Blog

CPIM vs. CSCP

Posted by [email protected] on Jun. 10, 2022  /  Subscribe 0

No, it's not the Battle of the Acronyms. It's a question of the difference between two certifications in Supply Chain Management and Logistics. Those in the industry understand that the diversity of activity and the need to provide a focus for better performance know supply chain certifications are essential. Spending time as a Supply Chain Professional means you're engaged in one of the most important fields anywhere. Gaining valuable education via a certification program is easier than you think. The key is becoming an APICS certified professional in either CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management) or CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) certification.

APICS Certified Means ASCM Certified

APICS, or the American Production and Inventory Control Society, was formed back in 1957 to address the needs of a growing manufacturing environment in America. The organization's goal was to standardize and educate people on processes for acquiring, storing, and producing goods from outside suppliers. By organizing purchase agents and production managers across the country, the organization established protocols and procedures that became the industry standards in place today. Over time, the organization grew and gained members until 2014, when it merged with the Supply-Chain Council (SCC). APICS joined with the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) in 2015 and became the current organization known as the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). That's more acronyms thrown at you than you can get from a military instruction manual!

The Big Difference

The difference between being CPIM and CSCP certified is to think inside and outside the box. CPIM is inside the box or, more specifically, those activities inside a production plant. A CPIM-certified professional would be involved in the following actions:

• Product Planning
• Demand Management
• Procurement Management
• Inventory Control Management
• Production Scheduling
• Delivery Systems

A CSCP-certified professional works on issues and conditions inside the four walls of a production plant as well as outside the four walls. It's a position that encompasses the responsibilities of a CPIM professional as well as a greater scope of awareness. A CSCP professional works on anything and everything that deals with the supply chain. Let's take a look at the job functions that exist in addition to those of a CPIM-certified professional:

• Production Scheduling
• Production Management
• Warehouse Management
• Transportation Management
• Customer Support
• Product Returns.

The Nitty-Gritty

Now you know the difference between the two certifications, it's time to talk about the real deal. The deal about what it takes to get certified and what the rewards are for being certified. To get certified in CPIM means you're concerned with improving productivity, reducing costs, and increasing profitability for your company. Think of it as being hyper-focused on what's happening inside the plant that can be improved. Certification in CSCP means you're focused on the big picture, from start to finish. From vetting vendors and placing orders to running everything through the production line and delivering it to the ultimate consumer. ASCM has the classes, instructors, and support needed to gain the knowledge and take advantage of one of the highest-paying jobs today. That's the reward; do your homework, and the salary can be excellent! 

Down to Dollars and More

Let's be honest. The purpose behind the exercise is to improve your lifestyle by accessing necessary training that will increase your paycheck. According to Salary.com, here's a quick stat for consideration; The Average Salary for a Supply Chain Manager as of April 2022 is $103k to $133k + bonuses & benefits. That's not bad. Of course, the range and amounts depend on where, who, and how, but the message is clear. There's good money to be made in the Supply Chain industry, and certifications are an essential step toward accessing it. But there's more. It's the where part of the equation that is important as well. As a Supply Chain professional, you have the entire planet to choose from for a working location. Industries everywhere are struggling to adjust to the pandemic's changes. It takes CPIM and CSCP-certified pros to help sort everything out.

One Step At A Time

There are different certifications available. CPIM and CSCP represent only two of the certifications that can be obtained through ASCM. Acquiring knowledge in the industry via education and certification provides the platform on which all future success will be based. Additional certifications provide a greater impact in job interviews and a significant advantage in competitive employment situations. Employers have great respect for certifications and have more confidence in potential employees who demonstrate advanced knowledge. Adding further certifications to your resume opens more doors and provides greater opportunities for every professional. As each certification is acquired, the choices become greater and the opportunities more abundant over time. ASCM offers certification in the following Supply Chain disciplines:

• CPIM - Certification in Planning and Inventory Management
• CSCP - Certification in Supply Chain Planning
• CLTD - Certification in Logistics Transportation and Delivery
• SCOR-P - Supply Chain Operations Reference - Planning

Get On It

If you're paying attention and you've reviewed the information contained in this discussion, you not only know the difference between CPIM and CSCP, but you also know there's a lot more out there to discover. The field of Supply Chain Management is boundless. Where you can go, who you can work with, what you can earn, and how you can grow are all up to you to decide. Certifications will give you the kind of employment choices everyone wishes they had and a rewarding lifestyle. The challenge is deciding which area is the most interesting to you and get signed up to join the successful Supply Chain Managers ranks worldwide. Networking with professionals, support from educators, and limitless job opportunities await those who can seize the day and make it happen. Now is the time, and being a trained and educated Supply Chain professional is the way.

Return to list