Top 11 Demand Planning Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a demand planning manager in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. Employers want to know that their demand planners understand the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. A certification shows that the individual has taken the time to learn about industry standards and is knowledgeable enough to be able to handle any situation that may arise. Additionally, certifications can open up new opportunities for advancement and salary increases as employers will be willing to pay more for an employee with a higher level of expertise. Finally, having a certification can make a demand planner more attractive when applying for jobs as it demonstrates their commitment to staying up-to-date on the latest trends and techniques in the field.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Demand Planning Managers and explain how they can help further their career.

What are Demand Planning Manager Certifications?

Demand planning manager certification is a professional certification designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage demand planning processes. Demand planning is an important part of supply chain management, as it helps organizations accurately forecast customer demand and plan their inventory accordingly. With this certification, professionals can demonstrate their expertise in the area of demand planning, enabling them to become more competitive in the job market and better equipped to handle complex challenges within their organization.

The certification covers topics such as data analysis, forecasting methods, supply chain strategies, inventory optimization, and performance measurements. It also provides guidance on how to use software tools for effective demand planning. By obtaining this certification, individuals can develop an understanding of how to successfully identify customer needs and create plans that will enable them to meet those needs in a timely manner. In addition, they can learn how to collaborate with other departments within the organization in order to ensure that all relevant data is being taken into account when making decisions.

Overall, demand planning manager certification can provide professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage demand planning processes within their organization. By having this credential on their resumes, they are more likely to be considered for positions involving advanced supply chain management roles. Additionally, they may have access to higher salaries or promotion opportunities due to their increased knowledge base.

Pro Tip: When seeking certification as a demand planning manager, make sure to research the different certifications available and choose one that best fits your career goals. Additionally, it is important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices in order to ensure that you have the necessary skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage a demand planning team.

Related: What does a Demand Planning Manager do?

Top 11 Demand Planning Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Demand Planning Managers today.

1. Certified Demand Planning Professional (CDPP)

Certified Demand Planning Professional (CDPP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who work in the field of demand planning. It is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

The CDPP program consists of two parts: an online exam and an onsite assessment. The online exam covers topics such as forecasting methods, analytics, inventory management, supply chain optimization, and more. The onsite assessment includes a case study that tests knowledge and application of the material covered in the online exam.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CDPP program. First, you must register for the program with ASCM and pay a fee of $495 USD. Once registered, you will have access to all course materials necessary to prepare for the online exam. After passing the online exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will be invited to take part in an onsite assessment within 6 weeks of passing your online exam.

Once you have successfully completed both parts of the CDPP program, you will receive your official certification from ASCM. This certification is valid for three years before renewal is required.

2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of a comprehensive body of knowledge in supply chain management. The CSCP program provides professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage global supply chains.

The CSCP certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as global supply chain management, customer relations, supplier relationships, inventory and warehouse management, transportation and logistics, and risk management. Candidates must also demonstrate their understanding of the fundamentals of business strategy and operations in order to be certified.

The CSCP certification process typically takes three to six months depending on the individual’s study habits and schedule. The exam is offered twice per year at various locations around the world. To become certified, applicants must complete an online application form and submit it along with a fee of $495 USD. Applicants must also provide proof of relevant work experience or educational qualifications as part of their application. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to online resources such as tutorials, practice exams, webinars, and other study materials that can help them prepare for the exam.

Once applicants have successfully passed the CSCP exam they will receive their official certification from ASCM which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

3. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to help individuals gain a comprehensive understanding of production and inventory management principles, concepts, and techniques. It covers topics such as demand management, forecasting, master scheduling, materials requirements planning, capacity planning, inventory control, purchasing strategies, supplier relationships, quality assurance, continuous improvement processes, and more.

It typically takes approximately 12 months to complete the CPIM program. To get the certification you must pass five exams: Basics of Supply Chain Management; Master Planning of Resources; Detailed Scheduling and Planning; Execution and Control of Operations; Strategic Management of Resources.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on which study materials you choose to purchase. The full cost for all five exams can range between $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

4. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an internationally recognized certification program designed to give supply chain professionals the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage global supply chains. The CSCP certification is offered by APICS, a leading professional association for supply chain and operations management.

The CSCP certification program consists of three parts: an online learning system, a comprehensive exam, and a recertification process. The online learning system provides self-paced instruction on topics such as supply chain strategy, global logistics, customer service, inventory management, and more. This part of the program takes approximately 150 hours to complete.

