Top 10 Supply Chain Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a supply chain coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and expertise in supply chain management. Employers want to know that their potential employees have the qualifications necessary to perform the tasks associated with a position, and certifications provide evidence of this. Certifications can also help set an individual apart from other candidates who do not have such credentials. Certifications can also open up opportunities for career advancement within a company or industry, as well as help build credibility among customers and suppliers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Supply Chain Coordinators and explain how they can help to boost their career prospects.

What are Supply Chain Coordinator Certifications?

Supply chain coordinator certification is a professional credential that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge to effectively manage supply chain operations. This certification is offered by various organizations including the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), the International Association of Logistics Management (IALM), and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The certification program typically includes courses in project management, logistics, inventory control, procurement, customer service, quality assurance, and other related topics.

Having a supply chain coordinator certification can help individuals secure jobs in the field of supply chain and logistics management. This certification allows employers to verify an individual’s knowledge and experience in this field. Additionally, certified professionals are able to demonstrate their commitment to their profession through continuing education initiatives. With this certification, individuals can also gain access to specialized resources such as industry events and conferences that can help them stay up-to-date on new trends and technologies in the industry. Furthermore, some companies may offer special discounts or bonuses for certified personnel. Lastly, having a supply chain coordinator certification can help increase an individual’s professional credibility and visibility in the field by showing potential employers that they have taken the time to obtain specialized training in this area.

Pro Tip: Pursuing a supply chain coordinator certification can be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge and dedication to the field. Make sure to research the various certifications available, including their requirements, costs, and benefits, in order to find the one that best meets your needs.

Related: What does a Supply Chain Coordinator do?

Top 10 Supply Chain Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and expertise in supply chain management. The CSCP program focuses on best practices, global standards, and the latest technology related to supply chain management.

It takes approximately 18 months to complete the CSCP program. This includes completing an online self-assessment exam, attending a three-day classroom training session, and passing a final exam. The cost of the CSCP program varies depending on whether you take the self-assessment exam or attend the classroom training session. The total cost ranges from $1,595 USD to $2,295 USD.

To get certified as a CSCP, you must first pass an online self-assessment exam with a score of 75% or higher. Once you have passed this exam, you can then register for the three-day classroom training session which covers topics such as supply chain strategy and design, global sourcing and logistics operations, customer relationship management, risk management and sustainability. After completing the classroom training session, you must pass a final exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to receive your certification.

2. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a certification offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of production and inventory management principles, practices, and procedures. 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.

The CPIM exam is offered in two parts: Part 1 focuses on the basics of supply chain management; Part 2 covers all five courses. To become certified, candidates must pass both parts with a score of 70% or higher. In addition to passing the exams, candidates must have at least three years of professional experience in production or inventory management or related fields.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPIM program. Candidates can take classes online or in person through APICS-approved training centers. The cost for the program varies depending on how you choose to take it—online courses may be less expensive than in-person classes. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay between $1,500 and $2,000 for the entire program.

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

APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP-APICS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and skills in the field of supply chain management. The certification is offered by APICS, an international non-profit organization that provides educational programs, certifications, and resources for supply chain professionals.

The CSCP-APICS certification requires applicants to have a minimum of three years of professional experience in the supply chain field and pass a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of multiple choice questions covering topics such as global supply chain management, customer relations management, logistics and transportation, inventory management, production planning, quality control, and more.

The CSCP-APICS certification typically takes between six months to one year to complete depending on the applicant’s individual circumstances. In order to become certified, applicants must first register with APICS and pay a fee of $795 USD. They then must attend an approved training course or self-study program before taking the exam. After passing the exam, applicants must submit their application for review by APICS before they can receive their certificate.

In addition to the initial registration fee, applicants may also be required to pay additional fees for any additional courses or materials they need in order to prepare for the exam. Additionally, there may be other costs associated with attending an approved training course or self-study program if it is not included in the initial registration fee.

4. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) CPIM-F

American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) CPIM-F is a certification program that provides professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and manage the flow of materials and information in an organization. The CPIM-F certification is designed for those who have experience in production, inventory, purchasing, planning, scheduling, customer service, or other related areas.

