To earn your CPIM designation, you must pass two CPIM exams within three years of each other.
APICS certification exams may be covered through the Veterans Administration*
Each exam consists of 150 questions (130 operational and 20 pretest), and you will have 3.5 hours to complete each one.
Pretest questions do not contribute to the total score but are necessary for statistical purposes only and are randomly distributed throughout the exam. Candidates should answer all exam questions.
The CPIM exam score range is 200 to 350. Scores 300 points and above are considered passing, and any score 299 points or below is failing.
Exams are graded using a scaled score methodology. This technique ensures equivalent passing standards are maintained from varying difficulties of each exam from one to the next. For more information on our scoring methodology read Understanding a Scaled Score.
DOWNLOAD UNDERSTANDING A SCALED SCORE
Review the APICS Exam Handbook for full details on the exam process and procedures prior to taking the exam. Read the certification FAQs to answer any additional questions you may have about the certification exams and courseware.
All exam content was developed according to the test outline included in the CPIM Exam Content Manual. The CPIM ECM is free for ASCM members.
1. Choose your CPIM exam study style
Choose from self-study, instructor-led, instructor-supported or a combination to find the study style that works best for you. All study methods use the CPIM Learning System to prepare you for the exam.
2. Study for the exam
Create a study plan. On average, we recommend 100 hours of study time to pass each certification exam. Use the online learning system flashcards and quizzes, and connect with your peers in person or virtually in the ASCM Connect Community. Get other study tips and advice from APICS certified professionals in our webinar Navigating Certification Preparation. Build your knowledge of industry practices and to support your certification exam preparation view the CPIM exam references.
For details on how to purchase your exam, please view our tutorial.
When you’re ready to schedule, visit My Account to schedule your exam.
3. Purchase and plan your exam
Don’t wait until the last minute to purchase and schedule your exam. Plan your exam date closely around the time you finish preparing for the exam, so the information is still fresh in your mind.If you were given a bundle from an ASCM partner that includes a 2nd chance exam, you may qualify for a free retake by taking your exam within 180 days of redeeming your exam credit.
4. Schedule your exam
APICS exams are administered via computer-based testing at Pearson VUE test centers worldwide and online through the OnVUE system.
Pearson VUE will comply with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.) and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act as amended (42 U.S.C. 2000e et seq.) to accommodate candidates who, because of disability or religious reasons, need special arrangements to take an examination. If reasonable special test arrangements are needed, candidates should follow the instructions posted in the Test Accommodations section on the PearsonVue site prior to scheduling their exam. These arrangements, if approved, will be provided at no additional cost.
5. Take the exam
Stay calm and focused during the exam, and use the entire time allotted to complete the exam. If you find that the first few questions are giving you trouble, flag them for review and move on until you find one you can answer with certainty. Read carefully and review your answers before submitting the exam.
Read more about the exam process.
View the certification exam pass rate report.
Stay up to date on supply chain terminology with the comprehensive APICS dictionary app.
The CPIM Exam Content Manual (ECM) is strongly recommended for APICS Certification exam preparation. The ECM outlines the CPIM exam content, exam specifications, exam-taking advice, resource list and key terminology.
Connect with other supply chain professionals through the Supply Chain Knowledge Center. Find a study group, start a discussion, and build a community to support you on your journey to supply chain mastery.
Master industry practices and prepare for your CPIM exam with the APICS library of supply chain resources used to develop the exam.
To keep your APICS certification valid, you must earn and submit 75 professional development maintenance points every five years (100 points for APICS Fellows). Get the information you need to maintain your certification.
APICS certification exams may be covered through the Veterans Administration
*Veterans and transitioning military members interested in building a supply chain career after their service may be able to use their GI Bill benefits to cover the CPIM Part 1 and Part 2 exams. Candidates who wish to learn more about using the GI Bill for exam reimbursement should visit the VA website for more information or contact their local VA Department for information on how to apply for their benefits.
