Why Every Supply Chain Professional Needs the APICS CSCP

Thank you to all of our webinar attendees. Below is the list of submitted questions with answers. We are here to
support the achievement of your professional designation. If you have additional questions, please contact our staff
at pdadmin@apics.org.

Question
What if I fail? Is it possible to do more attempts?
I apologize if this was mentioned, but if I fail the test can I retake or do I have to pay again?

Answer
Yes. You must wait two weeks before scheduling your retake exam and the retake fee is $450.

Question
What does it mean when you say 150 questions in the exam but 130 scored?

Answer
20 of the questions are what we call pretest questions. Pretest questions do not contribute to the total score but are
necessary for research purposes and are randomly distributed among the scored items and are used for statistical
purposes only. Candidates should answer all exam questions.

Question
What is a passing score for the exam?

Answer
300-350 is the passing score for the CSCP exam.

Question
Can you explain the scoring of the test thoroughly? How is 300-350 a passing score with only 150 questions?

Answer
APICS exams are a scaled score. A scaled score is the total number of correct questions (raw score) that have been
converted onto a consistent and standardized scale. For CPIM exams and the SCOR-P and GLA endorsements, the
converted raw passing score equals 300 on a scale of 265 to 330 and for CSCP exam the converted raw passing
score equals 300 on a scale of 200 to 350. To better understand how a raw score is converted to a scaled score,
let’s look at a familiar example: Converting miles to kilometers. One mile equals 1.60934 kilometers. The length of
distance has not changed, only the way in which the data is being reported. Scaled scoring is used as a best practice
for reporting high stakes certification exam scores to manage the potential differences in difficult across unique
forms. View our document "Understanding Scaled Score" for additional information.

Question
I have an MBS in Supply Chain so which certification best for me?

Answer
Review our webinar "Which Certification is Right for Me?" https://youtu.be/mlJYGGvvo2c As we mentioned in this
webinar, the certification that would be best for you is the area of focus that best fits your current position.
Question
If you become certified, how much does it cost to maintain and how long does it last?
How long is the certification valid? Do you have to retake the exam?
How do I maintain the certification?
Is it a lifetime certification? Or do you need to maintain it?

Answer
The certification is valid for 5 years. You do not need to retake the exam if you maintain the certification. We have a
variety of activities that qualify for maintenance points.

To maintain the certification, you need to obtain professional development points. All the information for maintaining
the certification can be found at apics.org/maintenance.

Question
Where can I find the ECM?

Answer
The ECM is available for purchase online in shop APICS and a preview of the ECM is located at: apics.org/ecm-
previews.

Question
When is the exam offered, and how often is it offered?
How can we check the exam dates available in our region?

Answer
The exam is offered on-demand at test centers worldwide through the Pearson VUE test centers. The exam location
and dates are located at: http://pearsonvue.com/apics/

Question
Are the exam questions pulled directly from the text?

Answer
No. Exam questions are written by APICS subject matter experts, and are developed based on the content outline
referenced in the Exam Content Manual (ECM). In addition, the APICS Dictionary and the Bibliography section of the
ECM (which includes several references for the CSCP exam) are excellent resources to assist in exam preparation.
Question
I am currently in Ottawa, I want to start the CSCP, but how can I know who will be preparing for the exam so we pair
up with other members for group study without going through the Apics chapters.

Answer
There are many study groups who gather together to help each of the members as they self-study for the CSCP
exam. We've had some study groups internally hear among APICS staff to prepare for the CSCP exam. But we don't
offer any special information on those groups, how to organize them and so on, nor do we know where groups are
located or meeting, so we can't provide that information either.

There is also the APICS Supply Chain Channel located at the following online link. This is where students and
instructors visit for online collaboration. http://www.supplychainchannel.org

Question
How much does it cost for the APICS PLUS membership? How long does it last?

How much is membership?

What is the cost for an individual membership?

Answer
Membership pricing varies depending on the type of membership you choose. Please visit the APICS website at:
http://www.apics.org/community/membership for membership pricing. APICS membership is an annual fee.

Question
I heard that they (KnoWerX) are giving some additional discounts after getting their membership, they are giving 1
year full membership by their own institute, could you confirm if it is true?

Answer
You will need to contact them directly to verify the information. Their website is: http://www.knowerx.com

Question
What is the passing rate for CSCP compare to CPIM?

Answer
The pass rates for APICS credentials is found online at: apics.org/passratereport

Question
What is the format of the exam questions?
Are the questions multiple choice?

