Top 11 Logistician Certifications

Certifications are important for logisticians in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and specialized knowledge that employers value. Certified logisticians are seen as more knowledgeable and reliable, which makes them more attractive to employers. Certifications also provide recognition for those who work in the field, allowing them to stand out from their peers. Additionally, certifications can lead to higher salaries, better job opportunities, and increased career advancement. By obtaining certifications, logisticians can increase their chances of success in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Logisticians and explains how they can help to advance a logistician's career.

What are Logistician Certifications?

Logistician certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and related fields. This certification can help professionals stand out from the competition and show potential employers that they have the knowledge and experience necessary to succeed in the field. Logistician certification also provides practitioners with access to exclusive job opportunities, advanced training courses, and expanded career options. This certification can be obtained through an accredited program or organization that offers specialized courses in logistics and supply chain management. By obtaining logistician certification, professionals may benefit from increased job security, better pay rates, improved networking opportunities, and greater recognition within their industry.

Pro Tip: Before applying for a logistician certification, take the time to research what certifications are available and which one is best suited for your career goals. Additionally, make sure to look into any prerequisites that may be required and ensure that you have met them before submitting an application.

Related: What does a Logistician do?

Top 11 Logistician Certifications

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

1. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLA credential is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of logistics, supply chain management, and transportation.

The CLA certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as logistics management, customer service, inventory control, transportation operations, global logistics, and other related topics. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

To become certified as a CLA, applicants must meet the following requirements: be at least 18 years old; possess a high school diploma or equivalent; have at least one year of work experience in the field of logistics or supply chain management; have completed at least 12 hours of continuing education in the field; and pass the CLA exam.

The cost for taking the CLA exam is $295 USD. This fee includes access to an online study guide that provides information about the topics covered on the test. Additionally, there are several prep courses available for purchase that can help candidates prepare for their exams.

Once an applicant has passed their exam and met all other requirements, they will receive their official certificate from AST&L. This certificate will serve as proof that they have successfully completed their certification process and are now officially recognized as a Certified Logistics Associate (CLA).

2. Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is a certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLT certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the logistics field. It is intended to provide employers with a means of verifying that their employees are knowledgeable and experienced in the logistics field.

The CLT certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, warehousing, transportation, customer service, and other related areas. The exam consists of 80 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. To become certified, applicants must score at least 70% on the exam.

It typically takes four to six weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam. Applicants will receive an official certificate from AST&L upon successful completion of the exam. The cost of the CLT certification is $250 USD plus applicable taxes and fees.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program developed by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize supply chain professionals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and skills in the field of supply chain management. The CSCP program provides a comprehensive approach to supply chain management, covering topics such as customer relationship management, global logistics, inventory and warehouse management, production planning and control, sourcing and procurement, transportation and distribution, and more.

To obtain the CSCP credential, an individual must complete a three-part exam that covers all aspects of the supply chain. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies. The exam typically takes between four to six hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CSCP exam, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in supply chain management or related fields. Applicants must also meet certain educational requirements; either a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or three years of professional experience in a related field plus one year of college-level coursework in business or supply chain management. Additionally, applicants must complete an online application form and pay an application fee before taking the exam.

The cost of obtaining the CSCP credential varies depending on whether you take the exam through ASCM or through a third-party provider such as Prometric or Pearson VUE. Through ASCM, the cost is $695 for members and $995 for nonmembers. Through third-party providers, it costs $750-$800 for members and $1125-$1200 for nonmembers.

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

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is a professional organization that offers certification programs for supply chain and operations management professionals. The APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program is the most widely recognized certification in the field, and it provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization.

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, Strategic Management of Resources. Each course must be completed before taking the exam for that course. The entire program can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years to complete depending on how quickly you complete each course.

To get certified, you must pass all five exams within a three-year period. Exams are administered through Pearson VUE testing centers or online through APICS’s virtual proctoring service. To register for an exam, you must first become a member of APICS by paying an annual membership fee which ranges from $150-$400 depending on your level of membership. After registering for an exam, you will need to pay a separate fee which ranges from $195-$295 per exam depending on your membership status.

In total, it could cost anywhere from $1125-$2075 to get certified in the CPIM program depending on your membership status and how quickly you complete each course.

5. International Society of Logistics (SOLE) Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)

The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in the logistics field. The CPL certification is designed for those who want to demonstrate their commitment to the profession and gain recognition from peers, employers, and customers.

