I passed my Certified Supply Chain Professional exams in Singapore on the 21st November 2014 (Friday).
In my class project group of 7 people (since May 2014), only 3 proceeded to take the exams and pass it (as of Nov 2014). Many people are daunted by the scope of study, the cost (US$1,300 is not cheap), the difficulty of the study. Put all these elements together, you will understand the risk of failing the exams is huge. If you are sponsored by your company, the cost can be offset. For many others like myself, I paid for the course and register for the exams using my personal study fund. So I am giving my best to make sure I pass it.
Here are some tips on how you can minimize the cost, study effectively and master the proficiency to the level where you can pass the exams at one go.
Sign up for the course
Firstly, sign up for the CSCP course. There are two ways you can go about doing that.
One way is via the APICS CSCP website, where you pay US$1275 (SGD$1,650) and you will receive the yellow-pages thick books (consisting of 3 modules, 5 books) and access to online practice quizzes, exams, flashcards.
The second is with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. The original course fee is SGD$3,723.60. But thanks to government funding, you only pay SGD$1117.08. For this price, you get to attend guided classes twice a week, get to work in project group to familiarize yourself with a module concepts, have group discussions, and finally get all the first option study guides and online practices. But there is a catch to it. You need a minimum 75% attendance, complete the group project work, personal assignment and to pass the final course exams. So getting government funding is not easy as you will need to work hard for it.
For myself, I travel frequently, so I was initially concerned about meeting the 75% attendance. But thankfully, I scheduled no travel during my course period as I was having a career transition. So I managed to get 100% attendance.
I would recommend to go for the class as you will meet fellow students from the supply chain industry. The group work is quite fun. And it is cheaper than buying it from APICS directly.
But do note that SMF only accept payment by cheque, NETS or cash. They do not accept credit card. So you are not able to get cash back or credit card rebates compare to getting from APICS directly.
Please note that charges for exams are separate. It cost US$1050 for APICS member and US$1300 for non-members. International e-membership cost US$125. So if you do the sums, applying for APICS membership and taking the exams will have cost US$1175 (SGD$1530). If you use certain credit card, you can get cash back. So it's more value for money to apply for membership, and pay for the exams.
Total, I spent around SG$2650 for CSCP. My total study hours is more than 100 hours.
In-Class Learning
I will share with you the experiences of attending the class at Singapore Manufacturing Federation. As it eventually both leads to self-study, which is the important part.
The classes are conducted over a span of 2 months, with 16 lessons, twice a week (but need to offset holidays, etc). The final lesson is the exams, so there is no class. There is a class in the middle of the course which is on group presentation. And in the first lesson, half is gone via self-introduction.
Enjoy the process as the lecturer will guide through the course syllabus over the 16 lessons. We have our lecturer Joseph below explaining to us about the group work.
The class is split into 3 groups. Two groups working on a research project, and one small group who will critique. Till now, I still enjoy the group discussion I have with my group. It helps bring us closer. Below is a photo of one of our in-class group discussion.
But attending classes in the evenings can be quite tiring. Some of my classmates do fall asleep in class after a long work day.
The final course assessment covers half of the content covered in the textbook. And the group project will cover a difficult / long topic (e.g. Logistics / Technology). So these hands-on and revision will allow you to be familiar with the content.
I got the top score for the final course assessment. But when it comes to preparing for the CSCP exams, it is a different arena altogether.
Recommended Approach to Self-Study
You will need to read and understand all the sentences in the 5 books to be proficient in it. Make sure you do not skip any sentence when reading (I have a habit of skipping and just grasp the main content). The quiz and exams will test you in detail on what is mentioned the textbook.
At the end of the in-class learning, I have to admit, my understanding of the concepts are still rudimentary (maybe I have not studied for a while). I did the online Pre-Test and scored only a 50plus. This means a lot of efforts will need to be put into self-study.
Our lecturer always advice us to take the exams 2 months after the course. But this requires discipline and time. I finished my course in mid-May. But from mid-May till mid-November (6 months), I was away for 2 months for overseas trip, etc. So I barely have time to study, even though I always bring my study guide along with me in my bags. And during the first few months after my course, I was constantly having social gatherings in the evenings.