Answer
The questions are multiple choice.
Question
How many good answers I must have out of the 150 questions?

Answer
There are several different final exams for the CSCP certification and each has a different amount because each is
scored differently depending on the weight of the questions.

Question
Is there several exams based on the 5 modules, or there is only 1 exam for all 5 modules?
For the APICS CSCP - is this one master exam or are there modules exams that must be passed?

Answer
There is only one exam for the CSCP certification.

Question
How different year to year are the program tests? If I have the 2016 books, will I still have most of the information?

Answer
There was not a major update from 2016 to 2017. We always recommend that you have the current learning
system, however, many candidates have studied using the prior year’s learning system.

Question
I got my CSCP certification in Jun 2006 but haven't taken the steps to maintain it. What are my options?

Answer
Unfortunately, you must retake the exam. Your certification has been expired for too long to be able to reinstate it.

Question
How much time in advance I should reserve the date/time for exam?

Answer
We recommend 75 - 100 study hours for the exam. Determine how many hours each week you will be dedicating to
your study plan to determine the date of your exam.

Question
Although I have a Bachelor degree not in connection with business, I have less than a year of related field
experience, would you still suggest to take the course or should I gather more related experience before trying?

Answer
You would be eligible to earn the CSCP certification because you have a bachelor's degree. It would be up to you to
determine if you feel that you are ready to earn the certification. View more information on the CSCP program at
apics.org/cscp.
Question
I have a diploma and post graduate certificate, would I be still eligible to enroll if I don’t have a degree?

Answer
You would have to meet one of the other qualifications listed on apics.org/eligibility to be eligible to earn the
certification.

Question
I live in the Caribbean and I checked all the test centers and realized there are none available in the Caribbean, is it
possible to do the exam online with a proctor viewing virtually?

Answer
APICS delivers exam at Pearson VUE test centers throughout the Caribbean, for example Puerto Rico, the Bahamas,
and Jamaica. We recommend searching for the nearest test center and if you need assistance, please contact APICS
Customer Service for more information, APICS does not offer internet exam delivery at a person’s location.

Question
Is CSCP scored like the GMAT where you get penalized for not answering a question or leaving it blank?

Answer
No, individuals do not get penalized for answering a question incorrectly so we recommend answering every
question even if you must guess.

Question
Is there a correlation between CPIM holders having a higher passing rate of the CSCP?

Answer
There is no correlation between CPIM certified individuals doing better on the CSCP exam than non-CPIM certified
individuals.

Question
Should we pay for exam at the same time when we are buying materials?

Answer
Although it’s not required to buy an exam when purchasing materials, we highly recommend doing so since that
establishes a solid commitment and deadline for which you are much more likely to complete.

Question
What is the percentage of first time takers who pass the exam?

Answer
We do not publish first time test taker pass rate information. Please refer to the pass rate report for approved,
published information about exam pass rates.
Question
Does having credentials from CIPS - UK help us to get credits or take the APICS exam directly?

Answer
Although the CIPS credential does not satisfy an eligibility requirement for CSCP, it certainly does help a candidate
become familiar with topics in supply chain management for quicker assimilation of the CSCP body of knowledge.

Question
Why is the course outline changed every year?

Answer
The course outline is not necessarily changed every year. There are times that we need to make minor changes and
therefore we update the courseware. We also complete Job Task Analysis every few years to ensure that the
certification is reflecting current industry needs. At that time, we will have a major update to the courseware and
exam.

Question
Do you need to have CPIM designation first?

Answer
No you do not.

Question
Can we pay monthly?

Answer
No. We do not have a payment plan.

Question
The 21,000 designees compared to 34,000 exams administered seems to indicate a passing rate of 62%. Do the
34,000 exams administered include re-takes, or the passing rate is under 65%?

Answer
The percentage is close. Some may have taken the exam twice before passing. This is a genuine certification; it is
not necessarily easy. If the exam was a simple exam for everyone to pass, the certification would not be worth much
in the marketplace.

Question
If one does not have a Bachelor's Degree but 16 years of Procurement experience, will that satisfy the
requirements?

Answer
Yes. that would satisfy the requirement.
Question
I am from Kazakhstan, do you have CSCP certificated employee at this country?
May I know instructor based classes in Mumbai India?
Where in Toronto Can I go for attending the APICS CSCP classes?
How can we find partners in our area?
How do we know about the partners who can help us in class study near our area as I'm in Canada, Mississauga?
Where can we find the APICS partners list outside the US?

