If the answer to your question is not included in the following FAQ's please email Customer Support at support@ascm.org.
No, membership is not required. However, ASCM members with a certification upgrade receive a discount on certification and endorsement exam fees, courseware materials and certificate programs. Nonmembers may register for exams after creating a free ASCM account online to obtain an ASCM ID. In addition, nonmembers can add membership to their cart at the time of purchase.
This will vary depending on your study style and available time commitment. Please note the following:
Yes, you are able to purchase the membership and certification upgrade at the same time as your Authorization to Test to receive the discount.
At this time, we only accept credit card and PayPal payments. All prices listed are in USD.
No, the purchase must be made under the account of the learner.
Purchasing a bundle gets you the learning system(s), exam(s), and in some cases, a free 2nd chance (retake) exam - at a discounted rate. If you’re not a current ASCM member with a certification upgrade, a one-year membership (or the certification upgrade) is added to the cost of your bundle purchase. The bundle does not include any instructor-support; it's just an easier and less expensive way to purchase the products you need to earn your certification.
Select bundles contain a 2nd Chance Exam feature, which provides a free retake under qualifying conditions. To be eligible for the free retake under the qualifying terms of the 2nd Chance Exam, a candidate must meet all the following conditions:
The free retake will be awarded in the form of a six-month ATT.
Please visit the partner's website for information on those courses. You can find a local partner here.
If you're looking to run a private class for your company, please complete the form here.
We recommend that you sign up for the class first so you know what is included in that purchase. Many classes include some materials, exams or both.
The Scaled Score Document explains the use of a scaled score system for reporting test performance.
Certification and education, or courseware, serve different purposes but are closely related to provide an individual with the knowledge, skills and proof of competency in a given job role. For more information about the relation between certification and education, please refer to the Exam Content vs Courseware document.
That is very dependent on the individual taking the exam! On average, we recommend 100 hours of study time to pass each certification exam.
All candidates have the opportunity to provide direct unfiltered feedback by using the feedback option at the end of the exam survey. In addition, you may send your feedback to support@ascm.org.
No, it is a testing industry best practice to not provide this information to candidates. The exam content and any test-related materials are confidential and not available for review.
Candidates may dispute an APICS Credential action, decision, or determination due to:
Candidates are not eligible to appeal based on external factors. Externals factors are reviewed under a non-appeal process requiring the candidate to contact Pearson VUE (https://home.pearsonvue.com/apics/contact) to generate an incident report for resolution. ASCM will not adjust your score based on external factors. “External factors” include, but are not limited to, activities such as technical difficulties during exam, equipment malfunction, internet instability, the candidate’s inadvertent or intentional decision to leave the view provided by the candidate’s computer’s webcam or any personal matters.
Please note that ASCM does not release exam questions, exam answers or candidate responses, in order to protect the security of the exam.
To dispute exam results, candidates must provide a specific reason for their dispute and submit a formal appeal to support@ascm.org.
ASCM bundled products, exam credits and ATT examination fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
To preserve the integrity and value of APICS certification programs, all designees must meet certification maintenance requirements. The APICS certification maintenance program allows designees to acquire ongoing knowledge in their field and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through professional development activities. Visit apics.org/maintenance for specific maintenance requirements and submit a maintenance application.
Visit apics.org/verification and search for your name. The status of your certification(s) will appear in the results. If your employer requires a recognition letter, complete the certification recognition letter template, which can be found in My Account.
Access your ASCM profile by logging into My Account, or contact Customer Support at support@ascm.org, 1-800-444-2742 or +1-773-867-1777.
ASCM certification follows an industry best practice standard for high-stakes certification programs to evaluate the job roles of supply chain management practitioners and identify how tasks, skills and knowledge evolve over time. The Job Task Analysis (JTA) evaluation is conducted for APICS certification programs every 3-5 years through an extensive international research project. Qualitative and quantitative results are reviewed by a panel of industry subject-matter experts who change content as outlined in the Exam Content Manual based on the research data.
Immediately contact PEARSON VUE at 866-583-8949 to open a case
Please note that it can take up to 14 days to process your request
Once it is processed a resolution will be issued
If you have a case number and it is within 14 days contact Pearson Vue directly, if it is passed 14 days, please contact our support team for further assistance.
To extend your access you must purchase and schedule your exam. Once it is scheduled, contact our support team with those details and it will automatically be granted to that date.
No, the learning system order includes hard copies which includes a shipping charge for the materials.
The Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification demonstrates comprehension of an organization’s operations through a deep understanding of materials management, master scheduling, forecasting and production planning, as well as how these topics apply to the extended supply chain.
Candidates earn the CPIM designation after passing one exam.
The CPIM exam consists of 150 questions (130 operational and 20 pretest). Please refer to the CPIM Exam Content Manual for example questions. Pretest questions are randomly distributed among the scored questions and are used for statistical purposes only. Pretest items are similar to the scored items on the exam, and candidates will not know which items will be scored and which will not. Candidates should answer all exam questions.
