Pursuing the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification arms you with end-to-end supply chain knowledge to help you effectively manage global supply chain activities. This globally recognized certification provides the skills needed to understand and evaluate supply chain functions like:
- Material requirements planning
- Distribution requirements planning
- Managing global supply chain activities
- Improving the supply chain by measuring and analyzing performance
- Responding to supply chain risks
Why Pursue a Certified Supply Chain Professional Certification?
Earning the CSCP certification sets you apart with a professional distinction in supply chain best practices. This program serves the needs of the dynamic global supply chain environment by teaching supply chain professionals how to effectively manage global supply chain activities.
With ever-changing customer demands and complex global supply networks, the CSCP certification arms you with the latest supply chain knowledge and techniques to drive success.
Understanding the CSCP Certification
The APICS CSCP program is structured to provide end-to-end supply chain training. The learning system includes printed books with an online testing system so you can prepare for the exam.
To become APICS certified, you must pass one 3.5-hour exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions on global supply chain management best practices. The CSCP exam tests your knowledge across five key areas:
- Supply chain design
- Supply chain planning and execution
- Supply chain improvement and best practices
- Supply chain management risk mitigation
- Global supply chain management
The Value of the APICS CSCP in the Supply Chain Industry
The CSCP certification validates your understanding of global supply chain activities and how they work together. This supply chain certification lets employers know that you have the latest skills and knowledge to drive supply chain excellence, no matter your industry or geographic location.
CSCP designees gain the skills needed to effectively manage supply chain functions, technologies, and relationships that businesses require to compete in today’s global economy. This credential also keeps you relevant in an ever-changing business world.
How CSCP Elevates Your Career in Managing Global Supply Chain Activities
The CSCP program arms supply chain professionals with specialized knowledge to master supply chain management best practices.
It helps candidates:
- Understand different levels of supply chain maturity
- Apply tools to elevate supply chain performance
- Increase financial awareness to improve the bottom line
- Mitigate risk in the supply chain
Earning this certification also expands your professional network. Connecting with other CSCP professionals lets you share best practices while advancing your career.
What to Expect from the CSCP Learning System?
The APICS CSCP Learning System provides a personalized path toward certification, featuring:
Structured learning with 3 print modules and web-based study tools covering the entire CSCP Exam Content Manual
Online group reporting to track your progress studying the learning system
Certification preparation with access to practice tests and study tools
You can choose self-study materials or attend instructor-supported online classes through ASCM and its global network partners.
Components of the APICS CSCP Learning System
The CSCP Learning System includes:
- Printed content so you can study anytime, anywhere
- Access to online interactive tools for reinforcement
- Pre-test to gauge your supply chain strengths/weaknesses
- Post-test to validate your supply chain competency
- Practice exams that mimic real testing conditions
- Answer keys with explanations to pinpoint your knowledge gaps
- Glossary and common formulas list
Effectively Manage Global Supply Chain with APICS Training
APICS has over 45 years of experience providing world-class supply chain training. Globally recognized, APICS certified continues to be the gold standard in supply chain excellence.
More than 125,000 professionals in over 100 countries have earned the CSCP designation. This global community shares best practices to elevate supply chain strategy and performance worldwide.
APICS CSCP vs. CPIM: Choosing the Right Certification for You
Within the APICS suite of supply chain programs, the CSCP and CPIM designations focus on different aspects of improving supply chain operations:
CSCP: Validates your knowledge to effectively manage global supply chain activities that involve suppliers and customers.
CPIM: Focuses on internal operations and recognizes expertise in production and inventory management.
Review the exam content to decide which certification best fits your career goals. Many pursue both credentials to demonstrate end-to-end supply chain mastery.
How to Earn Your CSCP Certification?
Follow this step-by-step guide to the CSCP certification process:
- Review the ASCM membership terms and conditions and privacy policy. Members receive exclusive access to preferred CSCP exam rates, study materials, and other benefits.
- Purchase the APICS CSCP Learning System (self-study or instructor-led)
- Study the system and practice with sample tests
- Take the CSCP exam within one year of buying the learning system
- Submit proof of passing to receive your certification
Preparing for the CSCP Exam: Tips and Resources
Leverage free resources to supplement your APICS CSCP Learning System:
- Attend a CSCP information session
- Download the official CSCP exam content manual (ECM)
- Review the CSCP candidate handbook
- Take the CSCP practice exam
- Read CSCP exam FAQs
- Join the APICS CSCP group on LinkedIn
The Role of ASCM Membership in Your CSCP Journey
APICS merged with the Supply Chain Council to form the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) in 2014. This expanded network provides an array of benefits to support your CSCP and supply chain career success, including:
- Member pricing on CSCP exam fees and learning materials
- Access to the ASCM Career Center
- ASCM magazine subscriptions
- Entry to local ASCM networking events
- Volunteering opportunities
- Access to industry research
The Benefits of Becoming a Certified Supply Chain Professional
Investing in the CSCP credential offers lifelong advantages for your supply chain career:
Global recognition: The CSCP is the most widely recognized educational certification for supply chain excellence worldwide.
Industry competitiveness: Certification helps you stand out when applying for jobs and positions you for career advancement.
Higher earning potential: On average, CSCPs with a bachelor’s degree earn 24% more than non-certified peers.
Expanded opportunities: Getting certified opens doors to new roles, projects, and career options.
Peer networking: Connect with an elite community of over 125,000+ CSCPs to share knowledge.
Lifelong learning: Maintain your designation through continuous education and recertification.
How the CSCP Designation Impacts Your Career
Beyond foundational supply chain knowledge, CSCPs gain higher-level insights to:
- Increase profitability
- Drive customer satisfaction
- Enable cost reduction
- Manage risk more effectively
- Identify improvement opportunities
This expertise lets you guide strategic decisions to enhance supply chain and business performance.