Answer
To find APICS partners in your area visit: apics.org/learning-opportunities.

Question
Can we have soft copy of those books after paying fee?

Answer
When you purchase the CSCP Learning System you get both the printed materials and the electronic online
component.

Question
Can you take the practice exams and quizzes more than once to practice or are they one-time only?
Are the quizzes free?

Answer
You can take the practice exams and quizzes more than once. There is no limitation.

The quizzes are included in the Learning System. If you are asking if they are free and separate from the Learning
System, no.

Question
Are Learning System discounts typically offered during different times of the year? $995 may be hard to raise
before April 20.

Answer
We do offer specials throughout the year. We will include you in our CSCP database and you will receive the offers.

Question
Can the online components be accessed on multiple devices? Meaning computer and IPad for study on the go.

Answer
Yes, the Learning System online component is accessible from several devices.

Question
Can we get the limited period access for demo exam module before we join the course.

Answer
No. The online demo is just for viewing. Limited access is not available.
Question
Could I take the CSCP exam without taking the courses?

Answer
You can, but we don't recommend it. You will want to go through the all the references to ensure that you are able to
understand all of the information needed for taking the exam.

Question
Do the flash cards have some way to categorize them? I know a process to improve studying time by organizing
concepts into "New", "Remembered" and "Mastered". Can I assign labels to the flash cards to work with my system?

Answer
The flash cards are provided electronically. You can practice the terms in a module-by-module bases. In the online
resource center, we also have available, flash cards that you can print and make your own customized deck and
organize them yourself.

Question
How much math is there in the CSCP?

Answer
We do cover some financial statement information, so there are some math included in the exam.

Question
I presume the fees are in USD?

Answer
Yes. The prices are all in USD.

Question
I would like to start my path get my Supply Chain Certification, I don’t have Supply Chain experience, I'm unemployed
and graduated on 2015. What do you think should be my first step?

Answer
There are a lot of supply chain positions and supply chain as a profession is growing in today's market. Because you
have graduated and have a Bachelor's degree you are eligible to apply for CSCP. You might want to spend a little
more time studying it than the average person, because you’re not as familiar with it.

Question
If a person had passed CIRM module exams in the past, would that count towards the CSCP?

Answer
No. The CSCP certification is a different certification.
Question
If I already purchased the CPIM certification and now decided CSCP course is better suited - is it possible to take the
CSCP test without purchasing the CSCP Learning System?

Answer
You can, but we don't recommend it. You will want to go through all the references to ensure that you understand
the information needed for taking the exam.

Question
If we choose the online learning system, will we also receive the printed materials?

Answer
Yes. The Learning System includes both the printed materials and the online component.

Question
If you choose to complete the CSCP and then later decide to do the CPIM, does that streamline the CPIM at all or
should you spend more time up front determining which one you want?

Answer
It doesn't streamline the process. I would think carefully about which one you want to start with. Many members
have both certifications. They focus on different areas.

Question
Is there a period to complete the study. I mean from the moment of purchasing the materials, till getting the exam? I
may be ready in 1 year. Is this ok?

Answer
The recommended amount of study time is 100 hours. We also recommend that you take your exam within 1 - 3
months after you complete your studies. We have found that candidates who do this have a much higher success
rate in passing the exam the first time.

Question
It is possible for me and a friend to join force to purchase the learning system to study together.

Answer
No. The Learning System access is for one individual, it is not to be shared.

Question
What are the benefits of taking the online instructor-led course (Fox College) vs the self-study?

Answer
Taking an online course will give you the benefit of an instructor and you will also be able to collaborate with peers.
This option also gives you flexibility for studying for the exam.
Question
What is a translation book?

Answer
This is a book that, for instance translates English to your native language. It can’t include definitions.

Question
What is the duration of the course taken in class?

Answer
The class duration varies per instructor. On average, completion of instructor-led courseware requires approximately
40 hours.

Question
What the difference in CSCP 2016 and CSCP 2017?

Answer
There were only minor updates done to the CSCP program from 2016, 2017.

Question
How does APICS compare to ISM certification?

Answer
APICS and ISM serve similar communities. If your interest is in Sourcing or Supply Management only, then I
recommend their CPSM. If your interest is in the end-to-end supply chain, then CSCP is your best choice.

