APICS CTSC is a supply chain transformation certification launched by ASCM that focuses on end-to-end supply chain transformation and full lifecycle management capabilities.

1. Introduction to the CTSC certification

APICS Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC) is a professional certification for supply chain transformation launched by the global supply chain management authority ASCM in July 2023 and officially released globally in April 2024. It belongs to the strategic transformation special sequence under the ASCM supply chain management expert certification system.

The APICS CTSC certification focuses on verifying practitioners' strategic planning, process design, technology implementation, organizational change, and risk management capabilities throughout the entire lifecycle of end-to-end supply chain transformation in enterprises. The aim is to cultivate composite strategic talents who can independently lead the digital, sustainable, and resilient transformation of the supply chain.

Under the triple drive of globalization, digitization, and sustainable development, enterprise supply chains are transforming from traditional "cost centers" to "value creation centers," facing multiple challenges such as supply chain disruptions, demand fluctuations, compliance pressures, and technological iterations.

The core positioning of CTSC certification is to create a "supply chain transformation architect" who is not just a professional with supply chain operation skills, but a strategic leader who can deeply understand supply chain transformation strategies, proficiently apply global standard frameworks, effectively coordinate technology, processes, and organizational changes, and promote the upgrading of supply chains from "responsive" to "forward thinking."

In the "Supply Chain Digital Transformation" project of manufacturing enterprises, certifiers can evaluate the maturity of existing supply chains based on the SCOR DS standard, identify digital opportunities and risks. Design a digital transformation strategy and roadmap for the supply chain, clarifying the application scenarios of technologies. Establish a transformation KPI system, continuously monitor and optimize the transformation effect, and ultimately achieve supply chain efficiency improvement, cost reduction, accelerated response speed, and sustainable development goals.

2. The Competitive Edge of CTSC Certification

CTSC certification is ASCM's official recognition of its ability to manage the entire process of supply chain transformation. Based on a globally recognized supply chain standard system, it has a high degree of recognition in the international supply chain field.

This certification is the core symbol that distinguishes "supply chain operator" from "supply chain transformation leader." When companies recruit high-level positions such as supply chain transformation manager and supply chain strategic consultant, it is often listed as a "priority condition," which can significantly enhance the holder's competitiveness in the job market.

As the demand for supply chain transformation experts continues to grow, professionals holding CTSC certification have outstanding salary advantages: globally, the annual salary for related positions is generally between $90000 and $180000, which is 30%-50% higher than that of ordinary supply chain management personnel. At the same time, certificate holders are more likely to gain leadership in core projects and opportunities for career advancement, greatly increasing the ceiling for career development.

CTSC certification is a key qualification for undertaking high-end projects such as supply chain digital transformation, sustainable supply chain construction, and global supply chain restructuring. In industries that require high resilience, agility, and sustainability in the supply chain, certifiers can independently lead complex supply chain transformation projects, accumulate valuable industry experience and project cases, and further consolidate their professional competitiveness.

After obtaining CTSC certification, holders can advance to higher levels of ASCM certification or switch to management positions such as supply chain strategy consulting, digital transformation consulting, and enterprise operations director; it is also possible to delve into vertical fields and become scarce roles such as digital supply chain experts and sustainable supply chain experts.

3. Core Components of the Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain Certification

Certified Transformation Specialist in Supply Chain (CTSC) certification is a strategic level certification for supply chain professionals, which goes beyond single functional skill certification and aims to cultivate leaders who can lead and drive strategic change throughout the entire supply chain.

This certification strictly follows the official ASCM outline, and its core value lies in providing a systematic transformation methodology from strategic planning to implementation and continuous optimization. You will first establish a macro perspective in the "Overview of Supply Chain Transformation" to understand the driving factors, core principles, and strategic guidance role of ASCM global standards for transformation.

The 'Transformation Preparation Stage' will guide you from assessing the current situation and identifying opportunities, gradually completing the process of setting a vision, stakeholder analysis, and ultimately developing a clear transformation roadmap and business case. This is the key to ensuring that the transformation project 'does the right thing.'

The 'transformation execution phase' is the core of certification, which requires you to have strong project management and change management capabilities, be able to coordinate management technology, process reengineering, organizational change, and risk control, and ensure that the transformation is done 'correctly.' 

Finally, the 'Transformation Assessment and Optimization Phase' provides a complete toolkit for measuring results, solidifying experience, and achieving closed-loop continuous optimization.

4. What are the requirements to be an APICS Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain?

(1) Qualification prerequisites:

CTSC certification does not require mandatory pre certification, but we recommend that you have 3-5 years of experience in supply chain management and be familiar with the core processes of the supply chain. If you understand basic project management methods and tools, and have a basic understanding of the application of digital technology in the supply chain, you will be more likely to pass this exam.

ASCM recommends that you complete official training courses or accumulate experience in supply chain transformation projects through the ASCM community of practice. 

(2) Training and examinations:

The number of CTSC certification questions is about 60-70, including multiple-choice questions, situational analysis questions, and case analysis questions. The exam lasts for 90 minutes. Full score of 1000, pass with 700 points or above.

The exam fee is approximately $495 globally.

(3) Qualification maintenance:

The CTSC certification is valid for 3 years, and the renewal requirement is that you must complete 60 ASCM Continuing Education Credits (CEHs) within 3 years or pass the recertification exam.

5. Comparable Certifications to Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain Certification

• Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
• Supply Chain Resilience Certification (SCRC)
• ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
• Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Level 6 (CIPS L6)