Candidates are allowed 3.5 hours of test time.
All APICS certification preparation starts with the Learning Systems. ASCM offers several study options to help you find the right study method for your schedule and learning style. Choose between self-study, instructor-led and instructor-supported, or see if your company offers group training. You can purchase Learning Systems materials independently or with your exam.
The CPIM score range is 200-350. A score of 300 or higher is required to pass the exam.
Individual exam scores are valid for three years from the date the exam is taken. For example, the exam score from a CPIM Part 1 Exam passed April 10, 2019, will expire April 30, 2022. Both exams must be current and valid to earn the CPIM designation.
Note, if you're taking the CPIM 8.0 exam, you'll just need to pass one exam to earn the designation
The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) program demonstrates knowledge of the essential technology, concepts and strategies of supply chain management and enterprise resources planning.
If you do any of the following tasks, CSCP is right for you:
To earn a CSCP designation, you must pass one comprehensive exam.
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (130 operational and 20 pretest). The pretest questions are randomly distributed among the scored items and are used for statistical purposes only. Pretest items are similar to the scored items on the exam, and candidates will not know which items will be scored and which will not. Candidates should answer all exam questions.
Candidates are allowed 3.5 hours of test time.
All APICS certification preparation starts with the APICS Learning Systems. ASCM offers several study options to help you find the right study method for your schedule and learning style. Choose between self-study, instructor-led and instructor-supported, or see if your company offers group training. You can purchase Learning Systems materials independently or with your exam purchase.
The APICS CSCP score range is from 200-350. A score of 300 or higher is required to pass the exam.
The Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD) designation provides an in-depth knowledge of how to streamline logistics, transportation and distribution, including order, distribution and warehouse management.
To earn a CLTD designation, you must pass one comprehensive exam.
If you do any of these tasks, CLTD is right for you:
The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions (130 operational and 20 pretest). These pretest questions are randomly distributed among the scored items and will be used for statistical purposes only. The pretest items are similar to the scored items on the test, and candidates will not know which items will be scored and which will not. Candidates should answer all exam questions.
Candidates are allowed 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
By establishing a global standard of excellence for your organization through Supply Chain Operations Reference Digital Standard (SCOR DS) metrics, you will learn techniques for managing and measuring the performance of a global supply chain using the SCOR DS within the SCOR-P training and credential program. The SCOR-P exam is accessed through a three-day SCOR-P training available through ASCM partners or in-house corporate training.
Course access never expires.
The certificate program courses cover 20 hours of education. Total time to earn varies based on the individual. Users may go at their own pace.
Yes, you will earn 20 certification maintenance points upon completion.
No, certificates do not need to be maintained and will never expire.
Members have ongoing access to their badges and nonmembers can use the badge for one year. All learners have lifetime access to their certificates.
APICS certification and endorsement exams are offered on-demand year-round worldwide through Pearson VUE. Testing availability is on first-come, first-served basis and changes in real-time as exams are scheduled and rescheduled. Therefore, to see test center availability, an exam authorization must be on your account.
Testing is available at PearsonVUE testing centers all over the world and online. If you’d like to take the exam at a testing center, you can search for a local location. If you’re interested in pursuing an online exam, simply register and select the option to take your exam online via the OnVUE system.
Visit the page for each certification for a breakdown of exam costs.
To reschedule or cancel your exam appointment, make modifications directly in My Account under the Certification section or call Pearson VUE directly. There is a nonrefundable USD $45 rescheduling or cancelation fee. You must reschedule or cancel test center appointments at least 48 hours before your scheduled exam appointment. You may reschedule or cancel your OnVUE (online) exam appointment up to your scheduled exam appointment time. An additional $10 fee will apply if rescheduling by phone. Local taxes may apply.
Regretfully, once the ATT is expired it can no longer be used. Therefore, and as a courtesy to you, you are welcomed to purchase a new exam at the retake price rather than being charged the full first-time exam price.
If you do not pass your exam, you may retake it for a reduced fee. There is a 14-day required waiting period before you may retake the exam.
Short tutorials are available both online at Pearson VUE and testing centers for candidates to review prior to taking the exam. Candidates should review the Pearson VUE Scheduling Process prior to taking your exam.
If candidates miss a scheduled exam appointment for any of the reasons below, contact Pearson VUE within 10 business days of the exam date at http://www.pearsonvue.com/apics/contact/ . Candidates must request to have an incident report opened to document the emergency situation. The call center representative will provide an incident number as well as a fax number to send in the required documentation. Candidates must submit written documentation, in English, in order to have their request reviewed. APICS cannot accept any documentation, all documentation must be submitted to Pearson VUE.
Only the following are acceptable reasons for missing a scheduled exam:
a serious illness (either candidate or an immediate family member*). General or minor sickness does not qualify. Medical documentation is required for verification purposes.
