How useful is a certificate in supply chain management?

Certificate Courses in Supply Chain Management

• Answer:

  Although taking courses is not required to complete certification in supply chain management, people find it helpful in clarifying information and as motivation to complete the exams. Some employers are even willing to pay for it. Pursuing a certification not only looks good on one's resume, it keeps one's knowledge up-to-date in an always changing business environment. As of January 2011, both the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) and Association for Operations Management offer two nationally recognized certifications. Both organizations offer instructor-led, self-study and online courses. Some certification courses are also available at colleges and universities for credit. Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) Five courses prepare you to take the certification exam in Production and Inventory Management. Each course is based on a module in Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) The course to prepare one for the Certified Supply Chain Professional exam covers modules in Supply Chain Management Fundamentals, Building Competitive Operations, Planning and Logistics, Managing Customer and Supplier Relationships, and Using Information Technology to Enable Supply Chain Management. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) The course encompasses these exam areas: Foundation of Supply Management, Effective Supply Management Performance and Leadership in Supply Management. Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) The following courses are needed to prepare for the Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity exam: Foundation of Supply Management (from the first exam in CPSM certification), Policies and Planning, Sourcing/Supplier Development, Finance/Budgeting, Metrics/Oversight, Training and Development, and Advocacy/Marketing/Outreach.