Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Do I have to be an APICS member to become certified?
No, but you will save money if you are a member. APICS members receive a discount of more than 25 percent on APICS CPIM and CIRM exam registration fees and receive valuable savings on reference materials and educational programs. Nonmembers may register, but they must first call APICS Customer Support to obtain an APICS Customer Number.

Can I become an APICS member and register for an exam at the same time?
No. Your membership status must be active when you register to ensure that you receive the member rate. To allow adequate time for your membership information to be transferred to Pearson VUE, you should wait until you have received your membership card before contacting the test center.

APICS members should keep their memberships current and renew them promptly to avoid a lapse in benefits. When registering for an exam, you must have your APICS member number available to ensure that you receive that APICS member rate. Corporate members must provide their unique individual membership number to receive the member rate.

I need to send a formal recognition letter to my employer, how can I obtain one?
Fill out the APICS CPIM/CSCP recognition letter request form, print it and return to APICS.

What happens if I have an emergency and can't take my scheduled exam?
If you notify Pearson VUE Customer Care at (800) 274-8399 (from the United States or Canada) or
(610) 617-5093 (from Mexico) four days or more before a CBT exam date, you will be able to reschedule your exam. If you have a medical or other emergency on the day of the exam, call Pearson VUE Customer Care immediately. You may be asked to supply written documentation verifying your reason for absence. No refunds are given for candidates who are absent from an exam without an acceptable reason.

What may I bring to the exam?
Other than an English-foreign language dictionary and a nonprogrammable calculator, you may not bring any materials into the exam room. Scratch paper is provided.

What if the name on my exam confirmation notice doesn't match the name on my primary ID?
If your name has changed as a result of a legal name change (marriage, divorce, etc) bring appropriate legal documentation of this change (for example, a copy of your marriage certificate) to the exam site. You must also notify APICS Customer Support of this change so that your record can be updated.

If you used a nickname or second name to register for the exam (for example "Mike Jones" instead of "John M Jones" or "Michael Jones", you will have to contact APICS Customer Support to have your name corrected in our system. APICS will then provide this information to Pearson VUE. Once Pearson VUE has this updated information in their system, you will be able to test. Changes cannot be made directly with Pearson VUE.

Failure to provide proof of name change or to correct your name with APICS could result in you being denied entrance to the exam and, in turn, forfeiture of your exam fees.

If I have an unexcused absence from the exam and have not canceled, why do I forfeit my fee?
The exam space has been reserved for you and is held until cancellation is received. APICS pays the test vendor for all reserved seats, whether or not a candidate takes the exam.

Can the computer-based testing centers accommodate candidates with disabilities or other special needs?
Yes. All U.S. test centers meet federal and state requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. Please call PearsonVue at (800) 274-8399.

Is there a waiting period to retake a APICS CPIM/CIRM examination?
Yes. You must wait 30 days before retaking an APICS certification examination. There are no exceptions to this policy. APICS encourages any candidate who does not pass an exam to attend review courses held by the local APICS chapter or to order certification reference materials for additional study before retaking the exam.

What is the scoring process for APICS CPIM, APICS CIRM, and APICS CSCP exams?
The Understand a Scaled Score document explains the use of a scaled score system for reporting test performance in the APICS CPIM and CIRM programs.

Does a change to the APICS courseware indicate a change to the exam?
Not necessarily. Not all changes to the courseware are due to changes in the exam specifications. While APICS courseware is periodically updated to reflect changes in the exam specifications, it is also updated in response to feedback from instructors and students regarding ways to enhance the learning experience and to reflect industry trends.

Additionally, exam content is reviewed annually by APICS exam committees - committee decisions are reflected in the exam specifications document. For the APICS CPIM program, refer to the current version of the APICS CPIM Exam Content Manual; candidates for the APICS CSCP exam should refer to the current APICS CSCP examination content outline. Your examination preparation and APICS courseware experience are more likely to be successful when these documents are the foundation of your study efforts.

