Top 11 Inventory Associate Certifications

Certifications are important for an inventory associate in the job market because they provide a way to demonstrate knowledge and proficiency in the field. Certifications can also help to set a candidate apart from other applicants and show employers that they have taken the initiative to stay up-to-date on industry trends, best practices, and relevant skills. Additionally, certifications can increase an associate’s earning potential by demonstrating their qualifications and experience to employers. Finally, certifications provide a way for inventory associates to stay current with new technology and procedures in order to remain competitive in the ever-changing job market.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Inventory Associates and explain how they can help advance an inventory associate's career.

What are Inventory Associate Certifications?

Inventory Associate Certification is a certification program for individuals who are looking to gain knowledge in inventory management. This certification provides individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage the ordering, tracking, and stocking of inventory in an organization. With this certification, individuals can learn how to effectively manage inventory levels, increase accuracy in order fulfillment, reduce costs associated with overstocking or understocking items, and ensure that all customer orders are met in a timely manner.

The certification also helps individuals develop their problem-solving skills which can be applied to various aspects of inventory management including analyzing data trends, optimizing inventory levels based on customer demand, managing stock levels across multiple warehouses or stores, and implementing effective strategies for minimizing obsolete stock. Additionally, it provides professionals with the ability to identify areas of improvement within their organization’s inventory management process.

Overall, Inventory Associate Certification provides professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to become an asset to any organization’s inventory management team. With this certification, professionals can take their career to the next level by improving their abilities and understanding of the complexities related to managing organizational inventories.

Pro Tip: When considering an inventory associate certification, look for programs that provide hands-on training and experience in real-world scenarios. This will ensure you have the practical skills needed to be successful in the field.

Related: What does an Inventory Associate do?

Top 11 Inventory Associate Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Inventory Associates today.

1. Certified Inventory Management Professional (CIMP)

Certified Inventory Management Professional (CIMP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in inventory management. The CIMP certification provides recognition of an individual’s knowledge and expertise in inventory management, as well as their commitment to ongoing professional development.

To become certified, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Have a minimum of three years of experience in inventory management or related field;
• Have earned an APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) credential;
• Pass the CIMP examination.

The CIMP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as inventory forecasting, demand planning, supply chain optimization, and warehouse management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the CIMP certification program varies depending on your membership status with APICS. For non-members, the cost is $1,295 USD; for members, it is $995 USD.

2. Certified Professional Inventory Manager (CPIM)

Certified Professional Inventory Manager (CPIM) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM designation is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of inventory management and supply chain processes.

The CPIM program consists of two exams, Basics of Supply Chain Management and Master Planning of Resources. Both exams must be passed to earn the CPIM designation. The Basics exam covers topics such as demand planning, inventory management, procurement and supplier planning, material requirements planning, and distribution requirements planning. The Master Planning exam covers topics such as capacity requirements planning, master scheduling, forecasting, performance measurements, and project management.

To get the CPIM designation you must complete an application form and submit it to APICS along with payment for the exams. You must also pass both exams within three years of submitting your application in order to receive the CPIM designation.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on whether or not you are a member of APICS. Non-members pay $695 for each exam while members pay $595 per exam. There is also an additional fee for taking the exams at a testing center ($50 per exam).

3. Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS)

A Certified Inventory Specialist (CIS) is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s expertise in inventory management. It is awarded by the Institute of Certified Inventory Specialists (ICIS), which offers training and certification programs for inventory professionals. The CIS credential is designed to give employers assurance that their inventory specialists have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to effectively manage their inventories.

To become a CIS, applicants must complete the ICIS Certification Program, which consists of four courses: Inventory Management Basics, Advanced Inventory Management, Inventory Control Strategies, and Professional Practices & Ethics. Each course takes approximately 8-10 hours to complete and can be taken online or in person.

The cost of the program varies depending on how many courses are taken at once. For example, if all four courses are taken at once it will cost $1,495 USD; however, if only one course is taken at a time it will cost $395 USD per course. After completing the program and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, applicants will receive their CIS credential within 2-3 weeks.

4. Certified Supply Chain Inventory Management (CSCIM)

Certified Supply Chain Inventory Management (CSCIM) is a professional certification program designed to help supply chain professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in inventory management. The program covers topics such as inventory planning, forecasting, replenishment, and optimization. It also provides an understanding of the different types of inventory systems available and how to implement them effectively.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam that covers the topics outlined in the CSCIM curriculum. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions as well as written assignments. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. Depending on the individual’s experience, it typically takes between one and three months to prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CSCIM exam varies depending on where it is taken and whether or not any additional materials are required. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $200 - $400 USD.