*Immediate family members include the following individuals:
Examples of acceptable documentation include:
documentation from a court or the military
Please contact Pearson VUE directly if you miss or will miss a scheduled appointment due to an emergency. Candidates who have an approved emergency will receive an updated ATT or will be rescheduled. No refunds of the exam fees will be issued.
You may download an electronic certificate directly from your account within 24 hours following your successful exam. ASCM will notify you when your certificate is available after passing certain exams. This notification will include instructions on how to download a free electronic certificate from your online account. ASCM no longer provides printed certificates however, all electronic certificates are formatted for easy at-home printing and for your local print shop.
The following certificates are available electronically to eligible candidates:
Yes, electronic copies are available in both 8.5” x 11” and A4 formats.
The names on the certificates appear exactly as they are listed in the ASCM database. If the misspelling is due to an error in our database, please contact Customer Support at support@ascm.org to request a name correction.
ASCM no longer sends printed certificates. However, you may download a PDF e-certificate through the Certifications (Exam History) section of My Account. A certificate will not be available if your exam has expired or if your certification is no longer active. All electronic certificates have been created to be printer-friendly.
Email support@ascm.org to update your name. Proof is required for all name changes. Once your name is updated, you may download am updated certificate through the Certifications section of My Account.
No, only designees in current status are eligible to obtain a certificate. To reinstate your certification, please visit our maintenance page.
To preserve the integrity and value of APICS certification programs, all designees must adhere to certification maintenance requirements. The APICS certification maintenance program allows designees to acquire ongoing knowledge in their field and demonstrate a commitment to lifelong learning through professional development activities. Visit apics.org/maintenance for specific maintenance requirements.
Access the online application here. It is also accessible through the Certifications section of My Account.
No, you are only required to provide the total number of points you are claiming per section on the application form. However, if your application is randomly selected for audit upon submission, you will be asked to complete a separate audit application in which to provide more detailed information and upload supporting documentation of your maintenance activities.
No, maintenance applications must be submitted separately. If you have more than one APICS certification, each certification must be maintained separately.
Points awarded from some activities may be submitted on multiple applications depending on when they were earned. If you have any questions, please review the APICS Certification Maintenance Handbook or contact ASCM Customer Support at support@ascm.org.
Any topic or subject that pertains to the ASCM body of knowledge is eligible for certification maintenance. However, a list of peripheral maintenance topics relevant to our body of knowledge can be found here.
Yes, if you only have the required points to maintain your certification at the base-level, you will lose the fellows-level certification and need to reapply.
No, you are not required to send any documentation unless you are audited. However, we strongly encourage you to maintain documentation throughout your certification cycle.
Yes, candidates receive an automated notification on screen after submitting the maintenance application, followed by an email that they are being audited with instructions on how to proceed.
No, however, candidates may earn maintenance points toward their maintenance by passing an exam.
Certification maintenance cycles run in five-year intervals, starting with the date of certification and ending on the last day of the month that certification was initially received. Candidates can apply at any point during this cycle.
As a courtesy, notifications are sent via email to all certified individuals one year, 90 days, 60 days, 30 days, and 7 days in advance of their maintenance due date. However, it is every candidate’s responsibility to document their expiration date and submit their maintenance application.
No, the purpose of the maintenance program is to demonstrate ongoing knowledge through continuous education.
No, the APICS certification maintenance program is designed for both members and nonmembers. However, by becoming a member, you will be able to claim six points per year for each year your membership is in good standing.
As long as the class relates to the ASCM body of knowledge, it is eligible for points regardless of the language in which it is presented. However, if chosen for audit, all documentation submitted must be provided in English or English translation.
ASCM members receive a great deal of information during a membership year, ensuring that they are exposed to relevant material on a consistent basis. ASCM material and content address the APICS body of knowledge and is thus more likely to support the goals of the APICS certification maintenance program.
Research conducted for a publication is considered original if it has been accepted by a peer-review editorial review board.
Publishing websites cannot be claimed for maintenance because, unlike books and articles, their contents are not reviewed by panels, publishers or editors.
Lifetime certification is available to individuals who are at least 62 years of age and have their certifications in good standing. Individuals with suspended or expired certifications must bring their certifications current before applying for lifetime. To request lifetime certification, submit your request to the ASCM certification department in writing along with a copy of a government-issued identification (driver's license, passport or birth certificate), which confirms your age. Requests should be sent to support@ascm.org.
Certification and certification maintenance applications are only available online.
All points claimed on the maintenance application must come from activities completed after the certification was earned. Therefore, no points can be claimed for study material used to obtain the certification.
A list can be found here.
Copies of official documentation verifying the activities listed will be required. The types of official documentation include:
Credential verification is a free service ASCM provides to employers and other stakeholders to verify an individual’s APICS credentials. This enhancement to APICS certification programs complies with industry best practices and helps protect the value of APICS credentials for all designees.
Users may verify an individual’s credentials here. The credential verification is in compliance with privacy laws both in and outside of the United States. You may view the ASCM privacy policy here.
To learn more about the current status of your certification, please visit the Certifications section of My Account or email support@ascm.org.
