Top 10 Supply Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for supply clerks in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge that employers look for when hiring. Certifications can also provide supply clerks with an advantage over other applicants, as they show potential employers that the individual has taken the necessary steps to become qualified for the position. Additionally, certifications can help supply clerks stay current on industry trends and best practices, which can be invaluable in today’s competitive job market. Finally, certifications may be required by certain employers or organizations in order to work in their particular field, so having them can open up more opportunities for a supply clerk.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Supply Clerks, providing an overview of how they can help to advance their career.

What are Supply Clerk Certifications?

Supply clerk certification is a program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to become effective and efficient supply clerks. The program focuses on teaching best practices, industry standards, and strategies used in supply chain management. It also covers topics such as inventory control, purchasing, logistics, warehouse operations, quality assurance and customer service. By obtaining a supply clerk certification, individuals will have a better understanding of the supply chain process, making them more valuable employees for their employers. This can help them advance their careers by providing them with more job opportunities and higher salaries. Additionally, having a certificate in this field will allow individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the field of supply chain management which can be beneficial when looking for new employment opportunities or negotiating salary increases.

Pro Tip: Make sure to research the various supply clerk certifications that are available and determine which one is the best fit for your career goals. Consider the requirements, cost, and duration of each certification before making a decision.

Related: What does a Supply Clerk do?

Top 10 Supply Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program for purchasing professionals. It is administered by the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM). The CPP certification recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in the field of purchasing.

The CPP program consists of three parts: a comprehensive exam, an online portfolio, and a professional development plan. To become certified, applicants must pass the comprehensive exam with a score of at least 70%. The online portfolio must demonstrate mastery of key topics such as procurement processes, supply chain management, contract negotiations, and supplier relationships. Finally, applicants must complete a professional development plan that outlines their goals for continuing education and professional growth.

It typically takes between six months to one year to become certified as a CPP. During this time, applicants should study for the comprehensive exam and develop their online portfolio and professional development plan.

The cost of becoming certified as a CPP varies depending on the applicant's membership status with NAPM. For non-members, the cost is $695 USD; for members, it is $395 USD. In addition to these fees, there may be additional costs associated with taking practice exams or attending training seminars.

2. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in supply management. The CPSM designation is the only globally recognized certification in the field of supply management.

To obtain the CPSM designation, an individual must pass three exams that test their knowledge and understanding of supply management principles and practices. The exams cover topics such as procurement, supplier relationship management, inventory control, logistics, and strategic sourcing. Each exam must be completed within two years of starting the program.

The cost to obtain the CPSM designation varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For ISM members, it costs $1,295 for all three exams; for non-members it costs $1,595. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake any exams or if you need to renew your certification after five years.

In total, it takes approximately six months to complete all three exams and receive your CPSM designation.

3. Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP)

Certified Materials & Resource Professional (CMRP) is a certification program offered by the Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI). The CMRP certification is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of medical device materials and resource management.

The CMRP exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, procurement, and regulatory compliance. To qualify for the CMRP certification, candidates must have at least three years of experience in medical device materials and resource management.

It typically takes approximately six months to complete the CMRP program. Candidates must complete an online application, pass an online examination, and attend a two-day training course. The cost of the program is $1,500 USD.

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an internationally recognized certification for supply chain professionals. It is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), which is the global leader in supply chain education, training and certification.

The CSCP program helps supply chain professionals demonstrate their knowledge of the essential technology, concepts and strategies related to supply chain management. The certification covers topics such as customer relations, demand planning, order fulfillment, inventory management, warehousing, transportation and logistics.

It takes approximately 12-18 months to complete the CSCP program. To get certified you must first meet certain prerequisites such as having a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience in a supply chain-related field or a bachelor's degree plus two years of full-time professional experience in a supply chain-related field.

You will then need to register for the exam and purchase the CSCP Learning System from ASCM. The cost of the Learning System is $1,495 USD for members and $1,995 USD for non-members. After studying with the Learning System materials you can then register for and take the 3 hour long exam at one of many testing centers around the world.

Once you pass the exam you will receive your official CSCP designation from ASCM along with access to exclusive membership benefits such as discounts on conferences and webinars, access to online forums and networking events with other certified professionals.

5. Certified Logistics Technician (CLT)

Certified Logistics Technician (CLT) is a certification program that provides recognition and validation of the knowledge, skills and abilities of individuals who work in logistics, supply chain management and related fields. The CLT certification is administered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L).

The CLT certification program consists of two exams: a written exam and an oral exam. The written exam covers topics such as inventory management, warehouse operations, transportation management, customer service, supply chain planning and execution, quality control, safety and security. The oral exam focuses on the application of these concepts to real-world scenarios.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CLT certification process. During this time, candidates must complete a number of prerequisites including completing an approved course or training program in logistics or supply chain management; passing the written exam; and passing the oral exam. Candidates must also have at least three years of experience in logistics or supply chain management in order to be eligible for the certification.

The cost to become certified as a CLT varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD. This fee includes registration fees for both exams as well as any additional materials needed to prepare for them.

6. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a professional certification program designed to provide inventory management professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage inventory in any organization. The CIM certification program is offered by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM). It takes approximately 6-9 months to complete the CIM program, depending on how quickly you are able to study and complete the required coursework.

To get certified as a Certified Inventory Manager, you must first meet certain educational requirements, such as having an undergraduate degree or equivalent experience in business or related fields. You must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as inventory control systems, supply chain management, purchasing and procurement processes, financial analysis, and more.