In order to become certified, individuals must have at least two years of experience in supply chain management or related fields such as logistics or operations management. They must also have completed a minimum of six college credits in supply chain management or related fields within the past five years.

5. Certified Logistics, Inventory and Materials Manager (CLIMM)

Certified Logistics, Inventory and Materials Manager (CLIMM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of expertise in logistics, inventory and materials management. The CLIMM is one of the most respected certifications in the field of supply chain management.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory control systems, supply chain management, purchasing principles and practices, transportation and distribution systems, warehousing operations and materials handling. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and can take up to three hours to complete. Applicants must also have at least two years of experience in logistics or related fields.

The cost for the CLIMM certification exam varies depending on the country you are located in but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD. After successfully passing the exam, applicants will receive their certification within 4-6 weeks.

Overall, obtaining a CLIMM certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in logistics, inventory and materials management. It is an important credential for those looking to advance their careers in this field or demonstrate their knowledge to employers.

6. Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPICM)

Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPICM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to help professionals in the production and inventory control field gain the skills, knowledge, and credentials needed to become successful in their roles.

The CPICM certification program consists of three levels: Certified Production and Inventory Control Professional (CPICP), Certified Production and Inventory Control Manager (CPICM), and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The CPICM level is the highest level of certification that can be achieved within the APICS program.

In order to become certified at the CPICM level, applicants must have at least five years of experience in production and inventory control management, as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, materials management, production planning and scheduling, quality control, inventory control systems, cost analysis techniques, forecasting methods, master scheduling techniques, capacity planning processes, project management principles, safety regulations and standards.

The CPICM certification process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The cost of the program depends on several factors including the type of course selected (online or classroom-based) and any additional materials purchased. In general, it costs around $1,000-$2,500 for all three levels of certification.

7. Certified Warehouse & Distribution Professional (CWDP)

Certified Warehouse & Distribution Professional (CWDP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of warehouse and distribution operations. The CWDP credential is awarded by the Warehousing Education and Research Council (WERC), an international non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the warehousing industry through research, education, and standards development.

The CWDP certification consists of a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as inventory management, safety, warehouse design, logistics, customer service, and more. It takes approximately 5 hours to complete the exam. To be eligible for the CWDP certification, applicants must have at least three years of professional experience in warehouse or distribution operations.

To obtain the CWDP certification, applicants must first register with WERC and pay an application fee of $275 USD. After registering, applicants can then purchase study materials from WERC which will help them prepare for the exam. Once they are ready to take the exam, they can schedule it online through WERC’s website. The cost of taking the exam is $450 USD. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their official CWDP certificate from WERC.

8. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional designation offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is the only supply chain certification that encompasses the entire global supply chain from end to end. The CSCP program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage global supply chain activities, including those related to customer relations, operations, sourcing, manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.

It takes approximately 3-6 months of preparation time to complete the CSCP certification process. In order to be eligible for the CSCP exam, you must have at least three years of related business experience or a bachelor’s degree plus two years of related business experience.

To get certified as a CSCP, you must first register for the exam with APICS. You will then need to purchase an APICS study guide and take an online tutorial in order to prepare for the exam. Once you have successfully completed all of these steps, you can then schedule your exam date and location through Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost of becoming a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) varies depending on what type of package you purchase from APICS. The basic package includes access to online tutorials and practice exams which costs $695 USD. There are also packages available which include additional materials such as textbooks or instructor-led courses which can range in price from $995-$1,495 USD depending on what is included in each package.

9. APICS CPIM - Basics of Supply Chain Management

APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to understand and manage the supply chain from end-to-end. It covers topics such as demand planning, inventory management, master scheduling, material requirements planning, capacity planning, procurement and supplier relationship management, and quality control.

Completion of the CPIM certification requires passing five exams. The exams are: Basics of Supply Chain Management; Master Planning of Resources; Detailed Scheduling and Planning; Execution and Control of Operations; Strategic Management of Resources. Each exam takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of taking all five exams is approximately $1,500 USD (including registration fees). Additionally, APICS offers study materials that can be purchased separately for each exam. These materials include textbooks, online courses, practice exams and more.