To become certified, candidates must pass the CSCP exam with a score of at least 70%. The exam covers topics such as supply chain design and implementation; demand planning; procurement and sourcing; inventory management; customer service; quality control; performance measurement; and global logistics. The exam is administered in two parts: Part 1 is a multiple-choice test that lasts four hours, while Part 2 is an essay portion that lasts two hours.

The cost for the CSCP certification program varies depending on the country in which you are located. In the US, it costs $995 USD for APICS members or $1,295 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online learning system and one attempt at taking the exam. Additional attempts will incur additional fees.

Recertification is required every three years to maintain your CSCP certification status. To do this, you must earn 75 professional development points (PDPs) within three years of earning your initial certification or within three years of your last recertification date. PDPs can be earned through activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to supply chain management or completing relevant courses or webinars.

5. Six Sigma Black Belt Certification

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to help individuals become experts in the Six Sigma methodology. This certification is targeted at professionals who are looking to improve their knowledge and skills in process improvement, data-driven decision making, and problem solving.

The Six Sigma Black Belt Certification typically takes about 4-6 months of study and preparation. During this time, individuals will learn the fundamentals of Six Sigma, such as DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control), Lean principles, project management techniques, statistical analysis tools and more. After completing the coursework and passing an exam administered by a third party organization like ASQ or IASSC, individuals will receive their certification.

Getting certified as a Six Sigma Black Belt requires an investment of both time and money. The cost of the certification can vary depending on the provider but usually ranges from $2,000 - $4,000 USD. The cost includes all materials needed for the coursework as well as the exam fee. In addition to these costs there may also be additional fees for travel and lodging if attending an in-person training program.

Overall, becoming a certified Six Sigma Black Belt is an excellent way to demonstrate your commitment to quality improvement initiatives within your organization or industry. It will provide you with valuable skills that can be applied to any type of project or process improvement effort.

6. Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Supply Chain Management

The Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Supply Chain Management is a professional degree program designed to prepare students for leadership roles in the field of supply chain management. The program focuses on developing skills in areas such as logistics, procurement, inventory control, and operations management. It also provides an understanding of the global business environment and its impact on supply chain strategies.

Typically, an MBA in Supply Chain Management takes two years to complete. During this time, students will take courses in topics such as project management, risk management, supply chain analytics, and global sourcing. In addition to these core classes, students may choose electives that focus on specific areas of interest or industry-specific topics.

To get an MBA in Supply Chain Management, applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and meet other requirements set by the school they are applying to. Generally speaking, most schools require applicants to submit transcripts from their undergraduate studies as well as GMAT or GRE scores. Some schools may also require letters of recommendation or a resume outlining relevant work experience.

The cost of getting an MBA in Supply Chain Management can vary depending on the school you attend and whether you are studying full-time or part-time. Generally speaking, tuition costs range from $20,000 to $50,000 per year for full-time programs and $10,000 to $25,000 per year for part-time programs. Additional fees may also be required for textbooks and other materials needed during the course of study.

7. APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)

APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a professional certification program offered by APICS, the Association for Operations Management. The program is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage the global supply chain.

The CLTD designation is achieved by passing an exam that covers topics such as transportation, warehousing, inventory management, international logistics, and more. It takes approximately two months of study to prepare for the exam.

To get the CLTD certification, you must first register with APICS to become a member. Then you must purchase the CLTD Learning System which includes all of the necessary study materials. After successfully completing the exam, you will receive your official CLTD certificate from APICS.

The cost of obtaining the CLTD certification varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member. The total cost for non-members is $1,295 USD ($995 USD for members). This cost includes registration fees and purchase of the Learning System materials.

8. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) CPIM-F

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) CPIM-F is a professional certification program designed to help individuals demonstrate their mastery of the fundamentals of production and inventory management. The program consists of five modules: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources.

It typically takes between six to twelve months to complete the APICS CPIM-F program depending on the individual's level of commitment. To get started with the program, individuals must first register for an APICS membership. Membership costs vary depending on whether you are an individual or a company member. After registering for a membership, individuals can purchase study materials from APICS or other sources such as books or online courses. They can then take the exams associated with each module either in person at an approved testing center or online through Pearson VUE.

The cost for taking the exams varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or not. For non-members, each exam costs $295 USD; however, members receive discounted rates. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 USD when registering for the certification program.

Overall, the cost for obtaining the APICS CPIM-F certification will depend on how much time you spend studying and preparing for the exams as well as any additional materials you may need to purchase in order to do so.

9. International Institute of Forecasters Certification Program

The International Institute of Forecasters (IIF) Certification Program is a professional certification program for forecasters. It is designed to recognize the skills and knowledge of individuals who have achieved excellence in forecasting and related fields. The program is open to anyone interested in improving their forecasting skills, regardless of their academic background or experience.

