What Do I Need to Become APICS Certified?
APICS, the Association for Operations Management, began in 1957 as a professional organization for operations managers, who are professionals who oversee all of the functions that allow companies to produce and deliver products and services to their customers. To help promote professionalism and continued education in the field, APICS offers a certification program for qualified operations managers.
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Production and Inventory Management credential
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One of the certifications offered by APICS is the production and inventory management credential, or CPIM. To receive the certification, candidates must pass a series of five examinations. The first test is an entry-level prerequisite test in basic supply chain management. After passing this test, candidates can take the other four exams in any order. The topics of these exams are planning resources, scheduling and planning, the execution and control of operations management, and strategic management of resources. APICS offers training courses to prepare candidates for the exams, but has no degree or experience requirements for the CPIM designation.
Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management
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After gaining a CPIM, operations managers can pursue the certified fellow in production and inventory management, or CFPIM, credential. To qualify for the designation, CPIMs must earn a total of 100 professional points. APICS assigns different types of activities with a set number of points. Managers can earn points for completing presentations, publishing works and taking formal classes in operations management. In addition to earning the minimum number of points, CPIMs must also acquire a letter of recommendation from a CFPIM.
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Certified Supply Chain Professional
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APICS offers an additional upper-level certification for operations managers called the certified supply chain professional, or CSCP, designation. Candidates must have five years of experience or a related professional certification to qualify. Eligible certifications include the APICS CPIM and CFPIM or one of APICS' grandfathered certification programs like the certified in integrated resource management credential. Candidates with a bachelor's degree need only two years of work experience without a qualified professional credential. Eligible applicants take one written examination to gain the CSCP designation.
Renewal
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To maintain their certifications, recipients of designations from APICS must participate in continuing education activities. APICS assigns specific activities with a set number of points and requires a minimum number of points for each of its credentials. CPIMs and CSCPs must accumulate 75 points every five years, while CFPIMs need 100 points every five years to maintain their credentials. Professionals receive points for APICS membership as well as for attending conferences, trainings held by local APICS chapters and formal educational courses.
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