APICS Certification in Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management involves overseeing the process of turning raw materials into a finished product and then storing and distributing the final product. This process is essential to a company’s success, ensuring customer satisfaction, reducing operating costs, and increasing cash flow.

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) offers several certifications under the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) brand. According to ASCM’s 2021 survey, supply chain professionals who hold a minimum of one APICS certification earned a median annual salary of $90,000, about 27% more than those without certification.

APICS certification demonstrates a candidate’s supply chain management skills and signifies they have been verified through third-party testing. Private organizations usually award certifications. Certificate programs, by contrast, are offered by vocational schools or traditional colleges in in-person and online formats.

APICS offers three supply chain certifications. Of those three, only the certified supply chain professional (CSCP) requires educational or professional prerequisites.

To take the CSCP exam, candidates must possess one of the following:

A bachelor’s degree program in supply chain management offers courses in economics, finance, and logistics that can prepare graduates for a successful career in the field.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

Depending on which APICS supply chain certification you pursue, you can learn different skills. Generally, supply chain professionals can expect to enhance their understanding in the following areas.

The APICS learning system offers three different types of instruction. Students can choose from online self-study, in-person classes, or online instructor support in an interactive environment.

Before taking the SCOR-P exam, students must complete a three-day SCOR-P training. This instructor-led course is available online or in person.

APICS offers three supply chain certifications and one endorsement.

For those interested in a career in supply chain management, APICS certification is well worth it. Earning this credential increases your professional skills and keeps you updated in rapidly changing environments. Certification may also offer you the opportunity to enter different aspects of supply chain management and increase your earning potential.

Certification can help individuals just entering this field craft resumes that stand out in this growing business sector and set them apart from the competition. Employers often look for specific job skills demonstrated through certification. As global supply chains increase in complexity, the industry faces a growing need for skilled professionals who stay abreast of the latest disruptions and innovations.

The Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) projects 30% job growth for logisticians, specialized professionals within supply chain management, from 2020-2030. This amounts to an average of 24,500 job openings each year and is much faster than the average projected growth rate of 8% across all occupations.

Almost all industries are affected by supply chains. In fact, any company that produces a product that ships to customers has a supply chain. Because of this, those with APICS supply chain credentials work in diverse industries, including distribution, manufacturing, government, healthcare, and education. As the world grows smaller, supply chains grow more complex with multiple contributors and operators.

Some positions within these sectors include the following:

Supply chain managers oversee the purchasing of raw materials, manufacturing, storage, and distribution of the final product. Depending on the position, they may take responsibility for every stage of the production flow, managing costs and improving supply chain performance. Payscale reports that supply chain managers earned an average yearly salary of $84,340 as of April 2022.

Logisticians analyze a company’s supply chain and manage the flow and storage of products. Their activities may include warehousing, order fulfillment, and inventory tracking. These professionals tend to focus on customer satisfaction and delivering the right product at the right time. The BLS reports that logisticians earned a median annual wage of $77,030 as of May 2021.

Distribution managers determine when, where, and how much product ships to customers. This position requires careful inventory management, forecasting, and working closely with warehouse supervisors. According to Payscale, distribution managers earned an average salary of $69,140 in April 2022.

Payscale reports that professionals who earn the APICS CSCP certification earn an average salary of $86,000 as of April 2022. However, individuals holding APICS certification work in diverse industries and positions, resulting in vast differences in wages.

For example, according to Payscale, a supply chain manager can earn from $57,000-$127,000, with the average wage amounting to about $84,340 in April 2022.

According to the BLS, logisticians earned a median annual wage of $77,030 in May 2021. In many states, however, these professionals can earn higher salaries. Logisticians working in Washington, D.C., earned an average of $110,400 in May 2021, and those in Maryland earned an average of $99,600.