APICS CLTD - ASCM

19%

Higher salary with CLTD

4K+

CLTD-certified professionals since 2016

100+

Countries with APICS-certified professionals.

Become a certified logistics, transportation and distribution professional

The CLTD certification is your guide to mastering the complexities of supply chain logistics. By gaining a deep understanding of network design, sustainability and reverse logistics, capacity planning and demand management, you'll transform your career and organization.

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Become a certified logistics, transportation and distribution professional

Who should earn the CLTD?

The APICS CLTD credential is ideal for current or aspiring supply chain professionals seeking to advance their careers. This credential empowers professionals with a comprehensive understanding of managing logistics as a cohesive system, understanding tradeoffs to present a logistics strategy that aligns with organizational strategy and finding the most effective mix of revenue-producing services for the cost of providing that service.

CLTD-certified individuals have the strategic and tactical expertise essential for supply chain excellence and add value across the entire supply chain. Common supply chain logistics, transportation and distribution roles and responsibilities include:

Function	Responsibilities	Key Activities
Transportation Management	Overseeing and optimizing the movement of goods from origin to destination.	Carrier selection, rate negotiation, transportation mode selection, shipment planning, tracking and tracing, documentation management, freight claims management.
Global Logistics	Managing the flow of goods and services across international borders.	International transportation, customs clearance, documentation, trade compliance, global supply chain network design, international warehousing, global procurement.
Warehouse Management	Optimizing the storage, handling, and distribution of goods within a warehouse facility.	Warehouse layout design, inventory management, receiving and put-away, picking and packing, shipping, returns processing, warehouse technology implementation.
Inventory Management	Controlling and optimizing inventory levels to meet demand while minimizing costs.	Inventory planning, forecasting, stock level management, inventory valuation, cycle counting, ABC analysis, reorder point calculations, inventory turnover analysis.

Why should I earn the CLTD?

Boost your knowledge and skills

Earning the CLTD credential demonstrates mastery of distribution strategies and a deep understanding of warehouse, inventory and demand management.

Take the short five question supply chain quiz to find out how much you already know about supply chain logistics and transportation.

Take Quiz

Top employers seek APICS-certified professionals

CLTD certification empowers both individuals and organizations to thrive in today's competitive global market. By equipping professionals with advanced capacity planning and inventory management skills, CLTD increases job value and drives organizational success.

Recognizing the CLTD's impact, leading companies invest in APICS certification programs to develop their top-tier talent.

Increase your earning potential

With a median salary of $100,000, APICS-certified supply chain professionals earn 27% more than their uncertified colleagues. The CLTD credential alone can increase earnings by 19% compared to those with a supply chain degree but no certification.

Demonstrate your logistics expertise

CLTD-certified professionals earn a digital Credly badge along with their certificate. The badge showcases your verified achievement of your skills and knowledge and is a powerful tool for standing out in a competitive job market.

Trusted by industry leaders

APICS credentials are widely recognized as valuable assets by industry leaders and professionals alike; receiving support from influential industry sources, including Indeed, Business.com, and Entrepreneur.com.

Another beneficial APICS credential is the Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution certification (CLTD). The CLTD shows employers that you possess an in-depth understanding of the best strategies for streamlining logistics, transportation and distribution. Things like warehouse management, inventory tracking and ordering are covered in this certification.

Indeed

CLTD fits in that make-deliver-and-return process. It combines transportation, logistics and distribution in a variety of settings, whether you’re in the US or Europe or Asia or anywhere.

Gary Smith, CPIM-F, CSCP-F, CLTD-F

Vice President Supply Logistics at MTA New York City Transit

Course Content

Module 1: Logistics fundamentals and strategy

Key learning objectives:

Understand the fundamental concepts of logistics and its role in supply chain management. This includes grasping the scope, components, and drivers of logistics, its impact on the economy, and its contribution to creating competitive advantage.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of logistics strategy. This involves learning how to align logistics strategy with organizational goals, optimize costs and service levels, manage risks, and measure performance effectively.
Master the art of trade-off analysis in logistics. This entails the ability to balance competing priorities such as cost, customer service, and efficiency to make informed strategic decisions.

Module 2: Demand management and supply capacity management

Key learning objectives:

Master the art of demand forecasting and capacity planning. This includes understanding various forecasting methods, translating demand into capacity requirements for transportation and warehousing, and aligning logistics capacity with overall organizational goals.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of demand management. This involves learning how to balance demand and supply through effective collaboration with sales, marketing, and procurement, and utilizing tools like S&OP, MPS, and MRP to optimize operations.
Build strong relationships and processes with procurement. This entails understanding how to select suppliers, negotiate contracts, and monitor supplier performance to ensure a stable supply chain and cost-effective logistics operations.

Module 3: Customer and order management

Key learning objectives:

Master the art of customer relationship management (CRM) in logistics. This includes understanding the importance of customer focus, implementing CRM processes, and delivering exceptional customer service through the seven rights of customer service.
Develop a comprehensive understanding of order management processes. This involves learning how to efficiently manage inbound and outbound orders, utilizing technology to improve visibility and coordination, and building strong relationships with suppliers and carriers.
Acquire the ability to optimize order fulfillment across various channels. This entails understanding the complexities of different fulfillment channels (e.g., omni-channel, e-commerce, direct-to-store), managing order exceptions and changes, and measuring performance to drive continuous improvement.

Module 4: Warehouse distribution and fulfillment center management

Key learning objectives:

Understand and apply warehouse strategies: This encompasses identifying the most suitable warehousing strategies for a given business, differentiating between ownership types (e.g., public, private, 3PL), and recognizing the fundamental services warehouses provide.
Formulate efficient warehouse processes and order flow: This involves a deep understanding of key warehouse operations, including receiving, inspection, returns, storage, replenishment, inventory management, picking, packing, sorting, consolidation, break-bulk, cross-docking, and dispatch.
Optimize warehouse performance: This includes understanding warehouse design principles, determining facility size, evaluating different layout types, optimizing space and capacity, implementing warehouse management systems, and establishing effective performance management metrics.

Module 5: Inventory Management

Key learning objectives:

Understand the critical role of inventory management in logistics. This includes recognizing the impact of inventory on service levels, costs, and overall business performance, as well as understanding the different types and functions of inventory.
Master inventory management techniques and strategies. This involves learning how to calculate inventory costs, determine optimal order quantities, and implement effective inventory control systems to balance cost and service objectives.
Develop the ability to analyze and optimize inventory performance. This entails understanding inventory performance metrics, conducting inventory audits, and making data-driven decisions to improve inventory turnover and reduce carrying costs.

Module 6: Transportation Management

Key learning objectives:

Master the fundamentals of transportation and its role in the supply chain. This includes understanding the transportation ecosystem, the various modes of transportation, and the factors influencing mode selection.
Develop expertise in transportation management and optimization. This involves learning how to design efficient transportation networks, negotiate carrier contracts, and utilize technology to improve transportation visibility and performance.
Acquire the ability to manage transportation costs and service levels. This entails understanding transportation cost structures, implementing effective freight settlement processes, and utilizing performance metrics to drive continuous improvement.

Module 7: Global Logistics

Key learning objectives:

Master the complexities of the global logistics environment. This includes understanding the impact of macroenvironmental factors, international infrastructure, and regulations on global trade operations.
Develop expertise in international trade documentation and customs clearance. This involves learning how to prepare and manage the necessary documentation for international shipments, comply with customs regulations, and utilize trade agreements and trading blocs to facilitate trade.
Acquire the ability to manage financial and payment aspects of global trade. This entails understanding different payment methods, currency exchange, and the role of free trade zones in optimizing supply chain costs and mitigating risks.

Module 8: Sustainability, reverse logistics and risk management

Key learning objectives:

Understand the concept of reverse logistics and its impact on the supply chain. This includes learning about the various reverse logistics activities, developing effective strategies for managing returns, and measuring the financial and environmental benefits of reverse logistics processes
Develop a strong foundation in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. This involves understanding the dimensions of social responsibility, the impact of logistics on the triple bottom line, and the implementation of sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.
Acquire the ability to integrate sustainability into logistics operations. This entails learning how to reduce the environmental impact of logistics activities, select sustainable suppliers, and measure and report on the organization's sustainability performance.

Module 9: Logistics framework, metrics, network design, transformation and improvement

Key learning objectives:

Design and optimize the logistics network: This encompasses designing or redesigning a logistics network, evaluating network and transportation requirements, evaluating facility requirements, making decisions on facility number, type, and location, and understanding different network modeling approaches.
Coordinate strategic performance management: This involves managing performance, setting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), considering SCOR and digital capabilities models, and utilizing financial performance metrics and benchmarking to evaluate logistics effectiveness.
Facilitate digital transformation and continuous improvement: This includes supporting digital transformation within the logistics function, exploring methodologies that require digital transformation, and coordinating continuous improvement initiatives to enhance logistics efficiency and effectiveness.

How much do you know about supply chain logistics?

Becoming CLTD certified shows employers that you know how to effectively manage orders, inventory and warehousing. Take our short five question supply chain quiz to find out how much you know about supply chain logistics.

Take Quiz

FAQs

How long does it take to earn your CLTD?

While the average study time for the CLTD exam is 100 hours, this can vary depending on your experience level and background in supply chain management.

To maximize your success, consider the CLTD Learning System – the only official prep program guaranteed to align with the latest exam content. The comprehensive program offers a variety of learning resources with print and digital materials, interactive activities, and downloadable content for studying on the go.

See how the CLTD Learning System works

What’s the difference between the CLTD and CSCP?

The CLTD focuses on logistics, transportation and distribution. Ideal for supply chain professionals focusing on fulfillment, orders and returns.

The Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) has more generalized knowledge and looks at the entire supply chain, from suppliers to customers. Validates comprehensive understanding of supply chain integration and management across the whole network. Suitable for professionals in procurement, logistics, and overall supply chain management.

For more information on APICS supply chain certifications, visit ascm.org/certifications.