Go "Pro" with CSCMP's new certification program

A new professional certification program in supply chain management from the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) aims to offer global supply chain professionals a way to demonstrate their skill level and mastery of end-to-end supply chain functions. Set to be unveiled at next week's CSCMP's Annual Global Conference in Philadelphia, the program, called SCPro, is a three-level certification process.

"We are extremely excited [about this] groundbreaking certification program," said Rick Blasgen, CSCMP president and chief executive officer. "Our members overwhelmingly asked us to develop a comprehensive certification that diligently measured and accurately reflected an individual's skills and knowledge across the entire supply chain."

The program's three levels are as follows:

• Level One: Cornerstones of Supply Chain Management. SCPro Level One covers the entire end-to-end supply chain with a focus on building customer relationships. This level is open to candidates who have either a bachelor's degree or four years of relevant experience.
• Level Two: Analysis and Application of Supply Chain Challenges. This level tests a candidate's ability to thoughtfully analyze real-world case studies and formulate supply chain solutions that improve the supply chain in the short and long term.
• Level Three: Implementation of Supply Chain Transformation. The highest SCPro designation requires the candidate to demonstrate an unprecedented application of practical supply chain skills. It marks the candidate as a leader who is valuable not only within his or her organization but also to the profession as a whole.

"The certification will enable professionals to demonstrate to their employers that they are the kind of leaders who will positively impact their organizations' bottom lines," said Judy Schieve, manager of certification programs. "When a candidate completes all three levels of the program, he or she will also have a portfolio of work to augment his professional experience."

The supply chain management profession has evolved dramatically over the past few decades, added Blasgen. "Today's supply chain requires multidisciplinary capabilities, demonstrable and quantifiable success, and continuous study of the field. CSCMP's SCPro certification provides professionals with an exceptional program that will help them demonstrate 21st century supply chain management skills and expertise."