Top 11 Supply Chain Consultant Certifications

Certifications for a supply chain consultant are important in the job market because they demonstrate the knowledge and skills that the individual has obtained through their education and experience. They provide employers with evidence that a consultant is qualified to handle complex supply chain management tasks, such as inventory optimization, cost reduction, and supplier relationship management. Certifications also show that the consultant is up-to-date with industry trends and best practices. In addition, certifications can give a competitive edge to an individual looking for a job in the supply chain field. Employers often prefer candidates who have obtained certifications from recognized organizations like APICS or ISM.

This article reviews the top certifications for Supply Chain Consultants and explains how they can help to advance a supply chain consultant's career.

What are Supply Chain Consultant Certifications?

Supply chain consultant certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a high level of knowledge and experience in supply chain management. It demonstrates to employers, clients, and other professionals that the holder has a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices used in the field. The certification also offers an assurance that the holder has met certain professional standards.

The certification can help supply chain consultants by giving them an edge over other job applicants when seeking employment or new contracts. It also enhances their credibility with current and potential clients, allowing them to charge higher rates for their services. Moreover, having this credential can enable consultants to provide more value to their clients by helping them develop better strategies for managing their supply chains more effectively. Finally, obtaining this certification can be beneficial for career advancement as it signals commitment to the profession and demonstrates expertise in the field.

Pro Tip: If you are considering a career as a supply chain consultant, make sure to research and obtain the relevant certifications in order to increase your value and credibility. Certifications such as Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) or APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CPIM) can demonstrate your knowledge and experience in the field, helping you stand out from the competition.

Related: What does a Supply Chain Consultant do?

Top 11 Supply Chain Consultant Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Supply Chain Consultants today.

1. 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 with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage global supply chains.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online self-study course, a three-day classroom training seminar, and a rigorous exam. The online self-study course includes topics such as supply chain management strategies, customer service, inventory management, operations planning and control, logistics strategies, and international trade regulations. The three-day classroom training seminar provides hands-on instruction in the application of these concepts.

The exam for the CSCP certification consists of 150 multiple choice questions that must be completed within four hours. To pass the exam, candidates must score at least 70% or higher.

It typically takes about 12 months to complete all requirements for the CSCP certification. Candidates must first register for the CSCP program through APICS and pay the associated fees before they can begin their studies. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you take advantage of early registration discounts or other offers available from APICS. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 USD to become certified as a CSCP professional.

2. 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). It is designed to provide professionals with a comprehensive understanding of the logistics, transportation, and distribution fields. The CLTD certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in these areas.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CLTD program. To get certified, individuals must pass a series of exams that cover topics such as supply chain management, global logistics, transportation systems, warehouse operations, inventory control, and customer service. The exams are administered online or at AST&L-approved testing centers.

The cost for the CLTD certification varies depending on the number of exams taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,500 to become certified in all five areas tested by AST&L. This includes registration fees for each exam as well as study materials and other resources necessary for successful completion of the program.

In addition to passing the exams, candidates must also demonstrate two years of relevant work experience before they can become certified. This experience must be related to one or more of the five subject areas covered by the CLTD program: supply chain management; global logistics; transportation systems; warehouse operations; and inventory control.

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

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is a professional organization that provides certification programs for individuals in the fields of supply chain management, operations, and logistics. APICS certifications are globally recognized credentials that demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in these areas.

There are three levels of APICS certification: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified Supply Chain Logistics Professional (CLTD). The CPIM program is the most popular, as it covers topics such as inventory management, production activity control, forecasting, material requirements planning, capacity planning, and more.

It typically takes between six months to one year to complete an APICS certification program. To get started on the path to earning your certification, you must first pass a comprehensive exam. After passing the exam, you will then need to complete a series of courses or workshops related to the specific certification level you are pursuing.

The cost of an APICS certification program varies depending on which level you choose. The CPIM program costs around $1,500 for members of APICS and $2,000 for non-members; CSCP costs around $1,800 for members and $2,400 for non-members; CLTD costs around $1,200 for members and $1,600 for non-members.

In addition to the cost of tuition fees for the courses or workshops associated with each level of certification program, there may also be additional fees such as application fees or exam fees.

4. Institute for Supply Management (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 demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of supply management.

The CPSM program consists of three exams, each focusing on different aspects of supply management. The exams cover topics such as procurement and contract management, supply chain operations, and strategic sourcing. To become certified, candidates must pass all three exams within a five-year period.

