CHEP, a industry leader in pallet and container pooling solutions, has joined with the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and other industry members to develop and test a new qualification for managers. The SCPro is a three-level certification that offers global supply chain management professionals a way to demonstrate a broad range of industry skills and mastery of end-to-end supply chain functions.
“Even though today’s supply chain talent may be better educated than previous generations, they still need to gain experience in the depth and breadth of logistics and supply chain management in order to become high-impact leaders. Along with experience, they must also have the interpersonal, managerial and technical skills to succeed in their careers. That’s why CSCMP developed its own certification program,” said Rick Blasgen
, CSCMP President and CEO.
CHEP partnered with the CSCMP by identifying CHEP supply chain professionals to take the SCPro beta test. CHEP team members with different levels of experience and job functions including transportation, logistics, customer operations, sales and customer solutions volunteered to study the draft review materials and completed an eight hour long unabridged 300 question beta test to assist the CSCMP efforts to validate questions and benchmark performance.
“CHEP is committed to serving our customers and improving the supply chains we support. As our customers’ supply chains mature, we need to be faster, smarter and stronger in order to innovate and deliver value that will meet their needs. That commitment requires an engaged workforce willing and able to partner with our customers to find new opportunities that increase productivity and reduce costs. The CSCMP SCPro program is a great tool for our people to be recognized as respected supply chain professionals,” said Lane Pence, CHEP Director of Supply Chain Efficiencies.
The first level of SCPro is Cornerstones of Supply Chain Management, and holders of this designation demonstrate a solid foundation of knowledge in all the functions of supply chain management, such as: demand planning, procurement, supply management, manufacturing, service operations, transportation, inventory, warehousing, and order fulfillment. Level One designees have proved they are solutions-focused and effective at collaborating with others to the benefit of the entire supply chain. This introductory designation, which demonstrates a clear commitment to growing one’s supply chain expertise, is awarded for a passing grade on a 160-question examination. Requirements for this level are four years of relevant work experience OR a bachelor’s degree.
The second level is Analysis and Application of Supply Chain Challenges. In order to obtain an SCPro Level Two designation, professionals must thoroughly analyze real-world case studies, pinpoint areas for optimization and recommend efficiency improvements in the supply chain. Requirements include Level One PLUS either a four-year degree and three years relevant experience OR seven years of relevant experience.
The third level is Initiation of Supply Chain Transformation. The highest SCPro designation requires an unprecedented use of practical application, a groundbreaking advance among supply chain certifications. Candidates must perform hands-on analysis of a working organization and create a detailed project plan that generates real results, such as increased ROI or improved cycle times. Requirements include Level Two PLUS either a four-year degree and five years of relevant experience OR nine years of relevant experience.
Learning doesn’t stop once the SCPro Level One Certification has been attained. Designees must participate in continuing education programs to maintain an active certification status. The certification cycle is three years. During the three years designees must attain no less than 20 hours of professional continuing education credits toward maintenance each year, for a total over the three years of no less than 60 hours. Upon completion of the three-year cycle, a new cycle begins.