An exciting supply chain management trend in 2022 is the growth of supply chain certifications. The supply chain industry has taken off over the years, and with that comes an increased need for supply chain professionals to take on these jobs. Supply chains are integral to any business because they connect manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and consumers.
When there is a breakdown in this system because of poor logistics strategies or inefficient supply chains, it can have severe consequences for the company involved. The industry has grown tremendously in the last decade, and it shows no sign of slowing down soon. Supply chain managers are to manage supply chains for their company or client company.
Supply chain certifications can help supply chain managers take their careers to new heights by teaching how supply chain management works from managerial and practical perspectives. They will have a better understanding of what is happening within their scope. This blog will explain what the top supply chain management certifications in 2022 are.
What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply chain management controls the supply and movement of materials from the source to the manufacturer through delivery. The supply chain comprises all company departments, external vendors, suppliers, and distribution channels to create products or services for their customers. It ensures the smooth flow of goods throughout the supply chain, which helps achieve a competitive advantage by reducing costs while improving service levels.
It also involves sharing and collaborating with channel partners, such as vendors, third-party service providers, intermediaries, and customers. Supply chain management combines supply and demand management throughout businesses, thus enforcing an exciting Supply Chain Career Path.
Top 8 Supply Chain Management Certifications
Supply chain certifications allow you to grow your skills in supply chain management. It enables you to understand the most updated issues and concerns in the sector and expand your professional abilities. As a result, gaining a supply chain credential may improve your eligibility and your earning potential. Here are some of the supply chain management certifications of 2022 to enhance your career.
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional Certification (CSCP)
- APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P) Endorsement
- ISM Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)
- SCPro Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
- SOLE Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional Certification (CSCP)
APICS, currently known as Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), provides the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification ideal for supply chain careers with three years of experience. An essential aspect of succeeding in the CSCP exam is showing employers your knowledge about current basic strategies, concepts, and technology.
To be permitted to take the CSCP exam, you must have worked for three years or longer in a similar field and hold a bachelor’s degree or an international equivalent. Another option for CSCP eligibility is to maintain an active CPIM, CPIM-F, CIRM, SCOR-P, CPM, CPSM, CTL or CLTD certification.
You’ll need to earn 75 professional development points every five years to keep your certification active. If your certificate is not renewed within five years, it will expire, at which point you will be required to retake the test.
- APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Earning the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) certificate from APICS shows you are an expert in production planning, forecasting, master scheduling, material management. This certification is vital to understanding how these components connect with supply chain operations.
To achieve the CPIM certification, you must pass its two modules, CPIM Part 1 and CPIM Part 2, within three years of each other. You will also need to maintain the certification by keeping 75 professional development points every five years.
Some of the prominent industries that CPIM certified professionals will include:
- Manufacturing
- Consulting
- Education
- Government
- Services
- Defence
- Healthcare
- Distribution
- Pharmaceutical
- ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
Earning the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification from ISM validates your supply management expertise. To be eligible for CPSM, you must have three years of experience in support or clerical roles. You must also pass three different exams that you can take in any order after gaining relevant experience. Finally, you must renew your credential every four years by completing 60 hours of approved professional education courses to maintain it.
- APICS Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P) Endorsement
APICS SCOR-P Endorsement validates your knowledge in the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model and methods. The SCOR-P credential links company processes, performance indicators, procedures, and people skills into a cohesive architecture.
You may assess, manage, and improve the performance of your worldwide supply chain by adopting a global standard of excellence for your company using SCOR metrics. In addition, it improves your people skills and knowledge of best practices, performance metrics, and company processes, making it a comprehensive certification.
- ISM Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)
The CPSD certification is offered through ISM and requires you to hold a bachelor’s degree or three years of experience in supplier management, diversity, or five years of relevant professional experience. In addition, there are two exams that you must complete once the requirements have been satisfied.
With a CPSD, you’ll be the specialist the company needs to recognize possibilities and challenges that arise to make sound supplier diversity decisions. As a CPSD credential holder, you will be the guiding hand with expertise and training to show to an organization how supplier variety may help satisfy standards while also improving profits.
- SCPro Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP)
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professional (CSCMP) offers a three-tiered SCPro certification program that assesses advanced knowledge and skills across integrated supply chain activities. First, the process validates an individual’s ability to evaluate business challenges strategically. Then, implement supply chain improvements through analyzing real-world case studies and develop comprehensive project plans for results.
Each level of the SCPro certification has specific eligibility requirements, and you must meet them before you complete the exam. The three levels of the exam are:
- SCPro Level One: Requires you to show the foundational knowledge of all supply chain management functions via a multiple-choice exam. You must have a bachelor’s degree or four years of experience in supply chain management.
- SCPro Level Two: Assess your ability to analyze, identify, and apply supply chain knowledge. You must have leveled one certification along with a bachelor’s degree in supply chain management. You also should have three years of relevant professional experience or seven years of experience in supply chain management.
- SCPro Level Three: Enables you to show your ability to positively affect an organization with an array of supply chain management skills. You must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university and five years of relevant supply chain management experience or nine years of relevant supply chain management experience.
- SOLE Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)
SOLE offers a CPL certification, which certifies individuals in logistics. The exam tests three skill sets: supply chain management (commerce), defence and education fields. To earn this prestigious title, candidates must pass all three exams.
To be eligible, you must have a bachelor’s degree with five years of experience. If you hold a master’s degree, you must have four additional years of expertise; three years of expertise if you have a doctorate.
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
The Project Management Institute (PMI) offers the Project Management Professional credential, often considered one of the industry’s most prominent project manager certifications. Earning this certification proves that you have the experience and skills needed to be an effective project manager.
To qualify for the PMP exam, you adhere to either of the following prerequisites:
- A four-year degree with 36 months experience in leading projects and 35 hours of project management training or CAPM certification
- A high school diploma or a global equivalent associate’s degree with 60 months’ experience in leading projects, and 35 hours of project management training or CAPM certification
To Sum Up
Although supply chain management is an essential part of any business, it’s challenging to gain the skills and knowledge needed for this position. However, supply chain management certifications are available that make gaining these valuable skills more effortless than ever before by helping you attain the experience. If you work in the business world, you’ll be a more appealing job applicant to employers. Certification also eliminates the need for higher prices or demands for more significant compensation.
Authors Profile
Sujith Kumar is a professional IT Faculty having more than 18 years of experience in Dubai. He schedules classes into facilities and provides software instructions. He spends most of his free time learning new software skills and is also interested in driving and reading. He is now working as a trainer at Edoxi Training Institute.