Why Every Supply Chain Professional Needs the APICS CPIM
August 18, 2015 Webinar
Thank you to all of our webinar attendees. Below is the list of submitted questions with answers.
We are here to support the achievement of your professional designation. If you have additional questions,
please contact our staff at pdadmin@apics.org.
Question
Are there case studies included in the APICS CPIM courses?
Answer
Yes
Question
Why is it that in this current job search environment most supply chain jobs are demanding ready
packaged candidates with keen IT skills like advanced excel and access at the minimum. And also why do
some supply chain roles fall under IT department/capability?
Answer
Technology has been a driver for the Supply Chain the last two decades. Supply Chain came into its own
as a profession when technology enabled companies to start sharing information, like forecasts, orders,
and shipments. Without this ability for real time communication, Supply Chains were slow and clunky. In
todays fast pace, data-driven environment, candidates with these computer analytic skills are a big plus for
companies.
Question
How do I register to be a member in advance of taking classes so I can get better value for my learning.
And how do I check if my previous classes are still valid or if I have to take them over again like the PMAC
courses that I have taken in pursuit of my certification?
Answer
Information for becoming an APICS member is on our website at:
http://www.apics.org/community/membership
Also, APICS Certification exams have a 10 year “shelf-life.” If you took the exam more than 10 years ago, it
no longer counts toward your pursuit of the CPIM certification. As far as classes go, they are there to help
you prepare for the exam. You can choose to self-study to refresh your knowledge to take an APICS exam
again, but we always encourage you to consider a local partner class which will enhance your study
discipline and provide an instructor to guide you and answer your questions.
Question
For a young professional, how advantageous is it for me to be seeking my CPIM certification so early in my
career? Also, is CPIM or CSCP better for me as a Logistics Planner in my company?
Answer
Having an APICS certification, at any time during your career, but especially early in your career,
distinguishes you from other employees or candidates in the job market. It also helps you develop skills
that you can use to help your employer save money and improve efficiencies. Your employer will recognize
that contribution – and if they don’t your next one will!
As for CPIM vs CSCP for a Logistics Planner, it depends on whether your planning is focused within your
company (other plants or facilities) or without (customers and/or vendors). If within, then CPIM, if outside
your company, then CSCP.
Alternately, as a Logistics Planner, you may want to investigate the new Logistics, Transportation and
Distribution certification that APICS is developing with the help of AST&L, a Logistics association with
whom we’ve recently merged. Look for information about it next year.
Question
Other than the basics exam, do the exams have to be taken in order?
Are the modules sequential? Can I prepare for multiple in parallel? Take more than one exam in a short
period of time?
Answer
The exams do not have to be taken in order. You can study for each module in parallel and there is no
restrictions for taking multiple exams around the same period of time.
However, we find that candidates are most successful when they take the exams in the following order:
1. Basics of Supply Chain Management
2. Master Planning of Resources
3. Detailed Scheduling and Planning
4. Execution and Control of Operations
5. Strategic Management of Resources
Question
Is professional expertise in SCM necessary to achieve the certification?
How many years do you have to work in your field before testing for the CPIM?
Answer
No, but it is recommended. There are no eligibility requirements for the CPIM certification.
Question
I looked into registering for the CPIM: Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM), but all I see is “Review
Course - Public B - 10 Weekdays.” Is this how the actual course is categorized, or is it only a review?
Answer
It is just how the actual course is categorized. The expectation is that the student will come with some
knowledge and experience, in which case the class is more of a “review” than an educational experience.
But we find that many people come to CPIM with very little knowledge of many of the subjects and our
instructors are good at helping those people increase their knowledge while taking the course.
Question
Do the modules require course work/classroom? Can you just take the exams after doing self-guided
prep?
I know that APICS offers classes for the exam, but can I study on my own for the exam? Would you
recommend taking the classes offered by my local APICS chapter instead of studying on my own?
What recommendations would you make to self-study students outside North America, what are absolutely
the best materials provided by APICS?