The intensive study only start 3 months before the exams. And to have mastery over the content, you will need to read through your books at least 3 times. I consider the in-class training to be first round. I took comprehensive summary notes (15 +39 +19 = 73) pages) of the entire 5 textbooks in my second round. And when I'm going through my third round, and did the module quizzes, I began to see a trend to them. The 3 modules can actually be grouped into a few main knowledge areas: Supply Chain Strategy, Technology, Market-Focused, SRM, Inventory, Demand Mgmt, Logistics, Governance and Continuous Improvement.
While studying through the 3 modules, I noticed there are duplication of certain knowledge area across the module and sections. By grouping them into knowledge areas, it make the study to be easier and allows us to relate easier to them. This is a mind-mapping process. After I have grouped them, I started to revise through the knowledge area groups and did the quizzes respectively. It became much easier and I am able to gain mastery of the topics faster.
I also started taking notes of the mistakes I get when doing the quizzes. In each module/section, for question which I am uncertain and for question where I got wrong, I will write it down and will revise through them at a later stage.
By the time I revise through the textbooks in my fourth round, I begin to grasp the core essence that CSCP is trying to inculcate to us. At this time, it started to shape how I approach towards collaboration and perception of the supply chain. This is the correct supply chain perception that APICS Supply Chain Council is trying to inculcate into all of us. If you can grasp the core essence, there should be no problem in passing the exams. I share a few core principles here:
- In modern supply chain, specialization and economies of scale is the way to go. Collaborate with partners to tap on mutual expertize. We cannot look at suppliers in adversary way. There is a need to achieve win-win for all parties in Supply Chain. Only this way, will the supply chain be successful.
- Our approach to customers will also be different as learnt from CRM. All customers are important and we need to channel our supply chain to meet their requirements. So it is important for us to constantly listen and interact with customers.
- Supply chain is constantly evolving. It relates to relationships with suppliers, with the way we do work. So everyone in the chain needs to play a part in continuous improvement.
- The importance of strategy alignment, differentiating between strategy-tactical is emphasized, reaching consensus via S&OP and many more.
Many of us come from different area of Supply Chain. It is very rare for someone to have experience in all aspects of the Supply Chain as covered by CSCP. For myself, I come from a Technology, Logistics, Demand Planning and Continuous Improvement background. So when I study these topics, it is much easier for me as I understand how it works (e.g. different tools in Continuous Improvement, different systems in Technology, different material handling systems in Logistics, planning processes in Demand Planning). Use your experience to the fullest to relate to these knowledge areas.
Exams
I initially booked my exams in July, but I postponed the time period twice. First time to September (as I was in business trip July/August), and the final time to November (business trip in October). When I applied for the ATT in May, I can take my exams anytime within a one year period. But since July 2014, it become 6 months. So book and pay for your exams when you are close to completing your studies and is confident to pass when you take it.
I took my post-test and got around 84 marks for it. I took my mock exams and got 76 marks. I got high end of 80 plus in real exams.
The real exams use a scale system. So the questions do not have equal weight of marks.
Please be familiar with the exams style below:
Unlike quizzes which give you answers and explanation immediately. In the real exams, you will indicate your answers and click next (or you can click back). For each question, you can flag for review at the end of the exams. The final CSCP exams use the same concept but the look and feel is slightly different. The flag button is much bigger.
This is the first time I'm taking certification exams. So I'm an absolute newbie. I hope to share the procedure with other people who are also taking certification exams for the first time.
I arrived at the exams center 30mins before the start time as advised. Just produce your IC / driving license and your credit card. The staff will guide you to your seat and tell you to turn your phone to silent mode (I just turn it off) and put the bags in the lockers. There can be nothing in your pockets. You can start immediately if you want or can wait till the official start time. Anyway, I start immediately. The first 5mins is a short survey. And thereafter the official exams will start. If you need to go to the washroom, you can go (but better make it quick as the time continues to tick)
This is how I approach my exams. For questions which I am confident on. I will indicate my answers and proceed ahead. For questions I am not confident, I will give a closest answer and flag it for review at the end of it.
In all, I spent 2hr 45mins going through the 175 questions. And The remaining 30mins are spent going through the flagged questions. I completed in 3hr 15mins, 45mins ahead of the exams duration. Truth to tell, by the second hour, I am getting a bit exhausted. The exams is indeed long. So please develop your energy and concentration before hand. Have a good rest before exams. Some say do not drink that much water as it will mean you will need to go washroom more often. It is good to have some windbreaker in hand in case the room gets a bit cold. There is a digital calculator which you can use on-screen. But it is good to have a manual calculator in hand just in case.
