Hello fellow ASCM members,
I've been a Buyer for about three years and am looking into both the Supply Chain Procurement Certificate and the CSCP Cert to expand my procurement /supply chain knowledge.
My initial plan is to take the Procurement Certificate first, as it directly applies to my current role, and then consider the CSCP later in the year (or next year).
Any thoughts on which I should take first, as well as any studying/preparation tips?
Hello Curtis, your case is similar to mine. the CSCP was my first objective but the size, time to dedicate as well as the cost are much more than the SCprocurement certificate. So, I decided to purchase the Supply Chain Procurement Certificate as a start, and to refresh my brain, to get myself used to learning again (didn't study anything seriously since 8years). Next year, I will try to get the CSCP certificate.
As for the tips, you need to set a comprehensive target date of achievement when you purchase the certificate. Based on this target, you fix how many hours/week to dedicate to achieve it, and then make it happen.
Best of Luck
Regards
Hadia Saidani
Is SCprocurement for South Carolina?
Thank you for your advice!
Hi Curtis,
I have completed both programs and did so in the order that you're laying out. Both methodologies provide an excellent learning system and contributed to my success as a supply planner.
That said, the two methods are different, albeit similar.
The Procurement Certificate class takes about 20 hours and finishes with an online test. It took me about two weeks to complete.
The CSCP Learning System probably took me about 60 hours over 3-4 months, and finishes with a proctored exam.
One thing to consider if you're doing both, is that the certificate does not require maintenance. The certification requires 75 points of maintenance activities over five years. The certificate provides 20 points towards the maintenance. (As I already had my CLTD, I was able to use the 20 points towards the maintenance of this certification).
Also, considering the summer promo for 15% off certificates and certifications. As a member, you'd save about $75 on the Procurement Certificate, and about $385 off the CSCP bundle that includes both the learning system and the exam.
Either way, best of luck!
The procurement certificate will serve you well in your current position so if you intend to be a buyer for some time, it will be beneficial. The CSCP is an end-to-end supply chain body of knowledge and can be essential to advancement. I required all of my buyers to have a procurement certificate or CPIM and all of my supervisors and managers to have CSCP.
Hi Curtis,
Thinking about your case (+/- same thoughts of Hadia), I'll get first the SC procurement certificate and after the Supply Chain Procurement Certificate, so I can get use to timing and studying again to learn with the right path.
Hope it helps.
All the best!
Please let me know if we can work as a team on this!