Top 10 Materials Planner Certifications

Certifications are an important way for materials planners to demonstrate their skills and knowledge in the job market. By obtaining certifications, materials planners can show potential employers that they have the necessary qualifications to do the job. Additionally, certifications can help materials planners stand out from other applicants, as they indicate a higher level of expertise and dedication to their profession. Certifications also provide a way for employers to confirm that applicants have the required knowledge and experience in order to perform the job duties effectively. Finally, having certifications may help materials planners qualify for higher salaries or more desirable roles within organizations.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Materials Planners and explains how they can help to advance a materials planner's career.

What are Materials Planner Certifications?

Materials planner certification is a professional credential that certifies individuals in the field of materials planning and management. The certification is designed to validate an individual's knowledge and experience in the field and demonstrates their commitment to staying current with industry trends and best practices. This certification helps ensure that those who possess it are qualified for positions such as supply chain analyst, inventory manager, purchasing agent, or materials planner. It also provides employers with assurance that they are hiring knowledgeable professionals who have a thorough understanding of materials planning and management principles.

Materials planner certification holders benefit from increased job opportunities, higher salaries, and greater recognition from employers. They gain access to more advanced career paths, including managerial roles in supply chain management or materials planning. Additionally, certified professionals can better understand the complexities of modern supply chains, which often involve global sourcing, as well as how to manage inventory levels across multiple locations. With this knowledge base in place, certified professionals can help organizations increase efficiency while reducing costs associated with inventory and procurement processes.

Pro Tip: If you’re looking to become a Materials Planner, consider getting certified through an accredited organization such as the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). This certification can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to materials planning.

Related: What does a Materials Planner do?

Top 10 Materials Planner Certifications

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

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

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by APICS, the Association for Operations Management. The CPIM program provides a comprehensive understanding of production and inventory management principles, from demand management to manufacturing planning and control systems. It is designed to help individuals develop the skills necessary to manage the flow of materials within an organization.

The CPIM program consists of two courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management and Master Planning of Resources. Each course consists of five modules, which cover topics such as forecasting, inventory management, production activity control, master scheduling and material requirements planning. The courses are available online or in-person at various locations throughout the world.

It typically takes between three and six months to complete the CPIM program depending on how much time an individual can commit to studying each week. To get certified, individuals must pass both exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on whether you take it online or in-person. The online course costs $1,595 USD while the in-person course costs $2,395 USD plus any applicable taxes and fees.

2. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage global supply chain activities. It is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design, compliance, technology, and operations. The CSCP certification is administered by APICS, the premier professional association for supply chain management.

It typically takes three to six months to prepare for the CSCP exam. Candidates must complete an approved education course or self-study program in order to be eligible for the exam. Once they have completed their preparation, they can then register for and take the exam at any authorized testing center.

The cost of obtaining the CSCP certification varies depending on how candidates choose to prepare for the exam. The cost of an approved education course ranges from $1,000 - $2,500 USD depending on the provider and location. Self-study programs range from $400 - $1,000 USD depending on which materials are purchased. Additionally, there is a fee of $695 USD required to take the exam itself.

3. ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of supply management knowledge, skills and abilities. The certification is based on ISM's Body of Knowledge and requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of the core concepts and principles of supply management.

To be eligible for the CPSM certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in supply management or related fields. They must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge and understanding of the ISM Body of Knowledge. The exam consists of three parts: Part 1 covers the fundamentals of supply chain management; Part 2 covers advanced topics in supply chain management; and Part 3 covers specialized topics in supply chain management.

The cost to take the CPSM exam is $450 USD for ISM members ($550 USD for non-members). It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the exam, depending on your level of experience and preparation. To get certified, you must successfully pass all three parts of the exam within two years from when you first register. Once you have passed all three parts, you will receive your official CPSM certificate from ISM.

4. IBF Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)

IBF Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) is a certification program for logistics professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in the field of logistics. The CPL certification focuses on the core competencies of logistics management, such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation and distribution, warehousing and customer service.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for the CPL certification. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as logistics operations, supply chain management principles and practices, inventory control systems, transportation/distribution systems, customer service/relationships management and warehouse operations. Applicants are also required to demonstrate their knowledge through a series of case studies.

The cost of obtaining the CPL certification varies depending on the provider; however it typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

5. American Purchasing Society Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

The American Purchasing Society Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the highest standards of professional purchasing knowledge and skills. It is designed to identify and recognize those individuals who have achieved a level of excellence in the field of purchasing.

In order to obtain the CPM certification, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam. The eligibility requirements include a minimum of five years of experience in purchasing or related fields, as well as completion of at least 60 semester hours of college-level coursework or equivalent work experience.

The exam consists of four sections: Fundamentals of Purchasing, Supply Chain Management, Strategic Sourcing & Negotiations, and Professional Practices & Ethics. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and is administered by Prometric Testing Centers nationwide.

The cost for the CPM certification varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the American Purchasing Society. For members, the cost is $395; for non-members, it is $495. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at a Prometric Testing Center.

6. Institute of Supply Management Materials Management Certification (MMCP)

The Institute of Supply Management Materials Management Certification Program (MMCP) is a professional certification program that recognizes the expertise and knowledge of professionals in the field of materials management. The MMCP provides an opportunity for individuals to demonstrate their mastery of the principles, concepts, and techniques associated with materials management. It also serves as a benchmark for employers to identify qualified professionals in this field.

To get certified, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as inventory control, purchasing and procurement, supply chain management, logistics and transportation, warehousing and distribution, quality assurance and control, project management and strategic sourcing. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the exam, applicants must have at least five years of experience in materials management or supply chain related fields. Applicants must also have completed at least 30 hours of professional development activities within the past three years related to materials management or supply chain topics.