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Certificate Questions

When do I get a certificate?
Certificates are issued when the following events occur:

• An individual passes the Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM) exam
• An individual becomes CPIM-, CFPIM-, or CSCP-certified
• An individual's certification maintenance is processed (all certifications)
• An individual becomes lifetime-certified (all certifications)

Where will my certificate be sent?
Where your certificate will be sent depends on what type of certificate you are receiving and where you tested.

• BSCM, CPIM, and CSCP certificates (including replacement certificates)
  • Certificates for candidates who tested in North America (US, Canada, or Mexico) are sent to the candidate's preferred mailing address as listed in the APICS database.
  • Certificates for candidates who tested outside of North America are sent to the candidate's Certification Administrator. The Certification Administrators are responsible for distributing the certificates to their candidates.
• Certification maintenance and Lifetime certificates (including replacement certificates) are sent directly to the certified individual's preferred mailing address as listed in the APICS database.

How long will it take for me to receive my certificate?
Original certificates typically are mailed within 4 to 6 weeks of the request. Requests are submitted to APICS's printing partner once a week and will include all certificates for events that occurred within that week. Note that certificates for paper and pencil exams are not requested until the exam scores are received from the testing vendor, which is usually 4 to 6 weeks from the exam date. Scores for candidates who took computer-based exams through Pearson VUE are received by APICS the week after the exam date.

My name was misspelled on my certificate. What do I do?
The names printed on the certificates appear exactly as they are listed in the APICS database. If the misspelling is due to an APICS typographical error we will replace it at no charge. If it is not due to an APICS typographical error, then you will have to inform APICS of the correct spelling of the name and then request a duplicate certificate. Duplicate certificates can be issued for a fee of $20 USD per certificate. Please complete the Duplicate Certificate Request Form and submit it with payment to the APICS Certification Department. Your certificate will be sent within 4 to 6 weeks of the date the request is received. This policy applies also to candidates who are listed in the APICS database under a nickname and now want their full legal name printed on the certificate.

My certificate was lost or destroyed. How do I obtain a duplicate?
Duplicate certificates can be issued for a fee of $20 USD per certificate. Please complete the Duplicate Certificate Request Form and submit it with payment to the APICS Certification Department. Your certificate will be sent within 2 to 3 weeks of the date the request is received.

I was originally certified under a different name. How do I get my certificate to reflect my current name?
Certificates are printed using the name that appears in the APICS database at the time the event occurs. If you would like a new certificate printed with a different name, contact APICS Customer Service (email service@apics.org or phone 773/867-1777) to have your name updated. You can then request a duplicate certificate for a fee of $20 USD per certificate. Please complete the Duplicate Certificate Request Form and submit it with payment to the APICS Certification Department. Your certificate will be sent within 2 to 3 weeks of the date the request is received.

I was certified in the past but my certification is now suspended due to non-maintenance. Can I receive a duplicate certificate?
Because APICS CPIM/CFPIM and CSCP certificates only contain the original date of certification, duplicate certificates can only be issued to individuals whose certification is current. We feel that to issue a duplicate certificate to someone whose certification is suspended is misleading to the individual as it could imply that the certification is current. However, APICS Certification can provide a letter confirming that you had been certified from X date to Y date. Please send any requests for a certification verification letter to certification@apics.org. If you submit your maintenance information, you can request a duplicate certificate after your certification is reinstated.

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Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Questions

What is the APICS CSCP certification?
APICS created the APICS CSCP certification to specifically meet the rapidly changing educational needs in the field of supply chain management. The APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) designation is designed for professionals interested in increasing their knowledge of supply chain management, those currently working in the field of supply chain management, professionals consulting or teaching supply chain functions; and for those individuals working with enterprise resources planning systems.

Why has APICS developed the APICS CSCP certification?
Through extensive market research, APICS uncovered a major gap in professional certifications specifically addressing the educational needs of professionals working in the field of supply chain management. APICS has the body of knowledge, the subject matter experts, the infrastructure, and holds the leadership position to develop and market the APICS CSCP certification. With the addition of the APICS CSCP designation, APICS enhances the validity of operations management disciplines, specifically production, inventory, enterprise, and now supply chain management.

