How I Prepared and Passed the CSCP Exam in Just 3 Months (2022).

In today's episode of PKBinspire, I share how I prepared and passed my Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) exam. CSCP, like any other professional certification, requires hard work and discipline. My method was simple and required mental fortitude to overcome doubts and inadequacies.
You can learn a thing or two on my journey.
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VIDEO CHAPTERS
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0:00 - Introduction
0:57 - The price for my success
2:09 - The background to CSCP journey
3:14 - Why CSCP is the gold standard in SCM
3:53 - My 2022 resolve to write the exam: pressure mounts
4:48 - My wife was my support system
5:20 - My core strategy and goals set
7:34 - Overcoming doubts
9:00 - Exam day
9:33 - Exams passed, CSCP Certification bagged
9:54 - You can do it too!
10:20 - It takes time, but it is possible
Enjoy, and please subscribe if you liked the video.

[@randallwest1572]

Just passed my CSCP today!

[@PKBINspire]

Wooow. Congratulations 🎉. How does it feel to have your CSCP now?

[@randallwest1572]

@@PKBINspire like a weight lifted off my shoulders. I have CPIM and CLTD. I’m taking a break now.

[@PKBINspire]

@@randallwest1572 Well-deserved break. Congratulations once again. Let keep in touch.

[@randallwest1572]

@@PKBINspire definitely

[@Muna113113]

Are the modules of 2022 same as 2024?

[@drossehair]

Congratulations once again!! Soo proud of you!

[@PKBINspire]

Thanks, dear. 😊

[@randallwest1572]

Well done sir! I don’t have CSCP, I do have CPIM and CLTD and what you said is so accurate.

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you very much, Randall. Glad you found the video helpful.

[@yerikim3770]

I have the CSCP exam in 5days and Im so nervous and feel not ready. But your video really encouraged me. I will have the positive mindset and will keep trying until the exam day. Thank you!

[@PKBINspire]

You will do great in your exams. Give it your best and take one day at a time. Feel free to share with me how the exams goes. I wish you the very best.

[@FABM27]

how did you do?

[@mightbyson]

Did you pass?

[@bosultaucristian7885]

Congratulations buddy, You’re inspiring

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you so much 😀

[@Otunlagbengapeter]

I passed my CSCP. You helped a great way to douse the fears and doubts.

[@PKBINspire]

That's amazing news. Massive congratulations!!

[@pellahkokoinnocent3518]

Once Again congrats Prince! studying close to 12h per day is quite CHALLENGING! congrats again. despite the financial and time requirements, I am bent on taking the CSCP before the end of 2022. I just started reading the 2018 material while working on the financial aspect of buying the learning system. Pls I will be keeping in touch for advice and tips. Cograts again.

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Pellah. I'm glad you have resolved to take the exam this year. It is absolutely worth it. The materials are quite voluminous but with patience and discipline, you can cover it all. I didn't have enough money myself to purchase the online learning system so I studied the books rigorously and tried some practice questions from random sources online. The learning system helps a lot if you can afford it. Let's stay in touch.

[@pellahkokoinnocent3518]

Unlike the PMP which I took in 2020, it seems that you cannot purchase only the reading materials. They require that one buys the whole learning system. I am in cameroon, there is currently no chapter or tuition center here. Pls how many books make up the whole exam content?

[@PKBINspire]

@@pellahkokoinnocent3518 Same with CSCP. You cannot purchase reading materials without the learning system. I was in a peculiar situation: My company bought me the materials+learning system in 2019. Because the online learning system expires in 1 year, when I was ready to write the exams in 2022, I needed to repurchase the learning system but didn't have the funds (I'd left the company and was self-funding the exams myself). Eventually, went ahead to study extra hard without the learning system. I used the materials I had purchased in 2019. I hope this clarifies.

[@specnaz1395]

Hi same here ! I am reading the 2019 version to build up the confidence . Will give the exam by end of this year . Best of luck

[@PKBINspire]

@@specnaz1395 Wish you all the best.