The cost for taking the MMCP exam is $495 USD for members of ISM or $595 USD for non-members. After successful completion of the exam, individuals will receive their certification from ISM which is valid for three years from the date it was issued.

7. APICS Certified Global Supply Chain Professional (CGSCP)

APICS Certified Global Supply Chain Professional (CGSCP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the global supply chain field. The CGSCP certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their understanding of the complexities of global supply chain management and their ability to apply best practices to real-world scenarios.

The CGSCP certification program consists of four courses: Global Logistics, Global Sourcing, Global Manufacturing, and Global Business Strategy. Each course covers topics such as international trade regulations, global logistics networks, global sourcing strategies, and global manufacturing processes. To earn the CGSCP designation, you must complete all four courses and pass an exam for each one.

It typically takes between 6-9 months to complete the CGSCP certification program depending on your study habits and availability. You can take the courses online or in person at an APICS training center. Online courses usually require about 20 hours per week for 8 weeks while in-person classes are typically held over two days each week for 4 weeks.

The cost of the CGSCP certification program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person, but it generally ranges from $2,500-$3,000 USD. This includes tuition fees as well as exam fees for all four courses.

8. ISM/APICS Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA)

The ISM/APICS Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA) is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and expertise in the field of supply chain management. This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have a comprehensive understanding of the principles, practices, and techniques used to manage supply chains.

It typically takes between two to three months to complete the CSCA certification process. To become certified, you must first pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, logistics, inventory management, procurement, and customer service. After passing the exam, you must submit a portfolio of your work experience related to the topics covered in the exam. Once your portfolio is approved by APICS, you will receive your CSCA certification.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of APICS. If you are not a member, it will cost approximately $1,000 for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with submitting your portfolio. If you are already an APICS member, it will cost approximately $650 for the exam fee plus any additional fees associated with submitting your portfolio.

In addition to passing the exam and submitting your portfolio for review, there are also other requirements that must be met in order to become certified as a CSCA. These include having at least two years of relevant work experience in supply chain management and maintaining active membership with APICS throughout the duration of your certification period.

9. IBF Certified Master Logistician (CML)

IBF Certified Master Logistician (CML) is a certification program offered by the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (IFFA). The program is designed to recognize and honor those who have achieved a high level of expertise in logistics and supply chain management. It offers an internationally recognized qualification that can be used to demonstrate professional competency and knowledge.

The CML certification requires the completion of a series of courses, exams, and practical experience. The program consists of four modules: Logistics Management, Supply Chain Management, Transportation Management, and Warehouse & Inventory Management. Each module includes lectures, case studies, group discussions, and exams.

The program takes approximately one year to complete depending on individual progress. The cost for the entire program is approximately $3,000 USD. To obtain the CML certification, individuals must pass all four modules with a minimum score of 70%. After passing all four modules, individuals must submit their application for review by IFFA’s Certification Committee. Once approved, applicants will receive their CML certificate as well as access to exclusive job postings within the IFFA network.

10. International Association of Six Sigma Professionals Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

The International Association of Six Sigma Professionals (IASSP) Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and ability to apply the Lean Six Sigma methodology. The certification is designed for professionals who have a basic understanding of the Lean Six Sigma principles and are looking to expand their skillset.

The IASSP Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification requires successful completion of a comprehensive training program, which typically takes 8-12 weeks to complete. During this time, individuals will learn about the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, including process improvement techniques, problem solving tools, and data analysis methods. Upon successful completion of the training program, individuals must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

In order to become certified as a IASSP Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must first register with the IASSP and pay a fee. The fee varies depending on the type of training program chosen by the individual; however, it typically ranges from $1,000-$2,500 USD. After registering with IASSP and paying the fee, individuals will be given access to all necessary course materials and resources needed to prepare for their certification exam.

Once an individual has successfully completed their training program and passed their exam, they will be awarded their IASSP Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional courses or passing another exam.

Do You Really Need a Materials Planner Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their goals. For those who are looking to enter the field of materials planning, a certificate may be beneficial. A certificate will demonstrate knowledge of materials management principles and give potential employers an indication of the individual's qualifications. Additionally, a certificate may provide access to specialized courses or resources that could help the individual excel in the field.

For those who have already established themselves in materials planning, a certificate may not be necessary. Many employers look for experience and successful completion of projects when considering candidates for positions. The experience gained through working in the field is often more valuable than any certification that one could attain.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a materials planner certificate depends on your individual goals and desired career path. If you want to enter into this field, it may be beneficial to pursue certification as it can provide evidence of knowledge and expertise in the area. However, if you are already well established in materials planning, additional certification may not be necessary for success in your career.

Related: Materials Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Materials Planner Certifications

1. What are the requirements for Materials Planner Certification?

Answer: The requirements for certification vary based on the certifying organization and the level of expertise required. Generally, applicants must have a minimum of two years of experience as a materials planner, must pass an exam, and may need to demonstrate knowledge in areas such as inventory management, supply chain management, logistics, procurement, and quality assurance.

2. How long does it take to become certified as a Materials Planner?

Answer: The exact time frame will depend on the certifying body and the level of certification sought. Typically, it can take up to six months to prepare for and complete all necessary steps for certification.

3. What is the cost of Materials Planner Certification?

Answer: The cost of certification can vary depending on which certifying body you choose and what type of certification you seek. Generally speaking, costs range from $500 - $1,000 USD.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified as a Materials Planner?

Answer: Becoming certified demonstrates your commitment to your profession and shows employers that you have advanced knowledge in materials planning methods and techniques. Additionally, having a credential can help open doors to new job opportunities or promotions within your current company.

5. How often do I need to renew my Materials Planner Certification?

Answer: Renewal periods vary by certifying body but generally range from one to three years depending on the type of credential held.