Lot of Supply Chain and Procurement folks who are in the early stage of their ask me should they go for CIPS or APICS qualification. Depending on their career aspiration to either grows in Supply Chain in general or become a specialize procurement professional I give them advice accordingly.
Like most good things in life, there is no right or wrong answer, it is only a matter of preference. Therefore, I thought a comparison of two leading supply chain bodies and their qualification will be useful and I hope it will make the decision making easier for aspiring Supply Chain and Procurement professionals. I have also written a comparision for APICS vs ISM, which you will find useful.
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APICS vs. CIPS – Comparision Table
Background Information
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
| APICS (changed their brand name to the Association for supply chain management), was founded in 1957 , and now has over 117,000 qualified with their certifications and now operates in 82 countries around the world. You can read more information here. | CIPS (the Charted Institute of Purchasing and Supply) which was created in 1932 and now operates in 150 countries all over the world. |
Qualifications
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
| APICS has two main qualifications catered to supply chain and operations personnel, these are:
CSCP (Certified supply chain professional ) – gaining this certification helps demonstrate to employers that the individual is an industry expert and is knowledgeable in the best practices and is skillful in their knowledge.
CPIM (certified in production and inventory management) – Gaining this certification will be demonstrating the ability to understand and evaluate production and inventory activities within a company’s global operations. Similarly this certification looks to demonstrate to employers that you are an industry expert. Here are reasons why you should think of doing CPIM.
Depending on what the person wants to demonstrate has skills in or future plans, they can choose either certification, the website does have a section to help individuals choose which certifications would be better suited to them. |
CIPS – The main qualification is the MCIPS, but in order to achieve the certification, there are other exams and certificates that need to be taken to take the final set of MCIPS exams.
Depending on demonstrated experience, Knowledge and other qualifications exemptions from certain exams or qualifications can be permitted.
The website also has an email to help people assess what level they are at and therefore what exams they need to take before being able to then sit the final set of exams.
See if you are also eligible for exemptions |
Different Levels and Entry Requirements
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
| To be a candidate for the CSCP accreditation one needs to have a bachelor’s business degree (3 years) or international experience or have 3 years of business experience in a relevant field.
They also accept individuals with other accreditations e.g. CSM, CIRM, etc.
However for the CPIM certification, an individual needs to have 2 years’ experience in the field, they don’t require a degree. |
The Professional Diploma in procurement and supply is for any individual with a degree or equivalent.
There are certificates for those with level 2 + education qualifications.
If individuals do not have a degree but have been working in a relevant field for more than two years they are advised to start at the Diploma in procurement and supply.
Those with a relevant business degree or similar qualification can gain exemptions for certain units.
The link to the different certifications offered can be found here. |
Exams Setup and Costs
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
| The CSCP exam is :
1 exam 4 hours Can be paper-based or computer-based Offered 3 times a years Price is above £1000
The CPIM exam: Candidates must pass two CPIM exams within three years in order to become certified. The CPIM program consists of five modules with two exams, one for Part 1 and one for Part 2. Each module reflects critical areas in production and inventory management. Part 1:Module 1 – Basics of Supply Chain Management Number of exam questions – 150 (130 operational and 20 pretest*) PLUS member price: $495 – Or purchase the CPIM Bundle. Part 2:Module 1 – Strategic Management of Resources Number of exam questions – 150 (130 operational and 20 pretest*) each module weighing 25% PLUS member price: $495
|
The CIPS exam has
5 per certification level (choices available from 8 courses in later levels) 3 hours Computer-based Throughout the year The fee to take the exam ranges from £75 – £100, with additional costs of the centers. (Could be exempt from some certificates or exams) |
Topics Covered
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
| The CSCP exam is covered in three modules, these modules cover different aspects of the supply chain.
Module 1 – Supply Chain Design Below are some of the topics covered by the CPIM:
|
There are 5 certificates to complete before becoming certified.
Each certificate has 4-8 modules Each module has an exam (the types of exam range from multiple choice to scenario-based question, short and essay-style questions).
For more information on the different modules and what they cover please select below:
Diploma in Procurement and Supply |
Resources Offered
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
APICS offers a range of different studying options including:
They have two main UK centres but many online resources. Here is a list of the different types of resources offered
|
CIPS has 90 study centers across the UK – 200 across the world, they also offer:
Here is a link to their range of study options available |
Staying Certified
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
| To remain certified a person must :
Abide by their code of ethics and also earn 75 maintenance points* every 5 years. If not achieved then the individual will be suspended from their qualification. *Maintenance points can be gained through Continuing education (attending internal and external seminars/ lectures) , dong presentations ,publications, and educational development Here is link to maintenance of the certification. |
Not Applicable |
Membership
| APICS (CSCP/CPIM) | CIPS (MCIPS) | |
| APICS has varying types of membership all for working professionals.
