What is Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) Certification?

No matter where you are in your logistics career, a certification from APICS can set you apart from your peers. The Certified Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) designation has been offered by APICS since 1973 and sets the standard for professionals who manage production and inventory functions of the supply chain in the logistics industry. More than 112,000 logisticians have earned this designation, and their success proves the value of earning this certification.

Why Pursue Your CPIM Certification?

Studying for and earning the CPIM Certification could be a great next move in your logistics career. Those who earn this credential are prepared to maximize their company’s ROI in systems and technologies, minimize costs within the organization and provide more overall value to their companies. It also can increase your hiring potential and income. According to APICS, those who receive their CPIM earn 27 percent higher incomes on average and increase their hiring potential by 65 percent.

This certification is specially designed for:

  • Supply chain managers
  • Buyers and planners
  • Materials managers
  • Production planners
  • Consultants

Certification Eligibility

There are no prerequisites to pursue the CPIM designation, making it a perfect first certification no matter where you are in your logistics career. The other three APICS certifications all require either a bachelor’s degree and/or work experience. However, APICS strongly recommends preparation for the exams through a number of self-taught, online or in-person educational options.

What’s the CPIM Certification Process?

Applicants must pass two separate exams within a three-year period in order to earn their certification. The tests are delivered via computer-based testing (CBT) and are available on demand at Pearson VUE test centers around the world. There are five modules total divided between the two tests.

Exam Part 1 includes Module 1 only, covering the basics of supply chain management. It consists of 150 questions with a maximum exam time of three and a half hours. Exam Part 2 covers the other four modules:

  • Strategic Management of Resources
  • Master Planning of Resources
  • Detailed Scheduling and Planning
  • Execution and Control of Operations

Like Part 1, Part 2 also consists of 150 questions with a maximum exam time of three and a half hours.

How to Prepare for the CPIM

There are multiple ways to adequately prepare for the CPIM exams. APICS highly recommends purchasing the APICS CPIM Learning System, which is a comprehensive, self-taught course covering everything on the exam. The Learning System is available to purchase in two parts, with each part corresponding to one exam. Part 1 of the Learning System currently costs $395 for APICS PLUS members or $550 for CORE or nonmembers. Part 2 costs $495 for PLUS members or $690 for CORE or nonmembers.

However, applicants have other options to prepare for the CPIM Certification. They can enroll in online courses offered through the American Public University System (APUS) or take instructor-led classes at one of 200 local APICS chapters. Other study resources are available for applicants on the APICS website.

How Much Does the Certification Cost?

Each of the two CPIM exams is priced as follows:

  • APICS PLUS members – $495
  • APICS CORE members and nonmembers – $690
  • Test retake price – $250

(Note: You must pay this price two times, once for each exam.)

APICS PLUS members also have the option of purchasing the CPIM Bundle, which includes all of the Learning Systems and Exams for both Part 1 and Part 2 of the Certification. The price for the Bundle is $1,680 total for PLUS members.

To be an APICS PLUS member, you must pay $220 per year in dues. APICS CORE membership costs $180 per year. New graduates and members of the military may become members at reduced prices.

Where to Find More Information

For more detailed information on the CPIM certification, visit the general CPIM section of the APICS website. Another great resource for more detailed questions on the Certification is the APICS credential FAQ section of the APICS website.

The ASCM also offers CPIM-F, a fellowship program for those already holding CPIM certification.

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