Taking the APICS CSCP exam with confidence April 29, 2015 Webinar Question I am a student in the Middle East, if I order the learning system online, are the hard copies going to be delivered to me free of charge? Answer Shipping charges will apply, based on postal code within your city/country, for distribution of the physical product (3 printed modules). You can always request a shipping quote by visiting http://www.learncscp.com/order and contacting Customer Service. You can also look for a local provider who may be able to assist you by visiting http://www.learncscp.com/classes-offered Question On the post-test or practice test what would translate to a passing grade? Answer 80%. If you achieve 80% or higher on the practice final exam you get a certificate that you completed the work in the CSCP Learning System. The certificate is also worth 30 maintenance points for the CSCP designation. Question Can you explain to us how to subscribe to access the online learning system only if I already have the CSCP books/materials? Answer Information on the CSCP Learning System is found at LearnCSCP.com Question Is there any other book reference we can use beyond the learning system? I have read in the website that the materials have general information. Answer In the Exam Content Manual there is a bibliography. They are recommended text books and articles that the exam committee believes covers the information in the exam content outline. This information is also used by the committee that creates the CSCP Learning System. Question I do not see the link to access the questions I missed in my on-line learning system - where is this? Answer To access Missed Questions: Go into the actual Module/Section Quiz, Click on Attempts, which takes you to the Summary Page. You will see a grid of all your attempts for that Module/Section quiz. When you click on any attempt in the list, it will drill down to display: All quizzes Missed questions Or all specific questions Click on “Missed Questions” (visual below) Question I have the 2014 learning system that expires at the end of June. Is there a difference between the 2014 and 2015 CSCP exam, and if so, will I still have the opportunity to take the 2014 exam for my scheduled exam in July. I have a learning system of 2014. Is there anything added or removed from 2015? How different are the questions from 2014 compared to 2015? Answer The 2015 Learning System was considered a minor content update, however, changes were made to the materials. The Learning System is updated every year to reflect changes made to the Exam Content Manual (ECM), which is used to develop the current CSCP Exam. Question Does the online program include the Learning System? Answer The instructor-led format combines the APICS CSCP Learning System print and web-based components with the leadership of a qualified instructor, peer collaboration, networking opportunities and a structured, set schedule to keep participants on track. Question Can I get copies of CSCP learning system? Answer The CSCP Learning System is available for purchase at learncscp.com Question Maybe I missed it, but can access to the learning system be extended after one year? My web access expired as it has been over a year that I purchased it. Is there a way to extend the time? Answer No. Access to the Learning System cannot be extended after the expiration. Question How important are the flashcards? As important as the Glossary terms? Answer The flashcards contain the APICS glossary terms, they are the vocabulary terms that are listed in the Exam Content Manual and the definitions and terms from the APICS Dictionary. The flashcards allow you to practice to determine how well you know the terms and definitions. Question Once the system is acquired, if you do not complete in the current year, does it allow for updates till the candidate passes? Answer The 2015 Learning System was considered a minor content update, however, changes were made to the materials. The Learning System is updated every year to reflect changes made to the Exam Content Manual (ECM), which is used to develop the current CSCP Exam. Question How will we get the certificate after passing the exam? Answer You will receive an email with the instructions for downloading or purchasing your certificate. Question How do we pay to register? Can it be through a Channel Partner? Answer After purchasing your Authorization to Test, you must schedule your exam through Pearson VUE by logging in to your My APICS account and navigating to the Exam Authorizations and Credits under the Certifications on the right hand side. Candidates can use this section to schedule or change their testing appointments. Question I can't find the place of the exam in turkey? Answer Yes. There are exam centers in Turkey. Once you have purchased your Authorization to Test, you will be able to find the locations in the Pearson VUE scheduling system. Question If I do not pass the exam, is there a waiting period before I may re-take? If a candidate does not pass the first time, how soon can he reappear for the CSCP exam? If you fail your exam... when can you schedule your re-test? Answer Yes. You must wait 14 days before your exam re-take. Question How many times does APICS allow retaking