How will the APICS CSCP course be delivered?
The APICS CSCP Learning System combines prints materials with interactive online components. It will be offered in three learning options - self-directed, instructor-led, or corporate group. Instructor-led courses will be offered through the APICS network of local chapters, colleges and universities, and corporations.

What does "related business experience" mean in terms of the exam eligibility requirements?
APICS defines "related experience" as work that is directly connected to some aspect of the supply chain. This can include raw materials extraction, transportation and logistics, procurement, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, retail, customer service, software design and support, and other areas that directly affect the supply chain. Workers who operate transportation or materials moving equipment or machines or processing equipment that require an intermediate level of training would qualify. Managers, officials, professionals, technicians, sales personnel, quality and quality control personnel, and skilled craft workers will generally be considered eligible.

Examples of work experience that would not qualify include clerical and administrative support positions such as data entry, duplicating machine operator, file clerks, office machine operators, secretaries, telephone operators, order clerks and/or unskilled labor positions where the duties require little or no independent judgment or specialized training.

What about APICS' current certifications - APICS CPIM and APICS CIRM?
There will continue to be an important market, especially for the APICS CPIM designation. According to the Holmes Corporation, one of the primary drivers of any voluntary certification program is increased earnings for individuals or increased profits for corporations. Designations which directly assist individuals in securing employment or increasing their earnings potential or which directly help corporations increase revenues or decrease costs are "need-to-know" designations. Holmes considers the APICS CPIM program a need-to-know designation.

Should I continue working on the certification that I've already started?
Candidates for the APICS CPIM program should continue to pursue their APICS certifications. The three APICS certifications (APICS CPIM, APICS CIRM, and APICS CSCP) are completely separate and distinct programs that concentrate on specific disciplines within the field of operations management. This diagram provides a depiction of the differences between the APICS CPIM and APICS CSCP programs.

What is the difference between the APICS CPIM designation and the APICS CSCP designation?
The APICS CPIM certification provides a common platform for individuals to evaluate their knowledge of production and inventory management. APICS CPIM focuses primarily on manufacturing and provides an in-depth view of materials management, master scheduling, production planning, forecasting, and quality improvement within the confines of the operation. The APICS CSCP certification takes a broader view, extending the APICS CPIM knowledge outside of a company's internal operations to encompass all of the steps throughout the supply chain - from suppliers through the company to the end consumer - and how to effectively manage the integration of these activities to maximize a company's value chain. This diagram provides a depiction of the differences between the programs.

Will the current APICS CPIM Basics of Supply Chain Management module be a pre-requisite or be a part of the APICS CSCP program?
The APICS CPIM Basics of Supply Chain Management module will continue to be a part of the APICS CPIM certification program. The Basics course will not be a pre-requisite course for the APICS CSCP program. The APICS CPIM program is a completely separate and distinct program from the APICS CSCP program.

How can I find out more about the APICS CSCP program?
APICS will continue to provide updates and greater detail on the APICS CSCP program as it is developed via the APICS Web site and e-mail notices.

Where can I find answers to questions about the APICS CSCP learning system?
For answers to common questions about the learning system, please visit the CSCP Learning System FAQ page.

When will APICS notify me of my eligibility status?
APICS will review and notify candidates within 2 weeks of receipt.

When will I receive my exam registration confirmation?
Exam confirmation notices are emailed to registrants approximately two weeks before the exam.

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CPIM Questions

How many computer-based APICS CPIM exams may I take in one day?
You may take as many different exams in one day as time and space permit; however, you must register for exams at least four days before exam date. If you register fewer than four days before the test, you will be accommodated only if space is available.

How do the CPIM exams I passed before the reconfiguration count toward completing the CPIM program?
The Certified in Production and Inventory Management program underwent a reconfiguration in 2000, which consolidated the existing seven CPIM program modules into five process-oriented topic areas. In addition to the consolidation, the reconfiguration integrated new topics into the current curriculum, such as the theory of constraints and enterprise resource planning, in efforts to further APICS' commitment to providing our members and customers with the best possible educational experience and assessment.