The cost of the CIM certification program varies depending on which option you choose. The online option costs $1,495 for ISM members and $1,795 for non-members. The classroom option costs $2,095 for ISM members and $2,295 for non-members.

7. Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). The CPIM program is designed to help professionals in production and inventory management understand and apply best practices in the field. It covers topics such as supply chain management, operations planning and control, inventory management, materials requirements planning, master scheduling, forecasting, production activity control, quality assurance, total quality management and continuous improvement.

The CPIM certification consists of two parts: Part 1 and Part 2. Each part has its own exam that must be passed in order to receive the designation of CPIM. The exams are offered at APICS-approved test centers throughout the world.

It typically takes about six months to complete both parts of the CPIM program. This includes studying for the exams, taking practice tests and attending review classes or seminars.

To get certified as a CPIM professional you must pass both exams within five years of each other with a minimum score of 500 on each exam. You also need to pay an application fee when you register for the exam. The cost for taking both parts of the exam is $1125 USD ($575 for Part 1 and $550 for Part 2).

8. Certified Supply Chain Auditor (CSCA)

Certified Supply Chain Auditor (CSCA) is a professional certification program that provides supply chain professionals with the knowledge and skills to audit the performance of supply chain operations. The CSCA certification is offered by the American Society of Quality (ASQ).

The CSCA certification requires passing an exam, which consists of two parts: a written exam and a practical exam. The written exam covers topics such as supply chain management, logistics, quality assurance, and auditing. The practical exam tests the candidate’s ability to apply the knowledge gained in the written portion of the exam.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete all requirements for CSCA certification. Candidates must first complete an online application form and submit it along with supporting documents such as transcripts or other proof of educational background. After submitting their application, candidates will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exams.

The cost of obtaining CSCA certification varies depending on location, but typically ranges from $500 to $1,000 USD. This includes registration fees for both exams as well as any additional study materials needed to prepare for them.

9. American Purchasing Society's Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP-APSP)

The Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP-APSP) is a professional designation offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in purchasing and supply chain management.

To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time purchasing or related experience, pass an exam, and agree to abide by the APS Code of Ethics. The exam covers topics such as procurement processes, supplier management, inventory control, contract negotiation, and risk management.

The CPP-APSP certification process typically takes several months to complete. After submitting an application and passing the exam, applicants must submit proof of their work experience and sign the APS Code of Ethics. Once these steps are completed, the applicant will be notified that they have earned their CPP-APSP certification.

The cost for the CPP-APSP certification varies depending on a variety of factors including membership status with APS and other discounts that may be available. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $400-$600 USD for non-members to obtain the certification.

10. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management's Global Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management (GDPSM).

The Global Diploma in Purchasing and Supply Management (GDPSM) is a professional qualification offered by the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM). It is designed to provide practitioners with an internationally recognized credential that demonstrates their expertise in purchasing and supply management.

The GDPSM program consists of three modules: Fundamentals, Advanced, and Professional. The Fundamentals module covers topics such as procurement processes, supplier selection and evaluation, contract negotiation, and quality assurance. The Advanced module focuses on topics such as strategic sourcing, global sourcing, supply chain management, and technology-enabled solutions. The Professional module provides the opportunity to apply the knowledge gained from the previous modules to a real-world problem or project.

The program takes approximately six months to complete if all three modules are taken consecutively; however, it can be completed at a slower pace if desired. To get started on the GDPSM program, applicants must first register with IFPSM by completing an online application form. Once accepted into the program, applicants will receive access to course materials and assessments which they must complete within a set timeframe.

The cost of the GDPSM program varies depending on where you are located; however, it typically ranges from $1,500 - $2,500 USD for all three modules combined.

Do You Really Need a Supply Clerk Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals and the requirements of the job you are applying for. Generally speaking, a supply clerk certificate is not required in order to work as a supply clerk. However, having a certificate may provide you with an advantage when competing for jobs or promotions.

In most cases, employers will look for relevant experience, skills, and knowledge rather than a specific certificate. For example, if you are applying for a job as a supply clerk in a hospital setting, you may need to demonstrate that you have experience with medical supplies and equipment. You might also need to show proof of basic computer skills and knowledge of inventory management systems.

That being said, having a supply clerk certificate can be beneficial in certain circumstances. For one thing, it demonstrates your commitment to the field and your willingness to invest time and money into professional development. It can also be helpful if you want to switch careers or move up the ranks within your current organization. A certificate can help show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job at hand. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have certain certifications in order to qualify for certain positions or promotions.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a supply clerk certificate depends on your individual career goals and the expectations of potential employers. If possible, try to find out what qualifications are preferred by employers in your field before making any decisions about certification programs or classes.

Related: Supply Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Supply Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Supply Clerk Certification?

Answer: A Supply Clerk Certification is a professional certification that verifies an individual’s knowledge and skills in the field of supply chain management and inventory control. It is designed to help professionals demonstrate their expertise to employers and demonstrate their commitment to continued learning.

2. How do I become certified as a Supply Clerk?

Answer: To become certified as a Supply Clerk, you must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as the American Purchasing Society or the International Federation of Purchasing & Supply Management.

3. What topics are covered on the exam?

Answer: The exam covers topics related to inventory control, purchasing, supply chain management, and logistics. It also tests your ability to use software programs related to these topics.

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

Answer: After passing the exam, it usually takes 3-4 weeks for you to receive your certificate of completion from the certifying body.

5. Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require continuing education credits in order to maintain your certification status. You should check with your specific certifying body for more information on how often you need to complete continuing education courses in order to remain certified.