Best Supply Chain Management Certifications

The focus of a certificate vs. a degree program in supply chain management is one of the biggest differences. Certificate programs are designed to be much shorter than a degree program in the field, and therefore, are usually much more focused and concentrated. They typically only include courses pertaining to supply chain management and other skills that professionals in the field need to have, while degree programs in the field are broader and more well-rounded in nature as they contain both specific courses in supply chain management and general education courses. Either kind of program can equip students with the necessary skills to work in supply chain management, but a certificate program may allow students to count credits towards a degree at a later date.

There are several different reasons that a student may decide to earn a certificate in supply chain management. One reason could be personal interests. Students who are interested in the supply chain process and how organizations secure different materials and pieces for products may decide to enter the field. These individuals are also likely to be organized and enjoy problem solving and critical thinking. Another reason students could decide to pursue a certificate in the field vs. a degree is to save time and money. Certificate programs are generally much shorter in nature and can be completed in less than half the time it takes to earn a 4-year bachelor's degree in the field. With fewer credits, this also means paying less money. Some students may even decide to earn a certificate in supply chain management after earning a degree in a different area of business. These students may want to further develop some of their management skills and understanding of supply chain processes to be a better business person all around.

Students who earn a certificate in supply chain management generally go on to work a career that is involved in some aspect of the supply chain. Several of these careers require at least a bachelor's degree, but there are also some entry-level positions available that require as little as a high school diploma. For example, supply chain managers generally need to have a degree and some work experience, but these requirements may be less for assistant supply chain managers. Students may also pursue careers along different steps and processes of the supply chain, such as inventory control, buying/purchasing, quality control, and more. Read on to see some examples of possible career options.

Logistician

Logisticians typically need to have an associate or bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business, or another related field. Professional certification is available in the field, but is usually not required. Logisticians help to manage and coordinate an entire supply chain from start to finished product heading for consumers. This requires them to work with suppliers and vendors and ensure that they are efficiently and effectively allocating resources and transporting products as needed.

Quality Control Inspector

Quality control inspectors usually only need a high school diploma and some on-the-job training to learn their skills. There are various certifications available to these professionals to demonstrate expertise, but they are not usually required. Quality control inspectors ensure that all manufactured products meet set standards for quality. This may require them to measure and test products, as well as to remove products that fall short of specifications.

Buyer or Purchasing Agent

A bachelor's degree is usually required to become a buyer or purchasing agent, as well as some on-the-job training. There are several different professional certifications available in the field, but different employers may or may not require specific certifications. In general, buyers and purchasing agents work with suppliers and vendors to help ensure that they are securing quality products at reasonable prices for their organization.

As mentioned, several certificate programs will allow students to count credits from the program towards a bachelor's or master's degree in supply chain management. Bachelor's degrees are most commonly offered as a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in supply chain management or logistics and supply chain management, while master's degree programs are available as Master of Science (MS), Master of Supply Chain Management, and Master of Professional Studies in Supply Chain Management degrees. There are also Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs with a focus in supply chain management, as well as Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Supply Chain Management programs.

Certificate programs in supply chain management typically require between 12 and 18 credits of coursework. Primarily, coursework for these programs consists of supply chain management courses with little to no outside subject area courses. Most often, students complete a list of required courses, but some programs may allow students to choose from some electives. Coursework for these programs aims to further develop students' leadership and management skills, as well as their understanding of the different logistics involved in planning and executing a supply chain well. Many of these programs also examine the supply chain on a global scale, as globalization in the business world has increased. Some common course topics include:

Logistics/Logistics Management

Courses in logistics or logistics management help students examine different detailed aspects of the supply chain, such as moving and storing goods, transportation, and inventory control, and how to ensure that these processes move forward smoothly. Students learn how to create an effective logistics strategy and how to handle issues that arise.

Supply Chain Management

Students generally take an introductory or overview course of the subject that helps them understand the pathway from supplier to customer. Students discuss topics in supply chain network design, strategic partnering, international challenges, transportation models, and inventory management. These courses may also look at how third-party logistics and fourth-party logistics companies can be used.

