Simply learning and reviewing APICS materials is not enough to pass the CPIM Part 1 and CPIM Part 2 exams and become CPIM certified. Through years of instruction (and after successfully passing CPIM exams and recertifications), our LaneOPX instructors have compiled a list of tips that will help you better understand the exam’s challenges. Follow these tips to help you pass the APICS CPIM Part 1 and Part 2 exams.
10 Tips for Passing APICS CPIM Exams
Tip #1: Know the test format
The APICS CPIM exams consist of 150 multiple choice questions.* You should therefore apply test-taking strategies related to multiple-choice exams, such as eliminating answers based on what you know is not the correct answer. Narrowing down in this manner (and then guessing in instances when you do not know the answer) is helpful.
Pro tip: There is no penalty for guessing incorrectly. Never leave a question unanswered!
*Thirty of the test’s 150 questions are “pretest” questions and do not count towards your score. These questions are interspersed throughout the exam, so you will not know which questions do not count towards your final score. Even so, they must be answered.
Tip #2: Learn all of the vocabulary
It is vital that you understand the terminology used in APICS CPIM. If you are not familiar with the vocabulary being used in the exam questions, then you will not know what is being asked of you. You will also not understand what the answers mean, so you will not be able to select the correct answer or make an educated guess.
Vocabulary is best learned by use through real-world applications and/or in a classroom setting. In both situations, you have a chance to use these words during discussion (and your instructor has a chance to correct you if you are using these words and terms incorrectly). A useful way to gain a command of APICS CPIM vocabulary is through the free APICS Dictionary App. This mobile application provides you with access to more than 4,900 APICS-related vocabulary words (all of which come from the 16th edition of the APICS Dictionary). The APICS Dictionary app also gives users access to a flashcard game and a “term a day” function that is activated the first time a user opens the app each day.
Tip #3: Think like APICS
It can be tempting to use your own knowledge and industry experience to answer an APICS exam question. However, when it comes to APICS, go by the motto “Leave your company’s methods and terminology at the door.” Instead, always ask yourself “What would APICS suggest?” This will lead you to the correct answer.
Tip #4: Do not rely on materials
Try not to lean on study aides or cheat sheets when you take practice tests. Instead, become accustomed to taking the exam without the help of materials. This will best prepare you for the exam.
If you find yourself relying on materials, ask yourself why. There is clearly something within these materials that you do not entirely comprehend (or perhaps a formula you are having difficulty remembering). Spend some more time learning the concepts within these materials, and then return to taking practice tests once you’ve mastered the content in the materials.
Tip #5: Time yourself
Time will slip away during the exam, and the pressure this places on you is immense. This is why you should use a timer when taking practice exams. A timer will help you get used to time pressure well before you experience it on the exam.
It might seem impossible (at least at first) to finish the exam in the allotted time. Do not be discouraged. With a few simple strategies, you will make better use of your time. (Read on to learn about this in tips #6 and #7.)
Tip #6: Manage your time
APICS exams thankfully allow you to flag a question and return to it later. This function helps you avoid dwelling on questions that you do not know (and instead helps you focus on answering the questions that you do know). Such time management during the exam is essential for success, so be sure to make use of this flagging function.
Tip #7: Use the “passes” strategy
Take the exam in multiple “passes.” On the first pass, only answer those questions that you know the answer to without going through all of the choices. Flag the rest for the next pass. On the second pass, analyze the choices. If one stands out, answer it and unflag it. On the third pass, you must select an answer by eliminating all wrong choices. Try to eliminate at least one, and then make your best educated guess at the remaining two or three choices.
Tip #8: Memorize formulas
Over the course of study for an APICS exam, you will amass quite the list of formulas that you must commit to memory. These formulas are therefore an important part of APICS study, and are crucial to passing the exam.
Formulas present two challenges: memorizing the formula itself, and performing correct calculations. Compile a comprehensive list of formulas and then organize this course from “least difficult memorize” to “most difficult to memorize.” Immediately upon entering the exam room, write down your “most difficult to memorize” formulas. This will provide you with a reference sheet for difficult calculations and will also ensure that you do not forget or confuse them.
Tip #9: Make a dry run
One week before the exam––and on the same day and at the same time you’ll take the exam––dry-run driving to the testing center. This will help you allot time for traffic on the day of the exam. It will also ensure that you know how to get there and will not get lost!
Tip #10: Arrive early on test day
On the day of the exam, arrive at the testing center at least 15 minutes early. This will allow you to take some time in your car to relax, review formulas for one last time, and get your mind prepared for the exam. You don’t want to be in a rush, and arriving early will help put you in the right mindset to ace the exam.
Pro tip: Sign up for an exam at the time of day you perform the best. Are you a morning person? Night owl? Take this into consideration when you sign up for the exam, and make sure you attend an exam that is scheduled for the hours of the day when you perform best.
References
About LaneOPX
LaneOPX is an Operational Excellence firm that provides consulting, education, and coaching services to multiple industries. Our team is composed of industry leaders––each with global experience in business development––who fully commit themselves to solving challenges regarding growth, productivity, risk, systems support, training, and employee development. Do you need someone to lead your company to excellence? We provide the benchmarks needed to effectively evaluate performance, and we implement the best global practices in business operations. Learn more about LaneOPX.
About the LaneOPX Education Academy
The LaneOPX Education Academy allows LaneOPX experts to share their knowledge and experience with students worldwide. We lead students through APICS exam preparation, host workshops, and deliver keynote presentations that inspire excellence within individuals and lead to better people and processes. Learn more about the LaneOPX Education Academy.