Top 10 Logistics Planner Certifications

Certifications are important for logistics planners in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and a mastery of industry standards. They also show employers that the planner has the skills necessary to effectively manage supply chain processes, analyze data, and make decisions that optimize resources. Certifications provide evidence of a planner’s expertise and can be used as an advantage when competing for jobs or promotions. Additionally, certifications may provide access to exclusive job postings or discounts on industry-specific products and services. Ultimately, certifications are valuable tools for demonstrating competency and making a great impression on potential employers.

This article reviews the top certifications for Logistics Planners, highlighting how they can help enhance a logistics planner's career.

What are Logistics Planner Certifications?

Logistics planner certification is an industry-recognized certificate program designed to help logistics professionals enhance their knowledge and skills in the field of supply chain management. It is offered by several organizations, including the International Society of Logistics (ISL), the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP). The certification provides a comprehensive understanding of logistics principles, processes, technologies, and tools used in today’s global marketplace.

The certification program enables professionals to stay up-to-date with the latest trends in supply chain management and develop their expertise in areas such as inventory control, transportation management, warehouse operations, order fulfillment and customer service. Professionals can also use the course material to gain a better understanding of relevant legal regulations and compliance issues. The certification also provides guidance on how to use data analytics to create more efficient supply chains.

By obtaining this certification, logistics planners can demonstrate their commitment to excellence in their profession. This could lead to higher salaries or promotions within an organization. Additionally, employers may be more likely to hire certified individuals because they have evidence that they are knowledgeable and competent in their field. Ultimately, obtaining a logistics planner certification can help individuals advance their career prospects while increasing their value within the industry as a whole.

Pro Tip: When considering a logistics planner certification, make sure to check the organization's credentials and reputation. Research their qualifications, experience, background, and any certifications they may have earned. You should also review the curriculum and course materials to ensure they meet your professional needs.

Related: What does a Logistics Planner do?

Top 10 Logistics Planner Certifications

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

1. Certified Logistics Planner (CLP)

Certified Logistics Planner (CLP) is a professional certification program offered by the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). The CLP certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of logistics professionals. It is intended to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field of logistics and supply chain management.

The CLP program consists of four core courses: Introduction to Logistics, Supply Chain Management, Transportation Management, and Warehouse Management. Each course is designed to build on the previous one in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of logistics.

It typically takes three to six months for individuals to complete all four courses and obtain their CLP certification. Individuals must also pass a final exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to get started with the CLP program, individuals must first register online at SOLE's website. Once registered, they will be provided with access to all four courses as well as additional resources such as study guides and practice tests.

The cost for the CLP program varies depending on whether or not you are an existing SOLE member. For non-members, the cost is $1,350 while members pay $1,000. This fee covers all four courses as well as access to additional resources such as study guides and practice tests.

2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of supply chain management best practices. The CSCP designation is the most widely recognized and respected certification for supply chain professionals.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and a professional development program. The online course covers topics such as supply chain design, planning and execution, global supply chain strategies, customer relationship management, and inventory control. The exam tests knowledge gained from the course material. Once the exam has been passed, participants must complete a professional development program in order to receive their CSCP designation.

The entire process takes about six months to complete. To get started, individuals must register for the CSCP program on APICS’ website and pay a fee of $995 USD. This fee includes access to the online course materials, an exam voucher, and one year of membership in APICS. After completing the coursework and passing the exam, participants must submit proof of completion of their professional development program in order to receive their CSCP designation.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) credential requires significant commitment in terms of time and money but can open up new career opportunities for those looking to advance their careers in supply chain management.

3. Certified Logistics Analyst (CLA)

Certified Logistics Analyst (CLA) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated excellence in the field of logistics and supply chain management. The certification is administered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

The Certified Logistics Analyst (CLA) program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral interview. The written exam covers topics such as inventory control, transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management. The oral interview focuses on the individual’s experience in logistics and supply chain management.

To become certified as a CLA, applicants must pass both parts of the exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam fee is $250 USD for AST&L members and $350 USD for non-members. Additionally, applicants must be current members of AST&L to qualify for the certification.

The process typically takes between 4-6 weeks from application submission to receiving your official certification documents.

4. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. This certification covers topics such as demand management, procurement, materials requirements planning, forecasting, inventory control, quality assurance, supplier relationships, and more.

The CPIM program consists of two exams: the Basics of Supply Chain Management exam and the Master Planning of Resources exam. Candidates must pass both exams to earn their CPIM certification. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions based on material from APICS’s Body of Knowledge.

The Basics of Supply Chain Management exam can be taken at any time without completing any prerequisites or coursework. The Master Planning of Resources exam requires that candidates have successfully completed the Basics of Supply Chain Management exam before they can take it.

It typically takes between 3-6 months to complete both exams depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for them.

To get your CPIM certification you must register with APICS and pay a fee which includes access to study materials and practice tests. You will also need to schedule an appointment at an authorized testing center in order to take each exam.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of APICS. For members, the cost is $795 USD for both exams; for non-members it is $995 USD for both exams.

5. Certified Transportation Professional (CTP)

Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Public Transportation Association (APTA). It is designed to recognize and reward professionals who have demonstrated excellence in the public transportation industry. The CTP credential is awarded to individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge, experience, and professional achievement in the field of public transportation.

To become a Certified Transportation Professional, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must possess at least an associate degree or equivalent from an accredited college or university; have at least five years of full-time experience in the public transportation industry; and pass a comprehensive written exam. In addition, applicants must demonstrate their commitment to continuing education by completing at least 15 hours of approved continuing education courses within three years prior to application submission.

The CTP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as safety, operations, planning, finance, management and organizational development. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and can be taken at any APTA-approved testing center.

The cost for taking the CTP exam varies depending on whether you are an APTA member or non-member. For APTA members, the cost is $450; for non-members it is $650. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam depending on your location and other factors.

6. International Society of Logistics (SOLE) Certification

The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of logistics and supply chain management. SOLE offers a certification program for professionals in the field of logistics, which is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the areas of logistics and supply chain management.

The SOLE certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and expertise in the field. The certification requires applicants to pass an exam after completing a comprehensive coursework program. The coursework covers topics such as inventory control, transportation, warehousing, distribution, customer service, and more.

In order to become certified by SOLE, applicants must first complete the required coursework. This typically takes between six months and one year depending on the applicant’s experience level and dedication to learning. After completing the coursework, applicants must then pass a written exam that tests their knowledge of logistics and supply chain management concepts.

Once an applicant has passed the exam, they will be awarded with their SOLE certification. The cost of obtaining this certification varies depending on the country or region where it is obtained from; however, it typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD.

7. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program designed to help supply chain professionals understand and apply best practices in the field. The CSCP designation recognizes individuals who have mastered the essential technology, concepts, and strategies related to supply chain management.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CSCP program. To get started, applicants must register for the exam through APICS’s website. Once registered, they will be given access to online learning materials that cover topics such as inventory management, global sourcing, logistics operations, customer service, and more.

To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers all of the material covered in the learning materials. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within four hours. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CSCP designation from APICS.

The cost of taking the CSCP exam varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member. For non-members, it costs $695 USD; for members it costs $495 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with registering for the exam and accessing learning materials.

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

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certification is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in supply chain, operations, and production management. This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise in inventory control, operations management, production planning, materials management, and more.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to complete the APICS Certification program. During this time individuals must complete four core courses as well as three elective courses. The four core courses are: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management (SCM), Planning & Scheduling, Inventory Management & Control, and Quality Assurance & Control. The three elective courses can be chosen from topics such as Lean Manufacturing, Logistics & Distribution Management, Project Management for Operations Professionals, or any other approved course.

In order to get the APICS Certification an individual must first become a member of APICS and then register for the certification program by completing an online application form. Once registered they will need to purchase textbooks for each of the required courses as well as pay a fee for the exam itself. The cost of the entire program varies depending on which textbooks are purchased but generally ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD.

Once all required coursework has been completed an individual can take the final exam which is administered at a local testing center or through a proctored online exam. Upon successful completion of this exam they will receive their official APICS Certification credential which is valid for three years before needing renewal.

9. Global Logistics Professional Certification Program

The Global Logistics Professional Certification Program (GLPCP) is a certification program offered by the International Association of Logistics Professionals (IALP). The program is designed to provide logistics professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to advance their careers in the global logistics industry.

