Top 11 Materials Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a materials coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to be successful in this role. Certifications also show employers that the individual is committed to their profession, as they have taken the time and effort to gain specialized knowledge through certifications. Additionally, certifications can help materials coordinators stand out from other applicants and make them more attractive to potential employers. Finally, certifications can provide materials coordinators with access to higher-paying positions, as employers often prefer to hire individuals who have taken the time to become certified in their field.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the best materials coordinator certifications available and explain how they can help advance a materials coordinator's career.

What are Materials Coordinator Certifications?

Materials coordinator certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals with specialized knowledge in the planning, procurement, and management of materials for projects. This certification is offered by several organizations, including the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) and the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM).

The benefits of materials coordinator certification are numerous. For starters, certified professionals can demonstrate a level of expertise to employers or clients that may not be available without this type of credential. In addition, certified professionals have access to an array of resources and opportunities to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices. Finally, materials coordinators who hold certifications often receive higher salaries than their non-certified peers due to their advanced skillset and knowledge base.

In summary, materials coordinator certification provides individuals with specialized knowledge in project material management with a variety of benefits that can help them advance their careers in the field.

Pro Tip: When considering materials coordinator certification, make sure to check the requirements of the certifying body. Many require that applicants have a certain level of experience in the materials coordination field and may require a certain number of hours of training or continuing education credits. Additionally, some certifying bodies have specific prerequisites such as passing an exam or completing coursework before you can be certified.

Related: What does a Materials Coordinator do?

Top 11 Materials Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Materials Management Professional (CMMP)

Certified Materials Management Professional (CMMP) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). The CMMP credential demonstrates an individual’s expertise in materials management and supply chain operations. The certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of experience in supply chain or materials management, and to pass an examination that covers topics such as inventory control, production planning, purchasing, transportation, logistics, and quality assurance.

It typically takes between four to six months to complete the requirements for the CMMP certification. To get certified, you must first apply for the exam through ISM's website. After submitting your application and payment, you will receive access to study materials and resources that can help you prepare for the exam. Once you are ready to take the exam, you will need to register with a testing center near you.

The cost of obtaining the CMMP certification varies depending on which country or region you are located in. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD to take the exam and receive your certificate.

2. Certified Production and Inventory Manager (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Manager (CPIM) is a professional certification program administered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM designation is designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the principles of production and inventory 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 has an associated exam that must be passed in order to receive the CPIM designation.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all five courses and exams required for the CPIM designation. To get started, individuals must first become a member of APICS. Membership costs vary depending on the type of membership selected; however, members can save up to 20% on exam fees. Once a member, individuals can register for each course individually or as part of a package deal that includes all five courses at once.

The cost for each individual course varies depending on whether it is taken online or in-person; however, the total cost for all five courses ranges from $2,000 - $3,500 USD. Additionally, there is an exam fee associated with each course that ranges from $125 - $200 USD per exam.

3. Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)

Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a professional certification program offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). The CLTD program provides professionals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to effectively manage global supply chains. It covers topics such as transportation management, warehousing operations, inventory control, international logistics, customer service and more.

The CLTD certification requires passing an exam that consists of 150 multiple-choice questions. The exam covers nine different areas of logistics and transportation. To prepare for the exam, AST&L offers both self-study materials and instructor-led courses.

It takes approximately three months to complete all the requirements for the CLTD certification. After passing the exam, you must also submit a professional experience form to demonstrate your work experience in logistics or transportation management.

The cost of the CLTD program varies depending on how you choose to prepare for it. Self-study materials range from $450-$650 while instructor-led courses range from $1,000-$2,500. Additionally, there is a one-time fee of $495 for taking the exam.

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The CSCP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s mastery of supply chain management best practices, processes, and tools. It is the first and only global supply chain certification that covers the end-to-end supply chain from strategy through implementation.

It typically takes 3 to 6 months to prepare for the CSCP exam, depending on your prior knowledge and experience. To become certified, you must pass a three-hour multiple choice exam with a score of at least 70%. You can prepare for the exam by taking an APICS CSCP course or studying independently using APICS materials such as textbooks, online courses, webinars, practice exams, and more.

