A Comparison of Supply Management Certifications:CPSM, CPSD, CPIM and CSCP

by Jack Quinn Solutions, LLC

The profession of supply chain management has evolved to a critical skill needed by businesses of all sizes. Businesses that manage their supply chain are 73% more profitable and realize a 40% return on their investments in supply chain management. For professionals in this career field, they have the potential to start at $51K per year and work their way up the ladder to over $200K when they become a Chief Procurement Officer for their company.

When a supply chain professional earns certification, not only are they well qualified for higher positions, but also are positioned to earn 8-10% more than their peers who are not certified (ISM 2013 Salary Survey).

As the supply chain profession becomes more competitive for the best people, companies are looking for experienced supply chain professionals who have certifications to prove that they are an expert of at least one of the following fields: operations, supply, inventory, production, and supplier management. However, Supply chain professionals are bewildered due to an array of options that they can choose in terms of certifications available to them.

This only means that your career will have a significant trajectory once you earn a certificate in any Supply Chain Management Certifications. A certificate program gives you tools and ideas that will help shape and define your leadership, decision-making, and inventory and procurement skills. Individuals who are just starting up a career in the Supply Chain Management often get confused on what certificate they should earn. Every Supply Chain Professional should remember to only choose certifications that are significantly recognized.

This article will discuss widely acknowledged supply chain certifications that can help you not only land on a job, but also earn you 8-10% more than non-certified people:

• Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

• Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

• Certificate in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

4 Supply Management Certification that can help you land a better job

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) offers the supply chain certificate programs CPSM and CPSD, and the Association for Operations Management (APICS) offers CSCP and CPIM. Any of these certifications demonstrate your commitment to professional development and a desire to do more than the minimum. The differences between the certification are the areas of focus, your career goals, and the qualification requirements.

The certification you choose to pursue should align with your career goals because the investment of time and money to achieve these certifications can be significant. Since the long-term benefits once certified are substantial, your time investment needs to immediate with a guaranteed result, so consider how much time you need to commit to achieve a guaranteed result of certification.

APICS ISM

CPIM: Certified in Production and Inventory ManagementCSCP: Certified Supply Chain Professional

CPSD: Certified Professional in Supplier DiversityCPSM: Certified Professional in Supply Management

Supply Chain Certification Providers:APICS and ISM

CSCPCPSM CPIM CPSD

Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity

is a professional designation for

supply leaders who demonstrate

understanding, skills and proficiency in

supplier and strategic diversity

The whole program provides you with an ability to comprehend

and assess production and

inventory activities within your

company’s global operation.

CSPC is similar to the CPSM and

provides a certification for

professionals who seek broad overview

in Supply Chain Management

Focused on supply chain management,

covering the technical, managerial and leadership skills required for career

professionals.

3 Exams

$199 USD per exam

$329 USD per exam

2 Exams

$165 USD per exam

$250 USD per exam

Members:

Non-members:Non-members:

Members:

5 Exams

$199 USD

$329 USDNon-members:

Members:$630 USD

$830 USD

Members:

Non-members:

1 Exam

Comparison of Prices and Number of Exams

R e c e r t i f i c a t i o n

3 years 5 years 5 years 3 years

Comparison of Exam Modules

CPSM CSCP CPIM CPSD

3 Exams 1 Exam 5 Exams 2 Exams

CPSM Exam1: 165 questions

CPSM Exam2: 165 questions

CPSM Exam3: 180 questions

175 questions covers four modules

105 questions for the Basic exam and 75 questions for the rest

CPSM Exam1: 165 questions

CPSD Test: 120 questions

Exam Focus:CPSM Exam 1: Foundations in Supply Management

CPSM Exam 2: Effective Supply Management Performance

CPSM Exam 3: Leadership in Supply Management

Exam Focus: Supply chain management fundamentals, building a competitive Infrastructure, managing customer and supplier relations, using information technology to enable effective supply chain management

Exam Focus: Module 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management

Module 2: Master Planning of Resources

Module 3: Details Scheduling and Planning

Module 4: Execution and Control of Operations

Module 5: Strategic Management Resources

Exam Focus: Policies and planning, sourcing supplier development, finance/budgeting. training and development, advocacy, marketing and outreach to suppliers.

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