APICS CLTD Certification Logistics Certification: The Complete Guide

What is the APICS CLTD Certification? 

The APICS CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution) is a professional certification that proves you are an expert in the movement, storage, and delivery of goods.

Think of it as a gold standard for your resume in the fields of:

• Logistics

• Transportation Management

• Warehouse Management

• Supply Chain Management

It’s created by APICS (now part of ASCM), the most recognized association for supply chain professionals worldwide. Earning the CLTD shows employers you have the advanced knowledge to make logistics operations faster, cheaper, and more reliable.

Who is the CLTD for?

The CLTD is perfect for you if your job or career goals involve:

• Logistics Managers and Planners

• Transportation Managers

• Warehouse/Distribution Center Managers

• Supply Chain Analysts

• Inventory Managers

• Operations Managers

• Anyone looking to move into a logistics-focused role

Experience Level: While there are no formal prerequisites, it’s recommended that you have at least 2-3 years of related work experience or an existing foundational certification (like the APICS CPIM or CSCP) before attempting the CLTD.

What Do You Actually Learn? The 8 CLTD Modules

The CLTD body of knowledge is organized into 8 modules that cover the entire logistics landscape:

1. Logistics and Supply Chain Overview: The big picture. How logistics fits into the broader supply chain and its strategic importance.

2. Logistics Strategy: How to design a logistics network, where to place warehouses, and how to make smart outsourcing decisions (like using a 3PL).

3. Transportation: The core of logistics. You’ll dive deep into all modes (truck, rail, air, sea), how to choose the right one, freight management, and regulations (like DOT).

4. Warehouse Management: Everything that happens inside a warehouse: receiving, put-away, picking, packing, and shipping. Includes layout design and technology like WMS.

5. Inventory Management: How much stock to hold, where to hold it, and how to control it to balance customer service with cost.

6. Reverse Logistics: The often-overlooked process of handling returns, recycling, and refurbishing. A critical skill for cost savings and sustainability.

7. Global Logistics: Managing the complexities of international shipping, including Incoterms, customs, and documentation.

8. Technology and Logistics: How to use modern tools like Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Transportation Management Systems (TMS), and the role of AI and RFID.

The 3 Biggest Benefits of Getting Your CLTD

1. Career Advancement and Higher Salary: CLTD holders are in high demand. The certification validates your expertise, making you a prime candidate for promotions and higher-paying roles. Many professionals see a significant salary increase after certification.

2. Gain a Competitive Edge: You’ll learn industry best practices that you can apply immediately to solve real-world problems at your company, saving money and improving efficiency.

3. Build a Powerful Professional Network: Joining the APICS/ASCM community gives you access to a global network of supply chain professionals for knowledge sharing and career opportunities.

How to Get Certified: The Step-by-Step Process

1. Prepare: This is the most important step. You can:

   • Self-Study: Buy the official CLTD Learning System from ASCM. This is the most common route and includes all the books and online tools.

   • Instructor-Led Course: Take a class through a local APICS chapter or an authorized partner. This is more expensive but provides structure and guidance.

   • Form a Study Group: Connect with other candidates to share knowledge and stay motivated.

2. Register for the Exam: Create an account on the ASCM website and schedule your exam. The exam is computer-based and can be taken at a Pearson VUE test center or through online proctoring.

3. Take and Pass the Exam:

   • Format: 150 multiple-choice questions.

   • Duration: 3.5 hours.

   • Passing Score: 300 on a scale of 200 to 350.

4. Maintain Your Certification: To keep your CLTD active, you must earn 75 professional development points (maintenance points) every 5 years. You can earn these through continuing education, teaching, publishing articles, or attending industry events.

How Much Does the CLTD Certification Cost?

The total investment depends on your preparation method. Here’s a rough breakdown:

Total Estimated Cost (Self-Study Path): ~$2,300 – $2,600

What Does the CLTD Program Cover?

The CLTD learning system is built around eight key modules that reflect the entire logistics ecosystem:

1. Logistics and Supply Chain Overview: The strategic role of logistics.

2. Logistics Strategy Considerations: Aligning logistics with overall business goals.

3. Capacity Planning and Demand Management: Forecasting and managing logistics requirements.

4. Order Management: Efficiently processing customer orders from entry to fulfillment.

5. Inventory and Warehouse Management: Strategies for storing and managing inventory effectively.

6. Transportation: Modes of transport, management, regulations, and global implications.

7. Global Logistics Considerations: Navigating international trade, regulations, and documentation.

8. Reverse Logistics and Sustainability: Managing product returns, recycling, and implementing green logistics practices.

The CLTD Exam and Requirements

• Exam Format: The CLTD certification is awarded upon passing one comprehensive computer-based exam.

• Number of Questions: 150 questions

• Exam Duration: 3.5 hours

• Question Types: Multiple-choice and scenario-based

• Passing Score: Scored on a scale of 300 to 350, with a passing score of 300.

While there are no formal prerequisites, ASCM recommends that candidates have relevant work experience and a solid understanding of supply chain fundamentals. Preparation typically involves self-study with the official CLTD Learning System or instructor-led courses.

CLTD vs. Other ASCM Certifications (CSCP and CPIM)

ASCM offers a suite of certifications, each with a distinct focus:

• CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management): Focuses on internal operations—production planning, inventory control, and scheduling within a company.

• CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional): Takes a broad, end-to-end strategic view of the entire supply chain, from supplier to customer.

• CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation, and Distribution): Provides a deep, specialized focus on the logistics, transportation, and distribution functions that move goods through the supply chain.

The CLTD is an excellent choice for those who want to become the recognized expert on the physical flow of goods.

Is the CLTD Worth It?

Absolutely. For professionals dedicated to a career in logistics and distribution, the CLTD is the gold standard. It provides the formal framework and recognized credential to prove your expertise, drive efficiency in your organization, and accelerate your professional growth.