APICS – the Association for Operations Management has introduced a new industry certification in the field of supply chain management. The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation is aimed at professionals interested in increasing their knowledge of supply chain management, those currently working in the field of supply chain management, and those working with enterprise resources planning (ERP) systems.
“The APICS CSCP designation validates a unique skill set and reflects the expanding role supply chain management plays in today’s increasingly competitive global marketplace,” states Thomas Krupka, president of APICS. “In the past, companies focused primarily on manufacturing and quality improvements within their four walls to gain a competitive advantage. World-class supply chain management drives a broader view, extending efforts to encompass the entire network of companies throughout the supply chain that work together to meet customer demands.”
APICS currently administers two certification programs — Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM). Since 1974, 80,000 professionals have earned the CPIM designation and more than 4,000 have earned the CIRM designation.
The CSCP learning system will consist of a blended learning approach incorporating self-directed study courses, web-based learning, and classroom-based education offered through colleges and universities, corporations, and the APICS network of local chapters throughout North America.
The CSCP program will be launched in conjunction with the 2005 APICS International Conference and Exposition, Oct. 16-18, in New Orleans.
APICS retained the services of The Holmes Corporation, specialists in the designing, marketing and distributing of educational products for association certification programs, to develop the CSCP learning system.