of the exam in order to enjoy the discounted price? Answer You can re-take the exam as many times as you need at the re-take price. However, you must wait 14 days before scheduling your next exam. Question My profile name contains my first and last name but my Driver’s License contains my first/middle/last name. Is this an issue? Answer Only your first and last name must match exactly for the test center. Question Are you given a summary of the questions you get right/wrong after the exam? Answer You will be given a diagnostic summary on the three levels, but you will not be given a summary on the individual questions and answers. Question What is passing score? Answer CSCP exam test scores are based on the number of questions you answer correctly. The exam is scored on a scaled score range of 200 - 350. For more information on the scaled score method please visit: http://www.apics.org/docs/cert-faq-pdf/scaledscoredocument.pdf?Status=Master. Question Is there a reference on average how long it takes to go through the Exam? Answer The average amount of time for a candidate to complete the exam is between 3 and 3.5 hours. Question Will we know how we are doing as we take the test? As in the practice exams? Answer In the practice exams you can go back and review the answers, you will get detailed information on what is correct and what is not. Question How do you see the exam dates prior to requesting eligibility? Answer You cannot see the exam dates until you have purchased an Authorization to Test, but you can view the exam windows. The exam windows are on the APICS website. The window dates differ depending if you are located in North America or international. You can access the dates at: http://www.apics.org/careers-educationprofessional-development/certification/cscp/testing. Question I've reviewed the exam windows, but want to know the exact dates that the exam is offered in my area, Seattle. Can that be done? Answer To view the exact dates log in to your My APICS account, navigate to the Exam Authorizations and Credits under the Certifications tab. Here you will be able to see the dates to schedule your appointment. Question I joined late. Will there be graphical questions? Answer The exam questions are multiple choice. Sample questions are listed in the CSCP Exam Content Manual. Question Can I take the exam without buying the APICS materials (as a choice)? Answer Yes. We recommend the APICS CSCP materials but they are not required for you to take the exam. Question How many modules are there altogether for APICS CSCP? Answer The APICS CSCP exam consists of three modules. Information on the modules can be found at: http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/cscp. Once on the page click on the "About the APICS CSCP exam content" tab. Question Is it possible to have the recording in French? Answer No. The recording will only be in English. Question Am I allowed to use an English-French dictionary? Answer Yes. Language dictionaries are the only ones allowed. Question How much has the exam changed since the inception of CSCP? How much difference in material that was published in 2009 and latest addition? Answer There have been many minor updates to the exam over the years with a major updated completed in 2012. Question What is the membership fee? Is it an annual fee? Can I be a member before getting certification? Answer The APICS membership fee information is located at: http://www.apics.org/community/membership Question What is the cost to take the exam? What is the examination fee as well? Answer There are different pricing on the exam depending if you are in North America or international. You can find the pricing at: http://www.apics.org/careers-education-professional-development/certification/cscp/testing. Question In an earlier webinar we were told that the APICS Dictionary was free for APICS Members. I went back and signed in and checked again. When I go to check out, it charges me $20. I have not ordered a Dictionary since 2 years and I am a member since 2004 paying my dues every year. Answer You are only allowed one free copy of the APICS Dictionary. If you previously purchased the dictionary, then you would be charged for additional copies. Question I am doing the self-study method. Is there somewhere I can get sample exam questions? Answer There are sample questions in the CSCP Exam Content manual. Question Can we bring a calculator for the test? Or is it needed? Answer An online computer calculator is available during each computer-based exam, but bringing a simple nonprogrammable calculator into the exam room is also permitted. Question Why doesn’t it not tell you on the monitor when you are done if you pass or fail? Currently you must anxiously wait for the print out that the testing center rep gives you. Is grading instant right after you close the test? Answer The exam results will be delivered to you immediately on the monitor (computer) once you complete your exam. Question Are the exams just in English? Answer Yes. The exam is administered in English. Question Where can I find a list of APICS partners in Russia authorized to conduct the examination? Answer You can find a list of partners on the APICS website at: http://www.apics.org/community/partners/finder. Question