The main type is the international professional is for those outside North America offering members online resources, networking opportunities and local training courses.
They also have a young professional for students who graduated during the last two years.
Another type of membership is corporate membership for organisations. ere is the link to different types of memberships available |
CIPS have 4 different types of membership these are :
· Affiliate member this is anyone who is not looking to become certified but has a strong interest in procurement and supply. (no need to have past experience or studied the subject). · Studying member – this is anyone who is currently studying the subject giving access to a multitude of resources. · MCIPS this is for anyone who has gained the certification and gives access to all the resources and discussion zone a professional can use. · Fellows are the highest level of membership given to those who achieve a gold standard in the field. Here is the link to the membership page
|
In conclusion, I would suggest if an individual wants to grow in Procurement function MCIPS would be preferred options. And I would suggest APICS for individuals who want to grow in Supply Chain and Materials Management.
Recommended Books:
APICS Guide to Careers in Supply Chain and Operations Management
APICS CSCP 2016- Set of 5 Books
APICS Dictionary
Chaitanya Nikam
Thanks Dr. Muddasir.. Now I know which certification i must complete.. Its helpful for all aspirants who are willing to make a career in SCM or Purchasing.. 🙂
Quora
Is it possible to break entry into the procurement and the supply chain sector?
One way to begin is either start with Cips certification or APICS CPIM certificate. You can read the difference in my blog http://muddassirism.com/2015/11/apics-vs-cips-what-should-you-choose/
Rahmat
Take both so you have complete cimpetencies in procurement, material mgmt, & SCM. If you still have time and energy, also take other specific certifications such as in negotiation, contract mgmt, transpirtation,vetc. The point is… never ending learning……
Quora
Is it worth doing the CPSM certification by the Institute for Supply Management?
Yes it is very much so. I have written a detailed article on this comparing with UK cips http://muddassirism.com/2015/11/apics-vs-cips-what-should-you-choose/ Let me know what you think of this article U0001f600U0001f44d
Quora
What is the best certification for supply chain management jobs?
It depends on where you see your self developing or specialising. If you want to grow in material management than I would say APICS CPIM. If you want to grow in strategic procurement I would say Cips. You can read the detailed answer at my blog http://…
Vikrant
Hi Dr. Muddassir,
I have 5 years of experience in procurement. Which certification should I go for? Can I consider CPSM? Plz help.
Regards-
Vikrant
muddassirism
If you completed APICS- CPIM then you can go for CSCP (Certified supply chain professional ).
shadreck
CIPS is the leader in global procurement and supply excellence
Quora
What is the best certification program in supply chain?
Lot of Supply Chain and Procurement folks who are in early stage of their ask me should they go for CIPS or APICS qualification. Depending on their career aspiration to either grow in Supply Chain in general or become specialise procurement professiona…
Quora
Currently I am working as the store manager of a supermarket in Dubai. I want to change my field to buyer or supply chain analyst. What study do I do or is there any other suggestion?
If you want to move in supply chain and procurement there two certificates you should consider…. You can read here more http://muddassirism.com/2015/11/apics-vs-cips-what-should-you-choose/
Joe Faulkner
Did you consider the Institute of Supply Management?
muddassirism
Hi Joe, Yes I do and I am writing a blog on APICS vs ISM, soon to be published!
leon Polley Miah Ackah
hi , I intend enrolling for the Certified International Supply chain Manager course (of the International Purchasing and supply chain management Institute (CISCM of IPSCMI} being organized by High level Training Institute in September 2016 in GHANA.
Kindly advise if the IPSCMI is also certified, accredited and recognized like the APICS and CIPS
Thanks
Leon
muddassirism
Hi Leon, as far as I know NO IPSCMI is not certified by APICS. Hope this help. Regards, Dr. Muddassir Ahmed
Alimi Abolore Olumide
Hi Dr. Muddassir,
I know of CISCP & CISCM offered by The International Purchasing and Supply Chain management Institute. Also CSCA, CSCP & CPP offered by International Institute for Procurement and Market Research.
Should I go for any of these? How are they globally compared to CSCP offered by APICS?
I studied chemical engineering(HND and BSc level), I did online certificate programme in supply chain management from University of Cape Town and MITx, I also have eleven years of experience as process supervisor, shift manager, material/ production planning manager and currently as supply chain manger. My experience cut accross chemical plant and food production(Pasta and noodles) factories.
