When building a career in Supply Chain Management (SCM) in Singapore, many people struggle with questions such as which certification to pursue and whether to prioritize local or international qualifications. Singapore offers a wide range of SCM-related certifications, from practice-oriented local programs provided by institutions such as SIPMM and SUSS to globally recognized international certifications offered by ASCM (formerly APICS).
This article organizes major SCM certifications and courses that are commonly pursued in Singapore and presents them in a way that makes it easy to understand their differences and suitability by career stage. Whether you are new to SCM or looking to deepen your professional expertise, this overview is intended to help you identify learning options that align with your career goals.
SCM certifications can generally be differentiated across the following six dimensions:
- SCM generalist (end-to-end coverage) → CSCP / GDLSCM / GCLSCM
- Planning-focused (demand, inventory, production planning) → CPIM / GDLSCM / GCLSCM
- Strategy and management-focused → SIPMM PDip (SCM) / GCLSCM / GDLSCM
- Data and analytics-focused (digital SCM) → SIPMM SDip-SCA / GDLSCM / GCLSCM
- Logistics network and transportation-focused → CLTD / GDLSCM
- Entry-level SCM foundations → SIPMM EC-SCM / SCM Diplomas / GCLSCM
This list is designed to help readers compare each qualification in terms of focus area, level of difficulty, international recognition, and career fit, and to consider which certification may be most effective at different stages of an SCM career.
CONTENTS
- 1 SCM Certifications & Courses in Singapore
- 1.1 Executive Certificate in Supply Chain Management
- 1.2 Professional Diploma in Supply Chain Management
- 1.3 Specialist Diploma in Digital Supply Chain
- 1.4 CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management)
- 1.5 CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
- 1.6 CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution)
- 1.7 Graduate Certificate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (GCLSCM)
- 1.8 Graduate Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (GDLSCM)
- 1.9 Diploma in Global Supply Chain Management
- 1.10 Diploma in Supply Chain & Logistics Management
- 1.11 Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
- 2 Level Summary
- 3 Final Note
SCM Certifications & Courses in Singapore
Executive Certificate in Supply Chain Management
An entry-level SCM certification offered by SIPMM. This practical program provides foundational knowledge in core and digital SCM concepts, demand planning, and process optimization in a short period (approximately 6 weeks). The program combines lectures, course materials, and assignments. It is ideal for entry-level professionals or those starting a career in SCM. Upon completion, participants receive a foundational-level SCM certificate.
| Provider | SIPMM (Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management) |
| Eligibility | Working professionals or early-career candidates (primarily targeted at working adults) |
| Format | Blended (onsite + virtual) |
| Duration | Approximately 6 weeks |
| Exam | Yes (short test + assignments) |
| Exam Method | Blended (onsite + online) |
| Frequency | Per module |
| Credential Awarded | Foundational SCM Certificate |
| Recognition | Primarily Singapore-focused; limited international recognition |
Professional Diploma in Supply Chain Management
An intermediate-level certification by SIPMM. Covers SCM strategy, contract management, procurement, and network design, enabling participants to deepen their understanding from on-site improvements to organization-wide SCM optimization. Suitable for professionals aiming for supervisory or managerial roles in SCM. The program combines lectures, assignments, and evaluations.
| Provider | SIPMM (Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management) |
| Eligibility | Executive Certificate holders or candidates with equivalent work experience |
| Format | Mainly onsite, with online assignments for some subjects |
| Duration | Per module |
| Exam | Yes (written exams + assignments) |
| Exam Method | Mainly onsite with online assignments for some modules |
| Frequency | Per module |
| Credential Awarded | Professional Diploma (Advanced SCM qualification) |
| Recognition | Moderate; mainly recognized by local and regional companies |
Specialist Diploma in Digital Supply Chain
A specialized certification focused on digital SCM and analytical skills. Covers demand forecasting, inventory optimization, and the application of BI tools. Completing all four modules awards a Specialist Diploma, and each completed module issues a Certificate of Competency. Ideal for demand planners, inventory managers, or aspiring SCM analysts.
| Provider | SIPMM (Singapore Institute of Purchasing & Materials Management) |
| Eligibility | Basic analytical skills or prior SCM exposure |
| Format | Onsite classes with online supplementary learning; evening classes 1–2 times per week |
| Duration | Four modules in total, typically completed part-time over six months |
| Exam | Yes (analytical tasks + tests) |
| Exam Method | Mainly onsite with online assignments for some modules |
| Frequency | Per module |
| Credential Awarded | Certificate of Competency per module + Specialist Diploma upon completion of all modules |
| Recognition | Moderate; recognized mainly in Singapore and parts of Southeast Asia |
CPIM (Certified in Planning and Inventory Management)
An internationally recognized certification for planning and inventory management. Evaluates practical skills based on global standards in demand planning, production planning, and inventory optimization. Widely respected in manufacturing, healthcare, and industrial sectors. The exam can be taken online or at an authorized test center.
| Provider | ASCM (formerly APICS) |
| Eligibility | Open to all candidates |
| Format | Self-study using official learning materials |
| Duration | Varies (weeks to months, depending on individual pace) |
| Exam | Yes (150 questions, 3.5 hours; Operational 130 + Pretest 20) |
| Exam Method | Online or at test centers |
| Frequency | Year-round |
| Credential Awarded | CPIM Certification |
| Recognition | Highly recognized by multinational companies worldwide |
CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
An international certification covering end-to-end SCM, including procurement, planning, manufacturing, logistics, and returns. Demonstrates knowledge from strategy development to operational execution. Highly valued by multinational companies and professionals seeking a comprehensive understanding of SCM.
