Which Certification is Right for You?

KnoWerX Education (India) Pvt. Ltd. (KnoWerX) offers several certification programs to individuals who are looking for furthering their career growth or wanting to get in to new functional areas. An attempt has been made here to answer some of the common queries. Which certification programs are offered by KnoWerX? KnoWerX offers several certification programs from (1) APICS The Association for Operations Management, USA (APICS), and, (2) American Society of Transportation and Logistics, USA (AST&L). The certification programs offered are: APICS o CSCP Certified Supply Chain Professional o BSCM Basics in Supply Chain management o CPIM Certified in Production and Inventory Management o CFPIM Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management AST&L o PLS Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management o CTL Certified in transportation and Logistics o DLP Distinguished Logistics Professional How do KnoWerX certification programs compare to MBA? Most MBA (or equivalent) programs are academic in nature. These programs usually teach you why and what. KnoWerX programs are practical in nature and teach you how to. So, both programs are complimentary to each other. Why and what programs find more favour in academics and research. How to programs have direct application and appeal in the industry and therefore find more favour in industry. How do KnoWerX certification programs differ from other professional certification programs? Some of the certification programs are also good but some other available in the market, either in similar domains or in other domains like project management, accounting, sales, etc. merely teach you frameworks and do not cover specific business processes. Therefore, individuals do not feel more equipped even after completing such certification programs and industry does not see the difference between a certified and a non-certified individual. Whereas KnoWerX certification programs makes you more knowledgeable, more confidant, more respected, more in demand and result in more tangible career benefits. A recent research study by Dr. Hau Lee, Chairman, SCM World, and Kevin OMarah, Faculty Member, SCM World reveal that 87% respondents placed APICS a #1 association for certification preference for talent management and skills development. Please click on http://www.scmworld.com/?page=CSCO_Report_2011 to download the report and check out the study result on page 38. The respondents have put APICS as an association in the same league as Stanford University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) as top universities (page 37). How do KnoWerX certification body of knowledge compare to SAP/ERP body of knowledge? SAP/ERP software automates business processes of industry. KnoWerX certifications also provide business process knowledge. So, both bodies of knowledge are very similar. The SAP/ERP training programs that are available in the market usually only cover the software navigation and usage. The knowledge of business processes is assumed to be there with individuals. That is where knowledge gained with KnoWerX certification programs helps individuals in better understanding of SAP/ERP systems and quickly master SAP/ERP processes, resulting in tangible career benefits. What is the key difference between APICS and AST&L certification programs? While both, APICS and AST&L, programs fall under the broad area of supply chain management, APICS certifications are more tilted towards materials management, whereas, AST&L certifications are more tilted Which_Certification_Is_Right_For_You_120524 Page 1 of 12

towards transportation and logistics management. Our recommendation is to acquire complete knowledge, both, from materials management angle and from the transportation and logistics management angle. The sequencing is an individuals choice. What are the factors that must be considered? There are several factors one must consider before you decide which certification program is most suitable for you. Some of the factors are mentioned below:
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to get your knowledge validated and/or to fill in

the gaps, if any, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches the knowledge that you have.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to grow further in your current function and/or to

keep yourself current with changes occurring in the field, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your current function / field.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to understand and apply new knowledge in your

new job / profession, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your new job / profession.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to change your current field and get into a new

field, e.g. SAP/ERP, check out the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your new field that you are aspiring to get into. If you want to get into SAP/ERP field, choose the certification program that closely matches the module of SAP/ERP that you are aspiring to get into. The following is a suggested list: SAP/ERP Module Business Intelligence Controlling & Costing Customer Relationship Management Customer Service Management Financial Accounting Human Resource Management Logistics Execution Materials Management Plant Maintenance Product Life-Cycle Management Production Planning & Control Project Management Retail Management Sales & Distribution Management Strategic Enterprise Management Supplier Relationship Management Supply Chain Management Certificate BSCM, CSCP BSCM CSCP CSCP BSCM BSCM PLS, CTL BSCM, CPIM BSCM, CPIM CSCP BSCM, CPIM BSCM CSCP BSCM, CPIM, PLS, CTL BSCM, CSCP CSCP BSCM, CPIM, CSCP

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 If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to learn the language of your customers, check out

the program content of each certification program and choose the one that closely matches your customers business.
If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to comply with your customers or companys

requirement choose the one as advised by your customer/company.

