SCMP™ Maintenance Requirements

Frequently Asked Questions

Effective January 1, 2021, Institutes will communicate changes to the SCMPTM Maintenance Requirements
policy to all SCMP designation holders. This document will also be posted on the Supply Chain Canada
website.

1. What is the SCMPTM Maintenance Requirements policy?

The Supply Chain Management Professional TM (SCMPTM) demonstrates a commitment to strategic

leadership through innovative practices that promote enhanced competitiveness for their organization, the
end-to-end supply chain and the economy of Canada. Through the SCMPTM Maintenance Requirements
policy, we seek to raise the profile of the designation and advance the profession and field of practice of
supply chain management.

The right to continue to hold the SCMPTM designation is contingent upon the SCMP adhering to the
requirements of the SCMPTM Maintenance Requirements policy. This policy replaces all previous
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) for Supply Chain Management Professionals policies.

2. Why does Supply Chain Canada require SCMPs to comply with this policy?

Maintenance requirements are an essential component of Supply Chain Canada’s SCMP designation
framework and continuing professional development (CPD) is an important part of the requirements. By
staying current with the latest knowledge and skills, SCMPs remain at the leading edge of the profession,
demonstrate a commitment to continued learning, and are constantly adding value within their
organizations.

To continue to hold the designation, an SCMP must:

• Adhere to the Supply Chain Canada Code of Ethics.

• Earn 30 maintenance credits over successive 3-year maintenance period.
• Remain a member in good standing.

3. How do I earn CPD credits?

SCMPs are strongly encouraged to design an annual personal professional development plan to ensure that
CPD is a manageable and a professionally enriching experience.

Maintenance credits can be achieved in the following ways:

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 • Pursuing continuous learning in supply chain management or in general business management
(Continuing Education)
• Advancing the competencies, field of practice or body of knowledge in supply chain by
disseminating knowledge and best practice learning (Educational Leadership)
• Promoting the value of the supply chain profession or contributing to leadership within the
profession (Professional Service)
• Special projects (Special Projects)

A sample list of eligible activities and credits available under each category can be found in Appendix A and
on the Supply Chain Canada website at https://www.supplychaincanada.com/education-and-
training/scmp-maintenance-requirements.

4. What kinds of activities are not eligible for CPD credits?

Social activities and personal development (i.e. stress management, time management, networking
activities, and dine-around events) are not accepted towards CPD unless they contain a very specific
professional development component. If this is the case, only the specific time dedicated to professional
development may be considered for credits.

5. Are there new categories for CPD credits?

Professional development gained through on-the-job secondments, projects, implementations or special

assignments fall within a new ‘Special Projects” category. Such activities will be given independent
consideration by your Institute.

Learning activities allow for the development of new or existing competencies in areas that are relevant to
a member’s overall professional responsibilities and growth. Any learning and development that is relevant
and appropriate to a member’s work, professional responsibilities, and growth as a SCMP will qualify for
CPD. Activities not considered as a learning activity are those activities that that do not relate directly to
the member’s current professional role and/or long-term career interests.

6. What activities may be eligible under this new category?

Special projects must fall outside of the normal scope of the member’s responsibility. They may be a one-
time initiative or secondment. Examples of eligible projects might include:

Supply Chain Sustainability

• Evaluate the inherent sustainability risks associated with specific supply chains, raw materials and
intermediate goods
• Evaluate the global company footprint and environmental/sustainability awareness
• Recommend the best Environmental Management System for planning, developing, implementing,
maintaining and evaluating corporate environmental policies, programs and initiatives
• Recommend the most effective strategies to increase supply chain visibility (certification scheme,
supply chain mapping, supplier risk assessment, supplier engagement, traceability, compliance,
intelligent supply chain, etc.)

Network Design
• Map the network with components such as sources of supply, production facilities, depots,
customer facilities and others that make up a total network for a specific business segment or mini
supply chain
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 • Develop different inventory positioning strategies for the business segment network
• Develop a network model for the quantification of costs, service, constraints and other
performance metrics for the network of a specific business segment

Change Management
• Demonstrate approach(es) to remain current with changes in technology, business models and
programs and monitor implications for the business
• Facilitate a process to align vision and objectives across different supply chain macro-processes
• Facilitate a process of aligning objectives across functions such as supply chain, marketing,
manufacturing and financial management
• Formulate communication programs to align stakeholders across different levels of the business

Systems Technology Deployment

• Identify different types of systems technologies that might be applied to achieve improvement
• Provide leadership, management, direction and advocacy so that individuals and the organization
may effectively conduct cyber security work
• Lead virtual team to establish digital technology (systems, networks, tools and applications) to
process information

The determination of the appropriate CDP allocation will be dependent upon the project timeframe and
level of learning associated with it. No CPD allocation under this category should exceed 30 credits.

To qualify for CPD credits under this category, the SCMP must submit a written request (with supporting
documentation of how the activity fits within their individual learning plan) to their Institute. The Institute
will consider the request and allocate an appropriate level of CPD credits for the learning activity. Upon
proof of completion of the activity, the Institute will manually enter the appropriate credit allocation.

7. Is there a limit on the number of similar activities in which I can participate?

SCMPs do not need to accrue maintenance credits in all categories and there are no credit maximums for
any category.

8. Is participation in Supply Chain Canada activities worth more credits than other/external activities?

No. SCMPs are strongly encouraged to design an annual professional development plan that is manageable
and professionally enriching. Maintenance credits may be completed through Supply Chain Canada
courses, workshops or webinars, academic institutions, other professional organizations (CPA, HRPA, CSAE,
ICD, etc.) and/or employer offerings.