Answer
You do not have to attend a class to schedule an exam. The CPIM Participant Workbook includes some
online Study Tools which provide some of the information you would have received in class and preassessment and two post-assessment exams, which include retired exam questions. So it is a pretty good
self-study reference. Many professionals have found these items sufficient. The Participant Workbook
includes the Exam Content Manual, which is an essential preparation tool for APICS exam preparation. It
can also be purchased separately, if needed. The ECM also includes textbook and article references you
can refer to in case some concepts are not clear in your first couple of reviews. And the APICS dictionary is
free to members, and can be purchased by non-members, and you should check out the APICS Learn It
App, both of which will help you understand the vocabulary required. We do however, recommend that you
attend classes.
Question
Where do you take the tests?
Answer
Test are administered worldwide through Pearson VUE test centers. To schedule an exam, visit:
http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/cpim/testing for more
information.
Question
Hello, I am living in Mexico, what would be the best option to take the APICS CSCP Exam? Online in the US
or in Mexico?
Do you have a link to sign up for online classes for APICS CPIM and APICS CSCP?
Answer
CSCP and CPIM exams can be taking in Mexico at a Pearson Vue exam center. You are welcome to take it
at a Pearson Vue center in the US as well as any country where there is an exam center.
You can sign up for classes by going to our Partner and Event finder located on our website at:
http://www.apics.org/community/partners/finder. Here you will be able to find classes in your area and
register.
Question
If I take the online course do I need to also have the workbook?
Answer
If you take the APICS online course, you do not need a workbook. This course is totally self-directed (no
instructor, work at your own pace) and is complete within itself. For these courses we do recommend the
Exam Content Manual, at a minimum.
If you take the Fox Valley Technical College online, asynchronous course (you can do your work anytime,
anywhere), you will need the Participant Workbook, as FVTC uses the Workbooks in its course design.
These courses are instructor facilitated.
Question
Is there any institution providing this program in Trinidad and Tobago?
Answer
We do have recognized instructors in Trinidad and Tobago. Visit: http://www.apics.org/careers-educationprofessional-development/courses/recognized-instructors to find an instructor near you.
Question
We did not hear much about the CSCP course? Can you please brief on the study material, exam dates
and exam fees for this course.
Can we have same kind of webinar for CSCP?
Answer
We held three webinars for CSCP earlier this year. You can find the links to them in our event archive at:
http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/events/online-events/online-archive.
Question
If I have passed some CPIM tests before but it's been about 10 years, do those still count?
Is there a time limit from when you take your first test until you must complete all tests to obtain the CPIM
certification?
Once you've passed each exam, how long is it valid for?
Answer
Exam scores are valid for 10 years. As long as they are within that timeframe they would still be valid. You
can determine which of your exams are still valid by going to the APICS Credentials Verification page:
http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/verification.
Question
For CPIM maintenance points how many points can I accumulate from free webinars? Is there any
restriction on points per year for webinars?
Answer
You can find the maintenance requirements on our website at: http://www.apics.org/careers-educationprofessional-development/certification/maintenance.
Question
How do you rank the MGI material for self-study?
Answer
The MGI courses are very popular with people who like paper-based materials, want to study on their
schedule, but still want an instructor to review assignments and answer questions.
Question
I was APICS certified about 1988/1989 but have not worked in the field for some time -- I am assuming
that I should proceed like I am new to APICS?
Answer
That seems to be the safest approach. You will recognize concepts and practices, but the courseware will
help you remember what you once knew and teach you new concepts
Question
I am based north of Boston, where is the closest CPIM instructor-facilitated classroom coursework held?
Answer
The APICS Boston Chapter information can be found at: http://bostonapics.org/.
Question
Talk to me about APICS and Lean, Agile, and Scrum.
Answer
Lean is covered in several of the CPIM modules, but these courses are not primarily about lean. Agile and
Scrum are not really addressed in the CPIM.
Question
I joined APICS last year and I was provided with an activation code for the online study material. When I am
trying use it, now it says "This activation code has expired as of Jul 21 2015". What should I do?
Answer
The Study Tools have a thirteen month “shelf-life.” If you register for the exam, you can call our Customer
Service (1-800-444-2742) or write to them at service@apics.org, show them that you registered for the
exam and they will grant you access until your exam passes.
Question
Can I use textbooks from previous years or is the content different?
Do the exam preparation materials change drastically from year to year? Should we wait until 2016 to
begin studying?
