Top 11 Logistics Analyst Certifications

Certifications are important for a logistics analyst in the job market because they show employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skill set to effectively perform the job. Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that a logistics analyst is competent, reliable, and has a thorough understanding of industry best practices. They also show employers that the individual is committed to their professional development, which can be very attractive in an increasingly competitive job market. Additionally, certifications can open up more career opportunities as they often provide access to exclusive networks, resources, and job postings.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Logistics Analysts and explain how they can help further a career in logistics analysis.

What are Logistics Analyst Certifications?

Logistics analyst certification is a professional credential that provides recognition of an individual's knowledge and skills in the field of logistics management. Logistics analysts are responsible for overseeing the efficient and cost-effective transportation, storage, and distribution of goods, services, and materials. This certification indicates to employers that an individual has the necessary qualifications to perform these duties.

Logistics analyst certification can help individuals gain access to better job opportunities within the logistics industry. It also demonstrates their commitment to professional development and ongoing education in the field. Additionally, it can be beneficial for those who wish to advance their careers by demonstrating their expertise in areas such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation planning, customer service operations, and data analysis.

By obtaining this certification, individuals may have access to higher salaries as well as more comprehensive benefits packages due to their enhanced qualifications. Furthermore, having a logistics analyst certification can provide individuals with greater job security since they will be able to demonstrate their knowledge of current trends and technologies in the industry. Lastly, it can give them an edge when competing for promotions or higher positions within the organization since they will have a proven track record of success in managing complex logistics operations.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research different logistics analyst certifications thoroughly before deciding on one. Certification requirements, fees and the length of time needed to complete the certification process vary from organization to organization, so it is important to understand what each certification entails before committing. Additionally, some certifications may require additional continuing education after completion in order to stay up-to-date with industry trends and best practices.

Related: What does a Logistics Analyst do?

Top 11 Logistics Analyst Certifications

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

1. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)

Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of logistics. The CLA certification is intended to demonstrate that an individual has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform effectively in a logistics position.

The CLA exam consists of two parts: Part I covers general logistics topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation, warehousing, and customer service; Part II covers more specific topics such as international logistics, customs regulations, hazardous materials handling, and technology applications. The exam can be taken either online or at an AST&L-approved testing center.

To be eligible for the CLA certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in the field of logistics or related areas. They must also have completed at least one AST&L-approved training program or course related to logistics.

The cost for taking the CLA exam varies depending on where you take it. Online exams typically cost around $350-$400 USD while exams taken at a testing center may cost up to $500 USD. In addition to the exam fee, there is also an application fee which is typically around $100 USD.

It usually takes about two weeks for applicants to receive their results after taking the exam. Once an applicant passes the test they will receive their official CLA certificate from AST&L within four weeks after passing the exam.

2. Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of individuals in logistics, supply chain, and transportation operations. It is administered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLT certification is recognized as a benchmark for excellence in the field.

The CLT certification requires passing an exam that covers topics such as inventory control, warehousing, distribution, freight forwarding, customer service, and global supply chain management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete.

To become certified as a CLT, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least two years of experience in logistics or related fields. Applicants must also have completed at least 48 hours of approved training courses or have earned a degree in logistics or related fields from an accredited institution.

The cost for the CLT certification program varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. Online exams cost $395 USD while exams taken in person cost $495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with obtaining study materials or taking review classes prior to taking the exam.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage global supply chain activities, including sourcing, procurement, conversion, and logistics.

It typically takes around six months of studying to prepare for the CSCP exam. This includes completing the ASCM CSCP Learning System which consists of three modules: Essentials of Supply Chain Management; Advanced Strategies and Technologies; and Global Logistics Implementation. The cost of the learning system is $1,495 USD.

In order to take the exam, you must register with ASCM and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or non-member. For members it is $695 USD while for non-members it is $995 USD.

Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will be awarded your CSCP certification from ASCM.

4. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program designed to enhance the knowledge and skills of production and inventory management professionals. The CPIM program provides an understanding of the end-to-end supply chain, including topics such as demand management, procurement, supplier planning, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, sales and operations planning, master scheduling, performance measurement and quality control.

