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Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Become a recognized expert in the supply chain field.

The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) provides a comprehensive body of knowledge, best practices, and standards for those in the supply chain. APICS CSCP designees gain the skills to effectively manage global supply chain activities that involve suppliers, plants, distributors, and customers located around the world. CSCP serves the needs of both professionals and employers by keeping you and your organization more competitive in today’s economy.

Why should I earn the CSCP?

Earning the APICS CSCP makes you a recognized expert in the supply chain field. This professional distinction sets you apart from your colleagues, proving your high level of knowledge and skills.

After earning your CSCP you will be able to:

Help your company reach its ideal supply chain state
Use data to link production, distribution, purchasing, and service
Reduce waste in supply chains
Identify and classify supply chain risk and develop risk response plans
Improve communications throughout the supply chain

Why did you decide to pursue the APICS CSCP certification?

“As I approached the end of my military career, I evaluated how my skills best translated to civilian industry and saw Supply Chain Management as a good fit. Although I have a Master’s Degree in Supply Chain Management, I felt that obtaining the APICS CSCP certification would demonstrate to future employers that I had the most updated knowledge and skills as well as was current with industry standards in Supply Chain Management.” – Craig Gaddis, CSCP

Explore the Course Modules

The 2022 APICS CSCP Learning System is a comprehensive professional development and exam preparation program. It consists of eight reading modules and web-based study tools that reflect the entire APICS CSCP Exam Content Manual (ECM) and provide a broad view of global end-to-end supply chain management. Each module will further empower you with an understanding of best practices, techniques, and technologies necessary to maximize your organization’s efficiency and impact the bottom line.

Module 1: Supply Chains, Demand Management, and Forecasting

Visualizing the supply chain entities, structures, and flows used to procure and deliver goods and services
Differentiating vertical versus horizontal integration and different levels of supply chain maturity
Using planning, communicating, influencing, and prioritizing steps in demand management, including market research and demand forecasting
Assessing portfolios and products using product portfolio management, the 4Ps of marketing, and product life-cycle management (PLM)
Using sales and operations planning (S&OP) to align supply with demand

Module 2: Global Supply Chain Networks

Designing the supply chain and configuring the supply chain network
Balancing efficiency with responsiveness while being resilient
Optimizing technology by matching requirements to various supply chain technologies and interfaces
Forming cross-functional and cross-organizational supply chain design teams
Safeguarding and maintaining cybersecurity, data privacy, and supply chain master data
Improving the supply chain by measuring and analyzing performance with supply chain metrics focused on customers, financial reports, operational practices, and customer service
Becoming familiar with accounting and financial reporting information and strategic analysis tools

Module 3: Sourcing Products and Services

Following a sourcing process to capture changes, such as for new products
Managing supply based on the total cost of ownership and make-versus-buy analysis
Developing a category strategy and sourcing categories
Doing spend and portfolio analyses to right-size the supplier base
Developing supply plans based on buyer-supplier relationships
Influencing product designs to promote collaboration and requirements inclusiveness
Negotiating effective supply contracts/purchase orders and selecting proper payment terms

Module 4: Internal Operations and Inventory

Leveraging manufacturing planning and control including master planning, master scheduling, material requirements planning, distribution requirements planning, and various levels of capacity checks
Managing, planning, and controlling inventory to keep it at proper levels and replenish it efficiently
Understanding the effects of inventory on financial statements and inventory-related cost categories
Using quality and continuous improvement techniques and principles, including lean and just-in-time

Module 5: Forward and Reverse Logistics

Determining strategies for logistics, warehouse management, and transportation management
Complying with international standards and considerations for import/export, tax/tariff, and labor laws
Managing reverse logistics and waste

Module 6: Supply Chain Relationships

Segmenting customers, suppliers, and other partners
Using supplier relationship management (SRM) and customer relationship management (CRM) to develop, measure, and maintain relationships
Understanding the communication process and dimensions

Module 7: Supply Chain Risk

Identifying, assessing, classifying, and responding to supply chain risks in a cost-effective manner
Learning about common supply chain risks and how to make preventative and contingent action plans

Module 8: Optimization, Sustainability, and Technology

Considering inputs and objectives of organizational strategy and supply chain management strategy
Recognizing and resolving strategic misalignments and gaps
Building sustainable best practices and ensuring corporate social responsibility compliance
Embracing sustainability principles, standards, and reporting methods, including the UN Global Compact and GRI sustainability reporting standards
Assessing technology needs and learning about emerging technologies
Implementing changes using project management and change management