[@angelinaobikyere3592]

Hi PKB, thanks for the video! went to KNUST too, currently studying for the exams for career advancement.

[@PKBINspire]

That's awesome, Angelina. Glad you found this video helpful. I wish you very best in your exams. Let me know how it goes.

[@End2EndSupplyChain]

Congrats on passing your exam!

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you. We should collaboarte on a video soon.

[@Adrianuwechie]

I got my CSCP today! All he says is relevant, it takes a tremendous amount of work but I believe it is worth it!

[@PKBINspire]

I'm really happy for your CSCP milestone. Congratulations. Thank also for making time to watch my video.

[@elikemevans2749]

Amazing and well deserved victory ,Prince. I'm inspired by your story. I currently am pursuing my master's as well as preparing for a professional exams in June. Surely, I could use some learnings from your story. Keep inspiring us PKB.

[@PKBINspire]

Hi Elikem. Thank you for viewing my video. Indeed, professional exams can be daunting but with the right preparation and determination, you pass with excellence. I wish you the very best in both your Masters and Professional exams. Let's keep in touch.

[@elikemevans2749]

Many thanks ​Prince. Sure, I'll keep in touch.

[@cauchuyenautu41]

can i add friend with you?

[@elikemevans2749]

@@cauchuyenautu41 definitely, Feel free anytime to connect.

[@cauchuyenautu41]

@@elikemevans2749 OK, do you use telegram or any socail network?

[@zakinaoun9802]

Congrats. Inspiring and motivating

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you

[@rafaelsilva-ic7jd]

Thank you for sharing it!. How much time do you recommend us without "suffering"?, 6 months?

[@PKBINspire]

I'll propose to get the learning materials and learning system, and that should see through successfully with 6 months consistent preparation.

[@reubanbiji4693]

Where do I get the CSCP books from? Did you get them after you paid for the certification bundle?

[@PKBINspire]

You buy the pdf version of the books when you buy the learning system from APICS/ASCM. The pdf is password protected and only accessible for 1 year. So if you don't write your exam within 1 year, you will lose access to the pdf and have to pay extra money to reactivate it. I was lucky to have had an external agency print hard copies, and I got them there.

[@LeonardHiltonIII]

Congratulations.

[@erikamonique4492]

Thanks for your video! If you had to choose between pursuing an MBA or the CSCP cert which one who you do first and why? I have some familiarity with inventory, as I am an inventory specialist. Career wise I want to be able to command a higher salary in management but I have developed a love for inventory and supply chain.

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Erika, Thanks for your comment. I have both MBA and CSCP. The two are targeted at different people. The MBA gives aims at training managers and decision makers within an organisation. It comprises several courses like Operations Management, Logistics Management, Management Accounting, Marketing Management, Human Resource Management etc. The idea is to equip an individuals with an overarching understanding of how businesses operate. CSCP, on the other hand, is very specific to equipping professionals with Supply Chain knowledge and skills. It is very comprehensive at achieving this goal because the materials are very detailed. My advice is for you to follow your key interests that'll add value to your professional career goals. I hope this helps. Let me know if you need more explanation.

[@erikamonique4492]

@@PKBINspire thank you! I’ve decided to pursue the MBA 1st!

[@PKBINspire]

@erikamonique4492 That's great. I did my MBA first, too. Wishing you all the best.

[@giftsonsampaul9737]

Great content ❤

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@lizsilva3112]

Congratulations on your well deserved success. !!! Would you recommend getting this certification to someone who has no Supply Chain experience but is very interested in getting into this field?

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you. The Certification exam requirement will not necessarily prevent you from taking the exam, although there some educational and/or work experience required. My personal advice to you would be to ask yourself if this certification will advance your personal career aspirations, and if at some point you would like to use the knowledge in practice. If you have no SC experience now, but have plans to delve into SC, then surely you should go ahead and acquire the CSCP certification.

[@moroto250]

This is may 2024 and I was thinking about this since last year. I’ll pursue the CSCP but I’m super scared, not only because English is not my first language but because I’ve read that the learning system is not good enough. I’ll try to be more confident.😊 can you update us about your professional life after the certification?