If your main purpose of doing a certification program is to get paid more, go to job portals and find out

which certification program is in greatest demand and which offers more pay.
Consider the time commitment required for each certification program versus the time you can commit.

Certification programs have between 1 to 6 exams. Exams are conducted once in a quarter. Usually, you can study for a maximum of two exams at a time.
Take into account the availability of study materials with KnoWerX, in the book stores, in your

companys/institutes library, with your friends and colleagues, etc. If you must procure new set of study materials, add the cost to the total cost of the certification program.
Also take into account which certification programs your friends and colleagues are considering doing.

When more number of people are studying together in a group, the preparation is better, study materials (and therefore the costs) can be shared and it is more fun.
Consider the financial commitment that is required for each certification program versus the budget you

have. If your company is going to sponsor the fees, consider the list of approved certification programs in your company. The current exam fees are given below: Certificate No. of exams Total exam fees (APICS members)
`51,340 `17,180 `85,900

Total exam fees (NonAPICS members)

`57,110 `19,110 `95,550

Total exam fees (Corporate)

`63,520 `21,260 `1,06,300

Other fee

APICS CSCP APICS BSCM APICS CPIM APICS CFPIM AST&L PLS AST&L CTL AST&L DLP

1 1 5 0 1 6 0

US$20
`27,920 `81,720 `31,050 `90,900 `34,540 `1,01,160

US$500 per year

Take into account the prerequisites, eligibility and dependence of certification programs listed further in

the same document. Are there any dependence, pre-requisites, etc. amongst various certificates? Organization Certification No. of Dependence Prerequisites / Eligibility Program Exams APICS CSCP 1 None Eligibility approval must be obtained from APICS in advance. Any one of the criteria must be met: (1) APICS CFPIM, APICS CPIM, APICS CIRM, C.P.M. plus two years of related work experience, (2) Bachelors degree plus two years of related work experience, or, (3) Five years of related work experience.

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BSCM CPIM CFPIM

1 5 0

None BSCM CPIM

AST&L

PLS CTL

1 6

None None but exam waivers possible for those who completed CSCP, CPIM and/or PLS CTL

None. None. Submit evidence of (1) APICS CPIM exams passed, (2) Presentations, (3) Published works, (4) Classroom instruction, (5) Volunteer and practitioner activities. Conditions apply. A bachelors degree or three years of professional experience. A bachelors degree or three years of professional experience.

DLP

This membership requires a recommendation to the AST&L Board of Directors by an active AST&L member. The Board determines approval following a review of the nominees credentials including two letters of recommendation. Individuals with over twenty years experience can be recommended to the Board for consideration.

A Quick Comparison:

BSCM*
Target Management Level Supply Chain Primary Focus Supply Chain Secondary Focus Everyone / Entry Level

CPIM
Junior to Middle Materials Management Focus

CSCP
Middle to Senior

PLS
Junior to Middle

CTL
Middle to Senior

Transportation and Logistics Focus Basic Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy All Aspects of Transportation and Logistics Management

Overview of Internal Planning and Execution Hierarchy

Detailed Internal Planning and Execution Hierarchy

External Integration, SCM Models, CRM, SRM, Use of IT (1) CFPIM, CPIM, CIRM, C.P.M. plus two years of related work experience, or, (2) Bachelors degree plus two years of related work experience, or, (3) Five years of related work experience

Eligibility Requirements

None

None

A bachelors degree or three years of professional experience

A bachelors degree or three years of professional experience

Number of Exams

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Total Investment (Corporate) Total Investment (Non-Member) Total Investment (Member)

`21,260 `19,110 `17,180

`1,06,300 `95,550 `85,900

`63,520 `57,110 `51,340

`34,540 `31,050 `27,920

`1,01,160 `90,900 `81,720

* BSCM = Basics of Supply Chain Management, is a foundation module of CPIM. A separate certificate is awarded for passing BSCM.

Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL)

Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PLS)

For further help, write to: bengaluru@knowerx.com delhi@knowerx.com kolkata@knowerx.com nagpur@knowerx.com pune@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 461 +91(22)425 66 463 +91(22)425 66 466 +91(22)425 66 467 +91(22)425 66 469 chennai@knowerx.com hyderabad@knowerx.com mumbai@knowerx.com nasik@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 462 +91(22)425 66 465 +91(22)425 66 464 +91(22)425 66 468

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Course Content
APICS CSCP Certified Supply Chain Professional
This program is recognized worldwide as the premier supply chain management education and certification program. This takes a broad view of operations, extending beyond internal operations to encompass the entire supply chainfrom supplier, through the company, to the end consumer. The program provides professionals with the knowledge necessary to understand and manage the integration and coordination of end-to-end supply chain activities. The program is divided in three modules in one comprehensive exam: Fundamentals of Supply Chain Management (SCM) Supply Chain Management Concepts Supply Chain Alignment with Business Strategy Supply Chain Design and Improvement Considerations Inventory Management Logistics Fundamentals Market Segmentation Demand Planning Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Concepts Supply Management Concepts Supply Chain Strategy, Design and Compliance
Sustainability

Risk Management Globalization Logistics Managing the Supply Chain Technology Influencing and Prioritizing Demand Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Inventory Planning and Control

Implementation and Operations Supply Chain Dynamics Managing Supply from Internal Sources Managing Supply from External Sources Implementation of Demand Plans Continuous Improvement

APICS BSCM Basics of Supply Chain Management

Basic concepts in managing the complete flow of materials in a supply chain from suppliers to customers. The Basics of Supply Chain Management introduces supply chain concepts and emphasizes basic terminology, but it also covers relationships among activities in the supply chain. This examines four major areas: Business-wide concepts for satisfying customer expectations Determining and managing customer demand Managing the transformation processes used to satisfy customer demand Managing the supply activity supporting transformation processes

APICS CPIM Certified in Production and Inventory Management

Basics of Supply Chain Management

The Basics of Supply Chain Management (Basics) exam covers the basic concepts in managing the complete flow of materials in a supply chain from suppliers to customers. The Basics module introduces supply chain concepts and emphasizes basic terminology, but it also covers relationships among activities in the supply chain. Knowledge of the material in this module is assumed as a prerequisite for the other APICS CPIM modules, which cover similar topics but in much greater depth. The Basics module examines four major areas: o Business-wide concepts for satisfying customer expectations o Determining and managing customer demand o Managing the transformation processes used to satisfy customer demand o Managing the supply activity supporting transformation processes

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 Master Planning of Resources

An in-depth understanding of the topics of demand management, sales and operations planning, and master scheduling is covered. The Master Planning of Resources module examines both supply and demand planning for mid- to long-term independent demand. Both priority planning and capacity planning issues are addressed. The Master Planning of Resources module examines three major areas: o Demand management, the function of recognizing all demands for goods and services to support the marketplace o Sales and operations planning, a process that brings together all the plans for the business (e.g., sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, sourcing, finance) o Master scheduling, the process of generating, reviewing, and updating the master production schedule to keep it consistent with the production plan o Distribution planning, encompasses the planning of distribution networks and replenishments in the distribution environment.
Detailed Scheduling and Planning

This covers Detailed Scheduling and Planning module, including inventory management, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, and procurement and supplier planning. The emphasis in this module is on applied- and higher-thinking questions. The Detailed Scheduling and Planning module examines three major areas: o Planning the management of inventory o Planning material requirements to support the master schedule o Planning operations to support the priority plan o Planning procurement and external sources of supply
Execution and Control of Operations

