What Is CPIM Certification, and Do I Need It?

Global supply chains function as intricate networks that orchestrate the creation of goods reaching their intended users. For instance, think of a wearable gadget, such as a smartwatch. Consider the complex steps of crafting such a device:

• Conceptualizing the watch’s features

• Acquiring materials

• Assembling fine parts

• Ensuring quality and functionality

• Distributing the finished product to end users

Essentially, a global supply chain interconnects suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and customers across countries.

CPIM, a widely recognized standard for supply chain knowledge and expertise worldwide, equips professionals with the necessary skills to tackle all facets of the supply chain. However, should you invest your time and money in obtaining this credential? Does it fit your current professional goals? Read on to learn more about the ins and outs of a CPIM certification. 

Read more: Supply Chain Management: Definition, Jobs, Salary, and More

What is CPIM certification? 

Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a globally recognized certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), formerly known as the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS).

Notably, CPIM is graded via a scaled score methodology to maintain equivalent passing standards for varying difficulty levels in the certification. 

CPIM current exam version: Details and cost

*As of May 2024, 8.0 is the latest version of the CPIM. 

The ASCM introduced version 8.0 of the CPIM certification in February 2023. Transitioning from the format of two exams in CPIM version 7.0, CPIM 8.0 introduces a unified exam covering the topics and terminology featured in both CPIM Part 1 and CPIM Part 2 exams. Here are the pricing details for the same [1]:

• Member:  $1,215

• Nonmembers and members without certification upgrade:  $1,690

The exam score range for CPIM version 8.0 is 200 to 350. A score higher than or equal to 300 will classify you as a passing candidate. If you currently hold an active CPIM certification using the CPIM 7.0 EXAM, you need not recertify, although you can take the new exam to earn professional development points needed to keep your CPIM current. 

Study resources

Additionally, the APICS 2024 CPIM Self-Study Exam Prep kit, or Learning System, is available through the ASCM at a price of $1,215 for members and $1,690 for nonmembers. The Bundle, which includes the CPIM Learning System, Exam, and 2nd Chance Exam with Membership, is available for $2,190 for members and $3,050 for nonmembers. 

Does CPIM certification expire?

Once you earn your CPIM certification, you'll need to earn 75 professional development points every five years to keep it current. You can earn your points in a variety of ways, including taking the CPIM 8.0 exam, taking college courses related to supply chain, attending professional development activities, writing relevant books or articles, and many more. 

What's on the CPIM exam?

The CPIM 8.0 includes the following topics:

• Supply chains and strategy

• Sales and operations planning

• Demand

• Supply

• Detailed schedules

• Inventory

• Distribution

• Quality, technology, and continuous improvement

The exam comprises 150 questions covering the aforementioned topics and provides a 3.5-hour timeframe for completion.

Who should get CPIM certification?

If your work responsibilities include any of the following supply chain functions, it’s worth considering CPIM certification to add to your professional skills: 

• Handling an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system

• Supervising the master production schedule

• Assisting with materials requirement planning (MRP)

• Directing capacity requirement planning

• Facilitating manufacturing inventory management and control

• Managing aspects related to manufacturing finance

Benefits to being CPIM certified

If you are a supply chain professional or aspire to be one, CPIM is a globally recognized standard for supply chain knowledge and expertise. Professionals who hold a CPIM certification are acknowledged as having met rigorous competency standards across diverse supply chain disciplines. Specifically, attaining CPIM will enable you to take on the following responsibilities:

• Enhancing inventory accuracy 

• Minimizing stock levels

• Optimizing the process of sales and operations planning (S&OP)

• Enhancing the outcomes of a material requirement plan (MRP) 

• Streamlining inventory storage, flow, and handling procedures

What salary could I earn with the CPIM certification?

According to Payscale, individuals who possess a CPIM credential earn an average base salary of $84,000 in the US [2]. When considering different job titles, holding a CPIM certification corresponds to the following average salaries [2]:

• Supply chain manager: $98,853

• Production planner: $70,447

• Materials manager: $94,375

• Supply chain planner: $77,487

Read more: A Guide to Product Development Jobs: Roles, Skills, Salaries

CPIM vs. CSCP: What’s the difference?

Both CPIM and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certifications revolve around supply chain management and logistics. However, the CPIM certification narrows its focus on internal operations, particularly those within a production plan. For instance, CPIM-certified professionals handle product planning, production scheduling, and demand management tasks.

Conversely, a CSCP-certified professional addresses challenges and scenarios within and beyond the production plant. More simply, a CSCP professional engages in all facets of the supply chain, from production management to customer support and product returns. 

Read more: What Is CSCP Certification and Do You Need It?

How to get CPIM certification

After obtaining your authorization to test (ATT), you may choose to schedule your CPIM exam through any Pearson VUE test center or online exam delivery (OnVUE) system. 

The CPIM Learning System, crafted by APICS, can improve your chances of excelling in the exam. As a general guideline, ASCM recommends allocating about 100 hours for your study efforts. 

Next steps

Attaining the CPIM certification showcases your proficiency in managing inventory levels, refining forecasting techniques, and utilizing scheduling tools. Supplement your exam preparation by gaining a deeper understanding of supply chain management with Rutgers the State University of New Jersey’s Supply Chain Management Specialization on Coursera. Beginner-friendly, this five-course series will introduce you to real-world challenges that global supply chain organizations face.