Prior to taking the exam, is it possible for the candidate to know exactly how many questions they must get correct since the exam form assigned to them is already assigned? Answer No. You will not know prior to taking your exam. Question How do you ensure transparency in the difficulty rating of questions to candidates after taking the test so they are able to see those points as you explained in the example? Answer This process is done with a third party psychometrician and a group of volunteers as well as APICS staff. The actual test data information is not available to the public. Question I am based in IRAQ, Is this offered in Iraq now? Answer Yes. There are exam centers in Iraq. Once you have purchased your Authorization to Test, you will be able to find the locations in the Pearson VUE scheduling system. Question If one passes the CSCP isn't the CPIM content redundant? (or a simple subset of the CSCP content?) Answer We've worked hard to ensure that there is not much overlap between the certifications, but both certifications are within the larger APICS body of knowledge. Question Is scratch paper available or permissible? Answer You are not permitted to bring in paper and pencil, but they will be provided to you by the exam center. You can view a complete list of prohibited items in the CSCP Bulletin. Question Majority of candidates pass but how many attempts is normal? Answer There have been a wide range of attempts for taking the CSCP exam. Question Are you saying that you can review your answers after the test is complete? Can a person look back and check their answers? Answer Before clicking the final submit button, you will be able to return to the questions to review them. Question 2 weeks before the exam, what is your advice to finish preparation? (Books, perform test, read dictionary) Answer I would take the following steps: 1. Review the outline in the Exam Content Manual (it is in your Learning System). Note any areas that you still feel week in and go to those sections in the Learning System to brush up. You may want to go to the online Learning System to take those quizzes again just to be sure you understood what you read 2. Set up a little time each day to review the flash cards 3. Take the Final exam (again, if you need to). Remember, the Final Exam questions are retired actual exam questions and are your best preparation for how APICS asks exam questions) 4. Time your study so you’re done late afternoon or early evening the day before the test. Do not try to “cram.” Get a good night’s rest, have a good breakfast (or lunch if your test is in the afternoon. You WILL perform better if you are well rested and your blood sugar is steady Question Does passing individual exams have any meaning without successfully passing all five of them? (CPIM) Answer Passing individual CPIM exams shows you’ve mastered that portion of the CPIM body of knowledge and I would certainly list them in a resume. However, you must pass all five to get the certification. Question After being CSCP certified, at age 62 can you become certified for life without having to earn points? Answer Yes. Lifetime certification is available to individuals who are at least 62 years of age and have their designations in good standing. Individuals with suspended or expired certifications must bring their certifications current before applying for lifetime. To request lifetime certification, submit your request to the APICS Certification department in writing along with a copy of a government-issued ID which confirms your age (driver's license, passport or birth certificate). Requests should be sent to certification@apics.org. Question Is there a POST exam for CPIM? If so, does it have points applying to maintaining CSCP? Answer Yes. If you receive a score of 80 percent or higher on the post-exam, you will receive a certification maintenance letter good toward maintaining your APICS CSCP certification if you already have the APICS CSCP certification. Question I started the APICS CPIM in UT Dallas. Can I continue in Mexico Chihuahua with the same account or do I need to pay a new subscription? Answer if by “the same account” you mean, the same APICS ID, then yes, absolutely you can continue with the same account. Question I am an older student attempting to change careers. So I would be learning this from scratch, any suggestions beyond a Supply Chain BA? Answer In addition to preparing for the CSCP, and if you are a disciplined self-learner, I would recommend a course of self-study that would include; 1. The text books in the CSCP Exam Content Manual (the Learning System will cover those parts of the textbook that pertain to the exam, but there is more material in them that is not covered by the exam, but you would find beneficial). 2. Google Supply Chain Management looking for videos, articles, etc. 3. Join APICS, if you haven’t already. Read the magazine, search the website for articles, go to your local APICS Chapter meetings (assuming there is an APICS chapter near you) 4. Join the (free) APICS group on LinkedIn. Follow the conversations, ask questions. Link in with some of the contributors, build a network through the chapter and through LinkedIn of Supply Chain Professionals.