Earn a Transportation and Logistics Certification in 4 Steps
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Transportation and logistics certifications can qualify you for advanced — and often better-paying — careers in logistics, transportation, and supply chain management. You can choose from among many professional certifications, offered by a variety of nonprofits and industry groups.
A logistics certification not only demonstrates your proficiency and expertise in the field but also makes you more appealing to potential employers. In this guide, we walk through the basic steps needed to get a transportation and logistics certification.
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4 Steps to Getting a Transportation and Logistics Certification
Earning a transportation and logistics certification involves strategic planning. You want to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your goals, budget, and schedule.
Here are the four basic steps you must take to get a logistics certification.
Step 1| Consider Your Career Goals
Are you interested in business management? Or do you envision yourself as a technical expert in a specialized area?
Identifying your career goals is essential to choosing the right logistics certification for you.
For example, if you want to become a supply chain executive, the certified supply chain professional (CSCP) certification would be a solid choice. Conversely, if you want to specialize in supplier diversity, the certified professional in supplier diversity (CPSD) option might be a better fit.
Step 2| Choose a Certification
There are dozens of industry-recognized transportation and logistics certifications available. Here are some of the most popular and where to earn them.
Association for Supply Chain Management
The largest nonprofit specializing in supply chain management, ASCM provides opportunities for networking and thought leadership, in addition to offering the following four supply chain and logistics certifications:
- Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
- Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
- Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution (CLTD)
- Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC)
Supply Chain Institute
SCI offers several online transportation, supply chain, and logistics certifications, divided into two levels for candidates. The group partners with over 40 schools and has awarded thousands of certifications throughout its lifetime.
Two of its most popular certifications are:
The International Society of Logistics
Founded in 1966, SOLE is an international nonprofit committed to advancing professionals in logistics technology, management, and education. Its CPL certification is one of the most widely recognized logistics certifications.
Institute for Supply Management
As the first global supply management nonprofit, ISM offers world-class education and professional development opportunities. It also offers the following three highly coveted supply chain and logistics certifications:
- Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
- Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)
- Associate Professional in Supply Management (APSM)
Manufacturing Skill Standards Council
A nonprofit, MSSC offers certification programs geared toward logistics professionals and material handling technicians. Its CLT certification is particularly useful for logistics and supply chain professionals hoping to earn more money and become more competitive in the job market.
Step 3| Meet All Requirements
Each transportation and logistics certification has its own set of prerequisites. Common requirements include:
- Bachelor’s in supply chain management or a related field from an accredited school (some certifications may be open to current students)
- More specialized certifications may require you to have a master’s in supply chain management or a related field
- 1-9 years of professional experience in supply chain management, transportation management, and/or logistics (usually more experience is required if you lack a bachelor’s degree)
- Exam fee
Step 4| Pass the Exam(s)
The final hurdle involves passing your certification exam, which assesses your understanding of key logistics and transportation concepts. Most exams require a lot of preparation, with the organization administering the certification typically offering training materials and books.
What exam(s) you must take for your logistics certification will depend on which certification you’re trying to get. For example, the CSCP exam contains 150 questions and lasts 3.5 hours, whereas the SCI certification exams contain 50 multiple-choice questions.
Benefits of Transportation and Logistics Certification
Logistics certifications provide an in-depth understanding of the latest trends, strategies, and practices in transportation and logistics, deepening your knowledge of the field.- Employers tend to prefer transportation and logistics professionals who are certified over those who are not certified.
- A certification can fast-track your career progression, opening the door to higher positions and possibly better pay. According to a 2023 report by ASCM, U.S. respondents reported a 27% higher salary after receiving an ASCM logistics certification.
- Many logistics certifications incorporate tech like 5G, AI, and data analytics, all of which are crucial for modern logistics operations.
Transportation and Logistics Certification Jobs and Salary
A transportation and logistics certification can lead to a variety of rewarding careers, not to mention a potentially well-paying job. According to ASCM, U.S.-based supply chain professionals earned a median annual salary of $98,570 in 2023 — a 3% increase compared to 2022.
The more years of experience and the more credentials or certifications you have, the higher your salary is likely to be. ASCM found that supply chain professionals with two or more credentials earned a median salary of $106,000 in 2023, or $27,000 more than those with no credentials.
Here are some popular roles in transportation and logistics, along with their median salaries:
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) |
|---|---|
| Supply Chain Director | $145,000 |
| Supply Chain Manager | $114,750 |
| Materials Manager | $110,340 |
| Procurement Manager | $104,000 |
| Logistics Manager | $100,000 |
| Inventory Manager | $93,000 |
| Purchasing Manager | $90,000 |
| Supply Chain Analyst | $78,400 |
| Production Planner | $76,140 |
| Buyer | $72,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions About Transportation and Logistics Certifications
Some of the more popular logistics certifications include ASCM’s CLTD and SOLE’s CPL due to their broad application and wide industry recognition. Ultimately, though, which logistics certification is best for you will depend on your budget, time, and goals.
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