Are you a supply chain professional looking to advance your career with professional qualifications? Both the CSCP designation and the CPIM certification can help you accomplish this!
Both the CSCP certification and the CPIM designation are issued by the same certifying body, APICS. The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is a globally recognized body that specializes in professional qualifications in the field of Supply Chain Management. In this blog, however, we focus on the 2 important CSCP and CPIM qualifications. But first, what is CPIM certification and what does CPIM stand for? Read on to find out more!

What is APICS CPIM Qualification?

The Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification is a professional qualification that is focused on developing the skills to help professionals effectively manage inventory and planning. This involves efficiently forecasting market demand and developing schedules to efficiently handle the production and flow of inventory. This certification is meant for entry-level supply chain professionals who wish to gain in-depth knowledge specifically in the field of Inventory and Planning. Visit our website to find out more about the CPIM course duration and other course details.

What is the APICS CSCP qualification?

The CSCP certification or APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional certification (CSCP) is a qualification that develops your skills in all major areas of Supply Chain Management and is considered a gold-standard professional qualification in Supply Chain Management. It helps develop your skills in forecasting demand for products and then create and manage networks that help produce inventory in accordance with production plans. The CSCP covers a wider range of concepts compared to the CPIM designation and is one of the best professional qualifications for senior or mid-level supply chain professionals.
However, both the CSCP designation and the APICS CPIM qualification have several key differences that supply chain professionals must recognize in order to make the best decision for their careers. We have discussed a few of them below.

Difference in job prospects

Due to the difference in the syllabus and expertise for both the CPIM and CSCP qualifications, the job opportunities also differ. After gaining the CSCP certification, candidates will be prepared for the following job positions:

  • Supply Chain Manager
  • Purchasing Manager
  • Supply Chain Director
  • Project Manager etc.

On the other hand, after the CPIM qualification candidates will have better access to the following job positions:

  • Inventory Analyst
  • Forecasting Analyst
  • Materials Manager
  • Production and Planning Manager etc.

Difference in Entry Requirements

Both the CSCP qualification and the CPIM certification requirements are different. We have discussed them in detail below:
The CPIM designation has no work experience or educational requirements. However, you will have to pass both the CPIM part 1 and part 2 CPIM exams to gain the credential.
On the other hand, to pursue the CSCP qualification, candidates will have to ensure they meet at least one of the following CSCP certification requirements:

  • Hold a bachelor’s degree or an equivalent international educational degree.
  • Have 3 years of business experience.
  • Hold an active CPIM, CPIM-F, CIRM, SCOR-P, CPM, CPSM, CLTD, or CTL Certification.

What is better CPIM or CSCP?

If you’re wondering if the CSCP qualification is right for you? Or is a CPIM certification worth it? It definitely is! Both the CSCP and CPIM have several benefits that candidates can enjoy. We have discussed them briefly below:

  • Worldwide recognition: The CSCP qualification is globally recognized in 94 countries and the CPIM certification is just as widely known. Gaining these qualifications gives you increased opportunities to apply your knowledge in international scenarios and build your network in foreign countries.
  • Better Job Prospects: Both these APICS certifications can increase the job opportunities available to you as discussed above. Being an internationally recognized credential, it also provides access to jobs with higher salaries and pay packages in foreign countries.
  • Increase your knowledge and experience: While the CSCP qualification develops your skills in all major areas of Supply Chain Management, the CPIM focuses on planning and inventory management and how to carry out those processes efficiently and accurately. This helps you gain the skills to work on more difficult and challenging projects and boosts your career!

To find out more about the benefits of the CSCP certification, you can also read our blog on “What is CSCP certification? Is CSCP certification worth it?”. Both the CSCP and CPIM qualifications provide several benefits and can help you advance your career, however, the CSCP certification is more suited to higher-level professionals in Supply Chain Management with more experience. On the other hand, the CPIM designation is more beneficial for entry-level supply chain professionals looking to develop their expertise specifically in planning and inventory management. However if neither of these supply chain courses seems to meet your needs, you can also check out our blog on “5 Best Logistics & Supply Chain Management Courses”. Whichever course you choose to pursue, the best way to study and clear the exam in the first shot is with the help of professional training providers!

Why Choose Delphi Star Training Institute?

At Delphi, we understand the different needs of Supply Chain professionals out there and provide Best Supply Chain Management Courses in Dubai. Based on your job position and years of experience, Supply Chain professionals may be required to pursue different Supply Chain Qualifications. Keeping this in mind we provide training programs for both the CSCP qualification as well as the APICS CPIM certification in Dubai.
This is why we provide one of the best quality learning materials. We provide thousands of questions, and mock exams to help you prepare for the exam day. Gain access to all this, live recordings of classes, and interactive online sessions with our expert trainers 24×7 through our Learning Management System (LMS). You may choose to go for online, self-paced, or physical classroom training, whichever suits your needs. With our excellent learning environment, you are bound to find all the support you need from our trainers and staff! Delphi is one of the best supply chain management institutes in Dubai.
Join us at Delphi Star Training Institute today and enroll in our CPIM certification course or CSCP qualification training program to enjoy all the benefits of gaining a globally recognized professional qualification in Supply Chain Management!

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