IPOMS

What is the APICS CSCP certification?
APICS created the APICS CSCP certification to specifically meet the rapidly changing educational needs in the field of supply chain management. The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation is designed for professionals interested in increasing their knowledge of supply chain management, those currently working in the field of supply chain management, professionals consulting or teaching supply chain functions; and for those individuals working with enterprise resources planning systems.

Why has APICS developed the APICS CSCP certification?
Through extensive market research, APICS uncovered a major gap in professional certifications specifically addressing the educational needs of professionals working in the field of supply chain management. APICS has the body of knowledge, the subject matter experts, the infrastructure, and holds the leadership position to develop and market the APICS CSCP certification. With the addition of the APICS CSCP designation, APICS enhances the validity of operations management disciplines, specifically production, inventory, enterprise, and now supply chain management.

How will the APICS CSCP course be delivered?
The APICS CSCP Learning System combines prints materials with interactive online components. It will be offered in three learning options—self-directed, instructor-led, or corporate group. Instructor-led courses will be offered through the APICS network of local chapters, colleges and universities, and corporations.

When can I take the APICS CSCP exam?
2009 APICS CSCP exam offerings: March 21, 2009, June 20, 2009 and December 12, 2009

What does “related business experience” mean in terms of the exam eligibility requirements?
APICS defines “related experience” as work that is directly connected to some aspect of the supply chain. This can include raw materials extraction, transportation and logistics, procurement, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, retail, customer service, software design and support, and other areas that directly affect the supply chain. Workers who operate transportation or materials moving equipment or machines or processing equipment that require an intermediate level of training would qualify. Managers, officials, professionals, technicians, sales personnel, quality and quality control personnel, and skilled craft workers will generally be considered eligible.

Examples of work experience that would not qualify include clerical and administrative support positions such as data entry, duplicating machine operator, file clerks, office machine operators, secretaries, telephone operators, order clerks and/or unskilled labor positions where the duties require little or no independent judgment or specialized training.

What about APICS’ current certifications—APICS CPIM and APICS CIRM?
There will continue to be an important market, especially for the APICS CPIM designation. According to the Holmes Corporation, one of the primary drivers of any voluntary certification program is increased earnings for individuals or increased profits for corporations. Designations which directly assist individuals in securing employment or increasing their earnings potential or which directly help corporations increase revenues or decrease costs are “need-to-know” designations. Holmes considers the APICS CPIM program a need-to-know designation.

Should I continue working on the certification that I’ve already started?
Candidates for the APICS CPIM program should continue to pursue their APICS certifications. The three APICS certifications (APICS CPIM, APICS CIRM, and APICS CSCP) are completely separate and distinct programs that concentrate on specific disciplines within the field of operations management. This diagram provides a depiction of the differences between the APICS CPIM and APICS CSCP programs.

What is the difference between the APICS CPIM designation and the APICS CSCP designation?
The APICS CPIM certification provides a common platform for individuals to evaluate their knowledge of production and inventory management. APICS CPIM focuses primarily on manufacturing and provides an in-depth view of materials management, master scheduling, production planning, forecasting, and quality improvement within the confines of the operation. The APICS CSCP certification takes a broader view, extending the APICS CPIM knowledge outside of a company’s internal operations to encompass all of the steps throughout the supply chain—from suppliers through the company to the end consumer—and how to effectively manage the integration of these activities to maximize a company’s value chain. This diagram provides a depiction of the differences between the programs.

Will the current APICS CPIM Basics of Supply Chain Management module be a pre-requisite or be a part of the APICS CSCP program?
The APICS CPIM Basics of Supply Chain Management module will continue to be a part of the APICS CPIM certification program. The Basics course will not be a pre-requisite course for the APICS CSCP program. The APICS CPIM program is a completely separate and distinct program from the APICS CSCP program.

How can I find out more about the APICS CSCP program?
APICS will continue to provide updates and greater detail on the APICS CSCP program as it is developed via the APICS Web site and e-mail notices.

Where can I find answers to questions about the APICS CSCP learning system?
For answers to common questions about the learning system, please visit the
CSCP Learning System FAQ page.

When will APICS notify me of my eligibility status?
APICS will review and notify candidates within 2 weeks of receipt.

When will I receive my exam registration confirmation?
Exam confirmation notices are emailed to registrants approximately two weeks before the exam.