I recently acquired my APICS CSCP credentials. I pursued this credential for my career and academic growth. It was a challenging test and I spent over 100 hours studying. I am glad I took the test and I am sure the credential will be rewarding for me as I go forward in my career and academic pursuits. I posted about my experience on my SCM blog and copied my post to a LinkedIn APICS group. In response, several people sent me messages asking about my experience studying, taking the test, and why I took the test. There were a few other random questions sent.
These questions led me to thinking about why people would take the time and effort pursuing the certificate. I knew why I did, but I can see others taking it for different reasons. Those thoughts led to some personal research and this post. I want to address some of those questions and some of the other random questions people asked. I will not answer how much I make and I am not sure why someone asked me that.
As I did the research after the questions were asked and did the research before pursuing the credential, there was some data about the APICS credentials that surprised me. For example, there is only a 61-62% pass rate for the test, showing that almost 40% of test takers fail. I thought the pass rate would be higher. Another example is that the salary difference between APICS certified and non-APICS certified professionals is higher than I expected (maybe).
Reasons to Take the Test
Are you Looking for a New Job?
Recruiters often include APICS certificates on job postings or they look for the credential on the resumes submitted. The APICS credential is usually listed in the preferred experience or qualifications of the role. Recruiters see the credential as a step up above the rest. Having the credential gives the person bonus points and puts them closer to the top of the pile of resumes to review. For some roles, a credential is a requirement of the hiring manager or used as a requirement to filter applicants to a smaller pool.
Want to Earn a Promotion with your Current Employer?
According to APISC, professionals with APICS credentials are more likely to receive promotions than non-APICS professionals. Leaders look for employees that actively pursue growth in their skills, abilities, and knowledge. A professional can help set themself apart from their peers by keeping up with the latest industry knowledge and expanding their education by earning an advanced degree or through professional certifications like the APICS CSCP.
Pursuing and achieving degrees or credentials shows an employer that the employee is serious about their role and career growth. Additionally, studying for the exam increases the person’s knowledge of supply chain management, making them more knowledgeable and valuable in their role. A professional that passes an APICS exam shows that they are dedicated to personal growth and are more likely to have improved skills, abilities, and knowledge.
A Big Reason… Want to Make More Money?
According to APICS, APICS credential holders make about 25% more than their peers and 20% more than peers with certifications from other organizations. For certifications in general (APICS and non-APICS), certification holders reported a median salary 18% higher than those not certified. This data shows that APICS certifications increase income possibilities and are more valuable than other credentials. These numbers are supposed to be for similarly qualified peers.
As with any reported data, it is all relative and should be reviewed with a bit of skepticism. For example, of the professionals surveyed, were higher paid employees with certifications working for companies that value certifications more than other companies? Did they work for companies that directly award employees for achieving the certification?
The salary data is contested by data from other groups. For example, payscale.com reports that supply chain certification holders of any type only make around 9% more than non-certification holders, half what APICS reports. However, whether 25% or half that, APICS credential holders do make more money so the test can pay for itself very well.
A Related Question + LinkedIn Tips
Why is CSCP in Four Places on my LinkedIn Profile?
There are a few reasons, including a reason I have never seen addressed anywhere else. Recruiters commonly search for possible candidates on LinkedIn rather than wait for resumes. The recruiters are looking for keywords associated with the roles they are filling. I chatted with a recruiter connection this week who recruits for supply chain roles. She stated that on her team they almost always filter their candidate search results by including the keywords APICS, CSCP, or CPIM. Otherwise, there are too many search results to do a thorough review. Entering these keywords helps them narrow down the candidate search to potential candidates who are more serious and dedicated to a career in supply chain management. For these reasons, professionals should always include their APICS credential in their resume and on LinkedIn.
This leads into a second reason, the one I have not seen before. When doing searches, LinkedIn looks for the keywords in a person’s profile Heading section and About section first. By listing the APICS credential there, a profile is more likely to come up higher in the search results than a profile that only lists APICS in the Licenses & Certifications section. When reviewing a profile, recruiters and others often go to the Heading and About sections first to read about the person rather than scroll way down the Licenses & Certifications section. Having APICS in these two sections helps in searches and helps in presenting highlights to those reviewing a profile.
That covers the Heading and About sections. The Licenses & Certifications is a given as all relevant certifications should be listed there.
What about in my name? I put MBA, MS, and CSCP in my name is because that is the first thing people see when they come across me on LinkedIn. Those three acronyms are three important things I want to communicate to people. When they see me, I want them to know I have a masters (or two) and that I am a CSCP. I believe it gives instant credibility or triggers immediate interest in me and my profile. I could be wrong, and I have no data to support my beliefs, but believe it to be accurate.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed my thoughts and my chalkboard image theme. Feel free to reach out with additional questions. You can find me via LinkedIn.