APICS Certification Preparation Course

Lesson 1 • APICS Certification Overview

Explains APICS credential pathways, exam formats, and eligibility requirements. Helps candidates select the right certification and build a study plan.

Lesson 2 • Supply Chain Performance Metrics

Introduces key performance indicators used to measure supply chain effectiveness. Provides a baseline for evaluating improvement initiatives covered later.

Lesson 3 • Supply Chain Strategy and Design

Covers how organisations align supply chain design with business strategy. Connects strategic objectives to operational structure decisions.

Lesson 1 • Collaborative Planning and Replenishment

Introduces CPFR and Vendor-Managed Inventory as demand-driven collaboration models. Links demand visibility to upstream supply chain responsiveness.

Lesson 2 • Demand Planning Fundamentals

Explains the demand planning process and its role in aligning supply with customer needs. Anchors forecasting within the broader sales and operations planning cycle.

Lesson 3 • Qualitative Forecasting Approaches

Addresses judgment-based methods used when historical data is limited or unreliable. Complements quantitative techniques for new products and market shifts.

Lesson 4 • Quantitative Forecasting Methods

Covers statistical techniques including moving averages, exponential smoothing, and regression. Students apply each method to historical data sets to generate forecasts.

Lesson 1 • ABC and XYZ Classification

Applies Pareto-based and demand-variability classification to prioritise inventory management effort. Enables differentiated control policies across the product portfolio.

Lesson 2 • Inventory Types and Functions

Classifies inventory by type and explains the role each plays in buffering supply chain uncertainty. Provides the conceptual base for all replenishment decisions.

Lesson 3 • Safety Stock and Reorder Point Calculations

Teaches statistical safety stock sizing and reorder point determination under demand and lead-time variability. Directly supports exam calculation questions.

Lesson 4 • Inventory Accuracy and Control

Addresses cycle counting, record accuracy, and shrinkage control methods. Connects accurate inventory records to reliable planning and scheduling outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Sales and Operations Planning Process

Explains the S&OP Cycle, cross-functional inputs, and output decisions. Establishes the top-level planning framework that drives all detailed scheduling.

Lesson 2 • Master Production Schedule Development

Teaches MPS construction, time fencing, and available-to-promise logic. Connects aggregate plans to item-level scheduling decisions.

Lesson 3 • Rough-Cut Capacity Planning

Introduces RCCP Methods to validate MPS feasibility against key resource constraints. Prevents capacity violations before detailed scheduling begins.

Lesson 4 • Production Planning Strategies

Covers chase, level, and hybrid production strategies and their cost trade-offs. Students evaluate strategies against demand patterns and capacity constraints.

Lesson 1 • MRP System Nervousness and Improvement

Addresses causes of MRP instability and techniques to improve plan stability and execution. Prepares students for advanced ERP and planning system questions.

Lesson 2 • MRP Calculation and Time Phasing

Walks through the MRP record calculation including lot sizing, lead-time offsetting, and pegging. Students complete full MRP table exercises.

Lesson 3 • Capacity Requirements Planning

Extends MRP outputs into detailed capacity requirements planning at work centre level. Identifies overloads and underloads for scheduling resolution.

Lesson 4 • MRP Logic and Inputs

Explains the three MRP inputs—MPS, BOM, and inventory records—and how they drive net requirements. Establishes the computational foundation for all MRP exercises.

Lesson 1 • Supplier Relationship Management

Covers supplier development, tiering strategies, and collaborative improvement programmes. Builds long-term supply chain resilience through strategic partnerships.

Lesson 2 • Contract Types and Negotiation

Explains fixed-price, cost-plus, and blanket order contract structures and negotiation tactics. Connects contract choice to risk allocation and cost control.

Lesson 3 • Strategic Sourcing Fundamentals

Covers the make-or-buy decision, spend analysis, and category management principles. Positions procurement as a strategic function rather than a transactional one.

Lesson 4 • Supplier Selection and Evaluation

Teaches criteria weighting, RFQ/RFP processes, and supplier scorecards. Enables objective supplier selection aligned with supply chain strategy.

Lesson 1 • Freight Costing and Rate Structures

Explains carrier rate structures, freight bill auditing, and total landed cost calculation. Connects transportation cost management to overall supply chain profitability.

Lesson 2 • Reverse Logistics and Returns Management

Covers returns processing, disposition decisions, and closed-loop supply chain design. Addresses sustainability and cost recovery in reverse flows.

Lesson 3 • Transportation Modes and Selection

Compares road, rail, air, ocean, and intermodal transport on cost, speed, and reliability. Enables mode selection decisions aligned with service and cost objectives.

Lesson 4 • Distribution Network Design

Addresses facility location, network optimisation, and centralisation vs. decentralisation trade-offs. Links network design to inventory and transportation cost outcomes.

Lesson 1 • Exam Strategy and Final Preparation

Synthesises all domains into an integrated review and exam readiness plan. Equips candidates with test-taking strategies and confidence for exam day.

Lesson 2 • Sustainability in Supply Chain

Addresses environmental, social, and governance considerations in supply chain decisions. Connects sustainability goals to operational and strategic trade-offs.

Lesson 3 • Supply Chain Integration Models

Examines internal and external integration levels and their impact on performance. Builds on all prior chapters to frame end-to-end supply chain coordination.

Lesson 4 • Technology Enablers and Digital Supply Chain

Surveys ERP, IoT, blockchain, and advanced analytics as supply chain enablers. Positions technology as a strategic lever rather than a standalone topic.