Testing changed to the reconfigured CPIM material in September 2000. However, all exams taken from the former program continue to count toward certification. The CPIM Reconfiguration Transition Mapping Document will assist you in planning for the completion of your certification under the reconfigured program.

CIRM Questions

Update - APICS discontinued offering the APICS Certified in Integrated Resource Management (CIRM) program on June 1, 2008. Content of APICS CIRM program will continue to be recognized as a valuable part of the APICS body of knowledge. Learn more.

Certification Maintenance Questions

When should I submit my application to APICS?
Certification maintenance cycles run in five-year intervals, commencing from the date of initial certification and ending on the last day of the month that initial certification was received.

Am I required to retake the CPIM exams in order to maintain my certification?
No. The Certification Maintenance program is not designed to replicate the certification test-taking process. Rather, the intent of the program is to promote lifelong learning through professional development beyond certification. However, as an option, you can complete the full CPIM certification exam process just as you did when you attained your original certification. Once you complete the full CPIM certification process, the date upon which you pass your last exam becomes your new "initial" certification date and your five-year certification maintenance cycle will commence from that date. For CFPIM Certification Maintenance, you can choose to complete the full CFPIM certification process, which includes passing the CPIM exams and submitting the CFPIM application.

Note that if your certification status is suspended and continues to lapse for five years past your suspension date, you must take and pass the required certification exams.

Will points be earned for responsibilities and activities completed as part of my full-time job?
You will not receive points for holding a specific position in any company. Candidates will, however, receive points for any resource management-related education they give or receive on or off the job. This includes workshops, seminars, or in-house training that are attended in order to maintain knowledge or improve your job skills.

How do I document attendance at events conducted by organizations other than APICS?
Evidence of attendance at non-APICS conferences can be provided through a receipt, certificate, or nametag, or through a letter on the letterhead of the sponsoring organization.

How do I document membership in organizations other than APICS?
Evidence of professional membership in resource management-related organizations can be provided through a receipt, membership card with a date, or a letter on the letterhead of the membership organization.

How can I be sure that APICS has my current mailing address?
Call APICS Customer Service at (800) 444-2742 or (773) 867-1777 or send an e-mail to service@apics.org to confirm the mailing address APICS currently has on file.

Do I need to become a member of APICS in order to begin collecting maintenance points?
No. The Certification Maintenance program is designed for both members and non-members.

I am CIRM certified. Do I need to fulfill any requirements for maintaining my CIRM designation?
At this time, there are no Certification Maintenance requirements for the CIRM program.

When calculating points for a class, should I account for the number of hours that are published in the course catalog or advertisement or the number of actual classroom hours?
Candidates receive credit for actual class-time. Breaks, networking, meals, and other non-instructional time are not eligible for points.

Can I receive credit for reading books or listening to audiotapes?
No. Due to the inability to confirm that an individual has read a book or listened to an audiotape, these activities will not count toward Certification Maintenance.

Will courses that are conducted in a language other than English earn points?
As long as a class relates to resource management, it is eligible for points regardless of the language in which it is presented.

Will taking a CPIM or CIRM certification review course earn points?
Yes. One point per full hour of instruction is earned for all APICS certification review courses.

Can I earn points twice for taking the same workshop?
Yes. If you choose to retake a workshop for any reason, you will earn points for each workshop you complete.

Do independent study programs count for points?
Yes. Independent study is defined as a home study course or similar educational activity that is done outside of the typical classroom setting. APICS will approve 48 points for a 3-credit independent study course offered by a college/university and will grant non-college/university independent study courses 3 points per approved CEU.

Does a class or activity need to have a specific number of participants in order to be worthy of earning points?
There is no minimum requirement for the number of participants in a program.

Does attendance at a chapter meeting, region meeting and/or board meeting earn points toward Certification Maintenance?
Yes, all instructional portions of meetings of this nature are eligible for points. Participants will earn one point for each instructional hour while presenters will earn two points per instructional hour. Breaks, networking, meals, administrative tasks, and other non-instructional time will not be eligible for points.

