Certifications for Undergraduate Students in Supply Chain Management

Why Supply Chain Certifications Matter for Undergraduates

If you’re interested in the best supply chain certifications for students, read on. You’re right to do so because employers value certifications for entry-level roles. This isn’t surprising because certifications:

• Prove practical knowledge and skills
• Reduce training time and costs
• Demonstrate professional initiative, motivation, and commitment

Indeed, you’ll be in a better position to take advantage of the job growth in the industry. This is particularly true in logistics, procurement, operations, and supply chain analytics. Logisticians, for example, have a 17% projected job growth (BLS, 2024-2034).

Your competitive edge starts during your search for internships, too. Then, it extends to your first job placement. So, the earlier you can earn supply chain certifications for students, the better.

Related:

• Certifications for Undergraduate Students in HR Analytics
• Project Management Certifications for Undergraduate Students
• Certifications for Undergraduate Students in Employee Relations
• Certifications for Aspiring Civil Engineers
• Online Engineering Certifications for Undergraduate Students

Benefits of Earning Supply Chain Certifications While in College

But be aware, too, that earning beginner supply chain certifications has its challenges. You must spend the time and money to do so. Then, when you’ve earned them, you’ll enjoy these benefits.

Boosting Employability for Internships and Entry-Level Roles

Certifications strengthen your resume by showcasing your practical skills. As such, these increase your competitiveness for internships and entry-level roles.

Building Technical Skills Beyond the Classroom

Theory is a must, but practice makes it more applicable to the real world. Earning certifications provides the practice needed to translate theory to technical skills.

Demonstrating Industry Readiness to Employers

Certifications provide proof of your preparedness for the job. Employers appreciate employees who can make effective contributions from day one.

Standing Out in a High-Demand Job Market

Candidates with certifications are likely to be more credible and competent. Employers either require or prefer them, too. So, if you have certifications, you’ll likely stand out from the competition.

Here’s a brief overview of the three main supply chain certifications for students.

What Employers Look for in Early-Career Supply Chain Candidates

Employers look for a combination of technical and software skills among candidates.

Technical Competencies

Certifications are tangible proof of supply chain management student credentials. But these are nothing but paper or badges if you don’t have the technical skills.

You must be able to prove your technical competencies in areas like:

• Forecasting
• Demand planning
• Logistics

Projects and interview performance are among the best venues for it.

Software Skills

Candidates with logistics and supply chain student training are also skilled in:

• Excel
• SAP
• Tableau
• Python

In fact, these are industry-standard software that every candidate must be familiar with.

Certifications That Indicate Real-World Readiness

Here are the three major certifications supply chain management students should consider.

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CIPM)
• SCPro

Read on because we’ll cover them in more detail later.

How Undergraduates Can Prepare for Certification Exams

Most certification programs for supply chain majors have certification exams. This is true for the CSCP, CPIM, and SCPro. Effective preparation is key to success here.

Join ASCM or CSCMP Student Chapters

Benefits of membership include:

• Discounts on exam resources and certification fees
• Access to networking and professional development opportunities

Take University-Affiliated Prep Courses

Doing so means:

• Reinforcing your knowledge about the exam frameworks and topics
• Enjoying structured learning

Use Free Online Practice Exams & Study Guides

Their benefits include:

• Familiarizing yourself with the exam format and its question styles
• Being more efficient in your study time (i.e., gaps in learning and time management)

Pair Certifications with Internships or Co-ops

The combination results in:

• Reinforcing theory with practical skills
• Demonstrating job readiness

Cost, Time Commitment, and Student Discounts

You must understand these aspects so you can plan for success. Keep in mind that, as a student, you must consider your budget and schedule.

Certifications with Student Pricing

These certifications offer student discounts that reduce the total cost.

• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) awards the CSCP credential. CSCP certification for students has a higher total cost – about $1,000 and up. But ASCM student members can avail of discounted rates.

Candidates spend 3-6 months of structured study. Eligibility requirements include a bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience.

• CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management)

The ASCM also awards the CPIM certification for students. Candidates must plan for moderate to high costs. The full bundle (learning system + exam) costs between $2,200 and $3,100/student. ASCM student members enjoy discounts.

Candidates should plan for 2-4 months of study time per module. There’s no formal degree needed, but basic knowledge of inventory and operations is a must. Candidates must also agree to ASCM’s code of ethics.

• SCPro

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) awards the SCPro credential. The cost depends on the level, membership, and type of package.

For the Level One exam+materials bundle, it’s $1,000 (member) or $1,625 (non-member). If you’re looking for a more affordable option, choose the exam package only ($650 or $975).

Candidates spend 2-3 months preparing for Level One certification.

Affordable or Free Introductory Options

If you want to test the waters or earn certifications for free, try these options.

• Coursera Supply Chain Certificates

These are best for beginners who want to gain foundational knowledge. The online certificate programs have a self-paced learning format. These are made available by industry leaders and universities, and vary in length (4-8 weeks).

• LinkedIn Learning Supply Chain Courses

Students who want to build basic software and technical skills will enjoy them. These are usually skill-focused video courses, and take a few hours or weeks to finish.

• edX Supply Chain Fundamentals

These are university-led online courses that last 4-6 weeks. Students can earn optional certificates or badges.

Which Certifications Offer the Best ROI Before Graduation

Certifications with lower costs and shorter completion times tend to offer the best ROIs. For this reason, the CSCP, CPIM, and SCPro are the best choices. These certifications also align with the industry standards for entry-level roles.

Real Career Outcomes: Jobs You Can Get with Student Certifications

Start with how to start a career in supply chain management.

• Earn a degree in supply chain management or other related fields.
• Gain practical experience through internships, part-time jobs, projects, and co-ops.
• Develop your software and technical skills in and out of the classroom.
• Earn entry-level certifications based on your career goals.
• Network for job referrals and career growth.
• Apply strategically.

You’re more likely to be competitive for these entry-level jobs.

Supply Chain Analyst

• Job Description: Uses data and analytics to achieve efficient supply chain operations.
• Average Annual Salary: $55,000-$85,000

Logistics Coordinator

• Job Description: Helps ensure the effective and efficient movement of goods 
• Average Annual Salary: $50,000-$80,000

Inventory Analyst

• Job Description: Forecasts demands, monitors stock levels, and recommends inventory adjustments
• Average Annual Salary: $57,000-$60,000

Procurement Associate

• Job Description: Supports purchasing and sourcing activities
• Average Annual Salary: $43,000-$55,000

Operations Coordinator

• Job Description: Helps with the day-to-day business operations
• Average Annual Salary: $39,000-$60,000+

As mentioned, these are entry-level roles. You’ll want to advance your career through promotions and other means.

Build cross-functional experience, for starters. Strengthen your leadership and teamwork skills. Gain practical skills in the use of ERP systems. Earn a graduate degree and advanced certifications. Build your portfolio of projects.

In the end, your degree and entry-level certifications are only stepping stones. You’ll want to aim for higher positions, such as in management.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best supply chain certification for undergraduates?

CPIM and SCPro are widely considered the best for college students.

Are CSCP and CPIM worth it for students?

Yes, these are worth their time and cost commitments. But CPIM is ideal for typical undergraduates. The CSCP credential is more suitable for late undergraduates or recent graduates.

Which supply chain certifications are easiest to start with?

The CPIM Basics and SCPro Level One are generally viewed as the easiest entry points.

Can students get discounts on ASCM certifications?

Yes, but you have to be an eligible member.

Do employers care about student certifications?

Yes, because certifications demonstrate job readiness, practical skills, and initiative.

Conclusion—Why Earning a Supply Chain Certification Now Gives Students a Career Advantage

The best supply chain certifications for undergraduates provide long-term value. You’ll build a strong foundation that will last for your entire career. This is because certifications boost job readiness and meet employer expectations.

The return on investment (ROI) you’ll get isn’t only in dollar terms, either. You’ll also enjoy a fulfilling career that moves goods and services.

However, if you’re unsure where to start, consider entry-level supply chain certifications first.