The cost of obtaining the CSCP certification varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or not. For non-members, it costs $695 for the exam registration fee plus $450 for the course materials. For members, it costs $495 for the exam registration fee plus $450 for the course materials.

5. Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA)

Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). The CSCA certification is designed to recognize professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management principles, processes and best practices. It is the only globally recognized certification in the field of supply chain management.

To be eligible to become a CSCA, you must have at least three years of experience in supply chain management or related fields, such as logistics, operations, procurement or manufacturing. You must also pass an exam administered by ASCM that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, inventory management, logistics and transportation, procurement and sourcing, quality management and customer service.

The CSCA exam takes approximately two hours to complete and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions. The cost of the exam is $495 USD for ASCM members and $695 USD for non-members. You can register for the exam online through ASCM's website.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your official CSCA certificate from ASCM. This certificate will be valid for three years from the date it was issued. To maintain your certification status during this time period, you must complete 30 hours of continuing education credits every three years.

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

APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD-APICS) is a professional certification program offered by APICS, the Association for Operations Management. The CLTD-APICS program was designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage global supply chains, logistics networks, transportation operations, and distribution channels.

The CLTD-APICS program consists of nine modules that cover topics such as inventory management, warehouse management, transportation management, customer service management, international logistics and more. To earn the certification, candidates must successfully complete all nine modules within 18 months.

Candidates can take the CLTD-APICS exam online or in person at an approved testing center. The exam fee is $495 for members of APICS or $595 for non-members. Once a candidate has passed the exam they will receive their official CLTD-APICS certification from APICS.

The certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education requirements or retaking the exam.

7. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP-APICS)

The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP-APICS) is an industry-recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge of the end-to-end supply chain. It is designed to help professionals understand and implement best practices in supply chain management and develop strategies to improve business performance. The CSCP-APICS certification is offered by APICS, the Association for Operations Management, which has been providing education and certifications in operations and supply chain management since 1957.

The CSCP-APICS certification is a three-part program that includes self-study, an online exam, and a two-day classroom seminar. The self-study portion consists of reading the APICS CSCP Learning System book and studying the online materials provided by APICS. This will typically take between four to six months depending on how much time you are able to devote to it each week.

Once you have completed your self study, you must register for the online exam with APICS. The cost of the exam is $695 USD for members of APICS or $895 USD for nonmembers. You must pass this exam in order to become certified as a CSCP-APICS professional.

Finally, once you have passed the online exam, you must attend a two day classroom seminar that covers all aspects of supply chain management from design through implementation and control. This seminar will cover topics such as inventory planning and control, global logistics, customer service management, purchasing and supplier relationship management, demand forecasting and more. After completing this seminar you will receive your official CSCP-APICS certification from APICS.

Overall, it can take up to nine months or longer to complete all three parts of the CSCP-APICS certification process depending on how quickly you are able to complete each part of it. The total cost for this certification is between $795-$995 USD depending on if you are an APICs member or not at the time of registration.

8. American Purchasing Society’s Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

The Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional certification offered by the American Purchasing Society. It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in purchasing and supply chain management. The CPP credential is recognized internationally as a symbol of excellence in the field of purchasing and supply chain management.

To become certified, candidates must pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of purchasing principles, practices, and procedures. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as procurement law, contract negotiation, supplier selection, cost analysis, inventory management, logistics, and quality assurance. Candidates must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in practical settings through case studies or simulations.

The CPP exam typically takes about four hours to complete and can be taken at any authorized testing center around the world. To prepare for the exam, candidates should review the official study guide published by the American Purchasing Society as well as other resources available online or from bookstores.

The cost of taking the CPP exam varies depending on where it is taken but generally ranges from $400-$500 USD. In addition to this fee, there may also be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as study materials or tutoring services.

9. International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners’ Microsoft Dynamics Certification

The International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP) Microsoft Dynamics Certification is a program that provides certification for individuals who have demonstrated the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully implement, configure, and support Microsoft Dynamics solutions. The certification is designed to provide assurance to customers that the certified individual has the necessary technical expertise and experience to deliver successful implementations.