| Provider | ASCM (formerly APICS) |
| Eligibility | Open to all candidates |
| Format | Self-study and use of official teaching materials |
| Duration | Varies (weeks to months depending on pace) |
| Exam | Yes (150 questions, 3.5 hours) |
| Exam Method | Online or at test centers |
| Frequency | Year-round |
| Credential Awarded | CSCP Certification |
| Recognition | Highly recognized by multinational firms |
CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution)
An international certification focused on logistics, transportation, and distribution management. Covers network design, transportation optimization, and warehouse operations. Particularly relevant for professionals involved in logistics planning, distribution efficiency, and delivery optimization.
| Provider | ASCM (formerly APICS) |
| Eligibility | Open to all candidates |
| Format | Self-study using official materials |
| Duration | Varies (weeks to months depending on pace) |
| Exam | Yes (150 questions, 3.5 hours) |
| Exam Method | Online or at test centers |
| Frequency | Year-round |
| Credential Awarded | CLTD Certification |
| Recognition | Highly recognized by global logistics firms and multinational SCM organizations |
Graduate Certificate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (GCLSCM)
A short-term, graduate-level program covering supply chain strategy, demand planning, global SCM, and digital SCM fundamentals. Provides stackable academic credits and a Graduate Certificate, which can be credited toward a master’s program. Suitable for professionals seeking a structured academic foundation in SCM.
| Provider | SUSS (Singapore University of Social Sciences) |
| Eligibility | Working professionals (formal admission requirements apply) |
| Format | On-campus with partial online delivery |
| Duration | Approximately 6 months (part-time, 1–2 evenings per week) |
| Exam | Yes |
| Exam Method | On-campus with some online components |
| Frequency | Per semester |
| Credential Awarded | Graduate Certificate |
| Recognition | Recognized mainly in Singapore and parts of Asia |
Graduate Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management (GDLSCM)
An advanced graduate-level diploma covering supply chain strategy, analytics, AI applications, and sustainable SCM. Designed for flexible part-time study over 1–2 years and suitable for mid-level to managerial professionals. Completion allows progression to a relevant master’s degree.
| Provider | SUSS (Singapore University of Social Sciences) |
| Eligibility | Bachelor’s degree plus relevant work experience |
| Format | On-campus with selected online assignments |
| Duration | 1–2 years (part-time) |
| Exam | Yes (course exams + reports) |
| Exam Method | Mainly on-campus |
| Frequency | End of semester per course |
| Credential Awarded | Graduate Diploma |
| Recognition | Recognized in Singapore and valued by multinational firms for managerial development |
Diploma in Global Supply Chain Management
An entry-level diploma covering global SCM, procurement strategy, inventory management, and digital SCM concepts. Duration typically ranges from 6 to 12 months. Suitable for entry-level professionals or career switchers seeking foundational SCM knowledge.
| Provider | PSB Academy (Private Education Institution) |
| Eligibility | O-Level or high school equivalent with English proficiency |
| Format | Lectures, assignments, and projects per module |
| Duration | 6 to 12 months |
| Exam | Yes (module exams, assignments, projects) |
| Exam Method | In-person exams and submission of assignments / projects evaluation |
| Frequency | At the completion of each module |
| Credential Awarded | Diploma; pathway to Higher Diploma or partner university bachelor programs |
| Recognition | Primarily Singapore-focused with regional applicability |
Diploma in Supply Chain & Logistics Management
Covers demand planning, logistics management, international SCM, and cost control. Designed for working professionals, emphasizing practical learning through tests, individual assignments, and group projects. Minimum duration is approximately 8 months.
| Provider | Kaplan Singapore (Private Education Institution) |
| Eligibility | Completion of secondary education, minimum age 16, English proficiency |
| Format | Lectures, tests, individual assignments, and group projects |
| Duration | Minimum 8 months |
| Exam | Yes |
| Exam Method | Test, individual assignments and group projects |
| Frequency | Per module |
| Credential Awarded | Diploma; pathway to Higher Diploma or overseas bachelor programs |
| Recognition | Primarily Singapore-focused, with value for overseas study pathways |
Diploma in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
A pre-bachelor diploma covering international SCM, procurement, logistics, strategy planning, and basic data analysis. Cost-effective and suitable for both local and international students.
| Provider | DIMENSIONS International College (Private Education Institution) |
| Eligibility | Secondary education with English proficiency |
| Format | Lectures, exams, and assignments |
| Duration | Typical duration ranges from 6 to 12 months. |
| Exam | Yes |
| Credential Awarded | Diploma; pathway to Higher Diploma or bachelor programs |
| Recognition | Mainly Singapore-focused with limited overseas recognition |
Level Summary
Entry Level (Low → High)
- SIPMM Executive Certificate
- PSB Diploma
- Kaplan Diploma
- DIMENSIONS Diploma
Intermediate Level (Low → High)
- SIPMM Professional Diploma
- Specialist Diploma (Digital SCM)
- CPIM
Advanced Level (Low → High)
- SUSS Graduate Certificate
- SUSS Graduate Diploma
- CLTD
- CSCP
Final Note
Choosing the right SCM certification should align with your career stage and long-term goals rather than a simple “best ranking.” Starting with entry-level diplomas or executive certificates can help build a foundation, followed by intermediate or advanced certifications such as CPIM, CSCP, or GDLSCM. Consider whether your primary objective is local career progression in Singapore or exposure to international and multinational opportunities. This guide is designed to help you assess your current position, map your desired career path, and invest in the most suitable certification as a strategic career development tool.
