CPIM
APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management)
The APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) is the leading operations and supply chain certification for production planners, materials managers, and supply chain professionals. It covers demand management, master scheduling, Material Requirements Planning (MRP), inventory control, and production activity control — the core skills for managing manufacturing and distribution operations.
CPIM Exam Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) |
| Governing Body | ASCM / APICS |
| Number of Questions | 150 |
| Time Limit | 3.5 hours |
| Passing Score | 300/350 |
| Exam Fee | $395 (ASCM members) / $495 (non-members) |
| Category | Professional Certifications |
| C3RT App Available On | iPhone, iPad, and Mac |
| Official Source | ASCM / APICS official website ↗ |
CPIM Content Areas and Domains
| Domain / Content Area | Exam Weight |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Management Fundamentals | 13% |
| Manufacturing Planning and Control | 43% |
| Internal Operations | 19% |
| Supplier Relations | 12% |
| Customer Relations | 13% |
Domain weights are approximate and based on the ASCM / APICS content outline. Always verify at the official source before your exam.
Topics Covered
- ✓ Supply & Demand Planning — demand management techniques, forecasting methods (moving average, exponential smoothing), S&OP
- ✓ Material Requirements Planning — MRP logic, bill of materials, lead times, lot sizing (EOQ, POQ, lot-for-lot)
- ✓ Inventory Management — inventory types, carrying costs, ABC analysis, safety stock, reorder points
- ✓ Production Activity Control — capacity planning (RCCP, CRP), scheduling, sequencing, dispatching
- ✓ Performance Measurement — inventory turnover, fill rate, order cycle time, OEE, customer service metrics
How C3RT Helps You Pass the CPIM
Adaptive Practice
Questions adapt to your weak areas automatically so every study session on the CPIM is time well spent.
Diagnostic Mocks
Full-length mock exams timed to the real CPIM format with detailed score breakdowns by topic.
Mistake Bank
Every wrong answer is saved for targeted re-drill. The system resurfaces your mistakes until they stick.
Native on iOS & Mac
Built with SwiftUI, not a web wrapper. Instant load, offline support, hardware-speed rendering.
CPIM Frequently Asked Questions
What does CPIM stand for?
CPIM stands for APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management). It is administered by ASCM / APICS.
Who administers the CPIM?
The APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) (CPIM) is administered by ASCM / APICS. For official information, visit the ASCM / APICS website.
How many questions is the CPIM?
The CPIM consists of 150 questions. Candidates are given 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
What is the passing score for the CPIM?
The passing score for the CPIM is 300/350, as set by ASCM / APICS. Scoring methodology and passing standards may be updated periodically. Always verify current requirements with the governing body.
How much does the CPIM exam cost?
The CPIM exam fee is $395 (ASCM members) / $495 (non-members). This fee is set by ASCM / APICS and may vary by testing centre, region, or membership status. Additional fees for registration or rescheduling may apply.
What is MRP and why is it central to CPIM?
Material Requirements Planning (MRP) is the process of determining what materials are needed, in what quantities, and when — based on the Master Production Schedule (MPS) and Bill of Materials (BOM). MRP explodes the production plan down through all BOM levels to generate planned orders for raw materials and components. CPIM tests MRP logic, gross-to-net calculation, time-phased planning, and lot sizing techniques.
What is the difference between CPIM and CSCP?
CPIM focuses on internal operations — manufacturing planning, inventory management, production scheduling, and MRP. CSCP focuses on the extended supply chain — supplier management, global logistics, demand planning across the network, and supply chain design. CPIM is better for operations and production planners; CSCP is better for supply chain managers with cross-functional enterprise responsibilities.
What is Economic Order Quantity (EOQ)?
EOQ is the optimal order quantity that minimizes total inventory costs (ordering costs + holding/carrying costs). The formula is: EOQ = √(2DS/H) where D = annual demand, S = ordering cost per order, H = annual holding cost per unit. CPIM tests EOQ calculation, its assumptions (constant demand, known costs), and when alternative lot-sizing methods (POQ, lot-for-lot) are more appropriate.
Is CPIM recognized globally?
Yes — CPIM is recognized globally as the standard operations and planning credential, particularly in manufacturing, distribution, and retail. Major employers include automotive, electronics, consumer goods, defense, and healthcare manufacturing companies. CPIM holders typically work as production planners, materials managers, inventory analysts, and supply chain coordinators.
How difficult is the APICS CPIM exam?
The APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) is considered moderately difficult. The exam tests operations management, demand management, supply chain planning, and inventory control. APICS revised the CPIM to a two-part exam structure; the combined pass rate is estimated in the 60–70% range for prepared candidates.
What are the eligibility requirements for the CPIM?
APICS does not require documented work experience to sit for the CPIM exam, making it accessible to students and early-career operations professionals. However, real-world operations experience significantly improves exam performance.
How long should I prepare for the APICS CPIM?
Each of the two CPIM parts typically requires six to twelve weeks of study. APICS study guides, instructor-led courses, and the CPIM Learning System are the primary preparation resources.
What is the career value of the APICS CPIM?
The CPIM is a globally recognized credential for operations, planning, and inventory management professionals. It is commonly required or preferred for roles in materials planning, supply chain management, and operations analysis, and holders typically earn more than non-certified peers.
What is the CPIM retake policy?
APICS allows retakes for failed CPIM exams with a standard waiting period of 14 days between attempts. Policies may update, so verifying directly with ASCM (APICS's parent body) is advisable.
How long does the CPIM certification last?
The CPIM is valid for five years and requires 75 continuing education hours for recertification.
How does the CPIM compare to the CSCP?
The CPIM focuses on production and inventory management within a facility, covering demand planning, master scheduling, and materials management. The CSCP takes a broader end-to-end supply chain view, covering global supply chain design, sourcing, customer relationships, and logistics. Professionals in operations roles often start with the CPIM and pursue the CSCP as they advance into supply chain leadership.
C3RT is a native iOS and macOS exam preparation platform covering the APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) (CPIM), a Professional Certifications certification, administered by ASCM / APICS. C3RT is not affiliated with or endorsed by ASCM / APICS. Certification names and trademarks are the property of their respective organisations. For official exam registration, eligibility requirements, and content outlines, visit the ASCM / APICS official website ↗ .