The CPIM-F certification consists of two parts: Part 1 covers fundamental concepts of production and inventory management; Part 2 covers advanced topics such as supply chain management, logistics, quality control, and more. To earn the CPIM-F certification, you must pass both parts of the exam.

It typically takes 3-6 months to complete the study material for the CPIM-F exam. You can find study materials on APICS’ website or through third party providers. Once you are ready to take the exam, you can register online or by mail.

The cost of taking the CPIM-F exam varies depending on your location but typically ranges from $600-$800 USD. This fee includes registration fees as well as any applicable taxes or shipping costs associated with taking the exam.

5. International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM)

The International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) Certified Supply Chain Manager (CSCM) is a certification program designed to help supply chain professionals demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field. The CSCM certification is focused on understanding the fundamentals of supply chain management, including topics such as logistics, procurement, inventory management, and customer service.

It takes approximately three months to complete the CSCM certification program. It consists of an online course with video lectures and quizzes that cover the basics of supply chain management. After completing the course, applicants must pass a two-hour proctored exam administered by ISCEA. Upon successful completion of the exam, applicants will receive their CSCM certification.

To get started with the CSCM certification process, applicants must first register for the program through ISCEA’s website. Once registered, applicants can access all course materials and take advantage of additional resources such as webinars and forums to help them prepare for the exam.

The cost for the CSCM certification program is $1,295 USD. This fee includes access to all course materials and resources as well as one attempt at the proctored exam.

6. American Purchasing Society (APS) Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

American Purchasing Society (APS) Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of purchasing professionals. The CPP certification is an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates a mastery of the core principles and practices of professional purchasing.

To qualify for the CPP certification, applicants must have a minimum of five years of full-time professional purchasing experience, or three years with a bachelor’s degree in business or related field. The applicant must also pass an examination administered by APS.

The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as purchasing fundamentals, contract law, supplier management, inventory control, and cost analysis. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for the CPP certification varies depending on whether you are an APS member or non-member. For members, the fee is $395; for non-members it is $495. This fee includes the application fee and examination fee.

Once certified, CPPs must maintain their credentials by completing at least 40 hours of continuing education every two years in order to remain certified.

7. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) CPSM Certification

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of supply management. The CPSM certification is designed to provide recognition to those who have achieved excellence in the field and can demonstrate their knowledge and skills through a comprehensive examination process.

The CPSM certification requires applicants to pass three exams: Fundamentals of Supply Management, Advanced Principles of Supply Management, and Professional Practices in Supply Management. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as purchasing, inventory management, logistics, supplier relationships, contracts, and more. The exams are administered by ISM at various locations throughout the year.

It typically takes up to six months to complete all three exams, depending on how much time an individual is able to dedicate to studying for each exam. In order to be eligible for the certification program, applicants must have at least five years of professional experience in supply management or related fields.

In order to apply for the CPSM certification program, applicants must submit an application form along with proof of their professional experience and pay a fee of $395 USD. Once approved by ISM, applicants will receive instructions on how to register for each exam as well as access to study materials that will help them prepare for the exams. After passing all three exams, applicants will receive their official CPSM certificate from ISM.

8. International Quality Federation (IQF) Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

The International Quality Federation (IQF) Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated an understanding of quality engineering principles, practices, and techniques. The CQE certification is designed to provide assurance to employers and customers that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform quality engineering tasks.

To become certified as a CQE, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by IQF. Applicants must have either a bachelor's degree in engineering or related field from an accredited college or university, or at least five years of experience in quality engineering activities.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as quality management systems, statistical process control, design of experiments, reliability engineering, inspection techniques, and problem solving. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CQE certification varies depending on the country where the applicant resides. Generally speaking, it costs around $500 USD for the application fee and $400 USD for the exam fee.

Once all requirements are met and passed successfully, applicants will receive their CQE certificate from IQF within 8 weeks after passing the exam.

9. Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) SCPro™ Level 1 Certification

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) SCPro™ Level 1 Certification is a professional certification for supply chain professionals. It is designed to validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of supply chain professionals in the areas of strategy, operations, sourcing, technology, and logistics. The certification is offered through CSCMP’s online learning platform and consists of four modules: Supply Chain Strategy & Design; Operations & Technology; Sourcing & Procurement; and Logistics & Distribution.