To get your CPIM certification you must first register with APICS and pass all five exams within three years. Once you have passed all five exams you will receive your certificate from APICS.

10. APICS CPIM - Master Planning of Resources

APICS CPIM Master Planning of Resources (MPR) is a comprehensive certification program designed to help professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively plan, source, and manage resources within an organization. The program covers topics such as demand management, inventory planning, supplier relationship management, capacity planning, and materials requirements planning. It also provides guidance on how to use technology to improve resource management.

The APICS CPIM MPR certification consists of two exams: Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM) and Master Planning of Resources (MPR). To earn the certification, candidates must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. The BSCM exam covers topics such as supply chain fundamentals, operations processes and strategies, customer service principles, and supply chain performance metrics. The MPR exam focuses on topics such as demand forecasting techniques, inventory optimization models, capacity planning methods, sourcing strategies for suppliers, and materials requirements planning principles.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the APICS CPIM MPR certification exams. Candidates should complete self-study courses or attend instructor-led classes to prepare for the exams. Additionally, they should practice taking sample tests to become familiar with the format and content of the actual exams.

The cost of earning the APICS CPIM MPR certification varies depending on where you take your courses or buy your study materials from. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 for all course fees and materials associated with earning this certification.

11. APICS CPIM - Execution and Control of Operations

APICS CPIM – Execution and Control of Operations is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to help individuals develop their understanding of operations management, including the planning, execution, and control of operations. The program covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory management, materials requirements planning, production activity control, quality assurance, and more.

The APICS CPIM – Execution and Control of Operations certification requires successful completion of two exams: the Basics of Supply Chain Management exam and the Master Planning of Resources exam. The Basics of Supply Chain Management exam covers topics such as supply chain processes, customer service strategies, inventory management techniques, and more. The Master Planning of Resources exam focuses on topics such as capacity planning, scheduling techniques, master production scheduling principles, and more.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to complete both exams depending on how much time an individual can dedicate to studying for them. To get started with the APICS CPIM – Execution and Control of Operations certification program an individual must first become a member of APICS. Membership fees vary depending on whether you are an individual or a corporate member. After becoming a member you will need to purchase study materials which range in price from $300-$500 USD. Finally you will need to register for and take both exams which cost $275 USD each.

In total it can cost anywhere from $875-$1175 USD to get the APICS CPIM – Execution and Control of Operations certification depending on membership fees and study materials purchased.

Do You Really Need a Inventory Associate Certificate?

Whether or not you need an inventory associate certificate depends on your specific career goals. For some people, the certificate may be necessary in order to get a job in inventory management or to advance in their current position. For others, it may not be essential but could still provide valuable knowledge and skills that would be beneficial to their career.

Inventory associate certificates are offered by many colleges and universities as well as professional organizations. They typically cover topics such as inventory control, supply chain management, data analysis, and customer service. The courses provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how to manage inventory effectively and efficiently.

The certificate can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the field. It can also help you develop important skills that are needed for success in this field, such as problem-solving and communication skills. In addition, it can give you a competitive edge when applying for promotions or other positions within the company.

At the end of the day, whether or not you need an inventory associate certificate is up to you. If you think it will help further your career goals then it may be worth pursuing. However, make sure to do your research and explore all of your options before making a decision so that you make the best choice for your future.

Related: Inventory Associate Resume Examples

FAQs About Inventory Associate Certifications

1. What is an inventory associate certification?

Answer: An inventory associate certification is a type of training program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to work as an inventory associate in retail or manufacturing settings. This type of certification usually covers topics such as stock control, inventory tracking, product ordering, and customer service.

2. What qualifications do I need to become an inventory associate?

Answer: To become an inventory associate, you typically need at least a high school diploma or GED, although some employers may prefer candidates who have completed college courses related to business or accounting. Additionally, experience working in a warehouse or retail setting can be beneficial for this role.

3. How long does it take to get certified as an inventory associate?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to become certified as an inventory associate varies depending on the specific certification program you choose and your level of prior experience. Generally, certification programs range from one day to six months in duration.

4. What are the benefits of being an inventory associate?

Answer: Being an inventory associate offers numerous benefits including job stability, learning new skills and gaining valuable experience in a professional environment. Additionally, many employers offer competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement within their companies.

5. Are there any online courses available for becoming an inventory associate?

Answer: Yes! There are several online courses available that teach the skills necessary to become an inventory associate. These courses typically cover topics such as stock control, product ordering, customer service, and more.