Kindly advice also which would be useful for me since I am having plan of starting my own small scale production factory.
muddassirism
I would only suggest you should go for APICS and CIPS certification as they are the only two internationally recognized certification. I don’t recognize any other you mentioned. And I wish you good luck for starting your own production factory.
Ian Wright
Good advice, I fully agree.
Ian Wright
CIPS e-learning modules are very slick so if you are looking at remote learning worthwhile and good value.
Ian Wright
To stay MCIPS you have to pay £174 per year membership.
No pay, no registered MCIPS accredited.
They have refreshed the site and the e-learning modules are very slick (tried one out).
Jeni
MCIPS is more recognised in UK than Australia … As with CPD hours and study guides for many subjects are designed around UK subject matter. Just saying.
muddassirism
Thanks Jeni. Make sense!!
Ashadur Zaman
Assalam Walaikum Dr. Muddassir.
I am working as Demantra Demand Management consultant with knowledge in Advanced Supply Chain Planning(Oracle apps). Total exp 6 yrs.
Please let me know what path I should take to robust my supply chain career.
muddassirism
Hi Ashadur Zaman, try to work as Demand Planner and Master Scheduler. Muddassir
Dileepraj
Greetings Dr.Muddassir,
please advice on how to secure CSCP. am a commerce graduate working in Bahrain (GCC).
what is the advisable mode, name of recognised institute, and duration of course. course fee.
muddassirism
Do a self study Dileepraj
APICS vs ISM - What Should You Choose to Progress Career?
[…] muddassirism on APICS VS CIPS – What Should You Choose? […]
Sanchit
Hi Dr. Muddassir,
I am 3rd year Mechanical engineering student and want to pursue a career in SCM.
Which course should I start with so that I can get a job in scm after getting out of college.
Any help would be greatly help in knowing how to enter into the field of scm
Thankyou
muddassirism
Good questions. Start with jobs like Expediter or supply chain coordinators which do not require supply chain theoretical knowledge and you can learn from the job and then with further studies.
Juan
Which university accreditation is more valued CILT or CIPS?
Roberta McPhail
Corrections, the CPIM program has no prerequisites. The CPIM program is re configuring to a 2 exam format starting Jan 2018.
Muddassir Ahmed
Now it is the case. Thanks.
Harsha Tilak
Greetings Dr. Muddassir,
I am a Procurement professional in India with 7 years of core Procurmeent experience in Corporate Real Estate category. I have started giving my CIPS exams and will complete diploma by end of 2017(need more time to reach MCIPS)in the hope of getting opportunities overseas. Let me know if that makes sense and also suggest countries that prefer CIPS qualification. I have no interest moving to Supply chain & Material Mgt. Please help
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Harsha, Sorry I have no experience or knowledge in suggestion any immigration related issues.
Joy
Hello Sir…
I’m an Agriculture graduate with MBA in Rural Management and having 2 years of SCM experience (agro commodity). Want to move in my career in SCM in India, hoping for CSCP…how to proceed? Is it necessary any tech knowledge for CSCP? What will happen if I go for CSCP as non member of APICS?
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Joy, For CSCP you need experience. start with CPIM.
Regards,
Muddassir
jack wolf
Hi Muddassir,
I am doing advance certification from CIFFA, for which certification i should go after this
Mohammad Jahangir Alam
What about ISCEA?
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Mohammad Janhangir, never heard of ISCEA, so can’t comment.
Muhammad Sajid
Hi Mudassir,
I am having experience in Supply Chain Planning which includes Demand & Procurement Planning in one of the leading retail chain in India. I have done MBA but do not have any specialized certification in SCM. Which would be more relevant for me, CSCP , CPIM or CIPS etc.
Any specific preferred certifications for looking job opportunities in countries like Singapore, Australia or Dubai.
Also highlight which is having a comparatively higher success ratio in clearing the Exams.
Regards
Muhammad Sajid
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Sajid,
Please see this article to decide between CPIM vs CIPS – http://muddassirism.com/apics-vs-cips-what-should-you-choose/
I have no idea about preferred certification in locations you mentioned. But both APICS and CIPS are pretty recognizable.
Regards,
Muddassir
Vishaal S
Hi,
I am Vishaal from Chennai. I have two years experience as Procurement Executive. Now i have decided to take a Certification so that it may enhance my skill. So what i have to do now. Both Certification has its own merits. So which is best for me APICS-CPIM or CIPS ?
Muddassir Ahmed
As I have mentioned in the article. APICS-CPIM for Materials Management Professionals and CIPS for Procurement professionals.
Jayesh Nair CPSM
Hi Muddassir,
Greetings!