The CPIM program consists of two exams: Basics of Supply Chain Management and Master Planning of Resources. Each exam takes approximately three hours to complete. The Basics exam covers topics such as demand management, supply chain strategy development and implementation, inventory management techniques and systems, purchasing processes and procedures, production activity control principles and practices, logistics fundamentals and customer service strategies. The Master Planning exam covers topics such as forecasting techniques for short-term planning purposes; scheduling techniques for long-term planning purposes; resource loading; capacity requirements planning; materials requirements planning; order promising; project management principles; performance measurement systems; quality control methods; cost analysis techniques; supplier selection criteria; inventory optimization strategies; supply chain collaboration tools; risk assessment methods; sustainability initiatives in the supply chain environment.

To get certified in CPIM you must first pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed both exams you will be eligible to receive your CPIM certification from APICS. The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or not. For non-members the cost is $895 USD per exam or $1,790 USD for both exams combined. For APICS members the cost is $695 USD per exam or $1,390 USD for both exams combined.

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

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates expertise in the field of supply chain and operations management. It is designed to help individuals advance their careers, increase their knowledge base, and gain recognition for their accomplishments.

APICS Certification consists of two levels: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). Both certifications require successful completion of an exam, which is administered by APICS. The CPIM exam covers topics such as production planning, inventory control, material requirements planning, forecasting, quality control, and more. The CSCP exam covers topics such as global supply chain management strategies, customer relationship management, logistics execution strategies, risk management techniques, and more.

It typically takes one to two years to complete the certification process. During this time you will need to study for the exams using approved course materials or self-study methods. You will also need to take and pass the exams within five years of starting your certification journey.

In order to get certified you must first become a member of APICS. Membership fees vary depending on the type of membership you choose but generally range from $50 - $400 per year. After becoming a member you can then register for either the CPIM or CSCP exam at a cost of $495 for members ($695 for non-members). Once you have successfully passed both exams you will receive your certification credentials from APICS.

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

The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) is an international certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of logistics. This certification was developed to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of competency in the areas of supply chain management, transportation, inventory management, materials handling, and other related topics.

In order to become certified as a CPL, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of relevant experience in the field and passing an exam administered by SOLE. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation systems, materials handling, and more. Applicants must also submit an application form along with their resume and supporting documents.

The CPL certification process typically takes around six weeks from start to finish. Once all requirements are met and the exam is passed, applicants will receive their certificate from SOLE within four weeks after completion.

The cost for obtaining the CPL certification varies depending on where you live and what type of package you choose. Generally speaking, packages range from $100 - $500 USD depending on your location and what type of package you select.

7. Project Management Institute's Project Management Professional (PMP®)

Project Management Institute's Project Management Professional (PMP®) is a globally recognized certification for project managers. It is awarded by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and skills to successfully manage projects of any size.

The PMP® certification process requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of project management experience, as well as 35 hours of project management education. Applicants must also pass a 200-question multiple-choice exam in order to be certified.

The PMP® exam is offered at testing centers worldwide, and can be taken in person or online. The exam takes 4 hours to complete, and includes questions on topics such as project planning, execution, monitoring & controlling, and closing.

The cost of the PMP® certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of PMI. For members, the cost is $405 USD while for non-members it is $555 USD. In addition to this fee, there may also be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a testing center or online proctoring service.

Once an individual has successfully passed their exam and been certified as a PMP®, they will need to maintain their credential by earning 60 professional development units (PDUs) every three years in order to remain certified.

8. Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to lead Six Sigma projects. It is designed to improve the quality of processes and products within an organization by reducing variation and eliminating defects.

The Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between 4-8 weeks to complete, depending on the individual's learning style and availability. The certification program includes online or in-person training, practice exams, and a final exam.

To get certified as a Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first complete the required training program. After completing the training program, they must pass an exam administered by one of several organizations offering Six Sigma certifications.

The cost of obtaining a Six Sigma Green Belt Certification varies depending on the organization providing it. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD for the entire certification process (including training materials).

9. International Trade Compliance Professional Certificate Program

The International Trade Compliance Professional Certificate Program is a specialized program designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge they need to meet the challenges of international trade compliance. This program is offered by the International Trade Compliance Institute (ITCI), which is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to providing professional education and certification in international trade compliance.

The program consists of two courses: Introduction to International Trade Compliance and Advanced International Trade Compliance. The Introduction course provides an overview of international trade regulations, including customs laws, export controls, economic sanctions, anti-corruption laws, and more. The Advanced course covers topics such as risk management, supply chain security, enforcement strategies, and more.