Question
I have 2 years 3 months of experience as a consultant for Inventory Analysis...which certification is best? CSCP OR
CPIM

Answer
CPIM - it covers inventory management, and related subjects, much more thoroughly than the other two APICS
certifications.

Question
I have CPIM. Does it make sense to make CSCP?

Answer
Many CPIMs decide to also earn their CSCP. CSCP broadens their outlook throughout the end-to-end supply chain
and gives them a more global view that their employers, or clients, should appreciate.
Question
If a person has a MBA (with an emphasis in operations management), will the CSCP overlap or complement the MBA
degree?

Answer
There is likely to be overlap, however, the CSCP does a couple of things that adds to your MBA. First, it shows that
you've mastered the CSCP body of knowledge, as offered by an independent third party (APICS), second, it shows
your interest in continual education and improvement, third, many employers (not all) see Certifications as offering
more practical skills than an MBA, which they might think is more theoretical, overall (even thought this may not be
true).

Question
If someone is unable to buy APICS preparation stuff. How is he/she going to prepare for the CSCP exam?

Answer
That does pose a problem. Anyone can take the exam, but if a candidate goes in ill-prepared, the chances of them
doing well on the exam are limited. We talked about different programs that might be available to some of our
listeners. Go to near the end of the presentation and refresh yourself with those options.

Question
I'm finishing my degree in August, I've been working full time for about two years. I'd like to do this exam around the
same time as graduation. Does this seem feasible or should I wait for my degree in hand first?

Answer
First, check your eligibility via the eligibility application - it is free. If you do not yet have a degree, and have only
worked two years, you may not currently be eligible, but that eligibility is to sit for the exam, not for preparing for it. If
you are not yet eligible and know you will be soon (when you get your degree), I'd consider starting preparation now,
and then, once you have your degree, re-apply for eligibility and then arrange to take the exam. Then you don't have
to wait for your degree or another year of experience before you start preparing.

Question
I'm interested in CSCP and CPIM. I work in Iran and unfortunately, I have not had chance to attend a class, thus I
must learn using self-study. But my English is not good and I have a problem with that. Do you have any Iranians who
can help me with learning and the exam? How can I learn and pass the exam with Farsi languages?

Answer
Unfortunately, federal laws restrict business transactions between Iran and the United States. At this time, we are
not able to provide Iran candidates with any certification services, including the sale of courseware or the exam.
Please feel free to periodically check with the United States Department of State or United States Treasury on the
status of the embargo.
Question
Is there an audio version available of the study material. I saw one on amazon and wondered if it was worth
purchasing.

Answer
APICS has not created an audio version of the Learning System. The product you've seen on Amazon is created by a
third party; APICS has neither reviewed it or authorized it. So, my recommendation is "buyer beware".

Question
Is this certification preferable for the US labor market more than Europe and Asia?

Answer
APICS certification is very popular both in the US and in Europe and is growing in the Middle East and Asia. More
exams have been taken outside of the United States than inside the US every year since 2006. APICS certifications
are particularly popular with multi-national or global corporations.

Question
I believe I read something about membership with APICS and an advantage of being able to access to a job board, is
that correct?

Answer
Yes, we do have an active Career Center on the apics.org website.

Question
Unfortunately this certification is not familiar in the CIS labor market. Does Apics have plans to create a brand
visibility and promotion about this certification for employers in this region?

Answer
APICS is continually looking for ways to increase our brand certification around the world. Many of our international
partners also help us to become better known in their areas of the world.

Question
What would be the best certification for State Transit Entities?

Answer
You may want to take a closer look at the APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD).

Question
Which one has more industry value, CPIM or CSCP?

Answer
It depends on your career path. CPIM has been around longer and many more people have earned the CPIM
(because it has been around longer!) CSCP has had an amazing growth in popularity since its release in 2006.
Watch the "Which Certification is Right for Me?" recorded presentation - it goes into more depth about the
differences between the certifications and which might be best for your career goals.
Question
Why is APICS better than another certification program?

Answer
Rather than "better," I would say that APICS uses the best practices in the certification profession to develop and
deliver its certifications. Some other certification providers can say that, others cannot.

Question
Is SAP(SD-MM) consulting experience counted as relevant SCM experience for eligibility?

Answer
Yes.

Question
How does the PMP test compare to the CSCP test?

Answer
The PMP exam is slightly longer at 200 questions compared to 150 for CSCP. They focus on different
bodies of knowledge that are both wide in scope but likely use the same level of rigor to cover the breadth
and depth of topic areas in their respective disciplines.