New APICS CPIM Structure Announced at Annual Conference

APICS announced that one of its flagship certification programs, the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program, will be reconfigured to better serve the needs of the supply chain workforce.

According to spokesmen, the APICS CPIM is preferred by thousands of employers worldwide and more than 100,000 professionals since 1973 have earned the designation. The new configuration streamlines the preparation and exam process to help supply chain professionals master the essential production and inventory terminology, concepts, and strategies in an even more effective and efficient manner.

SCMR editorial director, Bob Trebilcock notes that “mastery of the basics” is also being emphasized at the industry event.

The new CPIM configuration will move from a 5-module exam configuration to a 2-module exam configuration, bringing the CPIM program more in line with the format and delivery expectations of other APICS certification products while addressing content overlap between modules. This consolidated exam configuration will streamline the preparation process, improve efficiency of the APICS CPIM, and provide members with a more effective program through which to understand and evaluate production and inventory activities within a company’s global operations.

“The supply chain industry is rapidly changing and individuals and companies alike are being challenged to adapt. It is our duty as the leading educational resource for the industry to embrace this change. Adapting our programs ensures our members have the best opportunity for success,” says APICS CEO Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE.

He added that the main focus at APICS is on supply chain professionals, their goals, and how we can best help them achieve those goals.

“The planned changes to the CPIM program are based on direct feedback from our members and corporate customers. We review and update our content and delivery mechanisms so that we remain a leading supply chain management authority and continue to set the industry standard for education and certification programs,” he says.

Earlier this year, APICS engaged a group of professionals to form a task force to determine the future configuration of the CPIM program. The CPIM Task Force of 12 was facilitated by an external psychometrician and included volunteers from the certification and courseware committees, corporate clients, instructors, chapter leaders, and international partners. The task force was charged with reviewing the current CPIM business model, determining the strengths and weaknesses of the program, and making a final recommendation to the APICS Board of Directors.

The timeline for development and launch of this new CPIM reconfiguration structure is still to be determined and will be shared as soon as this information is available. As part of the upcoming changes, APICS will put a process in place to ensure candidates who are at any stage in earning their CPIM have a clear path to becoming certified. Current CPIM classes and educational offerings will continue as scheduled.

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