Certification Process

CPLP certification is attained through a rigorous process designed to validate the learning of individuals. There are three levels of certification - Foundation, Advanced, and Mastery. The Foundation-level certification test is based on the core Foundation curriculum. It reflects the competencies necessary to understand the intent, key processes, and initial applications of Shopper and Category Development.

What is the purpose of certification?
To provide an objective evaluation of an individual's capabilities relative to externally validated standards:

• To benefit organizations and management:
  • Identifying individuals with required competencies fo key positions
  • Aiding in selection & career-pathing of competent individuals
  • Supporting improvements in job performance
• To benefit participants:
  • Defining areas for career growth & development
  • Providing a credential which will be recognized
  • Improving the quality of learning through participation in training classes with others at a similar competency levels

How do I sign up?
The registration process begins on-line.  After you have provided the basic information about your interest in taking a CPLP certification test on this web site, you will receive an e-mail providing information needed to complete your registration process.

Testing

How will I take the test?
During registration, you will indicate at which of our test site locations you want to take the test. These sites include the Walton College (WCOB) at the University of Arkansas (in Fayetteville) and locations in the cities and states listed here.  You will be notified of the specific time and place for you to take the examination by e-mail.

If you are scheduled for a site other than a Walton College location, you may be taking the test with people taking other tests.  You will take the test on a computer and there will be a test proctor in the room to make sure you get started, and then keep track of time.

What competency areas will be covered by the test?

• Strategic Business Planning - Development of clear, logical and comprehensive business plans that reflect company objectives and align with those of the partner incorporating strategies and tactics which reflect insights and address problems.
• Analysis & Insights - Understanding data types, research methodologies, analytical techniques and modeling to access and analyze information concerning consumers, shoppers, categories and markets to develop insights which can serve as the basis for decision making, strategy creation, initiative development and opportunity identification.
• Financial & Business Acumen - Applying knowledge of consumer/shopper, trading partner and company business financial drivers, practices and concepts to produce beneficial and sustainable results.
• Product Development & Assortment - Identifying and developing products and packaging, optimizing assortment, to meet identified consumer/shopper and commercial needs along with managing the introduction process with excellence.
• Retail Pricing & Promotion - Identifying key business indicators, price tiers, price/size relationships to developing and implementing pricing and promotion strategies and initiatives.
• Retail Merchandising & Service - Designing retail merchandising spaces (shelf, aisles, departments and stores) and services to meet business objectives and executing those designs flawlessly.
• Shopper Marketing/Target Marketing - Managing retail and product brand equity, building consumer/shopper loyalty, developing targeted consumer/shoppers (ethnic and others) through the use of various marketing programs.
• Demand Planning & Total Order Management - Providing outstanding customer service through planning and management of the forecasting, ordering, inventory, shrink and damage control processes using a working knowledge of the total supply chain.
• Retailer & Manufacturer Relationship Development - Developing trading partner knowledge and building relationships in order to collaboratively identify mutually beneficial solutions to meet the needs of the trading partner and the company.

Will I need to know everything covered in each of these areas?
No. For the Foundation Certification Test, you will need:

• An awareness of terminology
• The ability to follow processes and procedures given
• The ability to apply basic knowledge to routine work

How long is the test?
The test will consist of approximately 120 questions and you will have up to three (3) hours to complete the test.

What type of questions will be on the test?
There will be a combination of multiple-choice, true/false and open-ended questions.

Here are some sample questions:

Financial & Business Acumen Multiple-choice

What are key elements in cost of goods sold?

1. Cost of direct labor used in production
2. Cost of direct materials used in production
3. Overhead costs associated with production
4. None of the above
5. All of the above

Retailer & Manufacturer Relationship Development Open-ended

List two ways how confirming or clarifying can improve the quality of communication between a retailer and a manufacturer.

Shopper/Target Marketing True/False

Poor tactical execution can severely damage a brand's equity.

Do I have to pass each of the areas covered to receive a passing score?
No. You must receive an overall passing score, but you will receive your results for each of the areas covered with a notation of any particular skill gaps.

What are the consequences for verified disclosure of confidential test information or use of such information?
The consequences are disqualification from the program and revocation of any certification previously achieved.

Certification Results

When will I get my results?
You will receive the results 4-6 weeks after you take the test.

Will my manager or company be told about my results?
At the time you register to take the test, you will be asked for permission to send your results to your company. If you grant that permission, the results will be automatically sent to your company.

What type of feedback will I get with my results?
You will be notified whether your overall score is a passing or failing score.  Regardless of your overall results, you will be notified of your results for each competency area covered by the test.  In competency areas where test performance is weak, additional training and development recommendations will be provided.

For how long is the certification valid?
Certification will be for a period of four years.  Renewal of certification will be accomplished through completion of a two-three day refresher course that will focus on new knowledge and innovations.