Top 11 Inventory Supervisor Certifications

Certifications are important for an inventory supervisor in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and expertise in the field. They provide potential employers with evidence that the applicant has taken the time to learn about inventory management and understand best practices. Certifications also give employers assurance that their candidate has a certain level of expertise, which can make them more attractive candidates. Finally, certifications can help an inventory supervisor stand out from other applicants and give them an edge in a competitive job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Inventory Supervisors and explains how they can contribute to an inventory supervisor's career by providing professional development and increased job opportunities.

What are Inventory Supervisor Certifications?

Inventory supervisor certification is a professional credential that recognizes an individual’s expertise in inventory management. This certification helps to validate the knowledge and experience of an inventory supervisor, and can lead to improved job opportunities and higher salaries.

This certification provides numerous benefits for inventory supervisors. It demonstrates an understanding of key concepts related to the field, such as inventory control systems, forecasting techniques, and material requirements planning. It also shows employers that the individual has a comprehensive understanding of how to manage inventories effectively. Additionally, this certification can help demonstrate an individual’s commitment to professional development and continuing education in the field of inventory management.

Having this certification can also give individuals a competitive edge when applying for jobs. Employers may view certified individuals as more qualified than those without the credential, and may be more likely to hire them over other candidates. Furthermore, having this certification may make it easier for certified individuals to qualify for promotions or raises within their current position or organization.

In short, obtaining inventory supervisor certification can provide numerous benefits that can help enhance career prospects and job opportunities.

Pro Tip: When considering an inventory supervisor certification, it is important to research the requirements and standards of the certifying organization. This will help you ensure that you are getting the best possible education and training for your career. Additionally, inquire about any continuing education requirements or other professional development opportunities that may be available to you through the certifying organization.

Related: What does an Inventory Supervisor do?

Top 11 Inventory Supervisor Certifications

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

1. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a certification program designed to provide professionals in the inventory management field with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in their roles. The CIM certification is offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS).

The CIM certification requires applicants to complete a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as inventory planning, control, systems, and analysis. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CIM certification, applicants must have at least two years of professional experience in inventory management or related fields. They must also demonstrate a commitment to continuing education by completing at least 30 hours of approved coursework within the past five years.

The cost of obtaining the CIM certification varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member. For members, the cost is $495 for the exam plus an additional $50 application fee. For non-members, it is $595 for the exam plus an additional $100 application fee.

Once you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive your official Certified Inventory Manager certificate from APICS within four weeks of completion.

2. Certified Professional Inventory Manager (CPIM)

Certified Professional Inventory Manager (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of inventory management knowledge and skills. The CPIM program consists of five courses covering topics such as supply chain management, inventory management, demand planning, production planning and control, and master scheduling.

It typically takes six to nine months to complete the CPIM program. To become certified, you must pass all five exams within three years of starting the program. You can take each exam individually or in groups of two or three at approved testing centers around the world.

The cost of the CPIM program varies depending on how you choose to take it. The full package includes all five courses and exams and costs $2,495 USD. Alternatively, you can purchase individual courses for $595 USD each or take an online self-study course for $295 USD.

In order to maintain your certification status, you must recertify every five years by earning continuing education credits through APICS-approved activities such as attending conferences or taking additional courses.

3. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of production and inventory management. CPIM certification is an internationally-recognized credential that validates a person's expertise in the field of operations management.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course must be completed before taking the final exam. The entire program typically takes between six months to one year to complete.

In order to get CPIM certified, you must first become a member of APICS and register for the CPIM program. After completing all five courses, you must take the final exam at an approved testing center. Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CPIM certification from APICS.

The cost for becoming CPIM certified varies depending on whether or not you are a member of APICS. For non-members, the cost is $1,495 USD plus applicable taxes; for members it is $995 USD plus applicable taxes.

4. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLA certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and proficiency in the field of logistics. It is intended to help employers identify qualified candidates for logistics positions, as well as provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field.

The CLA certification requires passing an exam which covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehouse operations, and customer service. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business or related fields.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the exam with AST&L and pay an application fee. Once registered, applicants will receive study materials from AST&L which should be used to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CLA certificate from AST&L.

