CSCP: Certified Supply Chain Professional

The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification offered by APICS, validating expertise in supply chain management. It demonstrates proficiency in areas essential for effective supply chain operations, such as supplier and customer relations, international trade, logistics, and technology.

APICS – the Association for Supply Chain Management – is a global professional association for supply chain and operations management. It provides certifications, training, and resources for professionals in this field.

Professionals in supply chain management, logistics, or operations benefit from the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification. It is particularly advantageous for those seeking to demonstrate their expertise in the field and stay updated with industry best practices.

The CSCP certification is not mandatory. However, it can significantly enhance career prospects and demonstrate expertise in supply chain management, as the certification is very highly regarded internationally.

Earning a CSCP certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers eight topics:

• Demand forecast and management
• Global supply chain network and information management
• Product and services sourcing
• Internal operations and inventory management
• Supply chain logistics management
• Customer and supplier relationship management
• Supply chain risk management
• Supply chain evaluation and operation

The exam itself consists of 150 questions, and has a 3.5-hour time limit. Exams are scored from 200-350. Candidates must score at least a 300 to pass.

APICS offers self-study, online, in-person, and corporate or group courses that prepare candidates for the CSCP exam. A wealth of information regarding course providers is available on the FAQ section of the APICS website.

To maintain the validity of an CSCP certification, certified individuals must earn 75 “maintenance points” every five years through APICS-approved professional development.

This includes “attending or presenting at educational industry events, contributing articles to supply chain publications, proving involvement in organizations related to industry-specific topics, and more,” according to the APICS website, where you can also find a full list of approved professional development activities.

The cost of an in-person or online study course will vary, depending on the provider. However, APICS offers a self-study exam preparation course on its website for $1,900. The CSCP exam also costs $1,900, and must be taken through APICS.

 Additionally, APICS offers an exam prep and exam bundle for $3,435, as well as a $299 “annual membership and certification upgrade,” which gives buyers a 28% discount on the course, exam, and bundle.

Employees with CSCP certifications offers several benefits to organizations. Some key advantages include the following.

Earning a CSCP may pose several challenges to employees and their organizations. They include the following.

Here are a few tips for preparing for a CSCP certification:

• Develop a structured study schedule, allocating specific time slots for each topic to ensure comprehensive coverage.
• Make use of official CSCP study materials and resources to align your preparation with the exam’s content and format.
• Regularly practice sample questions and mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and assess your understanding of key concepts.
• Engage with fellow candidates or professionals in study groups to discuss complex topics, exchange insights, and benefit from diverse perspectives.
• Keep abreast of industry trends and developments, ensuring your preparation is aligned with the latest advancements and best practices in the field of supply chain management.

For more information and guidance on CSCP certification, you can refer to the following resources:

APICS. The APICS website is the primary resource you will need for a CSCP certification. It contains information regarding preparation courses, the exam itself, certification renewal and maintenance, and much more.

Supply chain risk management skills matrix. AG5’s free supply chain risk management skills matrix has everything you’ll need to manage certifications – like the CSCP – that prove expertise in supply chain-related skills.

Manufacturing skills matrix. AG5 offers a free manufacturing skills matrix. You can use it to identify, track, and manage skills and certifications related to supply chain management, which includes the CSCP, in your organization.

Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS)