Value of Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC) Certification

Wisconsin ASCM Now Offering APICS CTSC

The Wisconsin ASCM chapter will be offering instructor-led CTSC (Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain) in January/February 2025. CTSC self-study materials are currently available in the store section of the site for individuals that cannot fit the instructor-led class into their schedule or want to earn certification this Fall.

What is the CTSC

The CTSC is the newest APICS certification developed in 2023. CTSC covers best practices from well-known systems to lead supply chain transformation projects for long-term change. Like the popular CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional), the CTSC covers the end-to-end supply chain. The difference is the CTSC covers the end-to-end supply chain because a change in one area often has tradeoffs in other areas.

CTSC Certification Increases Earning Potential and Creates an Advantage in the Field

Year-after-year the 2024 ASCM Salary Report shows that certified supply chain professionals earn more than uncertified professionals. The 2024 report stated that individuals with at least one APICS certification earned a median salary 18% higher than their non-certified colleagues. Getting the new CTSC certification prepares professionals to add more value to organizations and distinguish themselves from colleagues because they can discuss the latest supply chain trends, identify risks, and find supply chain improvement opportunities.

CTSC Trains Individuals for Digital Transformation

The ASCM webinar, “Fireside Chat: Practical Applications of the CTSC Certification,” stated: “Only 30% of the functionality purchased 5 years ago is leveraged in supply chain processes. Process engineering done right gets organizations to 80% and is considered the first phase of digital transformation.”

Carol Cunningham, CSCP, CTSC, CS&OP, PMP, CPF, APICS Instructor, and Senior Manager-Sales & Operations Planning at Energizer said that implementing software is not transformation. “Going from spreadsheets to software is just a change in the tools.” The poor adoption rate, in my opinion, is because the processes and ways of working did not come with new software. The CTSC covers the tools available for transformation and how to apply the tools in various ways.

CTSC for Organizational Competitive Advantage

The webinar also talked about talent development as “a lever to both accelerate and de-risk digital transformation.” The investment in systems and people combined was new in 2024 to ASCM’s annual Top 10 Supply Chain Trends Report. The report stated: “In 2024, essential investments in people through training and development on the latest tech will create a culture of innovation and encourage employees to share ideas that lead to real supply chain success.”

Studying CTSC helps professionals be more agile and better prepared for rapid changes in the field. Agility and resilience was another trend listed in the 2024 Top 10 Supply Chain Trends Report. A company that encourages their people to earn this certification gains both a common language and process for supply chain transformation which can lead to a competitive advantage.

Who Can Benefit Most from CTSC

CTSC certification is recommended for current and aspiring supply chain leaders, people championing transformation, project managers, strategic sourcing, and IT professionals implementing software.

Read more about CTSC and watch for this Winter’s instructor-led class schedule here: ASCM Wisconsin Chapter - Certified in Transformation for Supply Chain (CTSC)

Author: Helen Henderson, CSCP, CLTD - Director of Education, ASCM Wisconsin Chapter