What is the difference between the CPIM designation and the new CSCP designation?
The APICS CPIM certification provides a common platform for individuals to evaluate their knowledge of production and inventory management. CPIM focuses primarily on manufacturing and provides an in-depth view of materials management, master scheduling, production planning, forecasting, and quality improvement within the confines of the operation. The APICS CSCP certification takes a broader view, extending the CPIM knowledge outside of a company’s internal operations to encompass all of the steps throughout the supply chain—from suppliers through the company to the end consumer—and how to effectively manage the integration of these activities to maximize a company’s value chain. This diagram provides a depiction of the differences between the programs.
