Supply chain has become quite complex in recent times, and with the new globalized economy it is also a huge lever for competitive advantage. This puts immense pressure on the function to improve its technical competency, bringing the competition down to the individual. Employers now look for a discrete set of technical and leadership competencies in individuals who they hire or promote. However the way supply chain professionals make their way into the function is largely translucent. Some are engineers moving from production line operations into supply chain roles or finance experts who find themselves working with inventory and planning because they have a knack for numbers.

This scenario creates a vacuum of technical understanding required by supply chain professionals to be effective. Luckily professional bodies around the world have created industry recognized standards which can help fill this void. One of the ways to improve organizational and personal competencies in the supply chain function is to go through certifications. This helps the individual develop a coherent understanding of the subject and organizations to implement best practices and industry standards seamlessly without re-inventing any wheels.

Here we bring our readers our picks for the top three supply chain certifications:

APICS CSCP

APICS is the largest association of supply chain professionals in the world, and provides a variety of courses, certifications, standards and research in the field of operations management and supply chain.

APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) was launched in 2006 and so far more than 21,000 professionals in 94 countries have earned the designation. CSCP is our top pick because it gives both new comers and experienced professionals an overview of the supply chain function while touching upon the current challenges and new trends.

Is APICS CSCP for me?

You should pursue the CSCP designation if you are involved in customer relationship management (CRM), International trade and sourcing, Information technology and ERP implementation within supply chain or any part of logistics operations in a company. It is beneficial for organizations to promote CSCP certifications because it drives common understanding of concepts, vocabulary and frameworks and helps to implement industry best practices that drive value.

The CSCP exam consists of 3 modules:

1. Supply Chain Design – This helps individuals understand how to develop an organization wide supply chain strategy, and design a new or parts of an existing supply chain
2. Supply Chain Planning and Execution – This module explains how to effectively procure and deliver goods and services, manage relationships with the extended supply chain and touches upon the concept of reverse logistics; something that has become very huge with the advent of e-commerce and super fast tech and fashion supply chains.
3. Supply Chain improvements and Best Practices – The last module elaborates the new concepts being introduced into the supply chain domain and helps students learn how to measure, analyze and improve their areas of work.

How to Earn the CSCP designation

To earn the CSCP designation, individuals have to pass one exam. This exam has an eligibility criteria which is ascertained by APICS at least two weeks prior to registration of the exam. The eligibility criteria is:

1. 3 years of related business experience or
2. A Bachelor’s degree or
3. APICS CPIM, CLTD, CFPIM, CIRM, SCOR-P, C.P.M., CSM, or CPSM designations

You can apply for the eligibility application for free by clicking here.

APICS CSCP is valuable for both seasoned supply chain professionals and new-comers venturing into the field of Supply Chain. More information on the exam is available on the APICS website.

APICS CPIM

Unlike CSCP, this certification provides detailed working knowledge about production and inventory management; the two key areas in supply chain management. The coursework goes deep into the theory behind the processes that are employed in a supply chain. The certification was first launched in 1973 and since then, more than 100,000 professionals have earned the designation.

The reason CPIM appears on our list is the rich content that is delivered in the coursework. Candidates who take the CPIM exams go through essential vocabulary, concepts and strategy required to be effective in Production and Inventory management.

Is APICS CPIM for me?

APICS CPIM is an ideal starting point for individuals who are involved in managing inventory or overseeing production operations. Candidates go through areas of demand management, procurement, materials planning, capacity planning, S&OP, master scheduling, performance measurement, quality control and continuous improvement.

The certification is obtained after passing the following 5 exams:

1. Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM)
2. Master Planning of Resources (MPR)
3. Detailed Scheduling and Planning (DSP)
4. Execution and Control of Operations (DSP)
5. Strategic Management of Resources (SMR)

The elaborate coursework helps individuals increase their functional knowledge of production and inventory management, understand how ERPs integrate with various key functions within their supply chain, explore concepts like Lean and Just-In-Time and create efficiency through best practices and common terminology.

How to earn the CPIM designation

CPIM designation is earned by passing all 5 exams in a span of maximum 10 years (nominally candidates can do so in an year and a half).

The CPIM certification is beneficial for all individuals working in a supply chain and is important for teams involved in procurement, planning and production. More information on the certification is available on the APICS website

APICS CLTD

APICS launched the Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution program very recently. It makes our top pick because the CLTD certification sets the standard for physical distribution, logistics and transportation understanding. The CLTD program was launched after APICS merged with American Society of Transportation and Logistics.

CLTD provides elaborate coursework on how the physical distribution system operates and touches upon key areas like capacity planning and demand management. It explains how concepts like order management, inventory and warehouse management and transportation impact the physical distribution system. It also explores complex problems like global logistics and reverse logistics and helps candidates understand how a logistics network design drives efficiency. All these areas are critical to any logistics professional looking for an industry recognized certification.

Is APICS CLTD for me?

If you work in the field of logistics and transportation or are part of team that manages any aspect of the physical distribution system of a company, this certification is for you. Candidates will learn the essential concepts and knowledge needed in the industry.

If will also help individuals keep current with the latest trends in the logistics, transportation and distribution industry and enable them to bring new ideas into their organization.

Most of all, this certification helps individuals and organizations by giving them tools needed to reduce costs, optimize operations, and improve customer satisfaction all at the same time.

How to earn the CLTD designation

To earn the CLTD designation, candidates need to pass one exam. This exam has an eligibility criteria which is ascertained by APICS at least two weeks prior to registration of the exam. The eligibility criteria is:

1. 3 years of related business experience or
2. A Bachelor’s degree or
3. APICS CPIM, CSCP, CTL, CFPIM, CIRM, SCOR-P, C.P.M., CSM, or CPSM designations

You can apply for the eligibility application for free by clicking here.

APICS CLTD is valuable for both seasoned supply chain professionals and new-comers venturing into the field of Supply Chain. More information on the exam is available on the APICS website.