What Is Cpim?
CPIM is a designation that provides credentials to operation-management professionals. The Certified in Production and Inventory Management, or CPIM, is a useful tool for advancing a career in operation management and affording entry into an established profession. The CPIM is a designation that was created by the Association for Operations Management, also known as APICS (Advancing Productivity, Innovation and Competitive Success).
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Who
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The CPIM is an important designation for professionals in supply-chain management--those who work in production and inventory control, purchasing and procurement departments and materials management. The CPIM is a required precursor to more advanced certifications, such as the Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM) and the Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation.
What
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Training to take the exam means covering a multitude of areas that often are not addressed in typical university degree programs. CPIM training courses include the study of sales and production scheduling, strategic management of employee resources and execution, and control of the entire operation. Some colleges accept the CPIM for credits toward a degree.
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Why
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To remain competitive in the job market and receive higher earnings, managers in supply-chain industries should consider adding a CPIM designation to their resumes. As the international trading arena continues to expand, and more companies rely on the expertise of the managers who can control inventories and employees within strict budgets, trained executives become more in demand. Whether an employee is trying to move up within an organization or a business owner is looking to improve production, the CPIM can be a useful advantage.
Where
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Online training and examination-preparation courses are available through a variety of venues, including APICS. Local association chapters provide workshops and seminars for members taking the CPIM exam, and technical colleges provide courses that can be useful for more in-depth coverage of the subjects covered on the exam. Supply-chain consultants can be brought in-house to provide training for employees. Online advisers who provide pre-exam testing and training are abundant. Books and guides that cover all of the questions and provide a glimpse into the testing requirements are also widely available, for a nominal fee.
How
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Training classes are not a prerequisite for taking the exam, but help students pass the test with confidence the first time. Testing locations are provided worldwide. The schedule of testing dates and sites is available at the APICS website. The cost of the CPIM exam is $120 for APICS members and $155 for nonmembers.
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