It typically takes approximately 6-8 weeks to complete the program depending on the individual's level of experience and commitment. To get certified, individuals must complete all four modules as well as pass an exam at the end of each module. The exam consists of multiple choice questions with a passing score of 70%.

The cost for the CSCMP SCPro™ Level 1 Certification program is $2,495 USD. This includes access to all four modules as well as one attempt at each module's exam. Additional attempts are available for an additional fee.

10. Association for Operations Management (APICS) CLTD Certification

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) CLTD Certification is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of logistics, transportation and distribution. The certification is designed to help professionals advance their careers by providing them with the skills necessary to succeed in the industry.

The APICS CLTD Certification Program is a comprehensive program that covers topics such as supply chain management, logistics operations, inventory management, customer service and more. The program consists of seven modules that must be completed within 18 months of enrollment. Each module requires approximately 15-20 hours of study time and includes an online exam.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having a minimum of three years of experience in the field of logistics or supply chain management. Applicants must also pass an online exam at the end of each module. Once all seven modules are completed, applicants will receive their CLTD certification from APICS.

The cost for the APICS CLTD Certification Program varies depending on which options are chosen for enrollment. The full program cost ranges from $2,000-$4,000 USD depending on whether you choose self-study or instructor-led courses as well as other factors such as discounts available through your employer or other organizations.

Do You Really Need a Supply Chain Coordinator Certificate?

Yes, a Supply Chain Coordinator Certificate can be a valuable asset to have when seeking employment in the supply chain profession. The certificate demonstrates that you have received specialized training in the field and can provide employers with an assurance that you possess the necessary skills and knowledge to perform your duties efficiently and effectively. Additionally, having a certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who do not possess such qualifications.

In addition to showing potential employers that you are qualified for the position, obtaining certification can help increase your confidence in your abilities. It can also serve as a reminder of your commitment to continuing education in the field, which is important for keeping up with current trends and technologies. Finally, a Supply Chain Coordinator Certificate may also provide you with access to special resources or discounts from professional organizations or employers.

Overall, having a Supply Chain Coordinator Certificate is an excellent way to demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the profession. It can open doors to new opportunities and help you stand out among other applicants when applying for jobs.

Related: Supply Chain Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Supply Chain Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Supply Chain Coordinator Certification?

A Supply Chain Coordinator Certification is a professional certification that recognizes the skills and knowledge of supply chain professionals who are responsible for coordinating and managing the movement of goods within an organization. The certification is designed to give individuals the necessary tools to effectively manage their organization’s supply chain operations.

2. How do I become certified as a Supply Chain Coordinator?

To become certified as a Supply Chain Coordinator, you must first complete an accredited program in supply chain management, such as an Associate or Bachelor's degree program. Additionally, many organizations offer certification programs specifically tailored to the needs of supply chain coordinators. These programs may include courses on inventory control, logistics and transportation management, procurement, and other related topics.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Supply Chain Coordinator?

The primary benefit of becoming a Certified Supply Chain Coordinator is that it demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in the field of supply chain management to employers, which can increase your chances of obtaining employment or promotion opportunities within your company or elsewhere in the industry. Additionally, many organizations recognize certified coordinators with higher salaries and increased job security than those without certifications.

4. What types of jobs can I apply for with my Supply Chain Coordinator Certification?

With your Supply Chain Coordinator Certification, you will be qualified for positions such as logistics manager, inventory controller, warehouse supervisor, procurement specialist, production planner, transportation coordinator, and more. These roles involve overseeing all aspects of product flow from supplier to customer – from planning shipments and tracking inventory to ensuring quality control throughout the entire process.

5. How long does it take to obtain my Supply Chain Coordinator Certification?

The amount of time required to obtain your Supply Chain Coordinator Certification depends on which type of program you choose – some may require only a few months while others may take up to two years or more depending on whether you choose an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree program. Additionally, many organizations offer shorter certification programs that can be completed in 6-12 months depending on the coursework involved.