To become certified, an individual must pass two exams: one on the fundamentals of Microsoft Dynamics and one on a specific version of Microsoft Dynamics. The exams are administered by Pearson VUE, an independent testing organization. Individuals must also complete a training course offered by IAMCP or an approved partner in order to be eligible for certification. The training course typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete and costs approximately $2,000 USD.

Once an individual has passed both exams and completed the training course, they will receive their IAMCP Microsoft Dynamics Certification. This certification is valid for three years from the date of issue and can be renewed at any time by completing additional training courses or passing updated exams.

The cost of the IAMCP Microsoft Dynamics Certification varies depending on the type of exam taken, but generally ranges from $150-$200 USD per exam plus any applicable taxes or fees.

10. Institute of Supply Management’s Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

The Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of supply management professionals. The CPSM is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s mastery of the core competencies required for successful supply chain management.

To obtain the CPSM certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in supply management or related fields, such as procurement, logistics, inventory control, or operations. Applicants must also pass three exams: Fundamentals of Supply Management; Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Relationship Management; and Operations & Logistics. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost of obtaining the CPSM certification varies depending on the number of exams taken and whether or not you are an ISM member. For non-members, each exam costs $295 USD plus applicable taxes; for members, each exam costs $245 USD plus applicable taxes. The total cost for all three exams is $885 USD plus applicable taxes for non-members and $735 USD plus applicable taxes for members.

In addition to passing all three exams, applicants must also submit a signed Code of Ethics form and provide proof of their professional experience in supply management or related fields. Once all requirements are met, applicants will receive their official CPSM certificate from ISM within 6–8 weeks.

11. American Production and Inventory Control Society’s CPIM-Flex certification

The American Production and Inventory Control Society’s (APICS) CPIM-Flex certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge of supply chain management principles and best practices. The CPIM-Flex certification is designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to manage the end-to-end supply chain, from sourcing materials to delivering products and services to customers.

The CPIM-Flex certification consists of two parts: a core module and three elective modules. The core module covers topics such as demand management, inventory planning, purchasing, production planning, quality control, and performance measurement. The three elective modules cover topics such as supply chain strategy, logistics management, and global operations.

It typically takes approximately four months to complete the CPIM-Flex certification program. To get started on the program, individuals must first register with APICS and pay a one-time registration fee of $150 USD. After registering with APICS, individuals must purchase textbooks for each of the five modules in order to study for their exams. Once they have studied for their exams, they can take each exam online at their own pace.

Once all five exams are completed successfully, individuals will receive their CPIM-Flex certification from APICS. The cost of the program varies depending on which textbooks are purchased; however, it typically costs around $1,000 USD for all five exams plus textbooks.

Do You Really Need a Materials Coordinator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their desired career goals. If you are interested in becoming a materials coordinator, then a certificate is likely beneficial for you. A materials coordinator certificate can provide the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this field. It can also help demonstrate your commitment and dedication to the profession, which can open up more career opportunities.

On the other hand, if you already have experience in material coordination or related fields, then a certificate may not be as important. In this case, employers may be more interested in your professional experience than a certificate. Ultimately, it all depends on your situation and what kind of career path you want to pursue.

Related: Materials Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Materials Coordinator Certifications

1. What are the requirements for becoming a Materials Coordinator?

Answer: The requirements for becoming a Materials Coordinator vary depending on the employer, but typically involve having a high school diploma or equivalent and at least two years of experience in materials management, inventory control, or related field. Some employers may also require additional certifications such as Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) certification.

2. Can I earn a Materials Coordinator Certification online?

Answer: Yes, there are several online programs available that offer Materials Coordinator Certifications. These programs usually require completion of coursework and examinations to demonstrate proficiency in the field.

3. Is there an exam I need to take to become certified?

Answer: Yes, most Materials Coordinator Certifications require passing an examination administered by a professional organization to demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant material management topics.

4. How long does it take to earn my certification?

Answer: The amount of time it takes to earn your certification will depend on the specific program you choose and how much time you can dedicate to studying for your exams. Generally, most programs range from one month to six months in duration.

5. Are there any other certifications that may be beneficial for a Materials Coordinator?

Answer: Yes, earning additional certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), or Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) can help increase your value as a Materials Coordinator and provide you with more job opportunities in the field.