In my class project group of 7 people (since May 2014), only 3 proceeded to take the exams and pass it (as of Nov 2014). Many people are daunted by the scope of study, the cost (US$1,300 is not cheap), the difficulty of the study. Put all these elements together, you will understand the risk of failing the exams is huge. If you are sponsored by your company, the cost can be offset. For many others like myself, I paid for the course and register for the exams using my personal study fund. So I am giving my best to make sure I pass it.
Here are some tips on how you can minimize the cost, study effectively and master the proficiency to the level where you can pass the exams at one go.
Sign up for the course
Firstly, sign up for the CSCP course. There are two ways you can go about doing that.
One way is via the APICS CSCP website, where you pay US$1275 (SGD$1,650) and you will receive the yellow-pages thick books (consisting of 3 modules, 5 books) and access to online practice quizzes, exams, flashcards.
The second is with the Singapore Manufacturing Federation. The original course fee is SGD$3,723.60. But thanks to government funding, you only pay SGD$1117.08. For this price, you get to attend guided classes twice a week, get to work in project group to familiarize yourself with a module concepts, have group discussions, and finally get all the first option study guides and online practices. But there is a catch to it. You need a minimum 75% attendance, complete the group project work, personal assignment and to pass the final course exams. So getting government funding is not easy as you will need to work hard for it.
For myself, I travel frequently, so I was initially concerned about meeting the 75% attendance. But thankfully, I scheduled no travel during my course period as I was having a career transition. So I managed to get 100% attendance.
I would recommend to go for the class as you will meet fellow students from the supply chain industry. The group work is quite fun. And it is cheaper than buying it from APICS directly.
But do note that SMF only accept payment by cheque, NETS or cash. They do not accept credit card. So you are not able to get cash back or credit card rebates compare to getting from APICS directly.
Please note that charges for exams are separate. It cost US$1050 for APICS member and US$1300 for non-members. International e-membership cost US$125. So if you do the sums, applying for APICS membership and taking the exams will have cost US$1175 (SGD$1530). If you use certain credit card, you can get cash back. So it's more value for money to apply for membership, and pay for the exams.
Total, I spent around SG$2650 for CSCP. My total study hours is more than 100 hours.
In-Class Learning
I will share with you the experiences of attending the class at Singapore Manufacturing Federation. As it eventually both leads to self-study, which is the important part.
The classes are conducted over a span of 2 months, with 16 lessons, twice a week (but need to offset holidays, etc). The final lesson is the exams, so there is no class. There is a class in the middle of the course which is on group presentation. And in the first lesson, half is gone via self-introduction.
Enjoy the process as the lecturer will guide through the course syllabus over the 16 lessons. We have our lecturer Joseph below explaining to us about the group work.
The class is split into 3 groups. Two groups working on a research project, and one small group who will critique. Till now, I still enjoy the group discussion I have with my group. It helps bring us closer. Below is a photo of one of our in-class group discussion.
But attending classes in the evenings can be quite tiring. Some of my classmates do fall asleep in class after a long work day.
The final course assessment covers half of the content covered in the textbook. And the group project will cover a difficult / long topic (e.g. Logistics / Technology). So these hands-on and revision will allow you to be familiar with the content.
I got the top score for the final course assessment. But when it comes to preparing for the CSCP exams, it is a different arena altogether.
Recommended Approach to Self-Study
You will need to read and understand all the sentences in the 5 books to be proficient in it. Make sure you do not skip any sentence when reading (I have a habit of skipping and just grasp the main content). The quiz and exams will test you in detail on what is mentioned the textbook.
At the end of the in-class learning, I have to admit, my understanding of the concepts are still rudimentary (maybe I have not studied for a while). I did the online Pre-Test and scored only a 50plus. This means a lot of efforts will need to be put into self-study.
Our lecturer always advice us to take the exams 2 months after the course. But this requires discipline and time. I finished my course in mid-May. But from mid-May till mid-November (6 months), I was away for 2 months for overseas trip, etc. So I barely have time to study, even though I always bring my study guide along with me in my bags. And during the first few months after my course, I was constantly having social gatherings in the evenings.