[@PKBINspire]

You can definitely do this! Have faith in your ability and build confidence. It is not as scary as it sounds. For my professional life update, I have just uploaded a video a few minutes ago about this. I recently joined Google.

[@Mother_africa]

very helpful video, just what i need to solidify my decision. Do I need to sit for the CPIM part1 and 2, after that sit for CLTD and sit finally for the CSCP or i can just skip to write CSCP?

[@PKBINspire]

Glad you found the video helpful. No, you don't CPIM or CLTD to qualify for CSCP ordinarily. Each one of them has a different target group and focus. CPIM focuses on Inventory Management; CLTD focuses on Logistics and Transport. The requirements to qualify for the exam are also different: CPIM - No degree or international equivalent is required CLTD - No degree or international equivalent is required CSCP - 3 years of related business experience OR Bachelor's degree OR Having CPIM, CFPIM, CIRM, SCOR-P, CPM, CSM or CPSM. So it is only when you don't have 3 years work experience or a bachelors's degree that you will need the CPIM to qualify you for CSCP. i hope this reply helps. I wish you all the best.

[@Mother_africa]

@@PKBINspire very helpful… God bless you

[@rahulgulati590]

Hi, i have 5 years or experience majorly in transportation but I want to get into supply chain now. Can you suggest me if I should go for CPIM or CSCP?

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Rahul, Since your experience is within Transportation, I'd advise you do the CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation &Distribution) option. This way, you can make a case for your company to sponsor you for the costs. I hope this helps.

[@Sonias80]

Hi, thanks for this video. Can you please share if you studied just from the learning system or other references and also the level of difficulty of actual exam versus learning system questions. Thanks.

[@PKBINspire]

To answer your question; 1. I actually bought my online learning in 2019. Since I only wrote the exam in 2022, I did not have access to the online learning system to prepare for my exam. The learning system is only valid for 1 year, and by the time I was ready to write my exam last year, my access had expired and I didn't have enough money to repurchase it. 2. So I decided to self-study without the online learning system. I did intensive studies using the physical books and the APICS dictionary (hard copies) 3. Due to the above constraints, I only had limited preview of the practice questions I could find on Google. I think I may have practiced just about 50 questions (or less) that I could find line to practice with. I dedicated the rest of my time to study the APICS I had. 4. My success is mainly attributable to studying rigoursly the APICS CSCP Learning Materials. I hope these points help.

[@chichissecret8819]

@@PKBINspire so how did u study kindly without the learning system.. just the hard copies?

[@PKBINspire]

@@chichissecret8819 Exactly. I only had the hardcopy materials at the time I was preparing for my examsn. My access rights to APICS online Learning System had expired so I did not have access to that. If I wanted access I needed to pay about 1,300 USD and didn't have that money, so I decided to study just the hardcopy materials I had. Using the hardcopy materials is doable but requires intensive study. I hope this reply helps. Let me know if you have any question.

[@chichissecret8819]

@@PKBINspire did the hard copies inlude past questions and other learning aids?

[@PKBINspire]

@@chichissecret8819 Unfortunately I didn't have any past questions because I had no access to the online learning system (the online learning system has more than 500 practice questions). So I relied on the hardcopy materials and my work experience in Supply Chain. I think it is possible to pass the exam if you dedicate time to study the hardcopy materials. However, the best and recommended approach will be to use both the hardcopy materials and the online learning system.

[@sannisamson9341]

Good evening, please can I get the materials. Will like to write CSCP in February 2023

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Sanni, Unfortunately the materials I have will not be of much help for the current exam content. The new CSCP exam is version 5.0 which was launched end of March this year, and my materials are for version 4.0 which is no longer valid for the exam. I'll advise you get version 5.0 materials from the APICS website here: www.ascm.org/learning-development/certifications-credentials/cscp/#buy-now

[@SalmaAli-ni4sx]

Congratulations 🎉 I was planning to take the CSCP This year and start studying until I knew they have new edition😭 got no enough money to purchase it unfortunately. But I found another certificate “International Diploma in Supply chain management” from ITC “international Trade Center”.but I don’t know how strong and recognizable this certificate,what do you advice me to do?

