Top 10 Merchandise Planner Certifications

Certifications can be an important way for a merchandise planner to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field. By obtaining certifications, a merchandise planner can validate their skills and qualifications to employers, which can make them more attractive candidates for job openings. Certification programs also provide planners with valuable training in areas such as merchandising strategies, inventory management, and customer service. This training can help them stay ahead of industry trends and gain the necessary skills to succeed in their role. Ultimately, certifications are an important tool for helping a merchandise planner stand out from the competition in the job market.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Merchandise Planners and provides an explanation of how these certifications can help to advance a merchandise planner's career.

What are Merchandise Planner Certifications?

Merchandise Planner Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of individuals who plan and manage the buying, pricing, and promotion of products within retail stores. This certification helps to ensure that those responsible for merchandise planning have the knowledge and skills needed to effectively plan, manage, and optimize sales through effective selection, pricing, promotion, and inventory management.

The certification provides an opportunity for individuals to gain recognition for their expertise in merchandise planning as well as providing employers with assurance that their personnel have been trained in the field. It also provides a competitive edge for those seeking employment or advancement in this field. The certification covers topics such as product analysis and forecasting, demand management, assortment planning, pricing strategies, promotional planning and execution, inventory management principles and practices, financial reporting and budgeting principles.

By obtaining Merchandise Planner Certification you can demonstrate your expertise in merchandise planning to potential employers while increasing your marketability in this competitive field. It also helps to increase job security by ensuring that you are up-to-date on industry standards and best practices. Finally it serves as a way to network with other professionals who may be able to offer advice or provide guidance on career development opportunities or new trends in retailing.

Pro tip: If you're looking to become a certified merchandise planner, be sure to take courses that cover the fundamentals of retail planning, forecasting, and inventory management. Additionally, make sure to gain hands-on experience in working with retail software and systems that are used for merchandise planning. Finally, stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices to ensure you have the knowledge needed to succeed in the field.

Related: What does a Merchandise Planner do?

Top 10 Merchandise Planner Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Merchandise Planner (CPMP)

Certified Professional Merchandise Planner (CPMP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills and abilities of experienced merchandise planners. This certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF).

The CPMP program requires applicants to demonstrate their expertise in merchandise planning, forecasting, pricing and assortment management. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as merchandising strategy and tactics, inventory management, customer segmentation and analysis, financial planning and analysis, communication and collaboration with internal stakeholders, data-driven decision making and more.

The CPMP exam is administered twice per year in March and October. The cost of the exam is $495 for NRF members or $795 for non-members. Applicants must register at least 30 days prior to the exam date in order to take the test.

Once an applicant passes the CPMP exam they will receive a certificate of completion from NRF that can be used to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise as a Certified Professional Merchandise Planner. The certification does not expire but it is recommended that certified professionals keep up with industry trends by participating in continuing education programs offered by NRF or other organizations.

2. Certified Retail Merchandise Planner (CRMP)

Certified Retail Merchandise Planner (CRMP) is a certification program designed to help retail professionals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful in the retail industry. This program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as product assortment, pricing strategies, inventory management, customer service, and merchandising.

The CRMP certification typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete and requires a passing score on the exam. To get certified, applicants must first register for the program through the National Retail Federation website and pay a fee of $350. After registering, they will receive access to the online course materials which include videos, quizzes and practice exams. Once they have completed all of the coursework, they can take the final exam at a proctored testing center.

The CRMP certification is valid for three years after which recertification is required. Recertification requires completing 16 hours of continuing education credits within that three year period or passing another exam with a minimum score of 80%.

3. Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM)

Certified Visual Merchandiser (CVM) is a professional certification program designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to become successful visual merchandisers. It is offered by the International Visual Merchandising Institute (IVMI).

The CVM program is divided into three levels: Level 1, Level 2, and Master Certified Visual Merchandiser. Each level requires different levels of experience and education. The Level 1 certification requires at least one year of experience in visual merchandising, while the Level 2 certification requires at least two years of experience in the field. The Master Certified Visual Merchandiser certification requires at least five years of experience in the field.

The CVM program consists of online courses, exams, and practical projects that are designed to help individuals develop their skills as a visual merchandiser. To become certified, individuals must complete all three levels of the program and pass an exam at each level.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete all three levels of the CVM program depending on how quickly you can complete the coursework and exams.

To get started on your path towards becoming a Certified Visual Merchandiser, you will need to register with IVMI and pay the registration fee ($99 USD). After registering, you will be able to access all course materials online through IVMI’s website.

