APICS CPIM

Certification Education

"Investing in your future"

For more than 25 years, the Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) program has continued to be recognized as the measurement criterion for individual assessment in the field of production and inventory management.
Initiated by APICS in 1973, CPIM provides a common basis for individuals and organizations to evaluate their knowledge of this evolving field.

The mission of the CPIM program is to educate individuals on the concepts, tools, terminology, and integration of topics across operation functions. The CPIM program is designed to test candidate’s in-depth knowledge of a variety of subjects specific to production and inventory management. APICS works hard to ensure that CPIM exams are reliable and that the highest professional standards are used to develop and administer the program. Continuing its commitment to excellence, APICS has updated its former CPIM program to meet industry needs and better manage the rapid expansion of information, techniques and technology.

The CPIM Programme

The new CPIM program incorporates a business process orientation rather than the individual techniques of the former program. The individual modules are now integrated and follow a progression of understanding:

  1. Entry module: Basics of Supply Chain Management – Terminology and basic concepts related to managing the complete flow of materials from suppliers to customers.
  2. Business process modules: Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, and Execution and Control of Operations – Available methods and techniques to drive processes and the application of these techniques.
  3. Capstone module: Strategic Management of Resources – Choosing the appropriate methods and techniques for specific needs and fostering an appreciation for the integrated nature of operations.

Basics of Supply Chain Management

Basics of Supply Chain Management cover basic concepts in managing the complete flow of materials in a supply chain. In the basics you get a complete overview of materials flow, from internal and external suppliers, to and from your organization.

Master Planning of Resources

Candidates explore processes used to develop sales and operations plans, and identify and assess internal and external demand and forecasting requirements. The course focuses on the importance of producing achievable master schedules that are consistent with business policies, objectives, and resource constraints.

Detailed Scheduling and Planning

Candidates focus on the various techniques for materials and capacity scheduling. The course includes detailed descriptions of materials requirements planning (MPR), capacity requirements planning (CRP), inventory management practices, and procurement and supplier planning.

Execution and Control of Operations

Candidates focus on the areas of prioritizing and sequencing work, executing work plans and implementing controls, reporting activity results, and providing evaluating feedback on performance. The course explains techniques for scheduling and controlling production processes, the execution of quality initiatives and continuous improvement plans, and the control and handling of inventories.

Strategic Management of Resources

Strategic Management of Resources explores the relationship of existing and emerging processes and technologies to manufacturing strategy and supply chain-related functions. The course addresses three main topics: aligning resources with the strategic plan, configuring and integrating operating processes to support the strategic plan, and implementing change.

Candidates must pass exams for all five modules to earn the CPIM designation.

Basics of Supply Chain Management

"Putting the concepts of Supply Chain Management into Perspective"

This module is part of the APICS CPIM qualification and is designed for people working in Production, Inventory and Distribution Management. Course material is continuously updated with updates and new subject matter. Students are expected to prepare for the sessions, and making use of the additional recommended reading list is advisable.

Target Group

This module is intended for practitioners in the manufacturing and retail industries and offers an in depth insight into the production, inventory and distribution management arena. It is beneficial for production managers, production planners, material/stores managers, engineers, purchasing staff, production supervision, accounting or any functional area of a manufacturing or distribution organisation intending to formalise their knowledge.

Course Objective

To provide key, senior and top management personnel with the knowledge and understanding to run their organisations using world class manufacturing practices.

Duration

10 x 3hr sessions / 5 Days / 30 Hours

Key learning points

Master Planning of Resources

"Setting the Game Plan for your Business"

Learners explore processes used to develop sales and operation plans. Identify and assess internal and external demand and forecasting requirements. They also learn how to develop an achievable master schedule consistent with the business policies and resource constraints. The course focuses on developing and validating a plan of supply, relating management of demand to the environment and developing and validating the master schedule.

Target Group

This module is intended for practitioners in the industry and offers an in depth insight into the production and inventory management arena. It is beneficial for production managers, production planners, engineers, purchasing staff, production supervision, accounting or any functional area of a manufacturing organisation intending to formalise their knowledge.

Course Objective

To provide key, senior and top management personnel with the knowledge and understanding to run their organisations using world class manufacturing practices.

Duration

10 x 3hr sessions / 5 Days / 30 Hours

Key learning points

Detailed Scheduling and Planning

"Determining what you need, how many and when"

This course focuses on material and capacity scheduling and planning. It includes a detailed explanation of materials requirements planning (MRP). Although MRP is a technique suitable for job shop and batch operations, the course also introduces other techniques applicable to the process industry and other mature production environments.

Target Group

This module is intended for practitioners in the industry and offers an in depth insight into the production and inventory management arena. It is beneficial for production managers, production planners, engineers, purchasing staff, production supervision, accounting or any functional area of a manufacturing organisation intending to formalise their knowledge.

Course Objective

To provide key, senior and top management personnel with the knowledge and understanding to run their organisations using world class manufacturing practices.

Duration

10 x 3hr sessions / 5 Days / 30 Hours

Key learning points

 

Execution and Control of Operations

"Executing the master plans"

This course focuses on three main areas. Firstly, prioritising and sequencing work. Secondly, executing work plans, implementing controls and reporting activity. And lastly, evaluating and providing feedback on performance. The course explains techniques for scheduling and controlling production and process operations. It also addresses the execution of quality initiatives and continuous improvement plans as well as the control and handling of inventory.

