Should I Earn a CPIM or CSCP Certification?

• CPIM and CSCP certification create career opportunities for supply chain professionals.
• The CSCP certification requires more education and experience than the CPIM exam.
• CPIM and CSCP certification must be maintained or they will expire in five years.

The Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification and the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification both come from the Association for Supply Chain Management (APICS). These certifications help supply chain professionals grow their careers by demonstrating practical knowledge and critical skills in the industry.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that logisticians — professionals who oversee supply chains — will experience 30% growth from 2020-2030, much higher than the national average job growth rate of 8%. In 2021, the median annual wage for logisticians was $77,030.

Learn more about CPIM and CSCP certification requirements and benefits on this page.

What Are the Requirements for a CPIM vs. CSCP Certification?

CPIM requirements:

• No educational requirements
• No previous experience required
• Pass a two-part exam that costs $760 each for non-APICS members and $545 each for members

CSCP requirements:

• One of the following: a bachelor's degree; three years of professional experience; or CPIM, Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM), Certification in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM), Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR-P), Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Supply Manager (CSM), or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) certification
• Pass an exam that costs $1,425 for non-APICS members and $1,095 for members

What Skills Will I Learn With a CPIM vs. CSCP Certification?

CPIM certified professionals gain skills in the following areas:

CSCP certified professionals gain skills such as:

Is a CPIM vs. CSCP Certification Worth It?

Both CPIM and CSCP certifications can help professionals advance their careers. Certification from a professional organization offers employers concrete proof of skills and knowledge. CPIM and CSCP-certified professionals can leverage their certification into promotions and/or higher salaries.

While CPIM certification may help professionals early in their careers, more experienced employees should consider earning CSCP certification. Readers should note that certification does not guarantee a certain job title or salary. Employees should speak to their current or potential employers about how earning a certification can advance their careers.

What Jobs Can I Get With a CPIM vs. CSCP Certification?

Jobs for CPIM certified professionals include:

Supply Chain Manager: A supply chain manager oversees all parts of a supply chain. These professionals need excellent communication and organizational skills. Supply chain managers determine the best and most efficient ways to keep supply chains operating smoothly. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for supply chain managers was $84,194 as of May 2022.

Production Planner: Production planners in manufacturing oversee day-to-day operations. These professionals order necessary materials, ensure all health and safety regulations are followed, and inspect finished products for quality. Production planners forecast the industry needs to keep up with customer demands. The average annual salary for production planners in manufacturing was $60,618 as of May 2022.

Jobs for CSCP certified professionals include:

Director of Supply Chain Management: Directors of supply chain management oversee every aspect of the supply chain and often have other managers reporting to them. These professionals inspect inventory and seek out the best prices for their goods. The position aims to reduce costs and increase efficiency in supply chain logistics. The average annual salary for this position was $129,124 as of May 2022.

Materials Manager: A materials manager oversees the distribution and intake of all materials used by an organization. These professionals develop and maintain relationships with suppliers to ensure excellent quality for reasonable prices. Materials managers can work in many industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and aerospace systems. The average annual salary for this position was $76,488 as of May 2022.

How Much Money Can I Make With a CPIM vs. CSCP Certification?

Earning CPIM and/or CSCP certification can lead to career advancement and improved salary. According to Payscale, the average annual salary for professionals with a CPIM certification is $80,000. The average annual salary for professionals with a CSCP salary is $86,000.

Readers should note that salary levels can differ depending on many factors, such as the location of a job, the employee's level of education, and the employee's level of experience. Professionals looking for better pay may need to search for a new job or move to an area with more competitive salaries.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPIM vs. CSCP Certifications