The cost for completing all three levels of the CVM program is $1,499 USD for non-members or $999 USD for members who have already registered with IVMI. This cost includes access to all course materials as well as exam fees for each level ($99 USD per exam).

4. Certified Retail Buyer and Planner (CRBP)

A Certified Retail Buyer and Planner (CRBP) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in retail buying and planning. It is designed to help employers identify qualified candidates for positions in retail buying, merchandising, and planning. The certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and requires applicants to have at least two years of experience in the field.

The CRBP exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as product selection, pricing strategies, inventory management, forecasting, customer service, and more. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

To become certified, individuals must first register with the NRF and pay an application fee of $295. After registration is complete, applicants can take the exam at any approved testing center or online through ProctorU. Once they pass the exam, they will receive their CRBP certification from NRF within two weeks.

The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you take the exam online or at a testing center. Taking it online costs $295 while taking it at a testing center costs $395 plus any additional fees charged by the testing center itself.

5. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program designed by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is the most widely recognized supply chain certification in the world. The CSCP program helps individuals demonstrate their knowledge of supply chain management best practices, including topics such as customer relations, global logistics, inventory management, materials requirements planning, and more.

The CSCP certification exam consists of 175 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of related business experience or a bachelor’s degree in any field. Applicants must also attend an approved APICS training course prior to taking the exam.

The cost of the CSCP certification exam varies depending on where you take it. In the United States, it typically costs $695 for members of APICS or $995 for non-members. The cost includes access to online study resources and practice exams.

Once you pass the CSCP exam, you will be certified for five years before needing to renew your certification. Renewal requires that you complete at least 75 continuing education credits during that five year period.

6. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program provides individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. It is designed for professionals who are responsible for managing production, inventory, and materials management activities.

The CPIM program consists of two levels: Basics of Supply Chain Management and Master Planning of Resources. Each level consists of five courses that cover topics such as supply chain management, operations planning, inventory control, forecasting, master scheduling, material requirements planning, and quality management.

It typically takes about six months to complete both levels of the CPIM program. To get certified in the CPIM program, you must pass all 10 exams associated with the two levels. The exams can be taken online or at an APICS exam center.

The cost to become certified in the CPIM program varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,100 for both levels while non-members pay $1,400.

7. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to provide professionals in the supply chain industry with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their field. The CSCP certification is the only professional certification that focuses on end-to-end supply chain management, from strategic design to tactical implementation.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online learning system, an exam, and a certification maintenance program. The online learning system covers topics such as global supply chain management, customer relationship management, demand planning, inventory management, logistics and transportation, production planning and control, purchasing and procurement, quality assurance and control, supplier relationship management and more.

To become certified as a CSCP, you must complete the online learning system within 12 months of enrolling in the program. After completing the coursework, you must pass a three-hour multiple choice exam administered by APICS. Upon passing this exam you will receive your CSCP designation.

In order to maintain your CSCP designation you must complete continuing education activities every three years. This includes attending conferences or seminars related to supply chain management or taking additional courses through APICS or other organizations.

The cost of becoming certified as a CSCP varies depending on how you choose to pursue your certification. The cost for just the exam is $695 USD for members of APICS or $995 USD for non-members. If you choose to purchase the full package which includes access to the online learning system plus one attempt at the exam it will cost $1125 USD for members or $1595 USD for non-members.

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

APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals who have mastered the essential knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage the global supply chain. It is administered by APICS, an international organization that provides education, training and certification in operations management and supply chain management.

The CLTD certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for logistics, transportation and distribution activities within their organizations. This includes roles such as logistics managers, warehouse managers, distribution center managers, transportation analysts, purchasing agents and other related positions. The program covers topics such as inventory management, warehousing strategies, transportation regulations and modes of transport. It also covers topics related to global supply chain management such as customs regulations and international trade agreements.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete the CLTD program depending on the individual’s prior experience and knowledge base. The program consists of seven modules which can be completed online or through instructor-led courses at approved APICS training centers. In order to obtain the certification, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam which tests their knowledge of the material covered in the modules.

The cost of obtaining the CLTD certification varies depending on how you choose to pursue it. Online self-study programs typically range from $1,000 - $2,000 USD while instructor-led courses can range from $2,500 - $3,500 USD depending on location. Additionally there is a fee for taking the exam which currently stands at $695 USD for members of APICS or $995 USD for non-members.

