Top 10 Supply Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for supply coordinators in the job market as they demonstrate to employers that the individual has the necessary knowledge and skills required to perform the job. Certifications provide validation of a person's qualifications and can help them stand out from other applicants with similar experience and education. For example, a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification is recognized by leading employers as an indication of proficiency in supply chain management principles and practices. Additionally, certifications give supply coordinators access to exclusive networks and resources that can be used to further their careers.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Supply Coordinators and explain how they can help to advance a supply coordinator's career.

What are Supply Coordinator Certifications?

Supply Coordinator Certification is a type of professional certification which recognizes people who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in the field of supply chain management. It is designed to give candidates an understanding of the principles, processes, and techniques used in managing a successful supply chain. Supply Chain Coordinators must be able to plan, source, procure, store, manage and distribute materials and services necessary for successful operation of their organization.

The certification provides Supply Chain Coordinators with the skills they need to effectively coordinate the supply chain within their organization. These include understanding how to develop effective supply strategies, identify potential suppliers and negotiate contracts with them, manage inventory levels and costs, implement cost-saving measures, track shipments and deliveries, and ensure compliance with regulations. The certification also provides Supply Chain Coordinators with an understanding of the overall business environment in which they operate and how it affects their responsibilities.

By obtaining a Supply Coordinator Certification, individuals can demonstrate that they have the knowledge necessary to effectively coordinate a company’s supply chain operations. This can help them stand out from other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions in their organization or when seeking employment elsewhere. It also shows potential employers that the individual has taken steps to further their education and stay up-to-date on best practices in this field. Additionally, having a Supply Coordinator Certification may increase job security since companies value employees who show dedication to continuing education in their fields of expertise.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a Supply Coordinator, it is important to research and pursue certification in the field. Certification can help you stand out from the competition and demonstrate your commitment to the profession. Additionally, it can open up more job opportunities and provide you with valuable industry knowledge.

Related: What does a Supply Coordinator do?

Top 10 Supply Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional Logistician (CPL)

Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of logistics professionals. The CPL program is offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L). It is intended to provide recognition for those who have achieved a high level of expertise in logistics, supply chain management, and related disciplines.

The CPL program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical experience requirement. The online exam covers topics such as logistics planning, transportation management, inventory control, customer service, and global logistics. The practical experience requirement requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPL program. To get started, applicants must first submit an application form with proof of education and professional experience. After submitting the application form, applicants must then pass the online exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once they have passed the exam, they can begin working on the practical experience requirement.

The cost for taking the CPL exam varies depending on where you take it and whether you are a member of AST&L or not. Generally speaking, non-members pay $350 for each part of the exam while members pay $250 for each part. In addition to these fees, there may also be additional costs associated with obtaining necessary documents or materials required for completing the practical experience requirement.

2. 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 help supply chain professionals gain a comprehensive understanding of the global supply chain and its functions. The CSCP program focuses on the end-to-end supply chain, from design and planning to execution and delivery.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online course, an exam, and continuing education requirements. The online course covers topics such as supply chain management principles, logistics, inventory management, customer service, transportation, technology, sustainability, and more. The exam is a 3-hour multiple-choice test that assesses your knowledge of the material covered in the course.

The CSCP certification typically takes 6 months to complete. To get certified you must first register for the program on ASCM's website. Once registered you will need to purchase the course materials which cost between $1,500 - $2,000 depending on your membership status with ASCM. After completing the coursework you will then need to pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher in order to earn your CSCP certification.

Once certified you are required to maintain your certification by completing 50 hours of continuing education every 5 years in order to keep your credential active

3. 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). It is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of production and inventory management concepts. CPIM certification is recognized as a mark of excellence in the field and can be used to enhance career opportunities.

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. Each course has its own exam that must be passed with a minimum score in order to receive the certification.

It typically takes around 6-12 months to complete all five CPIM courses depending on an individual’s availability. The cost for the entire program varies depending on whether you are an APICS member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,695 while non-members pay $2,095.

To get certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM), you must first register for the program through APICS website or contact them directly. Once registered, you will need to purchase your course materials online or through your local APICS chapter office. After completing each course successfully, you will then need to take the corresponding exam at a proctored testing center near you. Upon passing all five exams with a minimum score of 70%, you will receive your CPIM certification from APICS.

4. APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate mastery of the end-to-end global supply chain. It is the only certification that covers all aspects of supply chain management from strategy to implementation. The CSCP program provides professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively manage global supply chains, improve processes, and increase customer satisfaction.

It typically takes about three months to complete the CSCP program. To get certified, you must first complete an online application and pay the associated fees. You will then be required to take a three-day course that covers topics such as supply chain design, planning and execution, inventory management, transportation and logistics, and more. After completing the course, you will need to pass a comprehensive exam in order to receive your certification.

The cost of getting certified varies depending on your country or region but typically ranges from $1,000 - $2,000 USD for all materials and exams. This includes access to online study materials, practice tests, an exam voucher for the final exam, as well as one year of membership in APICS which gives you access to additional resources such as webinars and discounts on conferences and events.

5. American Purchasing Society Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

The American Purchasing Society Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program for purchasing professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced purchasing professionals. The CPP designation is a mark of excellence that demonstrates an individual's commitment to the profession and their dedication to continuous learning and development.

To become certified, individuals must pass an exam administered by the American Purchasing Society. The exam consists of four parts: Fundamentals of Purchasing, Advanced Purchasing Practices, Professional Practices, and Strategic Sourcing & Supply Chain Management. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and covers topics such as procurement processes, supplier selection criteria, contract management, cost analysis techniques, negotiation strategies, risk management principles, and more.

The cost of the CPP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of the American Purchasing Society or not. For non-members the cost is $395 USD; for members it is $295 USD. Additionally, there may be additional fees associated with taking the exam at certain locations or if you need to retake any part of the exam.

Once you have passed the exam you will receive your CPP certification from the American Purchasing Society which will be valid for three years from date of issue.

6. International Association of Logistics Management Certified Logistics Manager (CLM)

The International Association of Logistics Management Certified Logistics Manager (CLM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of logistics management. The CLM certification is designed to validate the expertise and skills of logistics professionals, and to provide employers with assurance that their logistics managers are knowledgeable and competent.

It takes approximately 3-6 months to complete the CLM certification program. To become certified, applicants must pass an exam which covers topics such as supply chain management, inventory control, transportation management, warehousing operations, customer service, and more. Applicants must also have at least 5 years of experience in the field of logistics management or a related field.

To get started on the path towards becoming a CLM, applicants must first register with the International Association of Logistics Management (IALM). Once registered, applicants will be able to access study materials such as textbooks and online courses. After completing the required coursework and passing the exam, applicants will receive their official CLM certification.

The cost for becoming a CLM varies depending on factors such as course materials purchased and exam fees. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2000 to become certified.

7. American Production and Inventory Control Society Certified Master Production Scheduler (CMPS)

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) Certified Master Production Scheduler (CMPS) is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals in the field of production scheduling. The CMPS certification demonstrates an individual’s ability to develop, maintain, and analyze production schedules that meet customer requirements.

To become a Certified Master Production Scheduler, applicants must meet the following prerequisites:

• Have a minimum of two years of experience in production scheduling or related fields
• Possess a valid APICS CPIM or CSCP certification
• Successfully pass the CMPS exam
• Agree to abide by the APICS Code of Ethics

The CMPS exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as capacity planning, inventory management, material requirements planning (MRP), and scheduling principles. The exam is administered at authorized testing centers throughout the world. The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $400-$600 USD. It typically takes 3-5 hours to complete the exam.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the CMPS exam, they will receive their official APICS Certified Master Production Scheduler certificate. This certificate is valid for three years and can be renewed by retaking the CMPS exam or completing 60 hours of approved continuing education activities during each three-year period.

8. Institute for Supply Management Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

The Institute for Supply Management Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize professionals who have achieved mastery in the field of supply management. It is the only global certification program that focuses solely on the supply management profession.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional, and Master. Each level requires passing an exam and accumulating continuing education credits (CEUs). The Foundation Level exam covers topics such as procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supplier relationships. The Professional Level exam covers topics such as strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, risk management, and performance measurement. The Master Level exam covers topics such as leadership development, change management, and global supply chain operations.

It typically takes 3-5 years to complete all three levels of the CPSM program depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for each level’s exam.

To get started with the CPSM program you will need to register with ISM and pay a fee for each level of the program that you wish to pursue. The current fees are $395 USD for the Foundation Level exam; $495 USD for the Professional Level exam; and $595 USD for the Master Level exam.

