required technologies, concepts, terminologies, and strategies related to several knowledge areas, such as supplier planning, demand management, capacity requirements planning, MRP, sales and operational planning, master scheduling, performance measurements, supplier relationships, and more.
The CPIM certification is designed for professionals involved in the following areas:
- Production and inventory management
- Operations
- Supply chain management
- Procurement
- Materials management
- Purchasing
CPIM Course Content
CPIM Part 1: Universally recognized entry-level supply chain training
Module 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM)
Section A: Introduction to Supply Chain Management Section B: Manufacturing Design, Planning, and Control Section C: Quality and Continuous Improvement Section D: Lean Section E: Demand Management Section F: Master Planning Section G: Material Requirements Planning Section H: Capacity Management Section I: Purchasing Section J: Aggregate Inventory Management Section K: Item Inventory Management Section L: Execution and Control Section M: Physical Distribution
CPIM Part 2: Comprehensive supply chain training for internal operations
Module 1: Strategic Management of Resources (SMR)
Section A: Developing a Business Strategy Section B: Gathering and Analyzing Internal/External Information Section C: Where Will We Compete? Section D: How Will We Compete? Section E: Sustainability and Strategy Section F: Business Planning and Finance Section G: Costing Methods and Tools Section H: Aligning Operations Strategically Section I: Technology and Improvement Strategies Section J: Infrastructure
Module 2: Master Planning of Resources (MPR)
Section A: Demand Management Principles Section B: Forecasting Techniques Section C: Customer Interface Management Section D: Sales and Operations Planning Principles Section E: S&OP Techniques Section F: Master Scheduling Principles Section G: Master Scheduling Process Techniques Section H: Principles of Distribution Planning Section I: Distribution Planning Techniques
Module 3: Detailed Scheduling and Planning (DSP)
Section A: Aggregate Inventory Management Section B: Itemized Inventory Policy Section C: Itemized Inventory Management Section D: Material Requirements Planning (MRP) Design Section E: Using and Managing the MRP System Section F: Detailed Capacity Planning Section G: Managing and Applying CRP Section H: Managing Projects Section I: Planning Procurement and External Sources of Supply
Module 4: Execution and Control of Operations (ECO)
Section A: Execution of Operations Section B: Scheduling Section C: Implementation and Capacity Control Section D: Principles of Quality, Communication, and Continuous Improvement Section E: Quality Communication and Continuous Improvement Techniques Section F: Principles of Design Concepts and Tradeoffs Section G: Techniques of Design Concepts and Tradeoffs
Exam Eligibility
- The candidates must take two exams covering 14 modules of content.
- The Candidates are required to pass Part 1 and Part 2 exams within three years
- Each exam consists of 150 questions
Exam Details:
- Each CPIM exam has 150 multiple-choice questions (130 operational and 20 pretest).
- You will be given 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
- 300 points are required to earn the CPIM certification.
APICS Certification in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) Jobs
- Supply Chain Manager
- ERP Consultant
- Supply Chain Planner
- Production Planning Manager
- Purchasing Manager
- Inventory Manager
- Supply Chain Consultant
What is CSCP?
The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is one of the widely recognized and popular certification programs developed by APICS in 2006. The CSCP certification is an industry-standard credential that is so far taken by more than 21000 professionals.
The CSCP certification aims to make solid supply chain leaders who can stand on the front line to lead SCM strategy, process improvement, and supply chain innovations in their companies.
The CSCP certification program covers a wide range of topics and domains in the global supply chain, from suppliers to customers. Getting the CSCP certification demonstrates that the professionals have the required skills and knowledge to prepare and overcome disruption, risk management and evaluate and implement modern-day supply chain technologies.
The CPIM certification is designed for professionals involved in the following areas:
- Production Scheduling
- Production Management
- Warehouse Management
- Transportation Management
- Customer Support
- Product Returns
CSCP Exam Course
Module 1: Supply Chain Design
Considering inputs and objectives of supply chain management strategy. Recognizing and resolving misalignments and gaps. Accounting and financial reporting information, strategic analysis tools, and economic considerations. Designing the supply chain while understanding and working within business considerations. Designing fulfillment strategies and products for different markets and requirements. Understanding electronic business considerations and key technology applications. Understanding implementation tools, including project management processes and communication.
Module 2: Supply Chain Planning and Execution
Procuring and delivering goods and services using supply chain management. Using demand management, including demand forecasting and prioritization. Using master planning, master scheduling, and sales and operations planning (S&OP). Managing, planning, and controlling inventory. Understanding the effects of inventory on financial statements and inventory-related cost categories. Managing supply based on the total cost of ownership and make-versus-buy analysis. Developing supply plans based on buyer-supplier relationships. Logistics, warehouse, and transportation management, forecasting, and planning. Making considerations for monetary, regulatory, and trade conditions. Segmentation of customer-focused marketing, customers, suppliers, and other partners. Fundamentals of supplier relationship management (SRM) and customer relationship management (CRM). Managing reverse logistics and waste.
Module 3: Supply Chain Improvement and Best Practices
- Standards, regulations, and sustainable best practices compliance.
- International standards and considerations for import/export, intellectual property, licensing, tax and counting, and labor laws.
- Corporate social responsibility for sustainability, UN Global Compact, and GRI initiatives.
- Accreditations, certifications, and standards for quality, environment, social, and safety objectives.
- Identifying, assessing, classifying, and responding to risks.
- Compliance, security, and regulatory concerns.
- Improving the supply chain through measuring and analyzing performance using supply chain metrics focused on customers, financial reports, operational practices, and customer service.
- Utilizing continuous improvement and change management techniques and principles, including lean and just-in-time.
CSCP Eligibility:
- The candidates must have at least three or more years of experience in the field of supply chain-related business.
- The candidates should hold a conferred bachelor's degree or an international equivalent.
- Also, the candidate should hold an active degree in CPIM, CPIM-F, CIRM, SCOR-P, CPM, CPSM, CTL, CLTD, CLTD-F, or CSM designation
Exam Details:
- The CSCP exam has 150 multiple-choice questions (130 operational and 20 pretest).
- You will be given 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
- 300 points are required to earn the CSCP exam.
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Jobs
- Supply Chain Manager
- Senior Supply Chain Manager
- Supply Chain Analyst
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Supply Chain Consultant
- Logistics Manager
- Vice President (VP), Supply Chain Management
Is a CPIM vs. CSCP certification worth it?
If you are paying attention to choosing the supply chain management industry, you can take the next step with these certifications. CPIM and CSCP share their own set of capabilities and knowledge areas that will help you work, earn, and grow differently.
However, whether you choose to go with CPIM or CSCP, both certifications can help you strengthen your career in the supply chain management field.
Earning a certification in specific knowledge shows that you have gone through training and invested a reasonable amount of time in getting it. The same principle goes with CPIM and CSCP; both certifications are great options to leverage additional benefits such as higher salary packages.
The bottom line is that if you are in your early career, choosing the CPIM certification would be an excellent fit for you. While if you are someone who has years of experience in the supply chain industry and wants to scale your skills, going with CSCP certification could help you.
Ready to take the CPIM or CSCP certification?
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