CPIM Practice Test

This website provides free practice tests generated with AI tools to help candidates study for the Certified in Planning and Inventory Management credential. Supply chain and inventory professionals take this APICS examination from ASCM to validate planning concepts. Here you can review worked sample questions, examine scoring expectations, and access practice sets covering core inventory, scheduling, and procurement workflows.

CPIM Exam at a Glance

What changed for CPIM in 2026

• Jun 1, 2026: From June 1, 2026, a new CPIM exam version replaced the previous exam.^[2]
• Feb 3, 2026: ASCM released a major update to the CPIM learning systems on February 3, 2026; the 2026 Learning System follows CPIM Exam Content Manual version 9.0.^[2]

What the CPIM is and how it works

According to ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), which awards the APICS CPIM, “150 questions, with an exam score range of 200-350. Scores above 300 are passing.”^[1]

The Certified in Planning and Inventory Management credential, offered by ASCM, evaluates knowledge of operations, supply planning, procurement, and materials control. Candidates can sit for the test via Pearson VUE test centers or OnVUE online proctoring. Candidates must book any time within 12 months of purchase, while retakes must be scheduled within 6 months of purchase.

The test fee is $1,265 for members with certification upgrade, or $1,755 for nonmembers and members without the upgrade add-on. Testing includes 150 questions. ASCM reports test outcomes on a 200–350 scale, and scores above 300 are passing.

Candidates who do not pass must wait 14 full days before retaking the same examination. A free 2nd Chance retake is available only with a bundle purchase. Following completion, credential validity lasts 5 years. Maintenance requires submitting 75 professional development points every 5 years, or 100 points for Fellows. Test policies, accommodations, and localized testing options can vary by location; review the ASCM website and APICS Exam Handbook for current administrative details.

Worked examples: how to reason through CPIM questions

These are practice questions written for this site, not questions from the real exam. Each explanation shows why the right answer is right and why the others are wrong.

Example 1

Question: Which planning horizon is most commonly associated with the Master Production Schedule?

1. 1–3 days
2. 1–3 weeks
3. Weeks to months (typically 3–18 months)
4. 3–5 years

Answer: C. Weeks to months (typically 3–18 months)

Explanation:

Option C is correct because the Master Production Schedule operates across weeks to months, typically spanning 3–18 months. This medium-range horizon allows planners to balance demand forecasts with production capacity and component lead times. Option A is incorrect because 1–3 days represents daily shop floor dispatching rather than tactical planning. Option B is incorrect because 1–3 weeks reflects short-term scheduling and final assembly sequencing. Option D is incorrect because 3–5 years corresponds to long-range strategic business planning and capital investment decisions. As a general rule, remember that production scheduling disaggregates higher-level plans into actionable medium-term manufacturing targets, bridging long-term business strategy with daily operations execution.

Example 2

Question: What is the main objective of supply planning?

1. To reduce staff workload.
2. To optimize inventory levels and ensure material availability
3. To avoid supplier communication.
4. To increase procurement costs.

Answer: B. To optimize inventory levels and ensure material availability

Explanation:

Option B is correct because supply planning aims to align resources, optimize inventory levels, and ensure material availability to meet customer demand without excess holding costs. Option A is incorrect because reducing staff workload is an administrative benefit, not the core mission of supply management. Option C is incorrect because supply planning requires active, frequent supplier communication to manage lead times, purchase orders, and capacity constraints. Option D is incorrect because supply planning seeks cost efficiency and inventory reduction, whereas increasing procurement costs harms organizational performance. The general rule is that supply planning coordinates purchasing, production, and distribution to satisfy demand reliably while minimizing inventory waste.

Example 3

Question: A firm uses a min-max inventory system. The minimum is 100 units and the maximum is 400 units. Current stock is 85 units. How many units should be ordered?

1. 100 units
2. 315 units
3. 300 units
4. 400 units

Answer: B. 315 units

Explanation:

Option B is correct because under a min-max replenishment system, falling below the minimum threshold triggers an order up to the target maximum. With current stock at 85 units and a minimum of 100 units, replenishment is triggered; calculating 400 units minus 85 units yields an order quantity of 315 units. Option A of 100 units represents only the minimum reorder threshold. Option C of 300 units incorrectly calculates the difference between the maximum and minimum (400 minus 100) rather than accounting for current inventory. Option D of 400 units orders the full maximum capacity without deducting on-hand stock, resulting in excess inventory. The general rule for min-max ordering is to replenish inventory up to the established maximum whenever on-hand stock drops below the minimum level.

How to use these practice tests

Begin preparation by consulting official ASCM study literature and the APICS Exam Handbook to build an understanding of supply chain terminology. Work through targeted practice question sets including Demand Management, Inventory Planning & Control Strategies, and Supply Planning and Management to identify operational topics requiring additional review.

Next, practice with broader question collections like Detailed Scheduling, Distribution Planning, and CPIM Practice Test. Because the official examination comprises 150 questions and scores above 300 represent passing performance, working through practice questions helps develop pacing and stamina. When an answer is incorrect, read the explanation thoroughly to understand underlying planning principles rather than memorizing answers. Maintain consistent study habits within the 12 months authorization window following purchase. Candidates scheduling retakes must note the 6 months retake window and the requirement to wait 14 full days.

Sources & last verified

1. ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), which awards the APICS CPIM — number of questions, exam fee, passing score, delivery (official source). “150 questions, with an exam score range of 200-350. Scores above 300 are passing.” Verified Oct 21, 2026.
2. ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), which awards the APICS CPIM — retake policy, validity, other, testing window (official source). “Retaking the Exams Candidates who fail an APICS exam must wait 14 full days before retaking the same exam.” Verified Oct 21, 2026.
3. ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), which awards the APICS CPIM — renewal (official source). “To keep your APICS certification valid, you must earn and submit 75 professional development maintenance points every five years (100 points for APICS Fellows).” Verified Oct 21, 2026.

How we verify: editorial & fact-checking policy. Report an error: contact us.