The value of CPIM APICS Certification

http://www.helium.com/items/1587729-five-reasons-you-should-get-a-cpim

by Laura Lee Winger

The Certified in Production and Inventory Management designation, certified by APICS The Association for Operations Management, is a recognized certification in many manufacturing and supply chain-related industries in America and worldwide. CPIM, as it is most often referred to as, is required or desired on many job applications
for positions in planning, buying, materials management, logistics and the like. For people interested in this field, it may be of greater value than you think.

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First and foremost, as alluded to, CPIM is a strength to have on your resume. Even if you are applying to positions that do not require it, having such a certification shows that you go above and beyond your prior education, and indicates that you are bright and ambitious. APICS exams are not easy, and passing them is a great accomplishment. Five exams are currently required to earn a CPIM designation, so it
takes quite a bit of time, energy and effort, and this is widely recognized by employers.

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Second, a CPIM indicates credibility. As a working professional who has earned the designation, you can append your name with CPIM, and that alone can draw attention to you and make you appear to be an authority on the subject. This is especially important within the APICS organization, as most officers have at least one certification. CPIM is by far the most common APICS certification and considered the
cornerstone of APICS. Outside of the organization, supply chain managers and professionals often see APICS as strong background, and may come to a CPIM for advice on a variety of topics.

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Third, think continuing education. Many people go for their CPIM years after graduating college, if they went to college at all. A CPIM usually takes about a year to complete, but can be done as quickly as you are able to take the five exams. Many people study for the exams and either take online or in-person classes to prepare for the exams. The classes cover the materials in-depth, and are a great source of education on a broad range of topics within the supply chain field.
Taking such classes looks good to your employer, who may even pay for some or all of it.

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Fourth, and perhaps less significantly, CPIM is the basis of another APICS certification, CSCP, or Certified Supply Chain Professional. CPIM covers the inner workings of supply chain organizations, while CSCP broadens the scope to the whole chain of supply, womb to tomb as they say.

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Finally, I will let you in on a less-recognized benefit. Most people don't realize that CPIM and CSCP certifications are a virtual shortcut to gaining valuable teaching, speaking and training experience. Many local APICS chapters hold their own classes, and they need instructors to lead those classes. When I first heard of this opportunity, I assumed it was a great volunteer activity that would help me develop
my skills in public speaking and presenting. Little did I know how much fun I'd have, or that I'd get paid for it! For a person as early in their career as I was when I first started, the additional income was substantial, and in the process I had the perfect audience to work on my presentation styles and teaching skills.

So what is the value of a CPIM certification from APICS? Well, it's a great resume builder, it gives you credibility and continued education which your company will like, it sets the groundwork for the CSCP and it puts you on the fast track to a paid teaching position if you choose to pursue that route.