Target Group

This module is intended for practitioners in the industry and offers an in depth insight into the production and inventory management arena. It is beneficial for production managers, production planners, engineers, purchasing staff, production supervision, accounting or any functional area of a manufacturing organisation intending to formalise their knowledge.

Course Objective

To provide key, senior and top management personnel with the knowledge and understanding to run their organisations using world class manufacturing practices.

Duration

10 x 3hr sessions / 5 Days / 30 Hours

Key learning points

 

Strategic Management of Resources

"Putting it all together in an effective ERP system"

In this course students explore the relationship of existing and emerging processes and technologies to manufacturing strategy and supply chain related functions. The course addresses three main topics; aligning resources with the strategic plan, configuring and integrating operating processes to support the strategic plan and implementing change.

Target Group

This module is intended for practitioners in the industry and offers an in depth insight into the production and inventory management arena. It is beneficial for production managers, production planners, engineers, purchasing staff, production supervision, accounting or any functional area of a manufacturing organisation intending to formalise their knowledge.

Course Objective

To provide key, senior and top management personnel with the knowledge and understanding to run their organisations using world class manufacturing practices.

Duration

10 x 3 hr sessions / 5 Days / 30 Hours

Key learning points

 

FAQ's

"Answering your queries"

How Do I Prepare for the CPIM Examination?

APICS provides candidates with several effective methods to prepare for examination. All candidates: No matter which method you choose to prepare for an exam, begin your preparation by purchasing a CPIM Exam Content Manual. This manual provides a detailed outline, list of terms, concepts, references, practice questions, and similar information on all the modules. After you review the manual, you can choose from one or more of the following study methods:

Classroom Courses: Resellers offer review courses that APICS members and Non-members can attend. A list of resellers in the various major centres of South Africa can be found on the SAPICS Website at www.sapics.org.za

On-Site Training Courses: Many companies hold training courses on site, using APICS courseware presented by resellers.

Most people choose a combination of these methods to prepare for an exam. You can get valuable guidance from you’re the SAPICS Head Office who can put you in touch with experts or from colleagues who have completed the modules. Regardless of your preparation techniques, SAPICS has a process for your exam success.

Why Choose APICS Certification Courses?

Testing and Exam Registration

To receive the CPIM designation, candidates must pass comprehensive examinations for all five modules. Testing is available in South Africa in most major centres.

The APICS Curricula and Certification Council administer the CPIM program, sets policy, and ensure that the program reflects the changing needs of the profession. Committees of the council, made up of volunteer practitioners, consultants, and academicians, provide professional guidance for the administration and future development of the educational program.

The Exams

Examination centres are currently in Johannesburg and Cape Town with venues opening in East London, Durban and Port Elizabeth subject to the registrations in 2010. Exam centres will only open if a minimum of 15 students enrol per exam centre.

Students MUST register and pay SAPICS directly. Only upon receipt of a confirmation notification from SAPICS Head Office is the registration confirmed and the candidate able to sit the exam.

Schedule on the Day

Candidates may write 2 examinations at the same administration – one in the morning and one in the afternoon – the selection options are listed below:

CPIM MORNING SESSIONS: CPIM AFTERNOON SESSIONS:
Basics of Supply Chain Management or Master Planning of Resources or
Detailed Scheduling and Planning or Strategic Management of Resources
Execution and Control of Operations  
8:30 a.m. Report to the testing centre if you are registered for one of the Morning exams. No candidates will be admitted after this time. 1:30 p.m. Report to the testing centre if you are registered for one of the afternoon exams. No candidates will be admitted after this time.
9:00 a.m.      Exam begins 2:00 p.m.      Exam begins
12:30 p.m.     Exam ends 5:00 p.m.      Exam ends

CPIM Exam

Dates 2010

Registration Deadlines and International Exam Dates

Exam 1 Exam Reg. 19 February 2010 Exam Date 10 April 2010 Pencil & Paper
Exam 2 Exam Reg. 21 May 2010 Exam Date 10 July 2010 Pencil & Paper
Exam 3 Exam Reg. 15 October 2010 Exam Date 4 December 2010 Pencil & Paper

All CPIM exam registration are handled through SAPICS Head Office, call 011-805-6616

 

Course Pricing

CPIM Review Course Costs for 2010

The CPIM Review Course costs include lecture fees, APICS Course Material, Brian Wilcox Study Notes and APICS Reprints. The prices quoted are exclusive of VAT.

  SAPICS Member Price Non-Member Price
Basics of Supply Chain Management R3, 800 R4, 150
Master Planning of Resources R3, 800 R4, 150
Detailed Scheduling and Planning R3, 800 R4, 150
Execution and Control of Operations R3, 800 R4, 150
Strategic Management of Resources R3, 800 R1, 150

In addition, students will require the once off purchase of the following for the series of modules.

   SAPICS Member Price Non-Member Price
Tony Arnold Text Book R425 R450
APICS Dictionary R210 R280
APICS CPIM Exam Content Manual R210 R280

APICS Exam Fees are as follows and are subject to change due to Forex rate at exam time:-

  SAPICS Member Price Non-Member Price
APICS CPIM Exam Fees R1,500 R1,750

Course fees are payable at the commencement of the courses.

SAPICS Individual Membership is R500 + VAT per year.