If you need help studying for the APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) exam or just want some more information about what the test is like, you’ve come to the right place.
Click below to take a free CPIM practice test!
What’s on the CPIM Exam?
First, let’s talk about the questions on the exam. There are 150 multiple-choice questions total, but only 130 of the questions will count toward your score. Why is that?
The 20 unscored questions on the CPIM exam are called “pretest” questions. These are added to the exam to determine if they’re good enough questions to add to future versions of the test.
The trick is that you won’t have any way of knowing which questions are scored and which ones are pretest. They will appear just like the scored questions throughout the test.
The time limit for the exam is 3.5 hours. There aren’t any scheduled breaks, but you’re free to take restroom breaks as needed.
Let’s take a closer look at the different sections of the exam.
1. Align the Supply Chain to Support the Business Strategy
15% of the exam
- Understanding the business environment
- Developing corporate strategy
- Developing and implementing functional and operational strategies
- Designing processes and layouts to align with strategic goals
- Evaluating performance via KPIs
- Managing supply chain risks
- Managing capital equipment and facilities
- Defining and supporting sustainability goals
2. Conduct Sales and Operations Planning to Support Strategy
9% of the exam
- The role of the S&OP process
- Reviewing aggregate demand plans
- Reviewing aggregate supply plans
- Reconciling various plans
3. Plan and Manage Demand
9% of the exam
- Determining customer needs and specifications
- Market and product management considerations
- Reviewing sources of demand
- Generating demand forecasts
- Monitoring forecast performance
4. Plan and Manage Supply
16% of the exam
- Creating a master schedule
- Performing RCCP
- Managing a material requirements plan
- Creating an FAS
- Purchasing goods and services
- Monitoring and managing product costs
- Managing changes and supply distributions
- Conducting PLM
5. Plan and Manage Inventory
19% of the exam
- Inventory planning and management
- Monitoring and managing inventory costs
- Inventory control
- Managing returns and product disposition
6. Plan, Manage, and Execute Detailed Schedules
16% of the exam
- Planning and managing detailed schedules
- Creating production and service schedules
- Scheduling incoming materials
7. Plan and Manage Distribution
5% of the exam
- Planning distribution
- Managing customer orders
- Managing reverse logistics
8. Manage Quality, Continuous Improvement, and Technology
11% of the exam
- The impact of processes and their outputs on internal and external customers
- Reviewing quality-related costs
- Undertaking internal and external benchmarking
- Utilizing lean tools and concepts
- Conducting value stream mapping
- Monitoring process performance
- Developing technology systems requirements to support company goals
- Maintaining technology systems
- Adopting emerging technologies for competitive advantage
How to Register
To get started, you’ll need to create an account on ASCM’s website. From there, you can purchase an exam credit, which gives you access to fully register to take the exam. An exam credit costs $1,690 (ASCM members only pay $1,215).
Once you’ve completed the registration process, you’ll receive an Authorization to test (ATT) from Pearson VUE, at which point you can schedule a testing appointment.
CPIM Study Guide and Flashcards
Get practice questions, detailed study lessons, and complex subjects broken down into easily understandable concepts.
Exam Scores
The test is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
You will need a score of 300 to pass the test.
The reason your raw score is converted to a scaled score is because everyone who takes the test is given a slightly different set of questions. Since everyone has a different arrangement of questions, and because some questions are harder than others, converting your raw score to a scaled score ensures a more even playing field.
Retaking the Exam
If you didn’t get a passing score on your first try, that’s okay! You can retake the test after a 14-day waiting period.
Keep in mind that you will have to pay the full testing fee every time you retake the test unless you initially purchased a specific bundle containing a 2nd Chance Exam feature.
2nd Chance Exam Feature
The 2nd Chance Exam is a feature you can purchase at the time of your initial exam registration. If you fail the exam on your first attempt, this feature will let you take the exam again for free!
Just keep in mind that you have to use this feature within 180 days of your initial test date.
FAQs
What is CPIM certification?
CPIM stands for Certified in Production and Inventory Management. The CPIM certification is for people working in supply chain management, manufacturing, or inventory management.
How hard is the APICS CPIM exam?
The exam is considered to be somewhat difficult and requires an extensive amount of studying. APICS recommends at least 100 hours of studying before you take the exam, though some test-takers suggest at least 200.
How many questions are on the CPIM exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
How long does CPIM certification take?
The exam is timed at 3.5 hours.
What is the passing score for the CPIM exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 350 to pass the exam.
How much does CPIM certification cost?
The exam fee is $1,690. If you’re an ASCM member, you only have to pay $1,215.