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Salma, Yes, the syllabus and content got updated this year end of March, which is why I had to write my exam in a tight schedule. Just like you, I did not have the money to re-register to purchase the updated content materials so I had only one chance to pass the CSCP exam. The International Diploma in SCM run by the ITC is a good certificate targeted at SC professionals at a certain stage of their career. So if you are at entry level or mid-level, with little SC background, then it is great for you now and later you can do the CSCP. The CSCP, on the other, is more recognizable globally. In fact, earlier this year the CSCP was ranked number one in all SC certifications. (www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/supply-chain-certifications) So, definitely it is more advanced. My advice: Try to use what you have at this stage of your career. If the CSCP is beyond your budget and you need the SC education, then go for the ITC diploma. If, however, you already have enough SC background and would like a more advanced and recognizable certification, then you should wait and save a bit more to re-purchase the CSCP materials and online learning system. I hope this helps.

[@sonimo290]

Is the payment in USA dollars or in the currency of the country you are doing the exam? eg am in Canada 🇨🇦

[@PKBINspire]

It is usually the USD equivalent of your local currency. For example, because I'm based in Germany, I paid for the exam in Euros. So I converted the price from USD to Euros using the prevailing exchange rate. I hope this helps.

[@musaeedaljaaidi5045]

I’m an industrial engineer thinking of taking CSCP / CPIM / CLTD what do u recommend guys?

[@PKBINspire]

Here are 3 questions to ask yourself before deciding which of the certification pathways is good for you: 1. Which aspect of the supply chain do I want to build my competency in? 2. Does my current role and future roles align with the chosen certification? 3. Do I have the resources (time and money) for the chosen certification? If, for example, you are more inclined towards understanding transportation and delivery modalities, the CLTD will be great for you. On the under, if you are more passionate about production controls and manufacturing, then CPIM will be ideal. Sometimes, it is best to assess your current role and select a certification that fits that role especially if the company is going to pay for your certification - it makes it easier to make a business case for sponsorship from you company. I hope these points help.

[@musaeedaljaaidi5045]

@@PKBINspire Thank you so much I like logistics so I think I’ll do CLTD but I have to be ready for the exam

[@arunitsingh3518]

Hi brother! Thanks for the wonderful tips. I have just purchased the CSCP course and started my preparation. Just a lil doubt - CSCP has a ECM (Exam Content Manual) wherein it recommended a number of other books as references. So should I buy them all or just CSCP online material and physical books would be sufficient? Pls guide brother.

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Arun, If you have the means to get the ECM, please do it. However, in my case, I did not have access to ECM nor the online learning platform so I had to reply solely on the hardcopy of the study materials and reading other stuff I found by myself online. The most important this is to believe in yourself that you are capable, within whatever means you have, to put in the work and come out successful. Do you have an exam date yet?

[@arunitsingh3518]

@@PKBINspire hello sir, actually I have just recently started my preparation..all going good so far....I plan to appear for the exam in this year end....do wish me luck 😊

[@PKBINspire]

@@arunitsingh3518 I have a lot of faith in you, Arun. I have no doubt you will pass the exam successfully. Keep me updated on how it goes. Wishing you all the best!! ☺

[@arunitsingh3518]

@@PKBINspire That's so kind of you sir. Surely will keep you updated

[@thabangkgoebane39]

Hello…im currently studying CSCP..how did you study? what was your strategy?

[@PKBINspire]

@thabangkgoebane39 Thank you for your comment. To answer your question 1. I decided to self-study without the online learning system. I did intensive studies using the physical books and the APICS dictionary (hard copies) 2. I only had limited preview of the practice questions I could find on Google. I think I may have practiced just about 50 questions (or less) that I could find online to practice with. 3. My success is mainly attributable to studying rigoursly the hardcopies of the APICS CSCP Learning Materials. 4. Make sure to read all the materials at least twice, and practise questions.