How can chapters and other education providers supply documentation of participation to individuals seeking Certification Maintenance points?
Many organizations provide a form on company or chapter letterhead for the students and instructors to complete. Other groups are sending out certificates and receipts to students and letters of thanks to the instructors for purposes of documentation. If you attended a program in the past and would now like to seek documentation, contact the sponsoring organization and request a letter on letterhead or a certificate of completion.

What APICS membership categories are eligible for points?
Individuals will earn six points per year as a member of APICS in the following categories

• Regular
• Corporate Voting^*
• Student
• Lifetime
• Member-at-Large
• International
• International Member-at-Large
• Honorary
• Honorary Chapter

^* Corporate Subsidiary designates do not qualify for points; however, they qualify for the member rate on the application fee.

Why does APICS membership earn six points per year while membership in other organizations only earns one point per year?
APICS members receive a great deal of information during a membership year, ensuring that they are exposed to resource management-related material on a consistent basis. APICS material is also most likely to address the APICS body of knowledge and is thus more likely to support the goals of the CPIM and CFPIM Certification Maintenance program.

Do APICS Corporate members earn six points for their membership?
If you are a "Corporate Voting member", one of the corporate members who receives the monthly benefit mailings from APICS, you qualify as a member and receive six points. Corporate Subsidiary designates, although part of the corporate membership, will not qualify for Certification Maintenance points for APICS membership.

Can I earn points by taking exams other than the CPIM and CIRM exams?
No, you will not receive any points for passing non-APICS exams. However, you will earn one point per instructional hour for any educational or review courses related to these topics.

If I begin taking CIRM exams, will that count both as maintenance of the CPIM or CFPIM, as well as earning credit towards CIRM?
Yes. A passing score on a CIRM exam is worth 10 points toward maintenance of your CPIM or CFPIM designation.

Can I obtain points for the time I spend studying for CIRM or CPIM exams?
Individual preparation for exams does not count towards Certification Maintenance points since it is impossible to document time spent on this type of activity. However, time spent in workshops and courses will earn points and candidates receive 10 points for each CPIM or CIRM exam that is passed after their initial certification date.

Do the exams I passed to earn my CPIM count toward Certification Maintenance?
No. Only exams and activities completed after your certification date will count toward maintenance.

Can I earn maintenance points for teaching classes?
Yes. Instructors earn two points for each instructional hour of a resource management-related program.

How many points will I earn if I teach a course with a second instructor?
Teaching a course earns two points per instructional hour. Instructors are welcome to divide the points in any manner as long as it is mutually agreed upon and the total number of points for a presentation does not exceed 2 points per hour. If instructors choose to divide the points in an inequitable manner, the presenters must provide written agreement and document why the points are being divided in such a way.

Can I earn points more than once a year for teaching the same class? For example, if I teach a Basics of Supply Chain Management review course three times a year, can I earn points every time I teach it?
Points are awarded to instructors only once per topic in a given calendar year.

How many points will I accumulate for teaching a college class?
A class that is worth three credit hours will entail 36 hours of instruction during a 12-week period thus earning 72 points. However, there is a limit of 60 CPIM points or 80 CFPIM points in Category II: Presentations, Publications, and Educational Development. This limitation ensures that individuals who teach or publish extensively diversify their point total. Therefore, a CPIM candidate will earn 60 points for teaching a three-credit college class and a CFPIM will earn 72 points.

What is the definition of "original research"?
Research conducted for a publication is considered "original" if it has been accepted by a peer-review editorial review board.

Do translators of resource management materials receive any points?
APICS will award two points per hour of translation of resource management materials.

Can I submit my Web site as an example of a "published article"?
Web sites and their contents are not accepted as points toward a published article because articles are reviewed by panels, publishers, editors, etc., but web sites are not held to the same standards.

