If you need help studying for the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) 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 CSCP certification practice test!
What’s on the CSCP 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 CSCP 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. Forecast and Manage Demand
10% of the exam
- Collecting and analyzing historical and environmental demand data
- Influencing demand through marketing activities
- Building the forecast
- Aligning supply with demand
2. Manage the Global Supply Chain Network and Information
10% of the exam
- Defining and managing the supply chain network
- Managing customer, supplier, product/item, logistics, and engineering master data
- Developing and maintaining reports, metrics, and analytics
3. Source Products and Services
17% of the exam
- Aligning sourcing activities to demand
- Managing categories for sourcing of products and services
- Evaluating and selecting suppliers
- Managing purchase orders
4. Manage Internal Operations and Inventory
19% of the exam
- Planning operations
- Managing inventory
- Measuring and assessing performance
- Analyzing and utilizing applicable continuous improvement philosphies
5. Manage Supply Chain Logistics
9% of the exam
- Defining and managing the distribution network
- Providing distribution services
- Evaluating trade considerations
- Designing and managing reverse flow
6. Manage Customer and Supplier Relationships
17% of the exam
- Managing customer relations
- Managing supplier relations
7. Manage Supply Chain Risk
10% of the exam
- Identifying risks
- Assessing impact, timing, and probability of risks
- Determining responses to mitigate risks
- Executing and evaluating risk response
8. Evaluate and Optimize the Supply Chain
8% of the exam
- Optimizing the supply chain strategy
- Optimizing the supply chain network and processes
- Embedding sustainability into the supply chain
- Considering emerging trends
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 $1,940 (ASCM members only pay $1,390).
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.
CSCP Study Guide and Flashcards
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Exam Scores
The CSCP exam is scored using a scaled scoring method. Here’s how it works:
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
How many questions are on the CSCP exam?
The exam contains 150 questions.
What is the time limit for the CSCP exam?
The exam is timed at 3.5 hours.
What is the passing score for the CSCP exam?
You’ll need to get a final scaled score of at least 300 to pass.
How much does the CSCP exam cost?
The testing fee is $1,940.