Track specific weak concepts.
A planner who passed with 326 after eight months listed 40 to 50 specific concepts from quizzes, such as TCO and supplier right-sizing, and reread each one. Module scores alone were too broad.
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) Exam Guide
Validates knowledge of end-to-end supply chain management, including demand, network design, sourcing, operations, logistics, supplier relationships and risk.
CSCP tests whether you can choose the right approach across the whole supply chain, from demand and sourcing to logistics, relationships and risk. Most questions are scenarios that ask for the best option, with only a few calculations. Use the official Learning System or another resource built on the 5.0 manual, and learn ASCM’s terms and trade-offs.
Understand the exam
Syllabus
IForecast and manage demand10%
- ACollect and analyze historical and environmental demand data
- BInfluence demand through marketing activities
- CBuild the forecast
- DAlign supply with demand
IIManage the global supply chain network and information10%
- ADefine and manage the supply chain network
- BManage customer, supplier, product/item, engineering, and logistics master data
- CDevelop and maintain reports, analytics, and metrics
IIISource products and services17%
- AAlign sourcing activities to demand
- BManage categories for sourcing of products and services
- CEvaluate and select suppliers
- DManage purchase orders
Example scenario: A company relies on one overseas supplier for a critical part and wants lower total cost. Which factors beyond unit price would you compare before changing the sourcing strategy?
IVManage internal operations and inventory19%
- APlan operations
- BManage inventory
- CMeasure and assess performance
Example scenario: Inventory turns have fallen while stockouts are rising. Which inventory policies and measures would you review first?
VManage supply chain logistics9%
- ADefine and manage distribution network
- BProvide distribution services
- CEvaluate trade considerations
- DDesign and manage reverse flow
VIManage customer and supplier relationships17%
- AManage customer relations
- BManage supplier relations
Example scenario: A key customer wants shorter lead times and a strategic supplier wants longer commitments. How would you structure both relationships to support the change?
VIIManage supply chain risk10%
- AIdentify risks
- BAssess impact, timing, or probability of risks
- CDetermine response to mitigate risks
- DExecute and evaluate risk response
Example scenario: A region that supplies 40% of a component faces a likely port strike. How would you assess the exposure and choose a response?
VIIIEvaluate and optimize the supply chain8%
- AOptimize the supply chain strategy
- BOptimize the supply chain network and processes
- CEmbed sustainability into the supply chain
- DConsider emerging trends
CSCP Exam Content Manual · Version 5.0
Format
- Questions
- 150
- Duration
- 3h 30m
- Passing score
- 300 / 350
- Delivery
- Test centre or online
- Languages
- English
Question types
Choose the single best answer from four options.
CertUp example
A manufacturer has several suppliers for a low-value, standard part and wants to cut the effort of managing them. Which sourcing approach fits best?
Show answer
A. A low-value, standard part does not justify a close partnership, so volume leverage and simple contracts reduce effort and cost.
Work out a figure from the data given, such as inventory turns or a forecast error, then choose the matching option.
CertUp example
Annual cost of goods sold is $2,400,000 and average inventory is $400,000. What are the inventory turns?
Show answer
B. Inventory turns = cost of goods sold / average inventory = 2,400,000 / 400,000 = 6.
Eligibility and booking
Create a free ASCM account, buy the exam and schedule it with Pearson VUE from My Account. An exam bought on its own must be taken within six months; an exam in a bundle within 12 months. After a failed attempt, wait 14 days to retest.
Make a study plan
Read the Exam Content Manual and take the Learning System pre-test to find the modules furthest from your experience.
Most candidates spend 80–130 hours. Plan for the low end if you have worked across demand, sourcing and logistics; plan for the high end if you know only one function in the chain.
- 1Understand the examRead the syllabus and format, check you’re eligible and pick a target date.5 h
- 3Learn the core conceptsWork through one main course or book, topic by topic.60 h
- 4Practice with mock examsTake timed practice tests and review every mistake.30 h
- 5Prepare for exam dayBook the exam and check the ID and delivery rules.5 h
Learn the core concepts
The official Learning System follows the exam outline. Start with the free content manual to see the scope.
Best official courseCSCP Learning System
Best instructor-led courseCSCP instructor-supported online courseBest live classInstructor-led CSCP classesThink across functions. Look for the answer that helps the whole supply chain, not only the department in the question.
Practice with mock exams
Use the Learning System quizzes and practice exam first. Add a question bank for volume.
See all 3 CSCP practice tests →Are you ready?
- You can explain the trade-offs behind sourcing, inventory and logistics decisions.
- You can name the specific concepts you used to miss and answer them now.
- You finish a timed full practice exam with time to review flagged questions.
- No module is far behind the others.
Prepare for exam day
Check your ID and testing setup before the appointment.
Before travelling to Pearson VUE
Before testing with OnVUE
- Check in at least 30 minutes before your appointment. Late arrivals can lose the exam fee.
- Bring one unexpired primary ID with photo and signature, plus a second ID with your name and signature or photo.
- Make sure both names match your ASCM registration.
- You may bring a simple non-programmable calculator; an on-screen calculator is also provided.
- There are no scheduled breaks, and the clock keeps running if you leave the room.
- Run the OnVUE system test on the same computer and network you will use.
- Have one unexpired government-issued ID with photo and signature that matches your registration.
- Turn off VPNs and clear the room and desk. Only the on-screen calculator is allowed.
- Start check-in on time. Breaks are not allowed, and you must stay in view of the webcam.
- Rescheduling or cancelling costs $45. Change a test-centre appointment at least 48 hours ahead; an online appointment up to its start time.
Advice from exam takers
Expect scenarios more than calculations.
The same passer saw only four or five numerical questions, flagged about 40 questions and finished in a little over three hours.
Learn the official framing.
One candidate failed twice by a few points using free resources and Pocket Prep, then passed after studying the official textbooks.