Obtaining the Proper Supply Chain Certifications

Supply chain management is an evolving discipline combining a variety of business functions, it allows you to explore diverse career options within the field. It is a vital part of business operations, and most companies need supply chain management to operate. As a supply chain professional, you'll generally be highly sought out in a number of industries, as you will help companies streamline their business processes, increase efficiency, and improve productivity. 

With this helpful guide, discover the different supply chain certifications, including what is on the exams, who needs to get which specific certifications, and how to earn a supply chain certification.

What is supply chain management?

Supply chain management (SCM) is the handling and supervision of goods, information, and cash, and it focuses on ensuring the correct product is with the correct consumer in an efficient, effective, and low-cost manner.  Supply chain management maximizes consumer value and helps your business achieve a sustainable competitive advantage by developing new methods of running supply chains as smoothly and efficiently as possible. Supply chain management encompasses numerous activities, such as:

• Purchasing

• Inventory management

• Operations

• Sales

• Customer service

• Logistics

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

What do supply chain professionals do?

Supply chain professionals are responsible for following specific timelines and budgets to ensure the supply chain processes they are managing are efficient and cost-effective. You will work with suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers to streamline business processes and operations. As a supply chain professional, you're typically responsible for finances, materials, and information. 

You will also ensure products go through the supply chain—from the manufacturer to the consumer. In the event of a crisis, a supply chain professional will attempt to minimize the impact of the crisis as quickly as possible. You will be responsible for understanding data and operating technology; this is why many supply chain professionals have technical expertise or certifications. Your role in your company will always vary depending on what industry you are in and the position you hold.  

5 supply chain credentials

Credentials are an effective way to demonstrate your expertise and in-depth knowledge of the global supply chain system. Some employers may require you to obtain certifications that will help you advance your skills and learn more about the trends in the supply chain industry. Some of the specific credentials you can earn include the following. 

Read more: What Does a Supply Chain Manager Do? (And How to Become One)

1. Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)

Offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), this certification helps you advance your warehousing and logistics skills in addition to improving the efficiency of your company’s distribution. You have three and a half hours to finish the 150-question exam. It covers the best practices around global logistics, transportation, distribution, and network design.

As an online certification, you can take this program at a testing center or from a personal computer with the Pearson OnVue system. You have a variety of options to prepare for the exam, including self-study, instructor-led, instructor-guided, and group study opportunities. ASCM also offers a learning system that you can purchase for additional personalized study experiences. 

Requirements: Pass one exam and maintain certification by earning and submitting 75 professional development points every five years.

Cost (US): $1,055 for ASCM members and $1,470 for non-members [1]

2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Another certification offered by ASCM, this exam consists of 150 questions and covers topics like forecasting, supply chains, demand management, and global supply chain networks. This certification suits those working in supply chain networks, internal operations, optimization, and sustainability. 

This certification can potentially increase your salary and certify that you have the skills to implement modern supply chain technologies into your company’s work environment. Since ASCM offers this certification, you can access a wide range of study materials depending on your needs and study practices. 

Requirements: Pass one exam

Cost (US): $1,390 for ASCM members and $1,940 for non-members [2]

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

3. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), this certification validates your supply chain management knowledge across numerous industries and is a great option for career advancement. This certification is for supply chain and procurement professionals interested in globalization and technology usage. 

The certification process consists of three exams. The first exam (Supply Management Core) has 180 questions, and the second (Supply Management Integration) and third (Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management) contain 165 questions each. To prepare for the exams, you can purchase various training materials from ISM, including individual, classroom-based, and guided options. 

Requirements: You will need a bachelor's degree and three years of full-time supply chain management experience in a position that is not clerical or support-based or five years of experience without a degree. You will need to earn 60 hours of approved continuing education credits every three years to renew your certification.

