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NISCL-CSCL Maintenance

The right to continue to hold the NISCL-CSCL Designation is contingent upon the designation holder adhering to certain maintenance requirements.

Designation holders are required to maintain their designation with an annual membership to NISCL, and by completing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) activities. This maintenance criteria is an essential component of NISCL-CSCL Designation (in addition to and with the intent to replace the CSCMP Designation) framework to ensure that NISCL-CSCL Designation holders remain at the leading edge of the profession, demonstrate a commitment to continued learning, and are constantly adding value within their organizations.


Please note, as of May 1, 2025 the CPD process is changing to better align with our strategic partnership with CIPS and MCIPS designation reciprocity. Review the revised CPD policy here.

Examples of Eligible Activities

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)


NISCL-CSCL Designation holders are strongly encouraged to design an annual personal professional development plan to ensure that CPD is a manageable and professionally enriching experience. Maintenance credits may be completed through NISCL, CIPS, employer-based offerings, or other institutions and organizations providing CPDs (e.g., CPA, HRPA, CPHR, CASE, ICD, etc.).

CE-1

Completing a course, including web-based learning
20 – 30 hours = 10 credits
>30 hours = 15 credits

CE-2

Attending a seminar, workshop or course sanctioned by a professional or educational organization
3 credits for ½ session
5 credits for each full day

CE-3

Attending a NISCL or other professional conference or symposium
2 credits / session
(10 credit max)

CE-4

Participating in an online webinar, telephone townhall, etc.
2 credits – participant
5 credits – contributor/ speaker

CE-5

Attending a NISCL networking event (breakfast/lunch/dinner) or plant tour that includes professional educational content
2 credits

CE-6

Reading a supply chain related business book
2 credits per book

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.

IP-1

Writing a business-related book (first edition only) published by an established publisher
30 credits

IP-2

Authoring an original business-related research paper published by an established periodical
20 credits

IP-3

Developing an NISCL seminar, workshop or course of at least 5 hours’ duration.

Editing an NISCL seminar or course where at least 40% of material is revised
20 credits

IP-4

Authoring an original business-related article published by an established periodical
10 credits

IP-5

Writing and/or maintaining a business-related blog or being an official contributor to a recognized blog or newsletter over a one-year period (subject matter must be related to the SCMP competency map)
5 credits

IP-8

Speaking or moderating at a publicized gathering exceeding 60 minutes for a professional organization or employer
5 credits

Professional Service (PS)


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

PS-1

Serving on a NISCL Board of Directors (National, provincial, territorial) for at least 1 full year
10 credits

PS-2

Serving at least 1 full year as a member of a National/Institute Committee
Chair – 10 credits
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 or class visit)
2 credits

Special Projects (SP)


Professional development gained through on the-job secondments, projects, implementations or special assignments will be given independent consideration by the member’s Institute.

NISCL is responsible for all administration and audit activities related to the maintenance of the designation. Please contact us for more information.