[@bhavikamistry6925]

Hi. What is diff between CSCP and PMP

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Bhavika, CSCP is the globally recognized professional certification for Supply Chain professionals. The certification is issued by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). The primary aim is to equip professionals a holistic end-to-end set of tools and body of knowledge to perform supply chain activities. PMP (Project Management Professional) is mainly targeted towards project management professionals, with certification issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI). The two certifications are both great, with different target professionals. I hope this explanation helps.

[@Obiwan001]

Hi Prince, where did you get the books from which you used for self study

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Obi. You get the learning materials from ASCM when you purchase them. Here is a link to the CSCP learning system: www.ascm.org/learning-development/certifications-credentials/cscp/ I hope this helps.

[@Obiwan001]

@PKBINspire thanks for the quick response. So once I pay for the exams I get the soft copies of the recommended study text books and I don't have to purchase them separately ?

[@PKBINspire]

@Obiwan001 Kindly have a look at the link I shared. The CSCP learning system (includes both softcopy+hardcopy materials) are charged separately from the Exam. The learning system costs $1,365, and the exam costs $1,365. They are charged separately. The first step is to buy the learning system and then buy the exam only when you are ready to write it.

[@Obiwan001]

@PKBINspire thanks once again for your reply. I did look at the link. I'm asking because I don't have enough funds ATM to purchase the learning system as well. That's why I wanted to know if there was a way to get the study materials separately (I don't need the e learning system as well). I want to do it as you did, just using the physical materials. But from what I understand it seems you did purchase the learning system (which included the physical books) and because you didn't have enough time you just focused on the physical books right? From the new learning system this are the recommended text : 1 APICS Dictionary, 16th ed., 2019 APICS 2 Designing and Managing the Supply Chain: Concepts, Strategies & Case Studies, 3rd ed., 2007 Simchi-Levi, David, Philip Kaminsky, and Edith Simchi-Levi 3 Making Sustainability Work: Best Practices in Managing and Measuring Corporate Social, Environmental and Economic Impacts, 2nd ed., 2014 Epstein, Marc J., and Adriana Reic Buhovac 4 Principles of Supply Chain Management, 2nd ed., 2015 Crandall, Richard E., William R. Crandall, and Charlie C. Chen 5 Purchasing and Supply Chain Management, 7th ed., 2020 Monczka, Robert M., Robert B. Handfield, Larry C. Guinipero, and James L. Patterson 6 Strategic Supply Chain Management: The Five Core Disciplines for Top Performance, 2nd ed., 2013 Cohen, Shoshanah, and Joseph Roussel 7 Supply Chain Logistics Management, 5th ed., 2019 Bowersox, Donald J., David J. Closs, M. Bixby Cooper, and John C. Bowersox 8 Supply Chain Risk Management: An Emerging Discipline, 2014 Schlegel. Gregory L., and Robert J. Trent 9 Technology in Supply Chain Management and Logistics: Current Practice and Future Applications, 2019 Pagano, Anthony M., and Matthew Liotine 10 United Nations Global Compact: Corporate Sustainability in the World Economy, 2014 UN Global Compact 11 United Nations Global Compact Management Model: Framework for Implementation, 2010 Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu. Can you please send me pdf copies of the text which you have? I would be indeed very grateful. [e-mail] is my mail

[@PKBINspire]

@@Obiwan001 Ok. Got it. The good thing is you can buy the learning system separately from the exam. So that should help you a bit - and only buy the exam credit when you are ready. Be mindful that the learning includes and online study tools etc which you'll access to for only 1 year. My situation was a bit peculiar: I bought the learning system. But the time I was ready to write the exam, more than 1 year had passed so I didn't have access to the learning system, and I didn't have funds to repurchase access (re-purchasing was going to cost me $1,300). This is why I took the decision only rely on the books I had. Another constraint I had was that the curriculum was going to be updated so I had to write the exam within 3 months, otherwise the materials I had was going to be outdated and not valid for the updated content. The CSCP materials are updated every 5 years.