Answer
There have only been minor changes to the CPIM courseware in the past couple of years. I wouldn’t wait
until 2016. However, the changes do accumulate over time, so I’d be cautious with older Workbooks.
Question
Can I take the module 1 exam outside North America and complete rest of the modules in North America?
Can you change countries between exams?
Answer
Yes. You are not limited to one country to take the exams.
Question
Do you recommend taking the CPIM first and then adding the CSCP? Or can you jump right into the CSCP?
Do you recommend earning the CSCP after the CPIM or before?
Answer
There are concepts in the Basics of Supply Chain course and exam (the first CPIM exam) that are very
useful when taking the CSCP exam. But which one to take first depends on your goals and career needs
and aspirations.
Question
If you schedule a test date and decide you are not ready, can you reschedule without paying extra?
Answer
Information on rescheduling can be found in the CPIM Exam Bulletin located on our website at:
http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/bulletins
Question
CPIM Certification is recognized in North America only? Or anywhere in the world?
Answer
The CPIM certification is recognized worldwide.
Question
Would you suggest these programs for any general warehouse manager?
Answer
CPIM covers inventory management and planning principals which would be very useful for a warehouse
manager.
Question
Would you consider providing more exam windows outside North America in the future?
Answer
Not at this time. We find that having an exam window to schedule toward, helps students better plan their
studies and prepare for the exam.
Question
What is the criteria (grade) for passing an exam? If this is not met, can the exam be re-taken?
Is there a limit to how many times an exam can be taken?
What happens when you do not pass an exam? Is there a wait time in between? Additional cost?
Are there any limits on retakes after clearing any prior exams?
Is there waiting period if you fail the test before you can take it again?
If you do not pass the first time, is there a time period you have to wait before you can retake the exam? If
so, how long?
What if I fail an exam?
Answer
The APICS exams use a “Scaled Score” rather than a “raw score.” The passing grade, using the Scaled
Score is 300. You can find more information here about the Scaled Score process:
http://www.apics.org/docs/cert-faq-pdf/scaledscoredocument.pdf?Status=Master
There is no limit on the number of times that you can take the exams. However, you must wait 14 days
before rescheduling your exam. The cost is the same.
Question
On the website there is no section for the retake exam cost.
Answer
You can find the information in the exam bulletin located at: http://www.apics.org/careers-educationprofessional-development/certification/bulletins.
Question
Does the CPIM require continuing education or periodic recertification?
Answer
Yes. The CPIM certification does require maintenance. Information on the maintenance required can be
found on our website at: http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professionaldevelopment/certification/maintenance.
Question
Which would be better for inventory managers, CSCP or CPIM?
Answer
Definitely CPIM. CPIM has a great deal of information about Inventory Management, Inventory Accuracy,
planning inventory, and so on.
Question
How are the test questions weighted?
Answer
The test questions are not weighted, they are all equal. To pass the exam you must have a test score of
300 or greater on all of the CPIM modules.
Question
This discount is applied within North America only? How about other regions?
Answer
The offer is good worldwide.
Question
If I have the CPIM, can I teach APICS courses in a city where there is no APICS chapter?
Answer
The CPIM Instructor Guides, at Member or non-Member prices are available to everyone on the APICS
Shop APICS site.
Question
I hold the CTL and PLS designations from the former ASTL. Will the CTL/ PLS remain independent of CPIM
and other APICS designations or any linkage?
Answer
Yes they will. They will continue to be recognized as an independent credential.
Question
I am both APICS CPIM and CSCP. I want to further enhance my skills and concepts but only other
certification or courses APICS Is offering is not available in other countries except for the USA. I wanted to
do IBF APICS S&OP or SCOR-P, none of them are available outside USA. Any idea if these will be available
in the future?
Answer
The S&OP and SCOR-P courses are offered around the world. Check our website for class schedules. As we
approach the end of this year, we will be adding the schedule for 2016. Visit our events page to view the
upcoming courses in your area: http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/events
Question
How many books should I get out of the long list of reference books?
