APICS certification assumes a certain level of knowledge and experience in the area being tested, whether it’s internal

operations, end-
to-ends supply chain management or logistics. Beyond that, you are expected to know the concepts, definitions and principles
contained in the APICS Body of Knowledge. This covers a broad spectrum of resource management and supply chain activities and
knowledge—far more than any one person is likely to have experienced—so, a certain amount of additional studying is required. There is
an Exam Content Manual available for each certification—CPIM, CSCP and CLTD— and that’s the first place to go to find out what is
covered. You then should study the APICS Dictionary and the referenced books and articles to build knowledge in any weak areas. The
primary reference and study tool for each certification body of knowledge is the corresponding Learning System, which is the basis for
self-study, online and instructor-led exam preparation.

Whichever delivery method is used, the APICS Learning Systems are the best preparation for the exam. One advantage of an instructor-
led course is the opportunity to discuss the material with the instructor and the other students, who will share their experience and can
help increase your grasp of the information. But remember, the APICS Learning Systems are designed to be a review course, not pure
education. If you don’t have experience in a particular topic area, read the reference material beforehand. Instructor-led classes are
offered at local chapters, partners and certain community colleges and universities. There also are self-study, online, and workshop
options. Check apics.org/learning-opportunities for information and schedules.

1 Start with the certification’s Exam Content Manual (ECM). Review the material included in each section and map out a study
strategy to add to your knowledge in those areas where you are less familiar, and refresh the areas where you are already strong.
Instead of all-day cram sessions, plan to study for one or two hours
each day. Also review all of the terms listed in the ECM, look them up in Modules covered in the APICS certification exams
the APICS Dictionary, and be sure that you are comfortable with each based on each certification’s ECM
definition.
CPIM Part 1
2 Make use of the APICS Learning System, especially the module– Module 1: Basics of Supply Chain Management.
chapter- or section-specific tests, glossary and flashcards. Complete the
online posttest and use your posttest report to identify any concepts CPIM Part 2
and topics you need to review further.
Module 1: Strategic Management of Resources
Module 2: Master Planning of Resources
Module 3: Detailed Scheduling and Planning
Module 4: Execution and Control of Operations
The APICS certification exams consists of 150 multiple-choice questions for
each exam drawn from the ECM. You have 3.5 hours to complete each test. CSCP
Don’t rush. If you spend one minute on each question, you will finish the
exam in 150 minutes (2.5 hours) and will still have one hour left to review Module 1: Supply Chain Design
questions you are unsure of or did not answer. Module 2: Supply Chain Planning and Execution
Module 3: Supply Chain Improvement and Best Practices
It is an ongoing challenge to produce an archive of suitable questions from
which to draw for each exam. That’s why small percentage of the 150 exam CLTD
questions are un-scored questions that are being tested for possible
Module 1: Logistics and Supply Chain Overview
inclusion in future exams. You won’t know which of the questions are not Module 2: Capacity Planning and Demand Management
counted. Module 3: Order Management
Module 4: Inventory and Warehouse Management
You are not allowed to take any books, papers, or other materials into the Module 5: Transportation
testing room. Be sure to bring your registration information and two forms of Module 6: Global Logistics Considerations
identification, though, as you will not be allowed to take the test without Module 7: Logistics Network Design
them. Module 8: Reverse Logistics and Sustainability
© 2017 APICS. All rights reserved.
You’ve heard this before: Be sure to get a good night’s rest the day before the exam. Show up early so you won’t be stressed by any
traffic delays or sign-in snafus. Try to relax and clear your mind of other concerns. Be “in the moment,” and concentrate on the exam.
Above all, don’t panic—it’s just a test, and the world won’t come to an end if you don’t do as well as you’d like.

The test questions are multiple-choice. Read each question and answer the ones you know right away. If you can eliminate several of
the possible answers, it’s okay to take your best guess from the remaining two possibilities. Mark these questions to review later if you
have time.

Be sure to notice qualifiers (including negatives), such as all, most, and never, as they can make an option correct or incorrect. If you
really don’t know the answer, or you are uncertain of the answer you chose, mark for later review. Incorrect answers count the same as
skipped questions so you will want to take a guess at some point. For the sake of time management, though, you should move on to be
sure you complete the exam, then go back and work on the tough ones. There is ample time to get through the exam, as long as you
don’t agonize over each question. Go through at a steady pace, and then spend whatever time is left deciding on the difficult questions
and reviewing your iffy answers. In most cases, your first impression is the right one. Don’t hurt your score by trying to second-guess
your initial feelings.

With computer-based testing, you will get the results immediately. You’ll be given a diagnostic indicating your stronger and weaker
areas. Even if you pass, it is a good idea to continue studying your weaker areas to fill out your knowledge base.

When you pass an exam, give yourself a treat in recognition of your accomplishment. When you complete the certification process and
add those letters after your name, be sure to tell your boss, coworkers, family, and friends. Frame your certificate, and hang it in a
prominent place in your office. Buy and wear the certification pin proudly. Add the credential to your email signature, business cards
and LinkedIn profile. You are a certified professional. You deserve the recognition.

Content based on a resource developed for the APICS CSCP Learning System by Dave Turbide, CFPIM, CIRM, CPIM, CMfgE, CDDP

© 2017 APICS. All rights reserved.