[@jaiamritraj]

Amazing success story..You are an inspiration. I am curious to know How many practice questions did you do before taking the exam?

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you for your comment. To answer you question; 1. I actually bought my online learning in 2019. Since I only wrote the exam in 2022, I did not have access to the online learning system to prepare for my exam. The learning system is only valid for 1 year, and by the time I was ready to write my exam this year, mine had expired and I didn't have enough money to repurchase it. 2. I decided to self-study without the online learning system. I did intensive studies using the physical books and the APICS dictionary (hard copies) 3. Due to the above constraints, I only had limited preview of the practice questions I could find on Google. I think I may have practiced just about 50 questions (or less) that I could find line to practice with. 4. My success is mainly attributable to studying rigoursly the APICS CSCP Learning Materials. I hope these points help.

[@jaiamritraj]

@@PKBINspire Many thanks for your reply!!

[@PKBINspire]

@@jaiamritraj You are most welcome.

[@marwancheikh]

I'm a bank teller i have 30 years old and I'm planning to change career to chain supply and logistics do you convince me to do cscp? (my English is intermediate)

[@PKBINspire]

Hello Marwan, Thanks for your question. The good thing with CSCP is that you can pursue it without having a background in supply chain management. The key to succeeding with CSCP is to have a passion for supply chain and put in the needed work to study and pass the exam. The CSCP is worth the investment, and if you want to switch from Banking, it is a good pathway. I had my first degree in Building Technology and later pursued Supply Chain Management. I hope this helps to motivate you to go for it!!!

[@sakshikokane1974]

Congratulations Prince.. I have few more questions and would like your input on those. Kindly requesting to please revert back whenever time permits. 1) I am an Quality Specialist in Healthcare Industry. I have a 4 year bachelors degree in Mechanical Engineering and 1.5 Years exp as Quality Specialist. I am quite keen to switch my profile to SCM. I am begineer in SCM and would like to devle more in the Field, will Preparing for CSCP will give end to end learnings of SCM. 2) I am looking forward to switch my career in SCM specially operations. Would getting certified be a boon for this transition ?

[@PKBINspire]

Thank for sending through your questions. Here are my thoughts; 1) The CSCP indeed is the best option if you want to have an E2E overview of SCM. I would even argue that your background in Quality will be very helpful in your pursuit as SCM intercepts with Quality extensively, especially within the Healthcare and Pharma industries (NB: I worked in Pharma for 7 years). 2) As I mentioned above, CSCP will a great option for you give your goals. CSCP is structured not to alienate beginners so it's made eligible for both novices and experienced practitioners alike. If you are passionate above SCM and are ready to put in the work and investment, then I would say go for it!! I hope these suggestions help you as you make the decision. I look forward to you sharing your CSCP

[@a_sagittarian]

I am a mechanical engineer, currently doing masters in supply chain management in UK, I have no prior experience in this field, can i prepare for the examination now on? or is there any real experience needed in order to pass the exam? i am not asking about the eligibility, u know

[@PKBINspire]

Hi Siraj, Beyond the eligibility criteria, I think having some work experience helped me a lot to understand the foundational concepts and their application in real life scenario. It definitely helps. I think, however, that you can equally pass this exam with adequate preparation even if you do not have years of experience. The caveat here is that CSCP requires some work experience as part of the eligibility cretiera. I hope this helps.

[@XmemoX95]

I'm studying for the CSCP exam right now. I didn't understand you when you said you wrote the exam. What do you mean by that?

[@PKBINspire]

Hi Musa. It's a general expression to mean that I took the exam, as the CSCP is mainly MCQs (multiple choice questions) so there isn't much writing involved in the exam itself. There are some calculations involved but all working is done on-screen. I hope this helps to clarify the statement for you

[@XmemoX95]

Thank you so much for your reply! I understand you now 😁

[@PKBINspire]

@@XmemoX95 You're welcome. Wish you all the best in your exam preparation.

