What Is CSCP Certification?

Working with supply chains means facilitating product and service delivery to customers through carefully orchestrated data flow, logistical operations, and monetary transactions. And it can be a lucrative career opportunity. According to a Statista survey, the global supply chain management market should reach nearly $31 billion by 2026, meaning jobs in this industry could increase as well [1].

Completing your CSCP certification is a way to show potential employers the steps you've taken to gain foundational knowledge as a supply chain leader. In this article, we'll go over what's involved in earning CSCP certification, how to prepare for the program, and the benefits to consider. Afterward, if you want to explore a career in supply chain management, consider enrolling in the Rutgers Supply Chain Management Specialization, where you'll gain foundational knowledge about logistics, operations, planning, and sourcing.

What is CSCP certification?

The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification exam designed to standardize knowledge about supply chain management. It's offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), a large nonprofit committed to developing supply chain intelligence.

The CSCP program spans every phase in the supply chain, starting with suppliers and extending through a firm's internal processes before ultimately reaching the end consumer. It's more focused on the business side of supply chain logistics than sales or marketing. The program also recognizes the significance of managing the reverse flow of products, emphasizing key aspects such as handling returns, refurbishing, and recycling.

**As of 2024, CSCP is at Version 5.0 [2]. 

What's on the CSCP exam? 

Earning your CSCP certificate requires successfully passing one single exam that encompasses eight modules [2]:

1. Supply Chains, Demand Management, and Forecasting

2. Global Supply Chain Networks

3. Sourcing Products and Services

4. Internal Operations and Inventory

5. Forward and Reverse Logistics

6. Supply Chain Relationships

7. Supply Chain Risk

8. Optimization, Sustainability, and Technology

The test has 150 questions, of which 130 are operational and 20 are pretest [2]. Scoring ranges from 200 to 350, with a passing threshold set at 300 or above. A score below 300 results in failure. You'll have 3.5 hours to complete your CSCP examination.

Note: Pretest questions, randomly placed in the CSCP exam, have no bearing on your final score and are compulsory for statistical purposes only. 

How much is the CSCP exam?

The price differs for ASCM members and nonmembers. The exam itself costs $1,390 for ASCM members and $1,940 for nonmembers. ASCM also sells exam prep materials, which you can purchase independently of the exam or together as a bundle for a discounted rate [4].

What's the difference between the CSCP and CLTD credentials? The Certification in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) credential focuses on the timely and intact delivery of items to their destinations. This includes handling the movement of materials from suppliers to production and storage and efficiently transporting finished goods to distribution channels or consumers.

In contrast, the CSCP credential prepares you for every facet of the supply chain, from assessing potential vendors and coordinating material transportation to managing inventory on arrival.

Who should attempt the CSCP exam?

If you've already been working in supply chain logistics and have some professional experience, you may want to consider taking the CSCP exam. The credential is intended for those who are interested in advancing their careers. The CSCP certification is especially an excellent choice if your job role concerns:

• Supply chain design

• Supplier management

• Supply chain management

• Transportation

• Distribution channels

• Third-party logistics (3PL)

• Fourth-party logistics (4PL)

• Customer management

If you're not sure whether you're qualified to take CSCP certification, ASCM offers a five-question quiz which can help determine your preparedness.

Eligibility criteria for CSCP certification

While the CSCP is meant for seasoned professionals, the ASCM removed the eligibility requirement for the CSCP certification program in 2022 to foster inclusivity for all eager learners [3]. Consequently, individuals with an eligibility status of “Denied” or “On Hold” now have the opportunity to take the CSCP exam.

If you don't yet have supply chain experience and you're interested in this career path, develop your skills to become a supply chain analyst with the Unilever Supply Chain Data Analyst Professional Certificate. This four-course series is designed for entry-level professionals with strong problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills.

Benefits of being CSCP certified

Regardless of your experience level, possessing a CSCP certification can benefit your career. Attaining the CSCP credential signifies your ability to navigate disruption, handle risk, and adopt contemporary supply chain technologies.

You may also potentially earn more money. According to ASCM, APICS-certified supply chain professionals earn a median salary of $100,000, which is 27% higher than uncertified professionals [2].

How to register for the CSCP exam

You'll need to purchase the CSCP exam through ASCM, but you have in-person and online testing options. You can take the CSCP exam at a Pearson VUE test center or online using the OnVue system.

You'll need an Authorization to Test (ATT) to schedule an exam with Pearson VUE. After purchasing the exam, ASCM will send you an ATT confirmation email with scheduling instructions. Ensure that you take the exam within the specified period in your ATT. The validity period for an ATT for the APICS exam is six months, starting from either the exam purchase date or the date when the exam credit was utilized [5]. 

How to prepare for the CSCP exam

ASCM states that it takes around 100 hours to prepare for the CSCP exam. The organization offers up to four training options, which we've outlined below:

1. Self-study: The self-study option allows you to independently learn at your convenience using the CSCP Learning System, featuring interactive online modules and printed books.

2. Instructor-led: If you prefer a structured learning environment, you can participate in instructor-led classes offered by approved ASCM partners. These classes and the Learning System facilitate peer discussion and networking.

3. Instructor-supported: If you're looking for instructor support but can’t commit to a schedule, consider instructor-supported online classes through Fox Valley Technical College, an ASCM partner. You can complete assignments at your own pace with a dedicated instructor for APICS' 14-week course and no set meeting times [4].

4. Corporate and group: Should you favor group study, the ASCM can assist you in organizing groups for self-study or instructor-led classes, either at your location or in a virtual setting.

How to maintain your CSCP certification

To maintain your CSCP certification, you must earn 75 professional development maintenance points every five years [2]. You can accumulate maintenance points by doing the some of following tasks:

• Participating in or presenting at educational events

• Contributing articles to supply chain publications

• Demonstrating involvement in organizations related to the industry and more

Learn about supply chain management on Coursera

CSCP certification can be a useful credential, helping you demonstrate your competence in supply chain management. To help build the knowledge and skills to help you succeed as a supply chain professional, consider enrolling in the Rutgers Supply Chain Management Specialization. Over five courses, you'll gain a richer understanding of the complexities that companies are facing in today's global networked economy.