The Execution and Control of Operations module encompasses the principles, approaches, and techniques needed to schedule, control, measure, and evaluate the effectiveness of production operations. Candidates preparing for this exam should review the broad base of production operations including project, batch, line, continuous, and remanufacturing environments addressed in this module. The Execution and Control of Operations module examines the three phases of execution and control: o Prioritizing and sequencing work to be performed o Executing the plans, implementing physical controls, and reporting results of activities performed o Evaluating performance and providing feedback
Strategic Management of Resources

This covers high-level knowledge of strategic planning and implementation and an understanding of how market requirements drive the resources and processes of an organization. The Strategic Management of Resources module examines three major areas: o Understanding the business environment o Developing the operations strategy o Implementing the operations strategy

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APICS CFPIM Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management

Once you earn your CPIM designation, you are eligible to take your professional credentials to the next level with the Certified Fellow in Production and Inventory Management (CFPIM) program. The CFPIM designation is awarded to an elite group of professionals who share their knowledge with others through presenting, publishing, teaching, and participating in other professional development activities. Activities that earn CFPIM points:
APICS CPIM Exam Passed

Each APICS CPIM exam passed earns points. A score of 320 and above earns higher points.
Presentations

Earn points for any talk given either before an APICS or non-APICS audience, including the APICS International Conference and Exposition presentations, APICS national or regional conference talks, nonAPICS conferences, dinner meetings, or workshop presentations.
Published Works

Eligible works include any article in APICS magazine, Production & Inventory Management Journal, Journal of Operations Management, a chapter submitted for the APICS handbook, or an article in a non-APICS magazine or journal.
Classroom Instruction

Claim one point for each hour of classroom instruction made to an APICS audience or non-APICS audience as long as the content relates to the APICS body of knowledge.
Volunteer and Practitioner Activities

Earn points for officially sanctioned CPIM or CIRM workshops or for contributing to the expansion of the CPIM program by, for example, participating in APICS courseware review.

AST&L PLS Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management

Logistics and Competitive Strategy Supply Chain Management vs. Logistics Competitive Advantage Supply Chain vs. Value Chain Mission of Logistics Management Supply Chain and Competitive Performance Competitive Environment Logistics and Customer Value Marketing-Logistics Interface Delivering Customer Value Customer Service Defined Impact of Stock outs Customer Service-Customer Retention Market-Driven Supply Chains Customer Service Objectives Customer Service Priorities Service Standards Logistics Cost and Performance Logistics and Profitability Logistics and Shareholder Value Logistics Cost Analysis Total Cost Analysis Logistics Costing Customer Profitability Product Profitability Activity Based Costing Creating the Responsive Supply Chain Push-Pull Supply Chains JIT Agility Responsiveness Strategic Lead-Time Management Time-Based Competition Lead Time Pipeline Management Lead Time Gap Supply Chain Synchronization Extended Enterprise/Virtual Supply Chain Information in the Virtual Supply Chain

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Implications of the Virtual Supply Chain Quick Response Logistics Quick Response Production System Dynamics Collaboration Vendor Managed Inventory Managing the Global Pipeline Globalization Global Visibility Global Organization Local to Global Roll-Up Managing Supply Chain Risk Supply Chain Vulnerability Supply Chain Risk Profiles Managing Supply Chain Risk Robust Supply Chains

Supply Chain Integration The Logistics Vision Traditional Organizations The Logistics Organization Logistics as Change Agent Benchmarking The Era of Network Competition New Organizational Paradigm Supply Networks Future Supply Chains Business Transformations Implications of Transformations for Logistics Supply Chain Orchestration 3PL-4PL

AST&L CTL Certified in Transportation and Logistics Required Modules for Certification

Transportation Economics and Management (TEM)

The Transportation Economics and Management (TEM) module has three primary areas of emphasis: (1) application of demand, cost, and pricing principles to transportation; (2) the operating, service and financial characteristics of the various modes and types of transportation; and (3) managerial issues in transportation. The objectives for the transportation economics and management module provide an understanding of: The relationship and cost trade-offs occurring between transportation and other logistics functions; How the operating and service characteristics of each mode affect cost, performance, and the products moved; The economic principles that provide a foundation for transportation costing and pricing; Shipper and carrier strategies employed to reduce costs and improve performance.