The program can be completed in six months or less depending on the student’s availability. To get started with the program, students must first register for the ITCI membership at their website. Once registered, students can purchase the courses online or through a third party provider. The cost of the program varies depending on whether it is purchased online or through a third party provider but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

Upon successful completion of both courses and passing the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, participants will receive an ITCI certificate as well as a digital badge that can be displayed on their resume or social media profiles to demonstrate their expertise in international trade compliance.

10. Transportation & Logistics Certification Program

Transportation & Logistics Certification Program is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a level of proficiency in the transportation and logistics industry. It is offered by the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L).

The program consists of three levels: Certified Professional Logistician (CPL), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified Transportation & Logistics Executive (CTLE). Each level requires successful completion of an exam and a minimum number of years of relevant work experience.

The CPL exam covers topics such as supply chain management, operations management, inventory control, warehousing, transportation management, and customer service. The CSCP exam focuses on global supply chain management, including sourcing and procurement, production planning and control, logistics strategies, international trade regulations, and customer service. The CTLE exam covers topics such as strategic planning for transportation networks, managing global supply chains, developing logistics systems for cost savings and efficiency gains, and leading teams in the transportation industry.

The exams can be taken at any AST&L-approved testing center or online through AST&L's eLearning platform. The cost for each exam varies depending on whether it is taken at a testing center or online; however, the cost typically ranges from $150-$400 per exam.

To become certified in all three levels of the program typically takes about two years; however this may vary depending on how quickly you complete each level's requirements.

11. American Society of Transportation & Logistics' Certified Transportation & Logistics Analyst (CTLA).

The Certified Transportation & Logistics Analyst (CTLA) is a professional certification offered by the American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals working in the transportation and logistics field. The CTLA certification provides a way for employers to identify qualified professionals in the industry.

The CTLA certification requires candidates to pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, logistics operations, transportation regulations, and customer service. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in the transportation or logistics field.

The exam typically takes about three hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you are an AST&L member or non-member. For members, it costs $150; for non-members, it costs $250.

To become certified, applicants must submit their application online along with proof of their work experience and payment for the exam fee. Once approved, applicants will be sent an email with instructions on how to schedule their exam date and time. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from AST&L within 8 weeks of completing the test.

Overall, becoming a Certified Transportation & Logistics Analyst can help demonstrate your expertise in this field to potential employers and can help you stand out from other job seekers.

Do You Really Need a Logistics Analyst Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual. A Logistics Analyst Certificate is not a requirement for working in the field of logistics, but it can be beneficial. By completing a course of study and earning a certificate, individuals can gain an understanding of the concepts involved in logistics and demonstrate their knowledge to employers.

For those who already have experience and knowledge in the field, the certificate may not be necessary. However, if you are new to logistics or want to learn more about it, then a Logistics Analyst Certificate could be beneficial. Employers may view applicants with a certificate as having more expertise than those without one. Additionally, some employers may require certification for certain positions or offer additional pay for employees who have one.

If you are considering pursuing a Logistics Analyst Certificate, consider whether or not it will help you reach your career goals. Think about how it will affect your current job or future job prospects and whether or not you have the time and resources to commit to completing the program. It is also important to research different programs available and find one that best suits your needs.

Related: Logistics Analyst Resume Examples

FAQs About Logistics Analyst Certifications

1. What qualifications do I need to become a Logistics Analyst?

Answer: To become a Logistics Analyst, you will typically need at least a bachelor's degree in business, logistics, or a related field. Additionally, some employers may require experience in the logistics field or certification from an accredited program.

2. What is the best way to gain experience as a Logistics Analyst?

Answer: The best way to gain experience as a Logistics Analyst is to take on internships and entry-level positions in the logistics field. Additionally, you can participate in online or classroom courses on logistics topics and attend industry conferences and seminars.

3. How long does it take to get certified as a Logistics Analyst?

Answer: The time it takes to get certified as a Logistics Analyst depends on the level of certification you are seeking and the requirements of the certifying organization. Generally speaking, most certifications require at least one year of work experience in the field before they can be obtained.

4. Are there any online certification programs for Logistics Analysts?

Answer: Yes, there are several online certification programs available for Logistics Analysts that allow students to obtain their certification without attending traditional classes or seminars. These programs usually involve taking an online course and passing an exam upon completion of the course material.

5. What type of salary can I expect with a Logistics Analyst Certification?

Answer: The salary for a certified Logistics Analyst varies depending on your experience level and location, but generally speaking salaries range from $45-80K per year with experienced professionals earning even more than that depending on their specific expertise and job responsibilities.