APICS CPIM Certification Education

"Investing in your future"

For more than 25 years, the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program has continued to be recognized as the measurement criterion for individual assessment in the field of production and inventory management. Initiated by APICS in 1973, CPIM provides a common basis for individuals and organizations to evaluate their knowledge of this evolving field.

The mission of the CPIM program is to educate individuals on the concepts, tools, terminology, and integration of topics across operation functions. The CPIM program is designed to test candidate’s in-depth knowledge of a variety of subjects specific to production and inventory management. APICS works hard to ensure that CPIM exams are reliable and that the highest professional standards are used to develop and administer the program. Continuing its commitment to excellence, APICS has updated its former CPIM program to meet industry needs and better manage the rapid expansion of information, techniques and technology.

The CPIM Programme

The new CPIM program incorporates a business process orientation rather than the individual techniques of the former program. The individual modules are now integrated and follow a progression of understanding:

1. Entry module: Basics of Supply Chain Management – Terminology and basic concepts related to managing the complete flow of materials from suppliers to customers.

2. Business process modules: Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, and Execution and Control of Operations – Available methods and techniques to drive processes and the application of these techniques.

3. Capstone module: Strategic Management of Resources – Choosing the appropriate methods and techniques for specific needs and fostering an appreciation for the integrated nature of operations.

Basics of Supply Chain Management

Basics of Supply Chain Management cover basic concepts in managing the complete flow of materials in a supply chain. In the basics you get a complete overview of materials flow, from internal and external suppliers, to and from your organization.

Master Planning of Resources

Candidates explore processes used to develop sales and operations plans, and identify and assess internal and external demand and forecasting requirements. The course focuses on the importance of producing achievable master schedules that are consistent with business policies, objectives, and resource constraints.

Detailed Scheduling and Planning

Candidates focus on the various techniques for materials and capacity scheduling. The course includes detailed descriptions of materials requirements planning (MPR), capacity requirements planning (CRP), inventory management practices, and procurement and supplier planning.

Execution and Control of Operations

Candidates focus on the areas of prioritizing and sequencing work, executing work plans and implementing controls, reporting activity results, and providing evaluating feedback on performance. The course explains techniques for scheduling and controlling production processes, the execution of quality initiatives and continuous improvement plans, and the control and handling of inventories.

Strategic Management of Resources

Strategic Management of Resources explores the relationship of existing and emerging processes and technologies to manufacturing strategy and supply chain-related functions. The course addresses three main topics: aligning resources with the strategic plan, configuring and integrating operating processes to support the strategic plan, and implementing change.

Candidates must pass exams all five modules to earn the CPIM designation.