Logistics Management (LM)

Logistics is that part of supply chain management that plans, implements, and controls the efficient, effective forward and reverse flow and storage of goods, services, and related information between the point of origin and point of consumption in order to meet customers requirements. (Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals). The Logistics Management (LM) module explores the different facets of this definition and has the following objectives: Understanding the functions comprising logistics, how these functions interact, and how logistics can be managed as a system to reduce total cost; Recognizing how logistics affects customer service, corporate performance and competitive advantage; Identifying the key logistics processes that span multiple enterprises and how managing logistics as a supply chain process creates values for the end-user and all key stakeholders; Developing effective strategies for logistics managers to improve corporate performance while simultaneously increasing customer service.

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Upon making a proper application and paying the required fee, in lieu of the written test, waiver may be granted by the AST&L for the Logistics Management (LM) module to those candidates who are valid/maintained APICS CPIM/CFPIM designee.

International Transportation and Logistics (ITL)

The International Transportation and Logistics (ITL) module provides the foundation required for understanding the logistics processes required in moving goods and people across international boundaries, the transportation modes used in such movement, and current logistics issues in the global environment. This module has the objectives of: Understanding the key differences between domestic and international logistics and how these difference affect logistics practice and performance; Developing and evaluating different strategies to effectively manage logistics processes on a global basis; Recognizing the role and importance played by the many key logistics intermediaries that facilitate global trade.

Elective Modules for Certification

In addition to the four required modules, each candidate is to select two elective modules from the four elective modules that are described below.

General Management Principles and Techniques (GMPT)

The General Management Principles and Techniques (GMPT) module promotes a fundamental understanding of four key business areas: accounting, finance, marketing, and information systems. This module stresses the application and use of these concepts in transportation and logistics management. Within this context, the objectives for the general management module include understanding: The interrelationships between general management concepts and the transportation/logistics function; Basic accounting concepts and elements, and the accountants role in providing information to both internal and external users; Financial statements and comprehending the firms financial positioning of assets, liabilities, and owners equity within its business strategy; Accounting statements and developing additional data to support management decision-making; Financial ratios, cost of capital, inventory fundamentals, and strategies for managing the cash conversion cycle; How marketing contributes to improved performance in the marketplace; The critical role of marketing in organizations including organizational buying, demand forecasting, and marketing/distribution strategies for different stages of the product life cycle; How an information system is designed and its data requirements; The applications of information systems in areas such as electronic data interchange, artificial intelligence, and expert systems.

Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy (LSCS)

The Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy (LSCS) module satisfies the requirement for a Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PLS). The objectives of the logistics and supply chain strategy module include understanding the:

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Supply chain concept; Approaches employed to obtain a competitive advantage through supply chain management; Techniques employed to improve the performance and efficiency of supply chains; Effect of interdependent activities and firms on overall performance and behaviour; Approaches for measuring performance in the supply chain; Strategies for managing the supply chain; Different inventory management approaches employed in the supply chain; An understanding of the trade-offs made in managing supply chain activities; Issues involved in managing supply chain processes; Role of logistics management and its effect on supply chain performance.

Upon making a proper application and paying the required fee, in lieu of the written test, waiver may be granted by the AST&L for the Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy (LSCS) module to those candidates who are valid/maintained AST&L PLS designee.