9. American Purchasing Society’s Certification in Purchasing and Materials Management (CPPMM)

The American Purchasing Society’s Certification in Purchasing and Materials Management (CPPMM) is a professional certification program for individuals who want to demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field of purchasing and materials management. The CPPMM certification is designed to recognize the skills and abilities of those who are involved in purchasing, sourcing, negotiating, managing inventory, and other related activities.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPPMM certification process. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as procurement principles, contract law, supplier selection and evaluation, pricing strategies, inventory management, quality assurance methods, logistics systems design and implementation. In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also have at least three years of relevant experience in the field of purchasing or materials management.

The cost of obtaining the CPPMM certification varies depending on the applicant's geographic location. In general, it costs around $400-$600 USD to register for the exam and receive all necessary materials. Applicants may also be required to pay additional fees for study materials or other services associated with taking the exam.

Once certified, professionals can use their CPPMM credential to demonstrate their knowledge in purchasing and materials management to employers or clients. It also provides them with access to exclusive resources from ASPA such as webinars and networking events.

10. International Institute of Business Analysis’s CBAP® certification

The Certified Business Analysis Professional (CBAP®) certification is an international professional credential offered by the International Institute of Business Analysis (IIBA®). It is designed to recognize experienced business analysts who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the field. The CBAP® certification is a globally recognized designation that provides assurance to employers, clients, and other stakeholders that a business analyst has the necessary experience and expertise to successfully lead projects.

To be eligible for the CBAP® certification, applicants must have a minimum of seven years of business analysis experience, with at least 900 hours in four out of six knowledge areas defined by IIBA®, as well as 35 hours of professional development within the last four years.

Once eligible, applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with supporting documentation such as proof of work experience and education. The application fee is $125 USD for members and $325 USD for non-members.

Once approved, applicants must pass a rigorous three-hour exam consisting of 150 multiple choice questions covering topics such as business analysis planning & monitoring, enterprise analysis, requirements management & communication, solution assessment & validation and strategic analysis. The exam fee is $325 USD for members and $450 USD for non-members.

The entire process from start to finish typically takes around 3-4 months depending on how quickly applicants can gather the required documents and schedule their exam date.

Do You Really Need a Merchandise Planner Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and ambitions. Having a Merchandise Planner Certificate can be beneficial for those looking to advance in their current role, or for those seeking to move into the field of merchandise planning. A certificate program can provide you with the necessary knowledge and skills needed to become an effective planner.

Having a Merchandise Planner Certificate can help you stand out from other job applicants in the field. It shows employers that you have the background and expertise needed to succeed in the position. Additionally, many employers view certificates as evidence of dedication and commitment to professional development, which can be a valuable asset during the hiring process.

In some cases, having a Merchandise Planner Certificate may not be necessary for entry-level positions; however, it could be beneficial if you plan to pursue a more senior role or higher-level responsibilities within the field. Furthermore, having certification may open up doors to more advanced job opportunities outside of your current organization.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Merchandise Planner Certificate will depend on your own career goals and ambitions. If you are looking for ways to increase your knowledge and skills in order to further your career in merchandise planning, then obtaining certification could be beneficial for you.

Related: Merchandise Planner Resume Examples

FAQs About Merchandise Planner Certifications

Q1. What is a Merchandise Planner Certification?

A1. A Merchandise Planner Certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in merchandising planning, product assortment strategy, and analytics. The certification provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and best practices used to optimize product selection and maximize sales.

Q2. How do I become certified?

A2. To become certified, you must complete an approved certification program or pass an exam administered by an accredited organization. Depending on the certification provider, you may need to meet certain requirements such as having a certain amount of experience in the field or completing specific courses.

Q3. What type of job opportunities are available with a Merchandise Planner Certification?

A3. With a Merchandise Planner Certification, you can pursue roles such as merchandise planner, buyer, product manager, category manager, or analyst at retail stores or ecommerce websites. You could also be qualified for positions in consulting firms or within corporate departments such as marketing or operations planning teams.

Q4. How long does it take to get certified?

A4. The time required to become certified depends on the specific program you choose and your prior experience level; some programs offer accelerated options for those with previous experience in the field while others may require more time for those who are new to the profession. Generally speaking, most programs will take several months to complete depending on how much time you can dedicate to studying each week.

Q5. Is there any cost associated with obtaining a Merchandise Planner Certification?

A5: Yes, most certification programs have associated costs which may include tuition fees, exam fees, and other related expenses such as materials or travel costs if applicable. It is important to research the various programs available before making a decision so that you can compare costs and determine which one best fits your budget and needs.