To get started with the CPSM program, you must first submit an application to ISM. This application will include information about your educational background and experience in the field of supply management. Once your application is approved, you can register for the exams and pay the associated fees. The cost for all three exams is approximately $1,500 USD.

Once you have registered for the exams, you will have up to five years to complete them all. Each exam requires approximately four hours to complete and consists of multiple-choice questions covering various topics related to supply management. After passing all three exams, you will be awarded your CPSM certification from ISM.

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

The International Society of Logistics (SOLE) Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and promote the highest standards of professional competence in logistics. The CPL certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of logistics principles, concepts, and practices.

To become a SOLE Certified Professional Logistician (CPL), an individual must successfully complete the following requirements:

• Pass the CPL Exam – The CPL exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of logistics management including supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing, and customer service. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any Pearson VUE Test Center.
• Have Three Years of Relevant Work Experience – Applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience in logistics or related fields. This experience should include hands-on experience in areas such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing, or customer service.
• Submit an Application – Applicants must submit an application form along with their resume and other supporting documents to SOLE headquarters for review.

The cost of the CPL certification is $495 USD for SOLE members and $595 USD for non-members. This fee includes the cost of the exam as well as a one-year membership in SOLE if applicable.

6. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a professional qualification that provides an introduction to the principles and practice of procurement and supply. It is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and understanding required to work effectively in a procurement and supply environment.

The CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply consists of seven modules which can be completed over an 18-month period. The modules cover topics such as sourcing strategies, contract law, negotiation techniques, supplier management, risk management, sustainability, and ethics. Each module requires approximately 100 hours of study time.

To obtain the CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply you must pass all seven modules. You can register for the diploma online or through your local CIPS office. Once registered you will receive study materials including textbooks, online resources, assessment tasks, and access to a tutor who will guide you through the learning process.

The cost of the CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply varies depending on where you are located but typically ranges from £2,000 - £3,000 GBP (approximately $2,500 - $3,700 USD). This fee covers all course materials as well as registration fees for each module taken.

7. Association for Operations Management (APICS) CPIM – Certified in Production and Inventory Management

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) CPIM – Certified in Production and Inventory Management is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills to understand and manage production and inventory activities within an organization. This certification is designed to help professionals gain expertise in areas such as demand management, procurement and supplier planning, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, sales and operations planning, master scheduling, performance measurements, supplier relationships, quality control and continuous improvement.

The APICS CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management; Master Planning of Resources; Detailed Scheduling and Planning; Execution and Control of Operations; Strategic Management of Resources. Each course requires approximately 30 hours of study time. After completing all five courses, individuals must pass two exams to earn the CPIM designation.

In order to get the APICS CPIM certification you must first become a member of APICS by paying a membership fee. Once you have been accepted as a member you can register for the courses online or through your local chapter. The cost for each course varies depending on whether you take it online or through a local chapter but typically ranges from $500-$750 per course. The total cost for all five courses is usually around $3000-$4000.

Once you have completed all five courses you must pass two exams in order to earn the CPIM designation. The exams are offered in both paper-based format or computer-based format at Pearson VUE testing centers throughout the world. The cost for each exam is $295 USD ($395 USD if taken outside North America).

Overall it takes approximately 6-9 months to complete all five courses and earn the CPIM designation depending on how quickly you are able to study and complete each course.

8. International Quality Federation (IQF) Certified Quality Engineer

The International Quality Federation (IQF) Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) certification is a globally recognized credential for quality professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who are responsible for designing, developing, implementing, and maintaining quality systems in an organization.

To become certified as an IQF CQE, you must successfully complete the IQF CQE exam. This exam consists of multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as statistical process control, quality management systems, design of experiments, quality auditing, and more. The exam is administered by the American Society for Quality (ASQ).

The cost to take the IQF CQE exam varies depending on your location. Generally speaking, it costs between $250-$400 USD to take the exam.

In order to be eligible to take the IQF CQE exam, you must meet certain prerequisites. Generally speaking, these include having at least three years of full-time experience in a related field such as engineering or quality assurance; or having at least five years of part-time experience in a related field; or having completed a relevant college degree program or coursework in quality assurance or engineering; or holding another ASQ certification such as Certified Quality Manager (CQM).

It typically takes between two and four weeks to receive your results after taking the IQF CQE exam. Once you have passed the exam with a score of 70% or higher, you will be awarded your certificate and can start using the designation “IQF Certified Quality Engineer” on your resume and business cards.

9. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Certificate in Transportation and Logistics

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) Certificate in Transportation and Logistics is an industry-recognized credential that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills required to excel in the field of transportation and logistics. The program is designed to give individuals a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and practices used in the transportation and logistics industry.

The CSCMP Certificate in Transportation and Logistics consists of four courses: Introduction to Transportation & Logistics, Operations & Planning, Sourcing & Procurement, and Globalization & Risk Management. Each course is self-paced and can be completed online or through traditional classroom instruction. The entire program typically takes about six months to complete.

To get the CSCMP Certificate in Transportation and Logistics, you must first register for the program by completing an online application form. Once accepted into the program, you will be asked to pay a fee of $1,500 USD which covers all four courses as well as any additional materials needed for successful completion. After successfully completing all four courses within six months, you will receive your official certificate from CSCMP.

10. International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certified Warehouse Professional

The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) Certified Warehouse Professional (CWP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of warehouse professionals. It is a comprehensive program that tests an individual’s understanding of warehouse operations, safety, and management.

Getting the IWLA CWP certification requires completing an online training course and passing a written exam. The online training course covers topics such as logistics management, inventory control, safety protocols, customer service, and more. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and must be completed within two hours. Candidates must score at least 70% on the exam to pass.

The cost for the IWLA CWP certification varies depending on your membership status with IWLA. For non-members, the cost is $395 USD; for members, it is $295 USD; and for student members, it is $195 USD.

Once you have successfully completed the training course and passed the written exam, you will receive your official IWLA CWP certificate in 4-6 weeks.

11. American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L) Certified Transportation & Logistics Consultant

The American Society of Transportation & Logistics (AST&L) Certified Transportation & Logistics Consultant (CTLC) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved an advanced level of knowledge and experience in the field of transportation and logistics. The CTLC program provides a comprehensive set of standards for professionals in the transportation and logistics industry, including freight forwarding, warehousing, distribution, and supply chain management.

In order to become an AST&L Certified Transportation & Logistics Consultant, applicants must meet certain qualifications. These include having at least five years of experience in the transportation and logistics industry, holding a bachelor’s degree or higher in business administration or related field from an accredited college or university, and passing a written exam administered by AST&L.

The cost for taking the written exam is $450 USD. Once you pass the exam, you will be awarded your CTLC certification. It typically takes up to six weeks to receive your certification after passing the exam.

Once certified as an AST&L Certified Transportation & Logistics Consultant, you will have access to exclusive resources such as networking opportunities with other professionals in the industry, discounts on AST&L membership fees and events, access to webinars and online courses offered by AST&L, and more.

Do You Really Need a Supply Chain Consultant Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on a few factors. If you are looking to pursue a career in supply chain management, then having a Supply Chain Consultant Certificate may be beneficial. This certificate can help demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the field, which can help you stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs. Additionally, if you already work in the supply chain industry and want to move up within your organization or switch companies, having this certification may give you an advantage over other applicants.

On the other hand, if you are confident in your knowledge and skills related to supply chain management and don’t need any further credentials to prove it, then obtaining a Supply Chain Consultant Certificate may not be necessary. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide if this certificate is something that will benefit your professional goals or not.

Related: Supply Chain Consultant Resume Examples

FAQs About Supply Chain Consultant Certifications

1. What types of certifications are available for supply chain consultants?

Answer: There are several certifications available for supply chain consultants, including Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD), Global Supply Chain Professional (GSCP) and Certified Professional Logistician (CPL).

2. How long do supply chain consultant certifications last?

Answer: Most certifications have a three-year validity period, after which the certification must be renewed.

3. What is the cost of obtaining a supply chain consultant certification?

Answer: The cost of obtaining a supply chain consultant certification varies depending on the type of certification chosen. Generally speaking, CSCP and CLTD certifications are more expensive than GSCP or CPL certifications.

4. What kind of jobs can I get with a supply chain consultant certification?

Answer: Having a supply chain consultant certification can open up many opportunities in operations management, logistics management and supply chain management roles within organizations both large and small. Additionally, it can provide an opportunity to move into consulting roles or start your own business as a third-party logistics provider.

5. Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a supply chain consultant certification?

Answer: Yes, there may be some prerequisites for obtaining certain types of certifications such as having prior experience in the field or completing specific courses related to the certification you are seeking. It is best to check with the certifying body to confirm any prerequisites that may exist.