[@egyptian_thoth]

Amazing story, but what I got out of it is pretty much you studied 10-12 hours daily and wrote down notes. I thought there was going to be insight into what resources or something was used etc.

[@PKBINspire]

I'm actually planning a follow-up video in a few weeks with much more details on resources, strategy, learning system etc. This video was just about I did it successfully. I appreciate your comment and input. Thank you and stay tuned for part 2.

[@mercyjemolounge3608]

Congratulations sir. Kindly how can I reach out to you ?

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you. You can contact me at [e-mail]

[@mercyjemolounge3608]

@@PKBINspire sure thanks

[@arunitsingh3518]

9:40 Congratulations 🎉🎉🎉

[@PKBINspire]

Thanks

[@arunitsingh3518]

@@PKBINspire just one question - i think u only had self learning material, right? & not any personal instructor support Then whenever u had any doubt, how did u resolve it? Because I am thinking of purchasing the course but I am afraid as it's mentioned - "instructor-support not included" Pls guide

[@PKBINspire]

​@@arunitsingh3518 Hello Arunit. Thanks for watching the video and sending in your question. To answer your question: I studied by myself without any external tutoring. I used the hard copy learning materials I purchased from APICS but when I was ready for my exam my online learning system access had expired and I didn't enough cash to re-purchase so I solely depended on my materials. I will advise however that if you plan to write the exam, and you can afford it, to buy the online learning system in addition to the harcopy materials as this will boost your confidence for the final exam. I hope this helps.

[@arunitsingh3518]

@@PKBINspire It helps a lot sir..thanks a lot for your valuable guidance

[@PKBINspire]

@@arunitsingh3518 You are most welcome. I wish you all the best.

[@shahnwazak1]

Thanks for sharing your personal experience, currently i am preparing for this exam, i have updated study materials. Anyone need help can contact me for co-study.

[@PKBINspire]

That's awesome. How's the studies going so far?

[@osaroosas9560]

Thanks for your gesture. Please can you leave your email add for further contact? Thank you Prince for this platform.

[@spacex5119]

Hello

[@Jormungandr1983]

Congratulations How did you planned your studies in every week? How many work hours per week?

[@PKBINspire]

Hi Somjit, Thanks for your questions. 1. I planned my studies based on the weighted scoring allocated by APICS for each of the main sections. By understanding which sections have what scoring weights, I planned my studies accordingly. This way, I gave more hours to highly weighted scoring sections and vice-versa. My ultimate aim was to cover the entire leaning materials, plus practising some questions as well. 2. I personally was doing between 8 - 10 hours of study daily, spreading the hours across the entire day. Eg. Sometimes I did 3 hours at dawn, 2 hours in the afternoon, and another 3 hours in the evening. I hope this answers your questions.

[@Jormungandr1983]

@@PKBINspire 10 hours a day with work is equivalent to superhuman effort. I just want to ask how many hours of quality study required to finish the syllabus and practice questions? If I allot 2 hours in weekdays and 10 hours each in weekends? What is the expected time to complete in months and pass the exam ?

[@PKBINspire]

@@Jormungandr1983 If you have some background in Supply Chain Management (ie work and/or education) you should be able to complete the entire syllabus plus practice questions in bout 8-12 months, with consistency. The materials is quite dense and extensive. This also depends on how quickly you assimilate the content. NB: My situation was quite peculiar because the CSCP learning syllabus was going to be updated (this is done every 5 years) end of March this year, so I had to push myself to the limit to study at odd times in order to write and pass before the new version (version 5.0) came out - I had just one chance to pass because my learning materials was based on version 4.0.

[@Jormungandr1983]

@@PKBINspire Amazing, your reply is highly appreciated

[@PKBINspire]

@@Jormungandr1983 You are most welcome. I wish you the very best in your pursuit.

[@lamonz4227]

Did you not work to while studying?

[@PKBINspire]

Hi LaMonz, I had to take some time off work intermittently to deep dive into the exam preparation. That was the tough part; juggling between work, family and personal life. I had to put a lot of things on hold to get laser focus for the CSCP exam.