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Computer-Based Testing Questions

What is computer-based testing (CBT)?
CBT, as defined by APICS, is the delivery of our existing certification exams by computer at a pre-determined, proctored vendor site. The vendor that APICS has chosen is Pearson VUE.

Who is Pearson VUE and why are they a good partner for APICS?
Pearson VUE administers 40 million exams a year in 145 countries worldwide in multiple languages. They are a leader in global computer-based test administration. Pearson VUE's technology investments ensure leading-edge security and provide improved service to APICS' candidates.

There are no testing slots available for APICS candidates to schedule an exam through Pearson VUE?
Both Pearson VUE and APICS monitor testing availability closely. We encourage our testers to register as early as possible, as our testing sites are not just administering APICS exams. The seats at these testing sites are reserved on a first come, first serve basis. Testing seats fill up quickly. In order to ensue a candidate has their preference of date & time, they must register early The website gives "real-time" information regarding testing space availability. If our members are encountering conflicting information it is imperative that they immediately notify APICS so that we can ensure our process is working properly. Please email & to log a complaint. Include your name, memberID, best telephone for contact, date and time you attempted to schedule your exam and the error message received.

Why is APICS changing the APICS CSCP from pencil-and-paper exams to CBT?
The implementation of CBT strengthens The APICS' commitment to serving the operations management community through a valid and reliable examination process. It also provides numerous benefits to candidates, including:

• Providing more flexible test administration.
• Providing candidates with the convenience of scheduling their tests on the available dates, times, and locations most appropriate for them.
• Providing candidates with faster scoring and results.
• Providing the candidate with a professional exam environment that allows for maximum concentration on the exam with limited external disturbances.
• Offering candidates a reliable and consistent testing environment, where there is little or no variability between each candidate's experiences.
• Reducing the risk of candidate response errors caused by transferring answers from an exam booklet to an answer sheet.

Do all of the candidates take the same CSCP examination, or does each candidate take a different test?
Each candidate is presented with a unique set of test items, but all candidates are tested over the same subject matter and the results are comparable.

With candidates receiving different test items how will APICS ensure that each candidate is being correctly assessed?
The test delivery system ensures that all test items meet content and psychometric specifications. All items are classified according to their content and statistical properties before they are administered in an operational test. The testing software then administers items according to the specifications so that each candidate is administered a fair examination of appropriate content coverage and difficulty.

Will candidates have a choice of taking the exams in either paper-and-pencil or computer-based format?
Yes. Paper-and-pencil will still be available. However, switching between delivery platforms after registering for an exam will result in additional fees.

Does it take more time to complete the computerized test compared to the paper version?
Experience with computerized testing reveals that it usually takes less time to complete the test. There are no test booklets and answer sheets to manage, and no need to transfer answers manually to an answer sheet.

How much time will candidates have to complete the CSCP exam?
CSCP exam - Candidates will be allowed four hours of test time. This allows enough time for a tutorial prior to the start of the exam and a survey at the completion of the exam.

What computer skills are needed to take exams via CBT?
Candidates are expected to be familiar with the use of a mouse and keyboard. Candidates must also be able to use a four function online calculator. A short tutorial will be available to each candidate at the testing center prior to taking the exam. The tutorial will also be available to candidates online for review before the exam. Candidates will no longer bring calculators to the exam site. A calculator will either be provided at the testing center by Pearson VUE or will be available on the computer.

When will the exams be offered?
The exams will be offered in select windows throughout the year. Pearson VUE exam sites are typically open five or six days a week, based on local conditions.

What will be the format of the exam?
Exam questions will remain multiple-choice.

When taking the computer-based exam, may a candidate return to previous questions to review them or change answers?
Yes. During the time allowed for the exam, candidates may move freely within the exam. Candidates may return to previous questions, change their answers, and mark questions that they would like to review before completing the exam. However, once the candidate completes the exam or the test time is over, the candidate can no longer access any exam questions.

Will the content of the exams change?
The content of the CSCP exam will not change. Questions on the computer-based exam will cover the same subject matter as those on the pencil-and-paper exam.

Is the exam easier?
The difficulty level of the exam does not change.