The cost of the CLA certification varies depending on whether you are an AST&L member or non-member. For non-members, the cost is $225 USD; for members it is $175 USD.

5. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). The program is designed to help supply chain professionals gain the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage global supply chains. It covers topics such as customer service, inventory management, logistics, procurement, and more.

It usually takes about four months to complete the CSCP program and obtain certification. To get certified, you must first complete an online application form and pay a fee of $595 USD. You then need to pass the CSCP exam which consists of three parts: multiple-choice questions, case studies, and simulations. Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your certification.

The cost of the CSCP program varies depending on the type of membership you choose. ASCM offers several different membership levels that include discounts on training materials and exams as well as access to exclusive resources.

6. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of purchasing and supply management. The CPM credential demonstrates that an individual has met the highest standards of professional excellence in this field.

The CPM certification process consists of three steps: passing an exam, meeting experience requirements, and completing continuing education requirements. The exam is administered by ISM and covers topics such as purchasing principles, contract law, supplier relations, and logistics. To be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of full-time professional purchasing/supply management experience or equivalent education/training.

The cost for taking the CPM exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of ISM; members pay $395 while non-members pay $495. Once you pass the exam, you will need to complete two years of related work experience before you can become certified. Finally, you must complete at least 60 hours of continuing education every three years in order to maintain your certification status.

Overall, it can take up to four years from start to finish to get your CPM certification – but once achieved it will demonstrate your commitment to excellence in the field of purchasing and supply management.

7. Certified Material & Resource Professional (CMRP)

Certified Material & Resource Professional (CMRP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The CMRP credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of medical device materials and resources management.

The CMRP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, which are divided into four sections: Materials Management, Regulatory Affairs, Quality Assurance/Regulatory Compliance, and Resources Management. Candidates must pass all four sections in order to earn the CMRP credential.

In order to be eligible for the CMRP exam, candidates must have at least two years of experience in medical device materials and resources management or related fields. Additionally, applicants must submit an application form, pay an application fee, and provide proof of their educational background.

The CMRP exam takes approximately 4 hours to complete. After passing the exam, candidates will receive their official CMRP certificate within 6-8 weeks.

The cost to take the CMRP exam is $495 USD for AAMI members and $595 USD for non-members.

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

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is an industry-recognized credential that demonstrates mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the field of operations management. It is designed to help individuals develop their professional skills, increase their value to employers, and advance their career opportunities.

The APICS certification program consists of two levels: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The CPIM certification focuses on production and inventory control topics such as inventory management, forecasting, production planning, materials requirements planning, master scheduling, capacity planning, quality control, purchasing, warehouse management and more. The CSCP certification focuses on supply chain topics such as global sourcing strategies, supplier relationship management, customer service management and more.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to complete the APICS certification program. To get certified you must pass a series of exams for each level which are administered by APICS or its authorized testing centers. You can prepare for the exams by attending APICS courses or studying independently using self-study materials available from APICS.

The cost of the APICS certification program varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. The cost of attending an APICS course ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 depending on the length of the course. Self-study materials range from $300 - $600 depending on which material you choose. Additionally there is a fee for taking each exam which ranges from $200 - $400 per exam depending on your location.

9. International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certification

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certification is a program designed to recognize and promote excellence in the warehousing and logistics industry. The certification is based on a set of standards developed by IWLA, which are designed to ensure that warehouses and logistics companies meet the highest levels of quality, safety, and efficiency.

To become certified, a warehouse or logistics company must demonstrate that it meets IWLA’s standards for operations, personnel training, customer service, security measures, environmental protection, and other areas. The process typically takes six months or more to complete.

The cost of obtaining IWLA Certification depends on the size of the organization seeking certification. Generally speaking, smaller organizations may pay as little as $2,000 while larger ones may pay up to $10,000 or more. Additionally, there are fees associated with submitting an application for certification and any subsequent audits conducted by IWLA.

To get started with the process of becoming certified by IWLA, companies must first submit an application along with supporting documentation such as proof of insurance coverage and financial statements. Once approved by IWLA staff members, an audit will be conducted at the company's facilities to verify that all requirements have been met. After successful completion of the audit process, companies will receive their official certificate from IWLA.

10. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Certification

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) is a professional organization that provides certification for purchasing professionals in the public sector. The NIGP Certification Program is designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of excellence in public procurement practice. It provides a means for purchasers to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field, as well as their commitment to professional growth and development.

To be eligible for NIGP Certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time work experience in public procurement or related fields, plus a minimum of 30 hours of continuing education credits within the past five years. In addition, they must pass an exam administered by the NIGP.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To get started, applicants must first submit an application with all required documents, including proof of work experience and continuing education credits. Once approved, they will receive instructions on how to register for the exam and pay the associated fee ($250). After passing the exam, applicants will be officially certified as Certified Public Procurement Officers (CPPOs).

In addition to the initial application fee ($50), there is an annual maintenance fee of $150 due each year after certification is granted. This fee covers access to resources such as webinars and other educational materials provided by NIGP.

11. International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) Certification

The International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) Certification is a certification program designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the field of supply chain management. It is based on internationally recognized standards and best practices, and provides a comprehensive understanding of the entire supply chain process from demand planning to customer service.

To become certified, individuals must successfully complete a series of courses and exams. The courses cover topics such as supply chain strategy, logistics management, inventory control, procurement & sourcing, and quality assurance. Individuals must also pass an exam at the end of each course in order to receive their certification. The entire certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

In order to get ISCEA Certification, individuals must first register for the program through the ISCEA website. Once registered, they will be given access to all of the necessary materials and resources needed to complete their studies. Additionally, they will be assigned an instructor who will guide them through each step of the process.

The cost for ISCEA Certification varies depending on how many courses are taken and which exams are required for completion. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 USD for the full certification program.

Do You Really Need a Inventory Supervisor Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career goals. For some, having an Inventory Supervisor Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate can provide a professional with the knowledge and skills needed to ensure that inventory is managed efficiently and accurately. It can also provide them with an advantage when applying for jobs or promotions within their current organization.

Inventory supervisors are responsible for overseeing the daily operations of warehouses and other related facilities in order to ensure that stock levels are accurate and up-to-date, as well as ensuring that all relevant safety procedures are followed. Having a certificate in this field can help demonstrate to employers that the applicant has the necessary qualifications and experience to handle such responsibilities effectively.

On the other hand, some people may not need an Inventory Supervisor Certificate if they already have sufficient knowledge and experience in this area, or if they do not plan on seeking any type of promotion or advancement within their current organization. In such cases, it would likely be more beneficial for them to focus on honing their existing skills or acquiring additional ones in order to make themselves more marketable in the job market. Ultimately, only the individual can decide whether or not obtaining an Inventory Supervisor Certificate is right for them based on their own specific circumstances.

Related: Inventory Supervisor Resume Examples

FAQs About Inventory Supervisor Certifications

Q1: What is an Inventory Supervisor Certification?

A1: An Inventory Supervisor Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in managing inventory operations. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or educational institution after the successful completion of a program of study that covers topics such as inventory control, warehouse management, supply chain management, and logistics.

Q2: What are the requirements for obtaining an Inventory Supervisor Certification?

A2: Requirements vary depending on the certification provider, but typically include completion of coursework in inventory management and related topics, successful passing of an exam, and sometimes work experience.

Q3: How long does it take to get an Inventory Supervisor Certification?

A3: The time required to obtain a certification depends on the certification provider and the individual's prior experience and knowledge. Generally speaking, individuals should expect to spend at least several months studying for and completing the necessary requirements for certification.

Q4: Is there any financial assistance available for those seeking an Inventory Supervisor Certification?

A4: Yes, some organizations offer scholarships or other forms of financial aid to help offset the costs associated with obtaining a certification. It is best to contact your desired certification provider directly to inquire about any available financial assistance options.

Q5: Are there any continuing education requirements associated with maintaining an Inventory Supervisor Certification?

A5: Yes, most certifications require holders to complete continuing education courses or seminars in order to maintain their credentials. This helps ensure that certified professionals stay up-to-date on changes in inventory management practices and technologies.