[@lamonz4227]

@@PKBINspire can it be done working?

[@PKBINspire]

@@lamonz4227 Yes, it can be done while working; but not within 3 months like I did. It is advisable to use about 6months to prepare if you are actively working and have no off work time.

[@thewipshow4141]

Congratulations But it seems awfully weird that you would go through 10 hrs a day for 2 months. Thats over 600 hrs. Most professional certificate, even the hardest ones take 200-300 hrs of prep. Also, not only do you have a degree in supply chain, but also 7 years experience... what gives?

[@PKBINspire]

Thank you for your comment. Two factors account for your observation; 1. I had only chance to write and pass the exam as the learning materials were being updated to Version 5.0 the very month I had registered to sit for the exam. I wrote my exam on 28th March, and the learning material was being updated on 31st March, so I decided to over-prepare. 2. The Learning materials are quite dense and extensive, with more 1,400 pages altogether, so I wanted to make sure I had covered everything with much confidence. I find that each person needs a different learning system for these certification exams. I chose the route of over-preparing to boost my confidence, although I have years of experience working for global firms like P&G and Merck. I hope this explanation brings much clarity. I appreciate your contributions to the discussion.

[@thewipshow4141]

@@PKBINspire Thank you for the insights But as someone with your education and experience, do you think that 2 hrs a day for 2 months would be enough as you would already be familiar with the concepts, terminology, methods, and tools? Also, could you share your score? Thanks again

[@PKBINspire]

@@thewipshow4141 You are correct. I was aware of the terminologies but the questions go beyond knowing terminology, IMO. It's essentially to test APICS-specific body of knowledge and it's applications. There are also lots of calculations involved which ordinarily is done by software applications in real life - for the CSCP exams, you'll need to learn how to calculate those. To answer you, yes I could have done 3 hours per day. But like I mentioned earlier, my confidence personally was augmented by my 'over-preparednes'. I didnt want to be complacenct with what I already knew from my work experience. But it's very doable to study 2-3 hours per day for like 3 months and pass if you have my kind of industry experience and are fast learner too.

[@AkshayDhande45]

Did you have the same problems like others such as 1. both exams on learning system are trash and real exam is much more lucid and somewhat easier. 2. Too much content in learning system on items that carry low weight in real exam.

[@PKBINspire]

Thanks for your comment. 1. I actually bought my online learning in 2019. Since I only wrote the exam in 2022, I did not have access to the online learning system to prepare for my exam. The learning system is only valid for 1 year, and by the time I was ready to write my exam this year, mine had expired and I didn't have enough money to repurchase it. 2. I decided to self-study without the online learning system. I did intensive studies using the physical books and the APICS dictionary (hard copies) 3. Due to the above reasons, I do not have experience using the online learning system. Have you written the exam yourself yet? What has your experience been so far?

[@Obiwan001]

@PKBINspire hi, Are you saying you used all 7 books recommended plus the dictionary .. perhaps you have soft copies of these text books? Or do you get the books for free after paying for the exam?

[@Randomvideos-qt3xd]

12 hours a day??? Damn

[@PKBINspire]

Ikr. I was in a very unique position and had no choice but to pass the exam with just one attempt. Version 4.0 was expiring and if I had failed the exam I would have had to repurchase the entire new version 5.0 (which I didn't have the finance for at the time). So I decided to give it my all. Looking back, I'm glad I did.

[@Randomvideos-qt3xd]

@@PKBINspire i am planning to hit 1 module a month so 8 months is my target. Any advice?

[@PKBINspire]

@Randomvideos-qt3xd If you can make it within 6 months, that'll be great. The longer the time, the more likely you are to forget the earlier content you studied. Here are a few tips that helped me; 1. Be consistent with your study regime. Keeping the momentum keeps in you the right frame of mind. 2. Use the APICS online learning platform if you have access to it. 3. Make sure to cover every content from the study materials APICS provides. 4. Use the practice questions mobile app for practice after each module. 5. Check CSCP KZbin channels for additional tips. I hope this helps.