Cost (US): $495 for ISM members and $795 for nonmembers [3]

4. SCPro Fundamentals 

This entry and mid-level certificate track offered by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) covers the basics and most important elements of supply chain management. It is meant for those starting out in SCM and who want to understand the field's fundamental concepts. This track encompasses eight learning modules and leads to certificates that prepare you for SCPro Level certifications.  

Consisting of 40 questions each, the eight exams will test you on fundamental topics like customer service, transportation, warehousing operations, demand, and supply chain management. You can prepare for this exam through interactive activities and online practice quizzes. You will complete the exam with a virtual proctor, and once you have earned your certificate, you do not need to renew it. 

Requirements: No eligibility requirements

Cost (US): $2,080 for all eight tracks [4]

5. CSCMP SCPro Level certifications 

Offered by CSCMP, the SCPro Level certifications are a three-tiered certification program that includes:

1. SCPro Level One: 160-question exam that helps you learn the fundamentals and eight elements of supply chain management.

2. SCPro Level Two: Analysis and Application of Supply Chain Challenges, which tests your ability to apply supply chain management in different scenario problems.

3. SCPro Level Three: Initiation of Supply Chain Transformation, which certifies the impact your supply chain management knowledge will have on an organization. 

These certifications are for highly skilled supply chain professionals who want to develop multi-disciplinary expertise and make a quantifiable impact in their organizations. CSCMP offers a number of study materials to prepare you for the exam process. With study guides, interactive learning programs, and online courses, you can prepare for the exams effectively and efficiently. 

Requirements: To qualify, you will need either a four-year degree or three to nine years of relevant supply chain management experience, depending on the different levels and your degree qualifications. You must complete and pass the preceding exam to qualify for each level. You must renew your certification every two years and additionally earn 25 continuing education units. 

Cost (US): Level One $650 for CSCMP members, $975 for non-members; Level Two $1,695 for members, $2,350 for non-members; Level Three fees not available at this time [5]

Benefits of working in supply chain

Some benefits of working in the supply chain industry include the positive growth in that job market and the salary. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) expects the industry for logisticians—professionals who analyze and coordinate supply chains—to grow 18 percent between 2022 and 2032, which is much faster than average for all US occupations [6].  

According to Glassdoor, the estimated total pay for a supply chain manager in the US is $148,384 per year. This figure includes an average base salary of $109,805 and $38,580 in additional pay [7]. Additional pay may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses.

As a supply chain professional, you can typically enter the field with a bachelor’s degree and work your way up; the industry provides many opportunities for career growth and advancement. Since supply chain management is a tool used in many different industries, you will have a number of options to consider when entering the field. You can explore internships or entry-level positions and advance as you develop new skills like forecasting, analytics, planning, and workflow optimization.  

Read more: upply Chain Manager Salary: Your Guide

Educational requirements

Many employers will require supply chain professionals to have earned at least a bachelor’s degree. If you are considering becoming a supply chain professional, consider majoring in business administration, supply chain management, systems engineering, or another related field.

A concentration or specialization in a business program can help you learn the basics of supply chain management and logistics. While a master’s degree is not always required, it can help you earn a higher salary.

Degrees

The following bachelor’s and master’s programs are examples of degrees you can earn that will help you learn the fundamentals of supply chain management:

• Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain Management 

• Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Operations Management

• Bachelor of Arts in Administration - Supply Chain Management

• Bachelor of Science in Systems Engineering

• Bachelor of Science in Supply Chain and Information Systems

• Global Master of Business Administration

• Master of Science in Engineering in Systems Engineering

• Master of Applied Science in Supply Chain Management

• Master of Science in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Getting started with Coursera

If you’re interested in pursuing a career in supply chain management, earning a credential in supply chain management is a key step toward success. 

On Coursera, you can explore courses and Specializations to improve your supply chain management skills and help you prepare to enter the supply chain industry. The Supply Chain Management Specialization offered by Rutgers will help you learn the fundamentals of supply chain management, including logistics, operations, planning, sourcing, and strategy. This course is a great introduction to supply chain management that helps you master the basics and prepare for a career in the field.