Top 10 Inventory Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for an inventory coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers want in their employees. They also show potential employers that the candidate is serious about their career and has taken the necessary steps to increase their skills and stay up-to-date on industry standards. Certifications can be used to validate a candidate’s knowledge and experience, helping them stand out from other applicants. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities, as employers may be more likely to hire someone who has received formal training in inventory coordination.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Inventory Coordinators and how they can help enhance their career prospects.

What are Inventory Coordinator Certifications?

Inventory Coordinator Certification is a professional designation awarded by the American Purchasing Society (APS). This certification demonstrates to employers that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to effectively manage inventory in any organization. The Inventory Coordinator Certification program provides professionals with the required education and training to become proficient in inventory management techniques, systems, and processes.

The certification program helps professionals gain an understanding of the concepts behind inventory control and its importance to an organization’s success. It also teaches them how to effectively plan for inventory needs, develop strategies for managing supplies, assess supplier performance, and ensure accuracy of data. With this knowledge, professionals can better understand the complexities of inventory management and utilize their newfound expertise to help their organizations achieve maximum efficiency.

In addition to gaining a deeper understanding of inventory control principles, those who obtain Inventory Coordinator Certification are able to demonstrate their commitment to excellence in the field of supply chain management. This recognition can open up new job opportunities or provide a competitive advantage when applying for higher-level positions within existing organizations. Ultimately, obtaining such a certification will allow individuals to be better prepared for long-term success in their chosen industry.

Pro Tip: When considering inventory coordinator certification, make sure to research the requirements for each individual program. Different certifications may require different levels of experience and education, so it is important to select the one that best meets your current career goals.

Related: What does an Inventory Coordinator do?

Top 10 Inventory Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals who manage inventory in an organization. It is offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CIM certification validates a person’s understanding of inventory management principles, techniques, and best practices.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the CIM program. To become eligible for the CIM certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in inventory management or related fields. Additionally, applicants must pass two exams: one on fundamentals of inventory management and another on advanced topics in inventory management.

The cost to obtain the CIM certification varies depending on the type of membership you choose with APICS. For non-members, it costs $1,200 for both exams and study materials; for members, it costs $900 for both exams and study materials.

2. Certified Professional Inventory Manager (CPIM)

Certified Professional Inventory Manager (CPIM) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to give professionals the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage inventory in an organization. CPIM certification is widely recognized as the industry standard for inventory management.

The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as demand forecasting, master scheduling, production planning, inventory control, and material requirements planning. To become certified, individuals must pass all five exams with a score of 70% or higher. It typically takes three to six months to complete the program and earn the certification.

To get started with CPIM certification, individuals must first register online through APICS’ website. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or not; non-members pay $1,200 while members pay $995. Once registered, individuals can purchase study materials and access practice exams from APICS to help them prepare for the tests.

3. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage production and inventory processes. The CPIM program consists of two parts: Part 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management, and Part 2: Master Planning of Resources.

The CPIM program takes approximately six months to complete, depending on how much time you can devote to studying. To get started, you must first register for the exam. You can do this online or through your local APICS chapter. Once registered, you will receive an APICS study guide containing all the material that you need to prepare for the exam.

The cost of taking the CPIM exam varies depending on which part you are taking and whether or not you are a member of APICS. For non-members, Part 1 costs $495 USD and Part 2 costs $595 USD. For members, Part 1 costs $395 USD and Part 2 costs $495 USD.

In addition to passing both parts of the CPIM exam, candidates must also have at least three years of professional experience in production and inventory management in order to be certified as a CPIM professional.

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an advanced-level certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge of supply chain professionals in areas such as global supply chain management, customer relations, inventory and warehouse management, transportation and logistics, and more. The CSCP program is recognized worldwide as the standard for excellence in supply chain education.

The CSCP certification requires a minimum of three years of professional experience in a related field or a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Candidates must also complete a comprehensive online course and pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design, planning, execution, monitoring and control. The course typically takes about 18 months to complete.

To get certified as a CSCP, candidates must first register with ASCM and pay the registration fee. After registering, they will be given access to the online course materials which include videos, readings, quizzes and exams. Once they have completed all of the required coursework and passed the final exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their official CSCP certificate from ASCM.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSCP varies depending on where you live and if you are already an ASCM member or not. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 to $2,000 USD.

5. Certified Warehouse Manager (CWM)

Certified Warehouse Manager (CWM) is a professional certification designed to recognize individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a warehouse. This certification is offered by the International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA). It is designed for professionals in the field of warehousing, logistics, and supply chain management.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CWM program, depending on the individual's prior experience and level of commitment. To become certified, candidates must first pass an exam that covers topics such as inventory control systems, safety practices, customer service, and more. Once they have passed the exam, they must also demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a series of practical assessments.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on the provider; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. Additionally, some providers may require additional fees for materials or other services associated with obtaining certification.

Overall, becoming a Certified Warehouse Manager can help individuals gain recognition in their field and demonstrate their expertise in managing warehouses. It can also open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries.

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

APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the logistics, transportation and distribution fields. The CLTD certification provides professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage the global supply chain.

The CLTD certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as transportation management, warehousing operations, inventory management, international trade, materials handling and customer service. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

To become certified, candidates must first register for the exam through the APICS website. After registering for the exam, candidates must pay an application fee of $695 USD. Candidates can then begin studying for the exam using study materials available from APICS or other sources.