The GLPCP consists of four courses: Introduction to Global Logistics, Advanced Global Logistics, Supply Chain Management, and Risk Management. Each course takes approximately 40 hours to complete and includes lectures, case studies, and interactive exercises. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants are awarded the GLPCP certification.

To get certified through the GLPCP, individuals must first register for the program through IALP’s website. After registering, individuals will be given access to all four courses. They can then complete each course at their own pace over a period of several weeks or months. Once all four courses have been completed successfully, individuals will receive their certificate from IALP.

The cost for the GLPCP varies depending on how many courses are taken at once and whether or not an individual opts for additional services such as tutoring or mentoring. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD for full access to all four courses and any additional services they may choose to purchase.

Overall, the Global Logistics Professional Certification Program is a great way for logistics professionals to gain valuable knowledge and skills that will help them advance their careers in the global logistics industry. The program typically takes several weeks or months to complete depending on an individual’s schedule and how much time they are able to dedicate to it each day/week. The cost of the program varies depending on which services are purchased but generally ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD for full access to all four courses plus any additional services they may choose to purchase.

10. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Certification

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of supply chain professionals. It is offered by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, which is an international professional association dedicated to advancing the practice of supply chain management.

The CSCMP Certification program consists of two parts: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as logistics, inventory management, supply chain strategy, and global sourcing. To qualify for the certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in supply chain management or related fields.

To get certified, applicants must first register for the CSCMP Certification Program and complete an online application form. Once approved, applicants will be required to take a two-hour written exam at a designated testing center. After passing the written exam with a score of 70% or higher, applicants can then take the oral exam which consists of a series of questions about their knowledge and experience in supply chain management.

The cost for taking the CSCMP Certification Program varies depending on whether you are an individual or part of an organization that has purchased group memberships. For individuals, it costs $495 USD to register for the program and take both exams; however, discounts may be available if you are part of an organization that has purchased group memberships. The entire process typically takes around three months from registration to completion.

Do You Really Need a Logistics Planner Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a logistics planner certificate. However, if you are looking to become a logistics planner and want to be competitive in the job market, having a certificate can be beneficial. A logistics planner certificate can demonstrate your knowledge of the field and give employers assurance that you have the skills they need in their organization.

Logistics planning is an important part of many businesses, so it’s essential that planners understand the industry and its processes. A logistics planner certificate can provide evidence that you understand the ins-and-outs of the job, such as supply chain management, inventory control, and transportation management. Additionally, some certifications may include courses on customer service or business planning which can help you gain a better understanding of how all these areas work together to make a successful business.

Having a logistics planner certificate may also make it easier for employers to identify qualified applicants who have the necessary skills for the job. It could also give employers more confidence in your ability to fulfill their expectations and create successful plans for their organizations. Furthermore, having a certification can show dedication to learning about the field and staying up-to-date on new developments in logistics planning.

In conclusion, while having a logistics planner certificate is not required for getting hired as a logistics planner, it can certainly improve your chances of success in securing employment. It’s important to remember that any certification should come with an understanding of how all aspects of supply chain management work together in order to be successful in this role.

Related: Logistics Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Logistics Planner Certifications

1. What types of Logistics Planner Certifications are available?

Answer: There are several types of Logistics Planner Certifications available, including Certified Logistics Planner (CLP), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (LSSGB).

2. How do I become certified as a Logistics Planner?

Answer: To become certified as a Logistics Planner, you will need to complete an approved course of study and pass the certification exam. Depending on the type of certification you are pursuing, additional requirements may apply.

3. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Logistics Planner Certification?

Answer: Generally speaking, most certifications require that candidates have at least two years of experience in logistics planning or related fields prior to applying for certification. Depending on the certifying organization, additional requirements may apply.

4. How long does it take to obtain a Logistics Planner Certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to obtain a logistics planner certification varies depending on the type and complexity of the certification program chosen. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from three months to one year to successfully complete a course of study and pass the required examinations.

5. What is the cost associated with obtaining a Logistics Planner Certification?

Answer: The cost associated with obtaining a logistics planner certification can vary greatly depending on the certifying organization and type of program chosen. Generally speaking, costs can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars for more comprehensive programs.