To become a SOLE CPL, an individual must complete an application process that includes passing a comprehensive written exam. This exam covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing operations, customer service and quality assurance. The exam is administered by SOLE’s partner organization, the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP).

It typically takes between four to six months to prepare for the CPL exam. Preparation can include self-study using textbooks or online courses, attending seminars or workshops on logistics topics, and participating in study groups with other candidates.

The cost of becoming a SOLE CPL varies depending on the preparation resources used. The cost for taking the exam is $395 for members of SOLE or CSCMP and $495 for non-members. In addition to this fee, there may be additional costs associated with purchasing textbooks or enrolling in online courses.

Once an individual has passed the exam they will receive their official certificate from SOLE along with a digital badge that can be used on resumes and other professional documents.

6. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved the highest level of knowledge and expertise in the field of supply management. The program is designed to provide professionals with the necessary skills and competencies to become successful supply chain leaders.

In order to become a CPSM, candidates must complete three levels of coursework and pass an exam. The first level consists of two courses, Introduction to Supply Chain Management and Principles of Supply Chain Management. The second level requires completion of four courses: Advanced Concepts in Supply Chain Management, Negotiation Strategies in Supply Chain Management, Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management, and Global Sourcing Strategies. Finally, the third level includes two courses: Leadership Development in Supply Chain Management and Project Management in Supply Chain Management.

It typically takes around 18-24 months to complete all three levels of coursework required for the CPSM certification. Candidates may choose to take each course individually or enroll in an online program that offers all three levels at once.

The cost of obtaining the CPSM certification varies depending on which route you choose. If you decide to take each course individually, it will likely cost around $2,500-$3,000 total. Alternatively, if you enroll in an online program that offers all three levels at once, it will likely cost around $4,000-$5,000 total.

7. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM)

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery in the field of supply chain management. The CSCM is one of the most highly sought after certifications in the industry, and it is recognized as a mark of excellence by employers.

To obtain the CSCM, candidates must pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, operations, logistics, procurement, inventory management and customer service. The exam consists of multiple choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete. Candidates must also have at least five years of experience in supply chain management or related fields to be eligible for the certification.

The cost to take the CSCM exam varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, it costs around $400-$500 USD to take the exam. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and obtaining study materials.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CSCM certificate from CSCMP. This certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years by taking continuing education courses or attending conferences related to supply chain management.

8. Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP®)

The Project Management Professional (PMP®) is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It is the most globally recognized and respected project management certification in the world. The PMP® certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience to successfully lead and direct projects.

To become PMP® certified, an individual must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have either a secondary degree (high school diploma, associate’s degree or global equivalent) with at least five years of project management experience, with 7,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education; or a four-year degree with at least three years of project management experience, with 4,500 hours leading and directing projects and 35 hours of project management education.

Once an individual has met the eligibility requirements they can apply to take the PMP® exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions which must be completed within four hours. The cost of taking the exam is $555 for PMI members and $405 for non-members.

Once an individual passes the exam they will receive their official PMP® certification from PMI. This certification is valid for three years after which it must be renewed by completing 60 professional development units (PDUs).

9. American Society for Quality’s Six Sigma Green Belt and Black Belt Certifications

The American Society for Quality (ASQ) offers two levels of Six Sigma certification: Green Belt and Black Belt. The Green Belt certification is designed to provide an understanding of the core principles of Six Sigma, while the Black Belt certification is intended to demonstrate mastery of the methodology.

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification: A Six Sigma Green Belt is a professional who has a thorough understanding of the core principles and tools used in Six Sigma projects. This certification typically takes 4-6 months to complete, depending on the individual’s prior knowledge and experience. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The cost for the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken, but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD.

Six Sigma Black Belt Certification: A Six Sigma Black Belt is a professional with advanced knowledge and skills in applying Six Sigma methodology to improve processes and reduce waste. This certification typically takes 8-12 months to complete, depending on the individual’s prior knowledge and experience. To obtain this certification, individuals must pass an exam administered by ASQ. The cost for the exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken, but generally ranges from $700-$1,000 USD.

In addition to passing an exam, both certifications require that individuals have practical experience working on Six Sigma projects or leading teams in order to be eligible for certification.