The IIF Certification Program consists of three levels: Certified Forecaster (CF), Senior Certified Forecaster (SCF), and Master Certified Forecaster (MCF). Each level requires successful completion of a written exam as well as an oral presentation on a chosen topic. The exams are administered by the IIF twice each year, usually in April and October.

To become certified at any level, applicants must first submit an application form along with supporting documents such as transcripts, references, and/or work samples. Once the application has been approved, applicants can register for the exam online or by mail. After registering for the exam, applicants will receive study materials from the IIF which they should use to prepare for the exam.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants will be notified of their results within two weeks after taking the exam. If successful, applicants will receive their certificate in four to six weeks after passing the exam.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on which level you are applying for. The CF certification costs $400 USD; SCF certification costs $600 USD; and MCF certification costs $800 USD. All fees are non-refundable once payment has been made.

10. Oracle Demantra Demand Management Certification

Oracle Demantra Demand Management Certification is an industry-recognized certification program that validates a professional's expertise in using Oracle Demantra to manage demand. The certification is designed to demonstrate a candidate’s ability to design and implement solutions that meet customer requirements, as well as the ability to troubleshoot and optimize the performance of Oracle Demantra applications.

The certification exam takes approximately two hours and consists of 60 multiple-choice questions. To become certified, candidates must pass the exam with a minimum score of 70%.

To get Oracle Demantra Demand Management Certification, candidates must first register for the exam through Pearson VUE, which can be done online or by phone. Candidates must also purchase an exam voucher from Oracle University in order to take the exam. The cost of an exam voucher varies depending on the country in which you are taking the test.

11. SAP IBP for Demand Planning Certification

SAP IBP for Demand Planning Certification is a professional certification program offered by SAP that validates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of demand planning. This certification focuses on the use of SAP Integrated Business Planning (IBP) for Demand Planning, which enables companies to plan their demand more accurately, efficiently, and collaboratively. The certification covers topics such as forecasting, demand sensing, inventory optimization, supply network collaboration, and analytics.

To get certified in SAP IBP for Demand Planning, individuals must first complete a training course from an authorized SAP Education Partner. The duration of the training course varies depending on the partner but typically takes between five and seven days. After completing the training course, individuals must pass an exam administered by Pearson VUE. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and has a time limit of 180 minutes.

The cost of getting certified in SAP IBP for Demand Planning varies depending on the provider; however, it can range from $2,000 to $4,000 USD per person.

Do You Really Need a Demand Planning Manager Certificate?

Demand planning is a complex, ever-evolving field that requires specialized knowledge and skills. The demand planning manager certificate is designed to give you the necessary credentials to help you stand out in this highly competitive field.

The demand planning manager certificate is not essential to becoming a successful demand planner, however it can be beneficial for those who are serious about their career. Having a certification shows employers that you have dedicated time and effort into learning the fundamentals of demand planning and have the skills to successfully manage projects within this discipline. The certificate also serves as proof of your commitment to staying up-to-date on best practices in the industry and can provide valuable insight into how different companies approach demand planning.

In addition, having a certification can be beneficial if you are looking to advance your career or pursue higher-level positions. Many organizations prefer hiring candidates who have completed some form of professional development in order to demonstrate their dedication to the field and their ability to handle more complex tasks. A certification may also make you more marketable when applying for new positions or negotiating salary increases.

Ultimately, whether or not you decide to pursue a demand planning manager certificate depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you feel that it will add value to your current skill set, then it may be worth considering investing in one. However, if you are confident that your current knowledge base is sufficient enough for your needs then it may not be necessary at this point in time.

Related: Demand Planning Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Demand Planning Manager Certifications

1. What type of certification is available for Demand Planning Managers?

Answer: The most common type of certification for Demand Planning Managers is the Certified Demand Planning Professional (CDPP) certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS).

2. How long does it take to become a Certified Demand Planning Professional?

Answer: The CDPP certification process typically takes between four and six months to complete, including studying for and passing the final exam.

3. What topics are covered in the CDPP certification program?

Answer: The CDPP program focuses on topics such as forecasting techniques, demand planning processes, inventory optimization, managing customer relationships, supply chain management, and more.

4. What is the cost associated with obtaining a CDPP certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a CDPP certification varies depending on whether you choose to take an online or in-person course; however, it typically ranges from $1000-$3000 USD.

5. Is there any additional training required after obtaining a CDPP certification?

Answer: Yes, all certified professionals must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every three years in order to maintain their credential.