APICS Certification in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD)
As you progress in your supply chain management (SCM) or logistics career, you might consider pursuing professional certifications. APICS, which offers four separate certifications to qualified professionals, is an organization at the forefront of worldwide logistics training and credentials. Becoming certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) through APICS is a great way to accentuate your career, prove your skills and abilities to employers and increase your potential income.
Why Pursue a CLTD Certification?
Earning your CLTD shows others in the SCM field that you are prepared to meet today’s demands, especially pertaining to transportation and distribution. APICS sets the standard for training and certification in logistics, so a CLTD marks your name with exceptional skills and knowledge. Recipients of this credential are able to display the “CLTD” designation after their name on professional materials.
This program is especially designed for:
- Logistics managers and engineers
- Supply chain logistics managers
- Traffic managers
- Transportation and fleet managers
- Warehouse operations and distribution managers
- Reverse logistics managers
Eligibility Requirements
To take the CLTD exam, you must have at least three years of professional logistics experience, a bachelor’s degree in SCM or an international degree that is equivalent to a U.S. bachelor’s degree. Another way to qualify for the test is by receiving prior APICS certification in CSCP, CPIM, CFPIM, CIRM, SCOR-P, CTL, C.P.M., CSM or CPSM. This prior certification must be in good standing in order to make you eligible for the exam.
Exam Content
To earn your CLTD certification, you must pass one exam consisting of 150 questions. This is a computer-based test (CBT), and you are allowed three and a half hours for completion. There are eight modules that make up the test, as follows:
- Logistics and Supply Chain Overview
- Capacity Planning and Demand Management
- Order Management
- Inventory and Warehouse Management
- Transportation
- Global Logistics Considerations
- Logistics Network Design
- Reverse Logistics and Sustainability
Exam Preparation
APICS recommends that you prepare for the exam by purchasing the CLTD Learning System, which is specially designed to help you succeed on the test. For APICS PLUS members, the Learning System costs $895, and for CORE members or nonmembers, it costs $1,245. You can instead opt to purchase the CLTD Bundle, which consists of the Learning System, the Exam and a Second Chance Exam. The Bundle is only available to APICS PLUS members.
Other preparation options include instructor-led online courses of study through the American Public University System (APUS) or in-person classes at one of the 200 available local APICS chapters.
APICS Membership and Exam Fees
There is no fee to apply for eligibility to take the CLTD exam. However, being an APICS member will give you a reduced price on training materials, which are highly recommended for success. An APICS PLUS membership costs $220 per year while an APICS CORE membership costs $180 per year. Discounted prices are available for new graduates and members of the military.
Those who are eligible to take the CLTD test must purchase an Authorization to Test (ATT), which comes at a reduced fee for APICS PLUS members. The ATT is valid for six months after purchase, meaning you have that long to take the test. Test fees are as follows:
- $475 for APICS PLUS Members
- $625 for Core Members and nonmembers
- $250 to retake a failed exam
Where to Find More Information
For general knowledge and registration information, visit the general CLTD section of the APICS website. There is also a wealth of detailed information regarding the APICS CLTD exam in the APICS credential FAQ section of the APICS credentials website.