9. What is the reporting period for CPD credits and how many credits do I have to earn?

The SCMP Maintenance Requirements and reporting period remain the same. Each CPD period comprises 3
consecutive calendar years and shall immediately follow the previous CPD period; the start and end dates of
each shall be January 1 of year one and December 31 of year three respectively.

Candidates should be aware that extra credits in excess of the required 30 earned during any given
reporting period cannot be carried forward into any other subsequent reporting period.

10. How do I report my CPD activities?

SCMPs are responsible for tracking and reporting their CPD credits as directed by their institute, including

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any supporting documentation that is required for verification. You may choose to report your CPD credits
through your member portal.

A random audit of SCMP’s is conducted annually by institutes. If you are audited, you will be required to
verify compliance with the SCMP Maintenance Requirements policy.

11. What happens if I do not fulfill my SCMP maintenance requirements during the reporting period?

Failure to complete or report CPD requirements for any given CPD period may invite disciplinary action, up
to and including the loss of the right to use the SCMP designation.

If completion of the requisite CPD credits for a given three (3)-year CPD Period has not been confirmed by
the reporting due date (the last business day of January of the following year), an Institute may elect to take
the following steps:
• Written notice that failure to comply can result in suspension/termination of the designation
• Member required to submit plan to address deficiency in CPD
• Payment of dues owing required
• Non-compliance results in referral to a Committee for removal of designation

12. What steps can I take to have my SCMP designation reinstated?

If you allow your SCMP designation to lapse for non-completion of one three-year CPD cycle, you will have
to pay one full year’s dues (if owed) and a penalty fee of $100 for each year of the three-year lapse. You
will then have to complete the outstanding CPD credits within an agreed to period or you will lose the right
to use the designation. If you allow your SCMP designation to lapse for more than one three-year CPD cycle
(consecutive or not), you will have to pay for and successfully complete the SCMP Leadership Residency
and final examination, in addition to payment of one year’s dues, in order to be reinstated.

13. Are there any exemptions to the SCMP maintenance requirements?

Fellows and other honorary and/or permanently retired non-practicing SCMPTM designation members shall
be exempt from the CPD requirements.

Exemptions, based on circumstances of undue personal hardship, may be granted to SCMPTM designation
members at the absolute discretion of their Institute. Criteria for an exemption might include:

• Loss of job;
• Long-term illness;
• Maternity or parental leave;
• Profound personal reasons; or
• Requirement by employer to locate to a sufficiently remote location for over 9 months in a given
calendar year where no opportunity for CPD is available to the member.

Members may be excused from CPD requirements for up to one year, or indefinitely in the case of long-
term illness. Members must, however, continue to report as required and should give advance notice
requesting exemption rather than waiting until the reporting period ends.

14. My question was not answered here. Who should I speak with?

Contact your institute for further information.

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APPENDIX A - EXAMPLES OF ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES
SCMPs are strongly encouraged to design an annual personal professional development plan to ensure that
CPD is a manageable and a professionally enriching experience. Maintenance credits may be completed
through Supply Chain Canada offerings, learning institutions, other professional organizations (CPA, HRPA,
CPHR, CSAE, ICD, etc.), and/or employers.

The following information provides examples of eligible activities and credits available under each
category. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Continuing Education (CE)

This category involves activities related to the continuous pursuit of professional development learning in
supply chain management or in general business management.

Activity Credit rubric

CE-1 Completing a course, including web-based 20-30 hours = 10 credits
learning >30 hours = 15 credits
CE-2 Attending a seminar, workshop or course 3 credits for ½ session
sanctioned by a professional or 5 credits for each full day
educational organization
CE-3 Attending a Supply Chain Canada or other 2 credits per session/10 credit max
professional conference or symposium
CE-4 Participating in an online webinar, telephone 2 credits – participant
townhall, etc. 5 credits – contributor/speaker
CE-5 Attending a Supply Chain Canada networking 2 credits
event (breakfast/lunch/dinner) or plant tour that
includes professional educational content
CE-6 Reading a supply chain related business book 2 credits per book
CE-8 Completing a Leading Practices Certificate Up to 10 credits and a digital
offered by Supply Chain Canada (example: BDO badge for completing all
Fraud digital badge) components (specific credit
allocation will be posted with
Certificate announcement)
CE-9 Listening to a session or webinar recording 1 credit per recording

Educational Leadership (EL)

This category involves activities that advance the field of practice or body of knowledge in supply chain by
disseminating knowledge and best practice learning.

Activity Credit rubric

IP-1 Writing a business-related book (first edition 30 credits
only) published by an established publisher
IP-2 Authoring an original business-related research 20 credits
paper published by an established periodical
IP-3 Developing a Supply Chain Canada seminar, 20 credits
workshop or course of at least 5 hours’ duration
Editing a Supply Chain Canada seminar or course 15 credits
where at least 40% of material is revised
IP-4 Authoring an original business-related article 10 credits
published by an established periodical
IP-5 Writing and/or maintaining a business-related 5 credits
blog or being an official contributor to a

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 recognized blog or newsletter over a one-year
period (subject matter must be related to the
SCMP competency map)
IP-8 Speaking or moderating at a publicized gathering 5 credits
exceeding 60 minutes for a professional
organization or employer

Professional Service (PS)

This category involves promoting and supporting the value of the supply chain profession or contributing to
leadership within the profession.

Activity Credit rubric

PS-1 Serving on a Supply Chain Canada Board of 10 credits
Directors (National, provincial, territorial) for at
least 1 full year
PS-2 Serving at least 1 full year as a member of a Chair – 10 credits
National/Institute Committee Member - 5 credits
PS-3 Formal mentorship program 5 credits per year per mentee
PS-4 Volunteer work (i.e. representation at a career fair 2 credits
or class visit)

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