Will the passing standard change for the CSCP exam with CBT?
The passing standards will not change.

Will the price of the exam increase once it becomes CBT?
In 2009 there are no plans to increase the exam price for CBT.

With CBT, will the approval/registration process change for the APICS CSCP exam?
Candidates are required to submit their eligibility application at least 2 weeks prior to scheduling their CBT exam. Once registration opens for a window, candidates can schedule their exam anytime during that window up to 24 hours in advance of sitting for the exam.

How do candidates schedule an exam?
In order to schedule an exam, candidates must have successfully completed the Eligibility application and received correspondence from APICS notifying them of their approval to test. For computerized testing, all tests will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The earlier that candidates schedule appointments, the better their chances are of obtaining the location, date, and time of their choice. Walk-in testing is not allowed. Please note that the application and registration process may vary in countries where the exams are administered through local Certification Administrators.

What if I do not show up for my CSCP exam?
If you do not show up for your CSCP CBT exam or cancel your exam in less than the 24-hour required notice you will be considered a "no-show" and will forfeit your registration fees.

What languages will be available through CBT?
The exam will be available in English, as the current paper-and-pencil exam.

There are no Pearson VUE testing facilities in our area. What is the process to establish a new testing site?
As we continue experience growth in APICS certification, we are experiencing limitations with Pearson VUE testing facility locations. APICS uses Pearson VUE as a third party testing facility. Pearson VUE not only administers APICS exams, but they also administer other industry exams at the same locations. Therefore, any business decision to open up a new testing facility is the sole responsibility of Pearson VUE. APICS is more than welcome to make recommendations, however a business case and return on investment must be justified by Pearson VUE. However, APICS has developed the group testing program to mitigate these circumstances. You are able to contact your local chapter to inquire about group testing. APICS is also in the process of looking at other testing delivery options to ensure our candidates testing needs are being met. Please email your complaints, concerns, questions or suggestions to certification@apics.org.

What is the cancellation policy and procedure for the APICS CSCP computer-based test?
Candidates are required to notify Pearson VUE of exam cancellation 24-hours prior to scheduled exam. The candidate is then required to show their local International Associate with proof of cancellation obtained from Pearson VUE. All cancellation fees will apply.

Why is there a 24-48 hour delay from when I purchase my exam from my local International Associate until the time I can actually register for the exam through Pearson VUE?
There is an exam authorization and payment verification process that must be done by APICS before any candidate is able to schedule his/her exam.

What is the APICS reschedule policy and procedure for the APICS CSCP computer based test?
Candidates are able to reschedule their exam directly on the Pearson VUE website or through Pearson VUE customer support. Candidates are required to give a 24-hour notice to Pearson VUE. It is not necessary to notify your local International Associate.

What if I did not give a 24-hour notice to Pearson VUE but need to cancel my exam?
If you did not provide a 24-hour notice then you would be considered an exam "no show" and will then forfeit your exam fees.

I had a medical emergency and was not able to take the APICS CSCP exam, what should I do?
Contact your local International Associate immediately.

Is there a waiting period to retake the APICS CSCP examination via CBT?
Yes. You must wait 14 days before retaking an APICS CSCP examination via CBT. You can retake the CSCP via CBT within the same exam window if the window is still open and if there are seats available. However, if the 14 day waiting period ends after the window has closed, you will have to wait until the next window to test. There are no exceptions to this policy. APICS encourages any candidate who does not pass an exam to attend review courses held by the local APICS chapter or to order certification reference materials for additional study before retaking the exam.

I recently took a CPIM exam via CBT at a Pearson VUE center. I want to register for the CSCP CBT but it is not available at the same site where I took my CPIM. Why is this?
Currently the CPIM and CSCP programs are administered on different testing platforms. Not all Pearson VUE sites support both platforms. Therefore, you may have taken a CPIM exam at a site where the CSCP is not offered, and vice versa. A platform migration planned for late 2010 will move CPIM to the Pearson VUE infrastructure, providing consistency in test delivery at each center.

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