Looking to strengthen your knowledge of manufacturing, production planning, and inventory management? The VCARE CPIA, Certified Production and Inventory Analyst, is designed for professionals who want to better understand manufacturing operations, improve planning and inventory decisions, and build stronger practical knowledge of production and operations management.
What is CPIA – Certified Production and Inventory Analyst?
The Certified Production and Inventory Analyst (CPIA) programme focuses on the practical side of manufacturing, production, and inventory management. It helps professionals understand how manufacturing and operations work, how planning supports performance, and how inventory and materials decisions affect efficiency, throughput, and business results.
The programme covers the role of manufacturing in the supply chain, the importance of planning and scheduling, materials management, manufacturing processes, and operational support functions such as quality, lean, and continuous improvement. This makes CPIA relevant for professionals who want to build a stronger foundation in manufacturing and operations and apply that knowledge in practice.
Who is CPIA for?
The CPIA certification is well suited for professionals who are involved in manufacturing, production, inventory, or operations, such as:
- Executives, supervisors, and managers in production and operations
- Professionals involved in inventory, quality, planning, or procurement
- Manufacturing personnel working in operational environments
- Employees who work closely with supply chain or operations leadership
- Professionals who want stronger knowledge of manufacturing and operations
- Career starters in manufacturing, production, or inventory management
- Bachelor’s and Master’s students seeking a recognised certification
Module 1. Introduction to Manufacturing and Operations Management
You learn the basics of business strategy, business functions, management, supply chains, and customer service.
Module 2. Operations Planning and Scheduling
This module focuses on forecasting, demand management, planning and scheduling, materials planning, and capacity planning.
Module 3. Materials Management
You build knowledge in purchasing, warehousing, inventory management, materials handling, transportation, and distribution.
Module 4. Manufacturing and Manufacturing Processes
This module covers manufacturing technology, manufacturing strategies, types of production, and manufacturing processes and materials.
Module 5. Manufacturing and Operations Support Functions
You study engineering and productivity improvement, quality, inspection, metrology, maintenance, lean, waste management, and continuous improvement.
When you are ready, you can schedule your CPIA certification exam online. The final exam consists of:
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Duration: 180 minutes
- Online iProctored exam
- 1 free retake if unsuccessful on the first attempt
Pass mark: I would leave this off the page for now, because VCARE shows conflicting information for CPIA. The certification page lists 60%, while the examination centre lists 70%.
The exam consists of the following topics:
- Introduction to Manufacturing and Operations Management – 10%
- Operations Planning and Scheduling – 15%
- Materials Management – 25%
- Manufacturing and Manufacturing Processes – 30%
- Manufacturing and Operations Support Functions – 20%
After completing the course, you will receive a digital badge that you can share on social media to show your achievement.
After passing the final exam, you will receive a certificate with verifiable credentials. The certificate is valid for 3 years. To keep it valid, VCARE requires you to continue learning and stay up to date with changes in supply chain and value chain management.
InCompany training
Looking to train multiple employees at the same time? ProQua also offers InCompany CPIA training for organisations that want to strengthen production, inventory, and operations knowledge across their teams.
InCompany training is a practical option for companies that want to build a shared understanding of manufacturing and operations, improve planning and inventory knowledge, and support employees in working more effectively in production environments. This fits with VCARE’s own team training options for CPIA, which include online live classes and in-house training.
Benefits of InCompany training:
- Train multiple employees in one programme
- Build a shared understanding across teams
- Focus on practical business relevance
- Learn in a format that fits your organisation
Interested in InCompany CPIA training for your team?
Request a personalised offer.