It is impossible to pass the exams without the required knowledge, and the APICS certification exams are regarded as the most advantageous certification in the supply chain.
The best-known certifications at APICS are the CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) and CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional). However, the company recently launched its third program: CLTD (Certified Logistics, Transportation and Distribution).
Tips for Passing APICS CPIM Exams
Simply comprehending and reviewing APICS materials is insufficient to pass the CPIM Part 1 and CPIM Part 2 exams and become CPIM certified. After years of instruction and successfully passing CPIM exams and certifications, I have compiled a list of tips that will help you better comprehend the exam’s challenges.
Follow these tips to help you pass the APICS CPIM Part 1 and Part 2 exams:
1. Know the Test Format
The APICS CPIM exams consist of 150 multiple-choice questions. Therefore, you should apply test-taking strategies related to multiple-choice exams, such as eliminating answers based on what you learn is not the correct answer. Narrowing down in this manner and guess when you do not see the answer.
2. Learn All of the Vocabulary
You must understand the terminology used in APICS CPIM. If you are not familiar with the language used in the exam questions, you will not understand what is being asked of you. You will also not comprehend what the answers mean, so you will not select the correct answer or make an educated guess.
Vocabulary is best learned by using real-world applications. In both situations, you can use these words during the discussion, and your instructor has an opportunity to update you if you are misusing these words and terms.
3. Think like APICS
Use your understanding and industry experience to answer an APICS exam question. However, when it comes to APICS, go by the motto Leave your company’s procedures and terminology at the door. Instead, always ask yourself what would APICS mean? This will lead you to the proper answer.
4. Do Not Depend on Materials
Try not to lean on study aides or cheat sheets when taking APICS CPIM practice tests. Instead, I became used to taking the CPIM exam without the help of materials. This will best prepare you for the exam.
If you find yourself depending on materials, ask yourself why. Something within these materials that you do not fully comprehend or perhaps a formula you are having a problem remembering. Spend some more time learning the concepts within these materials, and then return to taking practice tests once you have got the content in the materials.
5. Time Yourself
Time will slip away during the APICS exam, and the pressure this places on you is immense. This is why you should use a timer when taking practice exams, and a timer will allow you to get used to time pressure well before you experience it on the APICS CPIM exam.
It might appear impossible to finish the CPIM exam in the allocated time. Do not be discouraged. With a few simple strategies, you will better use your time.
6. Manage Your Time
APICS exams thankfully let you flag a question and return to it later. This function helps you avoid home on questions that you do not know and rather enables you to focus on answering the questions that you do know. Such time management during the exam is essential for success, so use this flagging function.
7. Use the “Passes” Strategy
Take the CPIM exam in multiple “passes.” Only answer those questions you know the answer to on the first pass without going through all the choices. Flag the rest for the next pass. On the second pass, analyze the options. If one stands out, answer it and unflag it. You must select an answer on the third pass by eliminating all wrong decisions. Try to stop at least one, and then make your best-educated guess at the staying two or three choices.
8. Make a Dry Run
One week before the CPIM exam and on the same day and at the same time, you will take the exam dry-run driving to the testing center. This will allow you to allot time for traffic on the day of the CPIM exam. It will also ensure that you know how to get there and not get lost!
9. Arrive Early on APICS CPIM Exam Day
On the CPIM exam, come to the testing center at least 15 minutes early. This will allow you to take some time in your car to relax, review formulas for one last time, and get your mind prepared for the APICS exam. You do not desire to rush, and arriving early will assist put you in the right mindset to ace the CPIM exam.
Concluding Words
The APICS CPIM certification takes a broader view, growing the APICS CPIM knowledge to companies’ external processes to possess all of the steps throughout the supply chain from suppliers through the company to the end consumer and how to integrate these activities to maximize a company’s value chain.
