All CPIM exams are administered using a linear-testing approach. Linear testing is a proven testing methodology based on the same concept as traditional paper-and-pencil exams. Candidates answer a predetermined number of questions to assess their knowledge in key areas.

Each of the CPIM exams (except Basics) consists of 75 multiple-choice questions. The Basics exam consists of 105 multiple-choice questions. There is a three-hour time limit for each CPIM exam.

Each of the questions is based on the outline in the CPIM Exam Content Manual. The test is designed to evaluate a candidate’s knowledge of the subject matter. Therefore, the key to success is a thorough understanding of the subject matter.

The CPIM scaled score range is 265-330:

• 265 – 299 Fail
• 300 – 330 Pass

For each examination, you receive a score for the total test. All candidates will also receive diagnostic information on their performance. A total scaled score of 300 or higher is required to pass an exam. 

CPIM BSCM – Basics of Supply Chain Management

This module covers basic concepts in managing the complete flow of materials in a supply chain from suppliers to customers. The Basics module introduces supply chain concepts and emphasizes basic terminology, but it also covers relationships among activities in the supply chain. Knowledge of the material in this module is assumed as a prerequisite for the other CPIM modules, which cover similar topics but in much greater depth.

Four main topics have been used to organize the domain of Basics of Supply Chain Management. The relative importance of a topic is not necessarily reflected by its level in the outline. The relative importance of these topics will vary among industries, but for study purposes the percentage figures given below can be used as guidelines.

CPIM MPR – Master Planning of Resources

This module examines both supply and demand planning for mid- to long-term independent demand. Major topics include demand management, sales and operations planning, and maser scheduling. Both priority planning and capacity planning issues are addressed.

Demand Management is the function of recognizing all demands for goods and services to support the marketplace. It includes forecasting, order servicing and customer relationship management, and distribution planning

Sales and Operations Planning is a process that brings together all the plans for the business (e.g., sales, marketing, product development, manufacturing, sourcing, finance). The result is an integrated set of plans by product family.

Master Scheduling is the process of generating, reviewing, and updating the master production schedule to keep it consistent with the production plan. 

CPIM DSP – Detailed Scheduling and Planning

The subject matter of Detailed Scheduling and Planning includes inventory management, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, and procurement and supplier planning. 

Detailed Scheduling and Planning translates product-level plans and schedules generated at the master planning level into requirements that can be procured or produced. This process supports the strategies and objectives established by the company, as constrained by lead time, cost, equipment, personnel, or other constraints. The subject matter therefore encompasses anything required to bridge the master planning area with the execution and control area of the CPIM body of knowledge. Relevant strategy-level implications are also considered. 

CPIM ECO – Execution and Control of Operations

Execution and Control of Operations encompasses the principles, approaches, and techniques needed to schedule, control, measure, and evaluate the effectiveness of production operations. This certification module addresses a broad base of production operations including project, batch, line, continuous, and remanufacturing environments. It provides feedback about how well plans are being executed and provides information for customers and suppliers about the status of work in process (WIP). The importance and emphasis of the principles, approaches and techniques addressed are relative to the production environment, the labor environment, and the physical organization of the plant, brought about through effective people management and leadership. 

CPIM SMR – Strategic Management of Resources

The subject matter in the Strategic Management of Resources module includes higher-level thinking on strategic planning and implementation. This requires an understanding of how market requirements drive the resources and processes of all organizations.

The strategic management of resources has the potential to dramatically increase any organization’s competitive position. Operations strategy is the foundation upon which operations planning and control decisions should be based. Strategic decision-making significantly affects the organization and often requires widespread changes. To contribute to this effort, the candidate must understand how an organization develops its strategic goals, and how it configures its systems and technologies to address strategic objectives.

This examination focuses on the relationship of existing and emerging systems and concepts to the strategy and the functions related to operations planning and control The successful candidate must understand how Strategic Management of Resources relates to the CPIM body of knowledge as defined by the other CPIM modules.