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional: A Global Benchmark
The CSCP sets the global standard for managing and optimizing supply chain operations. Recognized worldwide, this certification:
- Demonstrates your supply chain expertise and readiness for greater responsibility
- Designates your understanding of global supply chain best practices
- Qualifies you for new career opportunities, both locally and globally
- Distinguishes your knowledge to assess supply chain improvement opportunities
- Prepares you to mitigate global supply chain risk scenarios
CSCP Designees Gain the Skills to Effectively Manage Supply Chain Activities
The CSCP curriculum advances your expertise so you can:
- Improve material and distribution planning
- Enhance supplier and customer relationships
- Increase financial awareness and bottom-line results
- Identify and respond to risk scenarios
- Apply supply chain best practices
- Manage global supply chain activities
This diverse skill set allows you to drive supply chain success across borders, cultures, and business functions.
Navigating the APICS CSCP Program: What You Need to Know
Here is an overview of key details on the APICS CSCP certification program:
Exam length: 3.5 hours
Number of questions: 150 multiple-choice questions
Question types: Concepts, calculations, negative questions, and more
Pass score: Level is set by a worldwide standard-setting procedure
Testing centers: Offered through Pearson VUE with 8,000+ locations globally
Exam languages: English, Japanese, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, and Turkish
Exam fee: $520 ASCM member, $870 nonmember (pricing varies by chapter)
Focus areas: Supply chain design, planning, execution, improvement, and risk mitigation
Preparation timeline: About 100 hours over 3-6 months
APICS CSCP Program Structure: Understanding the Layout
The APICS CSCP certification program features:
Certified Supply Chain Professional Learning System: Includes print modules, online practice exams, and interactive study tools tailored to the current CSCP Exam Content Manual
APICS CSCP Exam Content Manual (ECM): Outlines the entire exam syllabus covered in the 3.5-hour CSCP exam
Certified Supply Chain Professional Candidate Handbook: Details certification policies, testing center rules, scoring methodology, and recertification requirements
APICS CSCP Practice Tests: Offers timed full-length exams that mimic real testing conditions to gauge your readiness
APICS CSCP Exam Prep Workshops: Let you review key terminology, concepts, and calculations with an instructor prior to your exam date
Instructor-Supported Online Classes vs. Self-Study: Which is Best for You?
You can prepare for the CSCP exam through:
Self-directed learning with the APICS CSCP Learning System print and online modules
Instructor-led classes through ASCM chapters and channel partners worldwide
If you prefer guided instruction, search for CSCP courses in your area or virtually. Compare class syllabus, schedule, price, and teaching formats across providers.
Upgrading Your Certification: When and Why?
Earning the CSCP demonstrates your commitment to lifelong learning. While recertification through continuing education is required, you may also pursue the:
SCOR-P endorsement: Recognizes your expertise in applying Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) principles.
CCFP designation: Validates your specialized knowledge in corporate financial planning and analysis.
Contact ASCM to learn about bundling CSCP with other certifications to showcase your multifaceted supply chain skills and save on preparation costs.
Life After Certification: The World of Supply Chain Certification Opportunities
Expand your skill set through ASCM’s diverse certification portfolio based on your experience and interests:
- CLTD: Focuses on global logistics
- SCOR-P: Demonstrates SCOR model proficiency
- CPIM: Validates production and inventory management expertise
- CISCM: Concentrates on international supply chain best practices
- CCFP: Recognizes corporate financial planning skills
ASCM also offers certificates in supply chain, logistics, production, inventory, and procurement subtopics.
Continuing Education for CSCP Certified Professionals
To maintain your CSCP, you must earn and report 45 professional development points (PDPs) every 3 years. Activities to earn PDPs include:
- Completing additional ASCM certifications
- Attending ASCM conferences
- Authoring published supply chain articles
- Presenting CSCP/supply chain talks
- Participating in APICS webcasts
Use the CSCP maintenance handbook to manage your certification status.
Networking and Career Advancement with the APICS CSCP Certification
In addition to elevating your supply chain expertise, CSCP certification expands your professional network. Joining ASCM connects you to:
- 130,000+ supply chain professionals
- 300+ APICS channel partners that offer in-person and online classes worldwide
- Opportunities to present supply chain case studies and best practices at ASCM conferences and chapter events
- The ASCM Career Center featuring 1,000+ supply chain job postings globally
- Potential supply chain mentors and sponsors for career growth
- Visibility to industry innovations through research reports and publications
Connecting with other certified supply chain professionals lets you benchmark results, get advice, and unlock new career options globally.
Why Recertification Matters: Maintaining Your Credential
Recertification every 3 years ensures your CSCP knowledge reflects current practices. Frequent changes in complex supply chains require ongoing learning.
Besides reviewing recent case studies, recertification allows you to:
- Refresh fundamentals like metrics, risk management, and planning
- Explore emerging technologies impacting global supply chains
- Expand your skillset into new areas like procurement, logistics, and manufacturing
- Demonstrate your commitment to excellence through lifelong learning
Recertification showcases your dedication to leading the future of supply chain management.
Next Steps After Earning Your APICS CSCP
Once you become a Certified Supply Chain Professional, you can:
- Add CSCP to your professional profiles like LinkedIn
- Apply for new supply chain roles requiring or preferring certification
- Pursue higher supply chain positions with your elevated credentials
- Mentor colleagues and direct reports pursuing the CSCP designation
- Present at industry events and ASCM chapter meetings on your supply chain experiences
- Publish supply chain articles highlighting CSCP best practices
- Continue advancing your expertise through APICS membership and resources
The CSCP opens doors to new career options. But the larger benefit is how certification prepares you to strategically manage global supply chain activities.
