Top 5 Supply chain certificate for Supply chain professional

September 24, 2022 | Article

By Awal Hosen
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Throughout my short supply chain careers, I always wondered does getting supply chain credentials has any value in professional arena. I conducted extensive research and spoke to professionals about this, most of the answers were that it does help if you good professional working experience along those certifications. Such questions are not new to the professionals, ambitious professional strive to extend their knowledge to get professional benefit or getting promotion. I have seen lot new entrant or people want to enter supply chain domain asks those questions in Quora or Reddit forum.

Last 3 years I have passed PMP, CPIM, and CSCP, the reason I wrote those examination is not directly related with ambitions, rather it was my knowledge seeking intentions which inspired me to write those examination along with the MBA degree. Professionally, I had experience working in a global project for three years, I realized that some of my colleague obtained PMP credentials, thus they had more respect and leading position. Though, it does not mean that they had better position due to the credentials, but those credentials attributed to gain extra benefit. It adds credibility and shows that you’re motivated. It’s not a criterion though in most instances just a preference from employers. Therefore, eventually you will get extra benefits in your working environment.

After I was transferred to the procurement role, I was very much involved in the material procurements, inventory management and strategic planning. I was thinking I must improve my knowledge in those area, I found APICS certifications like CPIM has better content. Though, it was one of the toughest examinations, I have passed exam in short period leveraging WFH. The questions are, have you got promotion or any benefit by obtaining CPIM, I would say not yet, but I have learned a lot and get respect from the industry professional. Similarly, CSCP has same benefit as others. The knowledge it provides is extremely valuable, especially for those with no background in SCM. Thus, it is all about career development.

Let me introduce you some of the best supply chain credentials you may pursue to extend your knowledge and explain how you will benefit from those.

PMP

The reason I made it number one certificate for supply chain professionals is the value of it in the industry. It does make difference in the professional setting. If you look into the Exam content manual (ECM), you will realize that it includes not only project management, but it is also best guide for managing Agile project management, Planning, Budgeting, leading people, Quality mgmt., procurement and so on. The best part of this certificate is that those content will be in CPIM and CSCP. If you get over the PMP credentials, I may have covered 5-10% of CPIM and CSCP examination.

Besides that, PMP is one of the best certificates to have. Every year, a lot of people pursue this popular exam, there are 958,593 (2019) PMI Credential holders worldwide. Why do so many people want to be certified as a PMP professional? because Career in project management is lucrative than ever. I think for a supply chain professional, it is a must have a credential.

FYI: Among all countries surveyed, the median salary for project professionals with a PMP is 25% higher than those without PMP certification.

 


Want to pursue PMP?

How to Pass PMP

CPIM

Supply chain professionals considering a certification face a bewildering array of options — there are multiple organizations and certifications from which to choose. As a supply chain professional, I was looking for a reputed credentials. After reading and checking Job requirements, I found that there are lot of company values APICS CPIM credentials. In fact, it is one of second most popular credential after PMP for logistics professional. Passing both Part of APICS CPIM in four months is not extraordinary feat, anyone can do it, I guess. Nonetheless, it is pretty difficult for working professional to commit that level of time for studying after finishing office.

Over 100,000 people have pursued the CPIM since its inception in 1973, making it the most recognized of all the certifications discussed here. ASCM describes the CPIM in rather broad terms on its site, but Sherman boils it down to the following: “You get the CPIM if you want to learn production planning and scheduling and inventory management. It’s very plant floor focused.”

Here are some benefits professionals reports from their certification:

  • According to ACM, those with the CPIM earn 14% more than those without it, while 64% believe getting certified had a positive impact on their careers
  • APICS-certified individuals earn 21% more than their non-certified peers
  • 95% of all supply chain professionals kept their jobs during the Covid-19 pandemic

 


                                     Want to pursue CPIM?

                          How to Pass APICS CPIM Exam in 4 Month

CSCP

CSCP Certifications has two primary advantages. They offer you some pertinent knowledge and also maintain you up to date on the sector. You might have obtained your level years ago, or perhaps you’ve simply relocated right into an administration work that has actually taken you further from the day-to-day procedure. Regardless, it’s nice to dip your toe into the academic swimming pool every now and then.

Second, a qualification– and this is true across sectors as well as jobs– informs employers that you care. You care enough to spend the time as well as money, to put the work in, as well as to leap through all the paperwork hoops. You are, in some way, devoted to business.

Even if you haven’t completed your CPIM credential, there are some study strategies by which you can pass it in limited time. If you are working in logistics field or have experience in working in supply chain field or you have majored in supply chain and logistics, it is highly likely you going to pass it without any stress. As for me, before joining in procurement Dept., I have worked in logistics company for 4 years. I had an advantage, but it does not matter that much. With appropriate planning and commitment, you can nail it.

How you Benefit

The APICS CSCP program will give you more credibility and recognition in your workplace. You can distinguish yourself by committing to continued education that will help you sharpen your skills. This program gives you the opportunity to master supply chain management and all its facets—all on the cutting edge of new developments and concepts.


Want to pursue CSCP?

How To Pass APICS CSCP

CPSM

Though I have not yet pursued CPSM, CPSM® is globally recognized as the gold standard of excellence for supply management professionals. Developed by ISM, the leader in supply management education, the CPSM® credential is recognized across industries. Created from in-depth analysis of supply management functions, this premier supply management training experience addresses the realities of supply management, as well as workplace complexities including globalization, use of technology, and expanded competencies that supply chain and procurement professionals employ to drive value in their organizations.

By earning a CPSM® designation, you will have an unparalleled supply management certification. Not only will you stand apart from your peers, but you will also have advanced skills and knowledge and a greater understanding of end-to-end supply chain. A CPSM® certification will position you to obtain both your personal career goals and to support the goals and outcomes of the organizations for which you work.

CPSM certified professionals are always in demand. There are some employers who will even cover the cost of testing or offer you compensation for your time as an incentive to get their employees to become certified.

CSSBB

The Kaizen or Improvement process in the supply chain domain is one of the key components. Those who know Six Sigma are knowledgeable in dozens of different methods to reduce costs, increase revenue, streamline business processes and improve employee buy-in, all of which leads to a better bottom line.

A Certified Six Sigma Black Belt (CSSBB) leads the Six Sigma improvement process. Their experience leading, motivating, and influencing project teams gives them the leadership ability to implement a Six Sigma vision. Black Belts must be comfortable with managing and driving change. It requires finesse to be an enthusiastic change agent without upsetting or unsettling team members or other members of the company.

Increasing Value is one of the most prominent advantages of gaining a six-sigma certification. As an industry-agnostic methodology, Six Sigma techniques are applied in aerospace, telecom, banking and financial services, IT, HR, marketing, and many more industries. Individuals having six sigma certifications are knowledgeable in dozens of different methods that can be applied to streamline business processes, improve employee acceptance, reduce costs, and increase revenue—all of which lead to a better bottom line, no matter the industry.

 

With several supply chain certifications to choose from, it’s important to select a program based on the role you now perform and what you hope to do later in your career. Part of your selection process will involve checking the eligibility requirements for the programs in which you’re interested.

Aside from taking a program of study, as well as incorporating on-the-job training, all that’s left to do is pass the certification exam. Once you earn certification, you can add the credential to your resume. It is wise to also list the certification on your LinkedIn profile and include the certification letters behind your name and title.

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