The Value of CPIM Certification

Professional networking
http://www.linkedin.com/in/Nurhadi

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.