Informative comparison with crispy informations. It would be great if you could include CPSM from ISM USA also to this
Best Regards
Jayesh Nair CPSM
Muddassir Ahmed
Jayesh, will try. Thanks
Ghous Saudagar
Dear Sir,
Kindly also compare CIPS vs CPSM-ISM.
Thank you,
Ghous
sara
Hi Maddassir,
Am following all your posts on LinkedIn.Currently am thinking of enroll RMIT MBA Program in Supply Chain. I want to know which is Advisable to do CIPS or MBA. The MBA am planning to do recognized by CIPS.
Please help me to made the right decision.
Thanks
Sara
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Sara,
If MBA is recognized by CIPS than go for MBA, you will have both with one degree. It is a no-brainer!
Regards,
Muddassir
sara
Thank you so much Maddassir!
Sumesh
Hi Muddasir,
Iam a Material Planner and Purchaser with 4 years experience, can you please suggest me which certification i should choose ?
Muddassir Ahmed
I would recommend to go for CPIM
Kamran Mughal
Hi Mudassir,
Hope are you fine, I’ve read all your blogs & columns.
If anyone wants to attempt both CSCP & CPIM, which he should try first & why ?
Thank you
Kamran Mughal
Muddassir Ahmed
CSCP if 3 years of experience. If less than 3 years experience than CPIM.
Zoheb Khan
Assalam o alaikum,
I am currently working as an SAP MM( Material Management) consultant in IT Industry in India,
Would you please help me to give insights of How any of the above certifications would be helpful for growth in my career in any product based company or would it be beneficial for my current scenario .
I really fond of SCM as it is a part of my current work in SAP MM functional .
Jazakalllah khair..
Muddassir Ahmed
If you read the article again you will find the answer Zoheb!
Lovely
Hi,
Torn between taking CIPS or CILT certification, currently working as a Logistics Coor.
Please advise.
Muddassir Ahmed
IF you want to stay in logistics the CILT.
zoheb
Hi Muddassir,
I read the whole article very well, however I am still in dilemma and need your some guidance.
Thanks
Muddassir Ahmed
What is the dilemma
zoheb
Whether my experience counts for CSCP exam Or I have to go through CPIM path .
Should i go for APICS (CSCP/CPIM) Or ISM(CPSM) and which would be beneficial ?
Thanks.
Muddassir Ahmed
for CSCP experience requirement mentioned on website. IF you are not clear you can contact APICS and they will answer.
CPIM if you want to learn Materials Management.
ISM is for Procurement.
Mohammad Rafiqul Islam
Dear Sir,
I m from Dhaka last 10yrs working at Supply Chain profession in textile & RMG sector. I like get a professional degree. Pls advise me the best one according to this industry. Thank you sir. Kind regards, Mohammad Rafiqul Islam
Muddassir Ahmed
If you want to work in Materials Management, then choose APICS
Zandi
Hi Dr. Ahmed
I’m from South Africa and I have a bachelors degree in Supply Chain Management.
I’ve been unfortunate finding a job in this field of SCM and have spent 4 years in Admin positions.
Would you recommend me to enroll either either APICS or CIPS to have more opportunities to finding a job in SCM?
Thanks
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Zandi,
Please read this and decide –> http://muddassirism.com/apics-vs-cips-what-should-you-choose/
Moussa
Hello Dr. Muddassir, indeed your posts are educative.
I have a BSc in Biochemical Science. Unfortunately, i couldn’t get a job in the medical field. I have 3 years experience in warehouse and quality management in a leading retail enterprise. Ive developed interest in the field of supply chain. Do you think my background in warehouse management can see me through an APICS-CIPM certificate?. If not, can you make any recommendations on a possible career path?.
Thank you!!
Muddassir Ahmed
Hi Moussa,
Yes it would.
Thansk,
Muddassir
Amit Mohanty
Very helpful 👍🙏
Seher Fatima
Very useful page..The comparison elaborated in a very simple way, easy to understand..
Muddassir
Thanks for your comments Seher.
Paul Murray
I completed the MCIPS corporate award program ,what next?
Please advise
Muddassir Ahmed
Try APICS!
Solomon Bassey Okon
Very useful analysis. I totally agree with your opening statement that it depends on one’s choice of what you want to be in life. I have been associated with APICS for 41 years and earned my IMAL membership grade in 1980.This is the best professional body for operations management people but for those want to pursue procurement and supply I advise you go for CIPS of which I am a FELLOW and had been associated with them since 1978. Surely the choice is quite very individualistic but one still have to look before jumping.
Mohamed
Very useful, thank you