In the changing business environment, managing the supply chain is crucial for success. A profession in supply chain management can be significantly enhanced through certification. The CSCP and CPIM certifications can support your career development. Although both certifications symbolise vital benchmarks of quality, numerous professionals might question which certification aligns better with their career aspirations and preferences.
In this blog, we will evaluate which certification is best for starting a career in supply chain.
What Is CPIM Certification?
The Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) is an APICS certification offered by ASCM. This certification is designed for operations management professionals to validate their skills in production and inventory control. This certification focuses on the operational aspects of product and inventory management, including planning and controlling the flow of goods and services.
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What Is CSCP Certification?
The CSCP, known as Certified Supply Chain Professional, is offered by APICS. This certification is targeted at professionals seeking to demonstrate their expertise in supply chain management. Obtaining this certification will validate professionals’ skills in planning, executing, monitoring, and improving the supply chain.
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CSCP vs CPIM: Exam Details
Aspects | CSCP | CPIM |
No. of Questions | 150 | 150 |
Time Limit | 3.5 Hours | 3.5 Hours |
Passing Score | 300 | 300 |
Exam Provider | Pearson VUE | Pearson VUE |
Prerequisites | None | None |
Certification Validity | 5 years | 5 years |
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CSCP vs CPIM: Exam Domains
CSCP Objectives | CPIM Objectives | ||
Objectives | Percentage | Objectives | Percentage |
Forecast and Manage Demand | 10% | Align the Supply Chain to Support the Business Strategy | 15% |
Manage the Global Supply Chain Network and Information | Conduct Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) to Support Strategy | 9% | |
Source Products and Services | 17% | Plan and Manage Demand | |
Manage Internal Operations and Inventory | 19% | Plan and Manage Supply | 16% |
Manage Supply Chain Logistics | 9% | Plan and Manage Inventory | 19% |
Manage Customer and Supplier Relationships | 17% | Plan, Manage, and ExecuteDetailed Schedules | 16% |
Manage Supply Chain Risk | 10% | Plan and Manage Distribution | 5% |
Evaluate and Optimize the Supply Chain | 8% | Manage Quality, ContinuousImprovement, and Technology | 11% |
CSCP vs CPIM: Which Of The Certification Costs More?
Both certifications, CSCP and CPIM, are provided by ASCM and are categorised under APICS. The ASCM offers its candidates numerous bundles to choose from when paying for the certification exam. The exam costs for both certifications depend on whether the candidates attain membership.
In general, the costs of CSCP and CPIM are outlined below.
CSCP Cost | CPIM Cost | ||
Members | Non-Members | Members | Non-Members |
USD 1,420 | USD 1,975 | USD 1,240 | USD 1,720 |
CSCP vs CPIM: Key Differences
Features | CSCP | CPIM |
Full Name | Certified Supply Chain Professional Management | Certified in Planning and Inventory Management |
Scope | Broad and strategic, covering the entire global supply chain | Deep and tactical; focuses on internal supply chain and production processes. |
Focus | End-to-end supply chain management, from suppliers to customers | Internal operations, production, inventory, and materials management |
Business Level | Strategic and cross-functional | Operational and tactical |
Certification | Validate the ability to optimize the entire supply chain for competitive advantage. | Validate ability to manage and improve internal operations and inventory systems. |
Starting Point | Supply chain managers, consultants, analysts, logistics professionals | Operations managers, planners, schedulers, and inventory or materials managers |
Career Opportunities | Supply Chain Analyst, Procurement Manager, Operations Manager, Supply Chain Planning Architect, and Business Analyst (SCM) | production planner, inventory manager, supply chain analyst, and operations manager |
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CSCP vs CPIM: How To Choose Which One Is The Right Choice For You?
Career Opportunities
Make sure to look into the role you are considering. While both credentials offer significant benefits, the CPIM can be an excellent choice for those who want to validate their skills deeply in production and inventory management. In contrast, the CSCP is an excellent choice for professionals who need comprehensive knowledge of supply chain management.
Evaluate Your Expertise
Try examining your everyday work and your interests. If you want to pursue a role involving production and inventory, CPIM is the better option; if you want a strategic approach in supply chain management, CSCP is the better option.
Industry Requirements
Recognise the demand for supply chain experts in your current field or the sector you aspire to join. Certain industries favour specific certifications, which can serve as a guide for you.
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CSCP vs CPIM: Who Earns More?
The ASCM supply chain salary report indicates that individuals with APICS certifications typically earn 25% greater salaries than their peers. In contrast, individuals with the APICS certification earn 18% higher wages than those with other certifications.
On the other hand, the Precedence Research estimates that the global supply chain management market will reach $35.30 billion by 2025. It is anticipated to reach $89.57 billion by 2034, suggesting a potential increase in job opportunities in this industry.
According to ZipRecruiter, the CPIM earns $80,400 per year in the United States, while the CSCP earns $102,900.
Wrapping It Up
The decision between CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) and CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) primarily reflects the direction of your career and the nature of your past professional experience. If your goal is to become profoundly knowledgeable in end-to-end supply chain operations, worldwide logistics, and supply chain strategic management, CSCP is the best choice. Whereas, if your emphasis is on becoming an expert in production, inventory control, and internal supply chain processes, CPIM will be the perfect starting point. These two certificates are recognised worldwide and highly valued by employers. They are instrumental in increasing professionals’ credibility, leadership potential, and salary level in the fiercely competitive environment of supply chain management
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
What is the cost of the CPIM exam?
The cost of the CPIM exam for members is $1,240, and for non-members, it is $1,720 in the United States.
Are there any prerequisites for the CSCP and CPIM exams?
Neither certification requires any formal prerequisites. Candidates only need to pass the certification exam to obtain it.
Does the CPIM certification expire?
The CPIM certification needs to be recertified every 5 years. To recertify, candidates need to earn 75 points through professional development activities within 5 years.
What is the cost of CSCP?
The cost of the CSCP certification depends on the ASCM membership. Members will pay USD 1,420, while non-members will pay USD 1,975.
How do the CSCP and CPIM differ from each other?
The CPIM and CSCP certifications, provided by ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), differ primarily in scope. CPIM focuses on internal production and inventory control, whereas CSCP adopts a comprehensive, end-to-end perspective of the global supply chain.