Answer
We use the relevant parts of “long list of reference’ when creating and updating the CPIM Participant
Workbooks, so the Participant Workbooks can save you a lot of money. What I recommend after you finish
the class or are at the end of your studies is to review the Exam Content Manual (a copy is in the CPIM
Participant Workbook) and carefully review any area of the Outline for any topics that you still feel don’t
feel comfortable with. If you can get a “satisfactory” understanding from the Workbook or your instructor,
then you might consider the reference book from which that concept was taken. At the end of each major
section of the Exam Outlines, is a list of books and chapters (they are referenced back to the Bibliography
later in the Exam Content Manual). You can check just he books or chapters you need to improve you
understanding.
I do recommend Introduction to Materials Management by Arnold, Chapman & Clive to all CPIM students.
It’s invaluable for the Basics’ exam, a primary reference to two of the other exams, and extremely helpful.
Question
Can I take the first module class as an -instructor led on-line class and study for the other modules by my
own?
Answer
Yes. You can do any combination of studying for the exams.
Question
How can we come in contact with people who have completed CPIM so that we can know who they
prepared and ask doubt to them?
Answer
You can connect with the CPIM community at: apics.org/community/apics-supply-chain-channel. Here you
will be able to chat with people who hold the CPIM credential, instructors and other students.
Question
Who can we reach out to with questions for courses that would be specific for my organization?
Answer
You can contact our corporate services at: corporateservices@apics.org or call them at +1-773-867-1778.
They will be able to assist you with setting up in-house training.
Question
Why did I get a certificate from APICS after successfully passing BSCM but not from any of the other
modules? The others were much more challenging in my opinion, especially SMR!!
Answer
You received a certificate for the BSCM class because many corporations only require the first module for
their employees and requested that we provide them with a certificate. As a result, anyone who completes
the BSCM course successfully, will receive a certificate.
Question
What is the total cost of the CPIM or CSCP certification?
On average, what is the cost to complete the CPIM? What is the total cost to achieve a CPIM certification?
Answer
Exam fees vary for different regions. Also, because there are a variety of ways that you can prepare for the
exams and because there are multiple resources available it is difficult to give an average total cost.
Please visit our website for more information on the programs:
http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/cpim
http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/cscp
Question
Is the participant workbook included in the basic class I have signed up for?
Answer
Most course providers include books for their students. Sometimes they ask students to purchase the
books themselves. You will want to ask your class provider if they are included.
Question
I am currently a graduate student. Can I give CPIM and I would be glad if students can get any funding for
CPIM certification.
Is there any special price or offer to college students?
As a student am finding the material and Exam fee too costly. Would be glad if you can provide subsidized
rates for Students.
Answer
There are scholarships listed on the APICS website at: http://www.apics.org/about/scholarshipsspecialprograms.
Question
I would like to know, if I will get any certificate if I finish my CPIM- BSCM exam?
Answer
Yes. You will receive a certificate after successful completion of the Basics CPIM exam.
Question
I have purchased the study notes for CPIM preparation. I would like to know if that would suffice for my
preparation?
Answer
Many people find the Study Notes sufficient. It really depends on your learning style and existing base of
knowledge. The Study Notes follows the Exam Content Outline and that is helpful. I would recommend the
Exam Simulator to get some practice taking APICS exam-like questions.
Question
I see a lot of SCMA certifications in some people's Linkedin profiles, is it the same as CSCMP?
Answer
CSCMP is an association that is focused on logistics. SCMA is the Canadian Supply Chain Management
Association, not a certification. When you are looking for a Supply Chain certification, look at the potential
organizations and see how many people hold the certifications. Look on the job boards on LinkedIn and
companies to see which certifications are required or recommended by hiring companies.
Question
Any specific ERP software demonstrated in coursework?
Answer
No. APICS is “ERP-agnostic.” The Principles we teach are the underlying principles that are applicable to
all ERP systems
Question
Do we have any simulation of questions for exam on the APICS web?
Answer
Yes. The online Study Tools that purchasers of the CPIM Participant Workbooks get access to includes two
mock final exams; many of the questions from these exams are retired exam items.
Also, we recently launched a new CPIM Exam Simulator. For more information visit our website at:
http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/cpim-exam-simulator
Question
Which is better for procurement or strategic sourcing?
Answer
The Institute of Supply Management has an excellent certification for those whose careers center around
sourcing and procurement. If your need is a wider understanding of the end-to-end supply chain, in
addition to sourcing and purchasing, then I would recommend CSCP.