Most certificate programs in supply chain management require between 12 and 18 credits of coursework, which typically takes 1 year or less to complete when taking the program full-time. There are some certificates of completion in the field that allow students to finish in as little as 6 months and are self-paced to give students more flexibility in their schedule. Some students who do not meet competency requirements for certificate programs may take a little longer to finish, as they could be required to complete additional courses. Students who want to take fewer courses at a time and complete the program on a part-time basis may also take longer than a year to earn their certificate.

There are many aspects to consider about a certificate program in supply chain management, as well as the school that offers the program. Students should first determine if they are ready to pursue an undergraduate or graduate certificate in supply chain management. They also need to consider the format of the program, such as online, hybrid, or on-campus, and choose the one that fits their needs. Based on the format, students may need to consider the specific location of a program, such as finding a program that is offered close to home. Students should also be sure to look for programs that are offered by accredited schools and/or programs. For example, many colleges and universities are regionally accredited, which allows students to accept financial aid and transfer credits more easily. However, there are also some schools and programs that have an additional level of accreditation that is specific to a particular subject area. In the case of supply chain management, many of these certificate programs are offered from business schools that are accredited by organizations like the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International. This kind of subject-specific accreditation stands out to employers because it demonstrates that students have received more specific training for the industry that is designed to prepare them for the real world.

Other considerations could include program start dates, cost, financial aid, and additional resources, such as tutoring.

The admissions process for certificate programs in supply chain management varies by school, but usually, admission for these certificate programs are fairly straightforward. Students are commonly encouraged to first visit the campus and/or meet with a personal admissions counselor. These counselors are trained to walk students through the admissions process and ensure that all questions are answered and the process is as smooth as possible. Students may also be encouraged to determine their desired start date prior to applying. Students need to carefully notice differences in application deadline dates between different start date options.

Those interested in pursuing a supply chain management certificate at the undergraduate level usually need to complete the undergraduate admissions process for their desired school. This typically includes filling out an online application and submitting the appropriate documentation. Most commonly, students need to submit their transcripts from any prior college or university they have attended, as well as high school transcripts. Students may also be required to include their SAT or ACT test scores. Some certificate programs may require students to meet additional competencies, such as college courses in statistics, writing, algebra, and management and organizational behavior.

The cost of earning a certificate in supply chain management also varies greatly between institutions, and students need to carefully add up the different factors that lead to the total cost of a program. A good place to start with calculating the cost of a program is with tuition. Tuition rates can differ based on a number of factors, including the type of student and the type of program. For example, some programs may not charge any difference in tuition between in-state and out-of-state students, while others may. Charges may also differ between online vs. on-campus programs. Usually, tuition rates are per credit hour, but students also need to check what additional fees may or may not be included in tuition. For instance, different courses may have different technology or lab fees, and online courses may have additional costs, such as fees for online proctoring.

In addition to tuition and fees, students often need to consider costs of additional supplies and living expenses. Many courses require students to buy additional books and/or materials to help students learn the subject. Some students earning certificates may live on-campus, which comes with housing and meal plan costs. Those who live off-campus may need to think about the cost of transportation for an on-campus program and/or any price for parking.

Financial Aid and Scholarship Resources for Supply Chain Management Certificate Programs

Financial aid is available in many different forms and can help students significantly cut the cost of earning their certificate. Typically, students need to first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to qualify for different forms of financial aid. While students earning a certificate usually do not qualify for federal loans, they can still qualify for scholarships. These awards are often available from schools that offer programs and other outside organizations. There is also a range of financial aid options that different schools may offer, such as employer tuition reimbursement or military benefits. Employer tuition reimbursement is only available for employer-sponsored programs and has a student's employer pay for their education. Many schools offer discounts for military service members and veterans.

Scholarships are one of the most common forms of financial aid and can be awarded for a wide range of reasons. Many schools that offer certificate programs in supply chain management offer general scholarships, such as freshmen scholarships or foundation scholarships. Some schools also have departmental scholarships or awards for specific majors. Outside organizations may also offer scholarships tied to a specific subject area. For example, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) offers several scholarships for students pursuing education in the field.