In addition to these fees there are also additional costs associated with taking part in the CPSM program such as study materials and CEU courses which can range from $50-$200 USD depending on what you choose to purchase or attend.

9. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in public procurement. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in public purchasing, as well as their understanding of the principles and practices associated with the profession.

To become a CPPO, applicants must first meet the prerequisites for eligibility. These include having at least four years of full-time public procurement experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also pass a written examination covering topics such as federal regulations, contract management, and ethical considerations.

Once all requirements have been met, applicants can apply for the CPPO certification through the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). The application fee for the exam is $400 for NIGP members and $500 for non-members. The exam itself consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within two hours.

Upon passing the exam, candidates will receive their CPPO certification and be recognized as a Certified Public Procurement Officer by NIGP. This certification is valid for three years before requiring renewal. Renewal requires completion of continuing education credits or re-examination every three years to maintain active status.

10. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Diploma in Procurement and Supply

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a professional qualification designed to help individuals develop the skills and knowledge needed to become successful procurement and supply chain professionals. The diploma is suitable for those with little or no experience in the field, as well as those who are already working in the profession.

The CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply consists of five modules, each of which must be completed within 12 months. The modules cover topics such as procurement processes, contract law, supply chain management, risk management, negotiation strategies, project management and ethics. Upon completion of all five modules, candidates will receive an internationally-recognised qualification from CIPS.

To get the CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply you must first register with CIPS online. You will then need to pay for the course fees which vary depending on your country of residence. Once registered you can begin studying for the diploma by accessing study materials provided by CIPS or through attending face-to-face workshops or webinars.

The cost of the CIPS Diploma in Procurement and Supply varies depending on where you live but typically ranges from £2,000 to £3,000 GBP (approximately $2,500 - $4,000 USD). This includes registration fees and access to study materials. Additional costs may also apply if you choose to attend face-to-face workshops or webinars.

Do You Really Need a Supply Coordinator Certificate?

In today's competitive job market, having a professional certification can be a great way to stand out from the crowd. A Supply Coordinator Certificate is one such certification that can help you get noticed and land jobs in the supply chain field.

So, do you really need a Supply Coordinator Certificate? The answer depends on your career goals and the industry you want to work in. If you're just getting started in the supply chain field, then it isn't absolutely necessary to have a certificate. However, if you want to demonstrate your commitment to the profession and prove your knowledge of supply chain management principles, then having a certificate can be very beneficial. It shows potential employers that you have taken the time to invest in yourself and acquire specialized skills related to this field.

Furthermore, having a Supply Coordinator Certificate may also give you access to higher-level positions or promotions within your current organization. Many companies prefer employees with certifications because they are seen as more reliable and knowledgeable than those without credentials. Additionally, many organizations have their own internal training programs for which having a Supply Coordinator Certificate may make you eligible for consideration.

In summary, whether or not you need a Supply Coordinator Certificate depends on what type of career path you are looking for and how far along it is. If you're just starting out, then it isn't essential to possess one; however, if you want to advance your career in this field or prove your expertise in supply chain management, then having a certificate could be invaluable.

Related: Supply Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Supply Coordinator Certifications

1. What is a Supply Coordinator Certification?

A Supply Coordinator Certification is a professional certification awarded to individuals who demonstrate competence in supply chain management and related areas such as inventory control, purchasing, warehousing, logistics, and transportation. It is designed to help ensure that organizations have the necessary personnel with the right skills to effectively manage their supply chain operations.

2. Who can apply for a Supply Coordinator Certification?

Anyone with experience in the field of supply chain management may apply for a Supply Coordinator Certification. This includes professionals from all industries who are involved in managing the flow of goods and services from suppliers to customers.

3. What are the requirements for obtaining a Supply Coordinator Certification?

To obtain a Supply Coordinator Certification, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of supply chain management principles and practices. Applicants must also meet any additional requirements set by their certifying organization, such as completing continuing education courses or having relevant work experience.

4. How much does it cost to get certified?

The cost of obtaining a Supply Coordinator Certification can vary depending on the certifying organization and other factors such as whether you choose to take an online or in-person course or exam preparation program. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay anywhere from $500-$5,000 for your certification program and exams fees combined.

5. How long does it take to become certified?

It typically takes between 3-6 months to prepare for and complete the required exams needed for certification. The amount of time it will take will depend on your individual level of knowledge about supply chain management principles as well as how much time you are able to dedicate towards studying for the exams each week.