10. International Warehouse Logistics Association’s Certified Warehouse Logistics Professional

The International Warehouse Logistics Association’s (IWLA) Certified Warehouse Logistics Professional (CWLP) program is a comprehensive certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate an advanced level of knowledge and expertise in warehouse logistics. The CWLP designation is awarded to those who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies required for successful warehouse logistics management.

The CWLP certification process involves completing an online application, passing a written exam, and completing an oral interview. It typically takes about two months to complete the entire process from start to finish.

To get started, applicants must submit an online application form that includes information about their professional experience, education, and qualifications. Once the application is approved, applicants will be sent a link to take the written exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as inventory control, safety procedures, and supply chain management. Applicants must score at least 70% on the exam in order to move on to the next step in the process – the oral interview. The interview is conducted by IWLA-certified professionals and covers topics such as customer service, problem solving, and communication skills.

The cost of becoming certified as a CWLP depends on several factors including whether or not you are already a member of IWLA. For non-members, there is an initial fee of $200 plus additional fees for each step in the certification process (application fee: $50; written exam fee: $100; oral interview fee: $50). For members of IWLA, there is only a one-time fee of $200 for all steps in the certification process.

11. Transportation Intermediaries Association’s Certified Transportation Broker

The Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) Certified Transportation Broker (CTB) program is a professional certification program that provides recognition to experienced transportation brokers who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and commitment to the industry. The CTB designation is recognized by shippers, carriers, and other intermediaries as a mark of excellence in the field of transportation brokering.

The CTB program requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in the transportation industry and pass an exam administered by TIA. The exam covers topics such as freight rate negotiation, customer service, load planning and optimization, compliance with regulations, and financial management. It typically takes about two months for applicants to complete the application process and take the exam.

To become certified, applicants must submit an application form along with supporting documents such as proof of experience in the industry, references from employers or customers, and payment for processing fees. The processing fee is $250 for TIA members or $450 for non-members. After submitting the application form and paying the processing fee, applicants will receive instructions on how to take the exam online. Once they pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will be awarded their CTB designation.

Do You Really Need a Logistician Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your particular circumstances and situation. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to pursue a Logistician Certificate is a personal one that should be based on an individual's career goals and objectives.

For those who are just entering the logistics field, a Logistician Certificate can provide an invaluable foundation of knowledge and skills that will help them succeed in the profession. It can also demonstrate the seriousness of commitment to employers, which can lead to better job opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, many organizations require logisticians to have certification before they will consider them for employment.

On the other hand, for experienced logisticians who already have significant experience in the field, a Logistician Certificate may not be necessary as they may already possess all of the necessary skills and knowledge required for success. In such cases, it may be more beneficial for individuals to focus their time and energy on continuing education activities that are pertinent to their current job duties or expanding their network of professional contacts.

In conclusion, when deciding whether or not to pursue a Logistician Certificate, individuals should consider their own career goals and objectives as well as the requirements of potential employers. This will help ensure that they make an informed decision that is best suited for their situation.

Related: Logistician Resume Examples

FAQs About Logistician Certifications

Q1: What is a Logistician Certification?

A1: Logistician certifications are professional credentials offered by organizations such as the International Society of Logistics (SOLE) and the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L). These certifications recognize individuals who have met certain educational and professional qualifications in the field of logistics. They provide a way to demonstrate expertise and give employers an indication of an individual’s level of knowledge and experience.

Q2: How do I become certified as a Logistician?

A2: Requirements for certification vary depending on the organization offering the credential. Generally, candidates must meet minimum education requirements, have at least two years of relevant work experience, pass an examination, and submit a completed application package.

Q3: What are the benefits of becoming a certified Logistician?

A3: Becoming certified as a logistician provides numerous benefits, including increased job security, higher salaries, better career opportunities, improved credibility among peers and employers, and greater access to continuing education programs. It also demonstrates your commitment to excellence in your field.

Q4: What types of jobs can I get with a Logistician Certification?

A4: A logistician certification can open up many different types of job opportunities in logistics management, supply chain management, transportation management, inventory control, procurement and contract management. Certified logisticians can also find employment in government agencies or private companies that specialize in logistics services.

Q5: How long does it take to become certified as a Logistician?

A5: The length of time it takes to become certified depends on several factors such as the type of certification you are seeking and how much experience you have in the field. Generally speaking it could take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years or more depending on these factors.