Buyers, commodity managers, and purchasing managers are all part of the supply chain. Supply chain certification is a requirement for many supply chain management jobs. Certified Supply Chain Professional, Certified Purchasing Manager, Certified Professional in Supply Management, and Retail Supply Chain Certification are examples of supply chain certifications. APICS, ISM, and Accenture offer the most common supply chain programs. Many four-year colleges and universities also offer supply chain degrees or programs.
In 1957, the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) was established, which is now known as the Association for Operations Management. “Advancing productivity, innovation, and competitive success” are the guiding principles. APICS has expanded its scope to include program management and supply chain certification. It was originally designed for production managers to become proficient in areas such as production control, inventory management, resource planning, and demand management.
The supply chain is one of four disciplines where the association has strict standards. The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) certification was first offered in 2010, and it requires candidates to have prior supply chain management experience. A proctored computer exam is also required of the candidate. Every five years, recertification is required. Recertification requires the publication of supply chain works, the completion of supply chain courses, and continued experience in the field.
Another organization that offers supply chain certification is the Institute of Supply Management (ISM), which was formerly known as the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM). As of 2010, the Institute of Supply Management (ISM) offers two types of certifications: Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) (CPM). Each certification requires prior or current procurement and supply chain work experience.
The CPSM is a management certification that requires at least three years of management experience, a bachelor’s degree, and passing three exam modules. Professionals who work in contract negotiations and supplier relationship management should pursue the CPM certification. CPM certification necessitates prior work experience as well as the passing of four exam modules.
A Retail Supply Chain Certification is available from Accenture (RSCC). Four exams must be taken and passed the applicant. Supply chain fundamentals, inventory management, forecasting and planning, and metrics and process integration are the topics covered on the exams.
Unlike the APICS and ISM certifications, the RSCC designation does not require a college diploma or management experience. Instead, during a 40-hour supply chain course, the program is designed to teach and train the candidates. Accenture’s program aims to educate retailers, suppliers, and company employees about supply chain issues unique to the retail industry.