The Certified Logistics Specialist (CLS) certification program is a recognized professional credential designed to empower individuals with the comprehensive knowledge and practical skills required to manage end-to-end logistics operations in today’s fast-paced, global supply chain environment. As businesses increasingly depend on the seamless movement of goods and services across diverse markets, the role of logistics professionals has become more strategic and integral to organizational success. The CLS program is carefully structured to equip participants with the tools to optimize logistics operations, reduce costs, and ensure on-time delivery and customer satisfaction.

Logistics is no longer viewed as a back-end support function—it is a core business enabler that directly impacts profitability, competitiveness, and customer experience. The CLS program provides a deep dive into logistics fundamentals, inventory and warehouse operations, transportation planning, logistics IT systems, and global trade processes. Whether in manufacturing, retail, distribution, or e-commerce, logistics professionals must master data-driven decision-making, compliance, and agile supply chain coordination. Through this program, CLS-certified professionals will gain the expertise to lead logistics functions that are efficient, resilient, and responsive to global supply chain dynamics.

Certification Program Objectives:

Upon completing the Certified Logistics Specialist (CLS) program, participants will be able to:

• Understand Logistics and Supply Chain Fundamentals: Learn the core concepts, functions, and strategic importance of logistics in a modern supply chain.
• Manage Inventory Effectively: Acquire skills in inventory control techniques, stock optimization, and demand forecasting to ensure operational continuity.
• Coordinate Transportation Operations: Gain insights into routing, carrier selection, freight cost management, and multi-modal transportation.
• Operate and Improve Warehousing Systems: Master warehouse layout, picking strategies, storage systems, and distribution center management.
• Leverage Logistics Information Systems: Use ERP, WMS, and TMS platforms to enhance visibility, tracking, and data-driven logistics performance.
• Navigate Global Logistics and Trade Compliance: Understand international trade practices, Incoterms, customs procedures, and cross-border logistics challenges.

Certification Eligibility Criteria:

To apply for certification from The American Institute of Business and Management (AIBM) and its allied institutions, candidates must meet at least one of the following criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution

And/or

• 2 to 5 years of relevant work experience in the related professional field.

Note: Applicants who do not hold a Bachelor’s degree but possess exceptional professional experience and hold significant positions within their organizations in a relevant field may also be considered for certification on a case-by-case basis, subject to the approval of the AIBM evaluation committee.

Certifying Examination:

• To be certified as CLS, student should take up a 1.5 hours online exam conducted by AIPLM.
• The qualifying exam would consist of 50 multiple choice questions, testing core certification modules.
• Professionals with relevant experience and other qualifying criteria may be exempted from the examination.

Certification Modules:

• Module 1: Introduction to Logistics and Supply Chain Management
• Module 2: Inventory Management and Control
• Module 3: Transportation Management
• Module 4: Warehousing and Distribution
• Module 5: Logistics Information Systems
• Module 6: Global Logistics and International Trade

* The modules of the certification are constantly updated and are subject to change.

Who Should Do This Certification:

The CLS certification is ideal for professionals engaged in or aspiring to roles within logistics and supply chain management. It is particularly beneficial for:

• Logistics Coordinators and Analysts: Individuals responsible for planning and executing logistics operations will benefit from structured training in core logistics functions.
• Warehouse and Distribution Center Managers: Professionals managing inventory storage and dispatch activities can improve efficiency through best practices in warehousing and automation.
• Transportation and Fleet Managers: Those handling freight planning, route optimization, or carrier management will gain insights into cost control and logistics performance.
• Supply Chain and Operations Professionals: Staff responsible for overall supply chain strategy and planning will benefit from a detailed understanding of the logistics component.
• Procurement and Inventory Specialists: Professionals involved in procurement and materials management can use CLS to better integrate inventory policies with logistics goals.
• Manufacturing and Production Managers: Those overseeing production flows can align logistics activities with manufacturing schedules and inventory requirements.
• E-commerce and Retail Operations Staff: Individuals managing online order fulfillment, last-mile delivery, or returns can improve delivery speed, accuracy, and customer satisfaction.
• Customs and Compliance Officers: Professionals working with international shipping and trade regulations can deepen their understanding of customs processes and compliance.
• Business Owners and Entrepreneurs: Leaders running product-based businesses will benefit from mastering logistics to reduce costs, improve service levels, and scale effectively.

Whether managing daily operations or designing strategic supply chain solutions, the Certified Logistics Specialist (CLS) program provides the knowledge, certification, and confidence to optimize logistics performance in any industry or market.