Logistics Analysis (LA)

The Logistics Analysis (LA) module focuses on developing analytical skills and their application to transportation, logistics and supply chain management. The objectives for the logistics analysis module include: Understanding the techniques available for modelling logistics and supply chain systems; Analyzing logistics and supply chain systems by using several operations research techniques; Designing a supply chain network that achieves customer service or cost objectives; Forecasting and determining inventory requirements for dependent and independent inventory systems and across multiple echelons of supply; Simulating and optimizing network processes commonly encountered in logistics and supply chain management.

Supply Chain Management (SCM)

Supply chain management is the integration of key business processes from end user through original suppliers that provides products, services, and information that add value for customers and other stakeholders. (Global Supply Chain Forum). The Supply Chain Management (SCM) module explores the key processes comprising the supply chain and the strategies managers have employed to collaborate with trading partners to increase the value created and gain a competitive advantage. The specific objectives for this module include gaining an understanding of: The differences between logistics and supply chain management; The key processes comprising the supply chain and their interrelationships; The management components and their effect on supply chain management; The strategies, tactics, tools and techniques that have been demonstrated to be the most effective in implementing supply chain management. Upon making a proper application and paying the required fee, in lieu of the written test, waiver may be granted by the AST&L for the Supply Chain Management (SCM) module to those candidates who are valid/maintained APICS CSCP designee.

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The Creative Component (CC)

Transportation and logistics professionals are increasingly called upon to communicate in a myriad of formal and informal ways. The evolving complexity of the field, the development of electronic information systems, technological innovations, and the development of different management structures and styles calls for creative communications skills. The Creative Component (CC) supports these requirements by: Exploring and examining an area of professional interest in-depth; Obtaining extensive knowledge in area related to the individuals professional field; Providing an opportunity to develop and display communications skills through either a formal research paper, an informal research project, or by analyzing a case; Applying analytical and communication skills in this area; Obtaining feedback and guidance from a leading academic in transportation and logistics. The candidate must write an original, documented paper of 3,000 to 5,000 words in length on a special aspect of traffic, transportation, logistics or distribution management. Grading will be on a pass-fail basis. The candidate must submit the title and outline to be reviewed and approved by the Examiner. The subject should be one with which the candidate is familiar by virtue of employment, or one in which he/she is particularly interested or specifically qualified to write. A work-related case study would be a good choice for many candidates. It is recommended that the paper thoroughly cover a narrow subject, rather than superficially treat a "broad" one. Masters or Doctoral Theses: The Society will accept a copy of a candidate's thesis as a qualifying submission if it directly addresses a facet of transportation, logistics, or supply chain management. The candidate must submit the title and outline to be reviewed by the Examiner to substantiate that the paper directly relates to the thrust of AST&L research papers. Upon acceptance of the outline, the candidate then submits a copy of the actual thesis to the AST&L.

AST&L DLP Distinguished Logistics Professional

The American Society of Transportation & Logistics is best known for its Certification in Transportation and Logistics, the CTL that is earned when an individual masters a significant body of logistics management and supply chain knowledge, traditionally through passing the Society's rigorous exams. The Society believes it is our duty to also recognize that unique, upper echelon of logistics professionals who have shown their mastery through significant and career-long contributions. Individuals with over twenty years experience can be recommended to the Board for consideration. The Distinguished Logistics Professional (DLP) membership requires a recommendation to the AST&L Board of Directors by an active AST&L member. The Board determines approval following a review of the nominees credentials including two letters of recommendation. To maintain the DLP membership, it must be renewed annually.

For further help, contact: bengaluru@knowerx.com delhi@knowerx.com kolkata@knowerx.com nagpur@knowerx.com pune@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 461 +91(22)425 66 463 +91(22)425 66 466 +91(22)425 66 467 +91(22)425 66 469 chennai@knowerx.com hyderabad@knowerx.com mumbai@knowerx.com nasik@knowerx.com +91(22)425 66 462 +91(22)425 66 465 +91(22)425 66 464 +91(22)425 66 468

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