The intensive study only start 3 months before the exams. And to have mastery over the content, you will need to read through your books at least 3 times. I consider the in-class training to be first round. I took comprehensive summary notes (15 +39 +19 = 73) pages) of the entire 5 textbooks in my second round. And when I'm going through my third round, and did the module quizzes, I began to see a trend to them. The 3 modules can actually be grouped into a few main knowledge areas: Supply Chain Strategy, Technology, Market-Focused, SRM, Inventory, Demand Mgmt, Logistics, Governance and Continuous Improvement.
While studying through the 3 modules, I noticed there are duplication of certain knowledge area across the module and sections. By grouping them into knowledge areas, it make the study to be easier and allows us to relate easier to them. This is a mind-mapping process. After I have grouped them, I started to revise through the knowledge area groups and did the quizzes respectively. It became much easier and I am able to gain mastery of the topics faster.
I also started taking notes of the mistakes I get when doing the quizzes. In each module/section, for question which I am uncertain and for question where I got wrong, I will write it down and will revise through them at a later stage.
By the time I revise through the textbooks in my fourth round, I begin to grasp the core essence that CSCP is trying to inculcate to us. At this time, it started to shape how I approach towards collaboration and perception of the supply chain. This is the correct supply chain perception that APICS Supply Chain Council is trying to inculcate into all of us. If you can grasp the core essence, there should be no problem in passing the exams. I share a few core principles here:
- In modern supply chain, specialization and economies of scale is the way to go. Collaborate with partners to tap on mutual expertize. We cannot look at suppliers in adversary way. There is a need to achieve win-win for all parties in Supply Chain. Only this way, will the supply chain be successful.
- Our approach to customers will also be different as learnt from CRM. All customers are important and we need to channel our supply chain to meet their requirements. So it is important for us to constantly listen and interact with customers.
- Supply chain is constantly evolving. It relates to relationships with suppliers, with the way we do work. So everyone in the chain needs to play a part in continuous improvement.
- The importance of strategy alignment, differentiating between strategy-tactical is emphasized, reaching consensus via S&OP and many more.
Many of us come from different area of Supply Chain. It is very rare for someone to have experience in all aspects of the Supply Chain as covered by CSCP. For myself, I come from a Technology, Logistics, Demand Planning and Continuous Improvement background. So when I study these topics, it is much easier for me as I understand how it works (e.g. different tools in Continuous Improvement, different systems in Technology, different material handling systems in Logistics, planning processes in Demand Planning). Use your experience to the fullest to relate to these knowledge areas.
Exams
I initially booked my exams in July, but I postponed the time period twice. First time to September (as I was in business trip July/August), and the final time to November (business trip in October). When I applied for the ATT in May, I can take my exams anytime within a one year period. But since July 2014, it become 6 months. So book and pay for your exams when you are close to completing your studies and is confident to pass when you take it.
I took my post-test and got around 84 marks for it. I took my mock exams and got 76 marks. I got high end of 80 plus in real exams.
The real exams use a scale system. So the questions do not have equal weight of marks.
Please be familiar with the exams style below:
Unlike quizzes which give you answers and explanation immediately. In the real exams, you will indicate your answers and click next (or you can click back). For each question, you can flag for review at the end of the exams. The final CSCP exams use the same concept but the look and feel is slightly different. The flag button is much bigger.
This is the first time I'm taking certification exams. So I'm an absolute newbie. I hope to share the procedure with other people who are also taking certification exams for the first time.
I arrived at the exams center 30mins before the start time as advised. Just produce your IC / driving license and your credit card. The staff will guide you to your seat and tell you to turn your phone to silent mode (I just turn it off) and put the bags in the lockers. There can be nothing in your pockets. You can start immediately if you want or can wait till the official start time. Anyway, I start immediately. The first 5mins is a short survey. And thereafter the official exams will start. If you need to go to the washroom, you can go (but better make it quick as the time continues to tick)
This is how I approach my exams. For questions which I am confident on. I will indicate my answers and proceed ahead. For questions I am not confident, I will give a closest answer and flag it for review at the end of it.
In all, I spent 2hr 45mins going through the 175 questions. And The remaining 30mins are spent going through the flagged questions. I completed in 3hr 15mins, 45mins ahead of the exams duration. Truth to tell, by the second hour, I am getting a bit exhausted. The exams is indeed long. So please develop your energy and concentration before hand. Have a good rest before exams. Some say do not drink that much water as it will mean you will need to go washroom more often. It is good to have some windbreaker in hand in case the room gets a bit cold. There is a digital calculator which you can use on-screen. But it is good to have a manual calculator in hand just in case.