Once candidates are ready to take the exam, they may register for a testing window at an approved testing center. It typically takes two to four months from registration to taking the exam depending on availability of testing centers and scheduling conflicts.

The APICS CLTD certification is valid for three years from the date it was earned. To maintain their certification status after this period has expired, certified individuals must complete 75 professional development points (PDPs). These PDPs can be earned through attending conferences or workshops related to logistics and supply chain management or by completing online courses offered by APICS or other organizations.

7. International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certification

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certification is an industry-leading certification program that verifies the quality and safety of warehouse logistics operations. It is designed to ensure that warehouses are compliant with IWLA standards, which include best practices in areas such as inventory management, customer service, and safety.

To get certified by IWLA, a warehouse must first submit an application and pay a fee. After the application is approved, the warehouse will be required to complete an on-site audit conducted by an independent third party auditor. The audit will cover topics such as facility layout, storage systems, security measures, personnel training and qualifications, and safety protocols. After the audit is completed successfully, the warehouse will receive its IWLA Certification.

The process typically takes 4-6 weeks from start to finish. The cost of certification varies depending on the size of the warehouse and other factors but can range from $500-$2,000 USD.

8. National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) Certification

The National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of public sector purchasing professionals. It is a voluntary certification that provides recognition for individuals who have demonstrated a commitment to excellence in their profession.

In order to become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. Eligibility requirements include having at least three years of full-time public sector purchasing experience, or two years of full-time public sector purchasing experience plus a Bachelor’s degree in business or related field.

The NIGP Certification Exam consists of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as procurement regulations, contract administration, supplier relations, budgeting and finance, and more. The exam can be taken online or at a testing center. The cost for the exam is $450 USD.

The entire process from application to certification can take up to six months depending on the individual's circumstances. Once an individual has passed the exam and met all other requirements, they will be awarded the NIGP Certified Professional designation. This certification is valid for three years before it must be renewed by taking additional courses or retaking the exam.

9. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is a professional association that provides education and certification in the field of supply chain management. The APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

The CPIM program consists of two exams, each taking approximately four hours to complete. The first exam covers core concepts such as demand management, production planning, inventory control, and total quality management. The second exam covers advanced topics such as strategic management of resources, enterprise resource planning systems, international supply chain management, and operations performance measurement.

To obtain the CPIM certification, individuals must successfully pass both exams within a five-year period. Candidates must also have at least three years of related work experience or one year of related work experience plus a college degree or equivalent.

In order to prepare for the CPIM exams, candidates can take advantage of self-study courses offered by APICS or attend instructor-led classes at local chapters. Additionally, there are online practice tests available to help prepare for the exams.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on which study materials you choose to purchase. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $500-$1000 for all required materials including books and practice tests.

10. American Society for Quality (ASQ) Supply Chain Management Professional Certification

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) Supply Chain Management Professional Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the principles and practices of supply chain management. It is a globally recognized standard that validates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field.

To obtain the ASQ Supply Chain Management Professional Certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as supply chain design, planning, execution, and performance measurement. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is administered at Pearson VUE testing centers around the world.

In order to be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least five years of full-time work experience in supply chain management or related fields, with at least two years in a managerial role. Applicants must also have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university.

The cost of obtaining the ASQ Supply Chain Management Professional Certification is $495 USD for members of ASQ and $595 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to study materials, practice exams, and one attempt at the certification exam.

Do You Really Need a Inventory Coordinator Certificate?

No, you do not need an inventory coordinator certificate in order to work as an inventory coordinator. While having a certificate may give you an advantage over other applicants and may increase your chances of getting hired, it is not necessary for the job. Employers typically look for candidates with experience or a combination of knowledge and skills related to the job.

Inventory coordinators are responsible for managing and maintaining accurate records of inventory, ensuring that stock levels are maintained and tracked appropriately, and coordinating the movement of goods from one place to another. To be successful in this role, you must have excellent organizational skills, strong attention to detail, and be able to work well with others. You should also possess basic computer skills such as Microsoft Office Suite proficiency.

If you are serious about pursuing a career as an inventory coordinator, obtaining a certificate can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and gain potential employers’ trust in your abilities. However, if you already have the necessary knowledge and experience that employers are looking for in their ideal candidate, then having a certificate may not be necessary.

Related: Inventory Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Inventory Coordinator Certifications

1. What is an Inventory Coordinator Certification?

An Inventory Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and experience in inventory management and control, as well as related topics such as stockroom organization, inventory tracking systems, quality control, and safety.

2. What are the benefits of becoming an Inventory Coordinator Certified?

The primary benefit of achieving an Inventory Coordinator Certification is the recognition it provides from employers and other professionals in the field. It also demonstrates to employers that you have achieved a level of proficiency in inventory management and control that has been validated by an independent organization.

3. How do I become certified as an Inventory Coordinator?

In order to become certified as an Inventory Coordinator, you must complete the required training program offered through a recognized certification body or educational institution. The program may include online coursework, on-the-job training, or both. Once you have completed the program, you will need to pass a final exam in order to receive your certification.

4. How long does it take to become certified?

The length of time required to achieve certification depends on the type of program you choose and how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for the final exam. Generally speaking, most programs can be completed within two years or less.

5. Are there any prerequisites for becoming certified?

Yes, there are some prerequisites for becoming certified as an Inventory Coordinator. These may include having certain levels of education or experience in inventory management and control, passing background checks or drug screenings, and completing any necessary safety or ethics courses prior to taking the final exam.