APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management credential artwork

APICS Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM) Courses

Validates knowledge of demand planning, supply planning, inventory management, scheduling, distribution and sales and operations planning.

A good CPIM course teaches all nine modules of the 9.0 exam content manual, including the planning calculations, and tests you with graded practice. We compared the options on exam version, practice, support and price.

Most people should start with ASCM's CPIM Learning System, the official course built for the 9.0 exam. Add Simple Understanding's free YouTube series for a second explanation of each module, or choose an instructor-led class if you want a schedule and a study group.

CourseBest forFormatPrice
CPIM Learning SystemOfficial courseInteractive$1,755
CPIM 9.0 Comprehensive Course 2026Free video seriesVideoFree
Official course

CPIM Learning System

ASCM's official course for the nine CPIM 9.0 modules, with an adaptive study path, readings, flashcards, quizzes, videos and a practice exam. Printed books come with one year of online access.

Great fit if you want the course built for the current exam and its practice exam

Poor fit if you need an instructor; choose an instructor-led class

Free video series

CPIM 9.0 Comprehensive Course 2026

A free YouTube series that walks through the CPIM 9.0 modules one by one. It works as a second explanation next to the Learning System, but it has no graded practice or full mock exam.

Great fit if you want a free second explanation of each module

Poor fit if you need graded practice or a full mock exam; use the Learning System

Live instruction

Instructor-led CPIM classes

ASCM chapters and partners teach the Learning System with an APICS instructor, in person or online. Many classes include the materials, the exam or both.

Great fit if you want a schedule, an instructor and a study group

Poor fit if you prefer to study at your own pace; choose the Learning System

How to choose a CPIM course

  • Match the 9.0 exam. Version 9.0 of the Exam Content Manual applies to exams from June 1, 2026 and splits the old supply module into internal and external supply. Use a course built for 9.0.
  • Cover all nine modules. The exam is one 150-question test across nine content areas. A course should include readings and quizzes for each module, not only video summaries.
  • Practise the calculations. CPIM asks concept questions, scenarios and calculations. Pick a course with graded quizzes and a practice exam, then add a question bank.
  • Compare the cost with the exam. The Learning System costs $1,755, the same as the exam, for non-members. With the ASCM upgrade both cost $1,265.

Recommended CPIM course combinations

  • Lowest cost: Simple Understanding's free videos and ASCM's free sample questions, then PrepPool's ASCM CPIM Practice Test ($40) for volume.
  • Official route: The CPIM Learning System ($1,755, or $1,265 with the ASCM upgrade), which includes a practice exam, plus Simple Understanding's free videos for a second explanation.
  • Need more questions: Pocket Prep's CPIM Exam Prep ($21/month) alongside the Learning System for extra calculation and scenario practice.
  • Want a study group: An instructor-led class from an ASCM chapter or partner, which teaches the Learning System, with ASCM's free sample questions to start.

Compare all CPIM practice tests →

CPIM course FAQ

What is the best CPIM course?

For most people, ASCM's CPIM Learning System, the official course built for the 9.0 exam. Add Simple Understanding's free videos for a second explanation of each module.

Can I pass CPIM with free courses?

Free videos can teach the modules, but they offer no graded practice. Add ASCM's free sample questions and a paid question bank such as PrepPool or Pocket Prep.

How long does a CPIM course take?

ASCM recommends about 100 hours of study in total. Plan for more if supply chain planning is new to you.

Do I need the Learning System to take the CPIM exam?

No. CPIM has no eligibility requirements, and you can buy the exam on its own. The Learning System is the official course for it.