Certification in Transportation and Logistics (CTL)

Information Booklet

For the AST&LÒ Professional Certification ProgramSpring 2006 Edition

Publisher: This booklet is published by theAmerican Society of Transportation and Logistics Ò

1700 North Moore Street, Suite 1900Arlington, VA 22209-1904

Phone: 703-524-5011 Fax: 703-524-5017E-mail: astl@nitl.org

Website: www.astl.org

NO PORTION OF THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE COPIED WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS, INC. Ò

Certification in Transportation and Logistics

AST&LÒ Professional Certification Program

AST&L’s® Certification Program is the core of the Society. This program offers the designation of CTL (Certified in Transportation and Logistics) to candidates who demonstrate their understanding of the fundamentals of the profession through the successful completion of four modules of required study material, as well as two elective modules. The Society’s modules and associated examinations are prepared by a Board of Examiners consisting of Certified Educator Members within AST&L®. It is possible for candidates to receive waivers on the basis of education. All CTL candidates must be members of AST&L® and have a bachelors degree or three years of professional experience.

CTL Designation Successful candidates are granted the designation of Certified in Transportation and Logistics

(CTL). The CTL designation may be used just as similar recognitions are employed in accounting, insurance, medicine, law, and other professions. Either the full expression or the initials may be used after the individual’s name on business cards, stationery, etc. The CTL credential remains valid with active membership in AST&L.

Time LimitationThe Board of Examiners realizes that many applicants are employed on a full-time basis and, as

such, are limited in the amount of time available to prepare for the examinations. Without some guiding time requirement, however, candidates tend to lose the concept of the examination program and the material covered. Therefore, the Board of Examiners has established a five year maximum time limit for acceptance of completed requirements. The five year time period begins after the successful completion of the first examination, or receipt of the first waiver. The time limitation may not be waived without the approval of the Board of Examiners.

Exam Module RequirementsThe certification program includes four required modules as well as two elective modules. All

modules must be successfully completed by exam or waiver. There is a four-hour time limit to complete the exam, although it may be completed in a shorter time period. A score of 70% or higher is required to pass the exam; a candidate who below 70% may take the exam again. The exams generally consist of objective, problem, and/or essay-type questions. Criteria for waivers are discussed elsewhere in this booklet.

The Registration Process Complete the ASTL membership application on page 8 of this brochure Complete the exam registration form on page 9 of this brochure Mail the membership application and exam registration form to ASTL Receive password to access the online study guide Study well and take exam

Note: If applying for an exam waiver, please reference the current waiver criteria beginning on page 5 of this brochure.

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Required Modules for Certification

Candidates may complete the required modules in any order; however, the suggested sequence for the required modules is spelled out below. Moreover, the Board of Examiners strongly suggests that the four required modules be completed prior to the two elective modules.

General Management Principles and TechniquesThe intent of this module of the AST&L® certification is to provide a basis for assessing the

candidate’s overall understanding of the logistics function and contemporary logistics management. The increasing integration of all functions of the firm requires that logistics managers must be aware of the impact that logistical decision-making has on other elements of the firm’s strategic goals and objectives. In addition, the current logistics professional must have an awareness of the changes in and increased use of technology, emphasis on strategic planning, and supply chain integration as a competitive imperative.

The first requirement is that candidates have an understanding of the basic elements of the logistics function. The candidate must also have a firm grasp on the impact of decisions that have been made regarding each of these functions, on the total cost and operating effectiveness of the whole logistics system. The second requirement is that candidates be able to view a broader managerial perspective of the importance of network design, the financial impact of logistical decision making, and the relationship development and management needed for effective 3rd party logistics partnerships.

The use of technology and information systems to provide the basis for firm- and supply chain-wide integration and cooperation is necessary for successful operations. The relationship of firm-level logistics with the broader perspective of the supply chain must be understood. It is important that the candidate have a broader perspective than that of the firm.

Transportation Economics and ManagementAn understanding of transportation economics is fundamental to sound transportation

management decision-making by both users and providers. This module has three primary areas of emphasis: (1) application of demand, cost, and pricing principles to transportation; (2) the operating, service and financial characteristics of the various modes and types of transportation; and (3) managerial issues in transportation.

More specifically, the exam will address the following topics or subjects: the economic role of transportation in society; demand for transportation; costing and pricing in transportation; rate making in practice; transportation regulation; carrier operations and terminals; transportation quality, value, and customer satisfaction; private transportation; future directions of transportation; and selected contemporary issues in carrier management.

Logistics ManagementLogistics is the science of effective design and management of the firm’s inbound (materials

management) and outbound (distribution) flow of physical goods and related information. Often studied and managed as two distinct components, the trend is now to take advantage of trade-offs and other economies that are available in the individual legs of materials management and distribution. True efficiencies and corporate strategic advantages are not gained until both are fully integrated into one single logistics system.

The logistics system module is designed to (1) cover each logistics management and planning task in depth, and (2) provide an integrative perspective on logistics. The nature of the exam is attuned to those problems and activities found in middle and top level distribution management. Since the field continues to evolve through organizational change, adoption of greater responsibilities, and application of new concepts, the candidate should generally be prepared for many questions that call for the development of proposals and supporting arguments dealing with such changes. A truly effective logistics manager not only knows what changes need to be implemented, but also is persuasive in gaining top management approval of such changes.

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International Transport and LogisticsThe objectives of this module are to familiarize candidates with the logistics processes required

in moving goods and people across international boundaries, the transportation modes used in such movement, and current logistics issues in the global environment. The objective will be accomplished through systematic study of components of international logistics systems, including: the ocean shipping industry, international air transportation, seaports and airports, other participants in international logistics, laws and regulations, situational factors, and policy issues.

Reading materials will include textbook and current trade publications on international logistics. It is expected that after completing the course of study leading to the International Transport and Logistics Exam, a candidate will be knowledgeable about the processes and professional players required in the importing and exporting of goods, and with current problems and issues in international transportation and logistics.

The study material will be structured from the perspective of importing into and exporting from the United States, but much of the material can be generalized to other countries.

Elective Modules for Certification

In addition to the four required modules, each candidate is to select two elective modules from the four elective modules that are described below.

The Creative ComponentTransportation and logistics professionals are increasingly called upon to communicate in a

myriad of formal and informal ways. The evolving complexity of the field, the development of electronic information systems, technological innovations, and the development of different management structures and styles, calls for creative communications skills. The Creative Component provides the candidate the opportunity to develop and display communications skills through either a formal research paper or an academic thesis.

The candidate must write an original, documented paper of 3,000 to 5,000 words in length on a special aspect of traffic, transportation, logistics or distribution management. Grading will be on a pass-fail basis. The candidate must submit the title and outline to be reviewed and approved by the Examiner. The subject should be one with which the candidate is familiar by virtue of employment, or one in which he/she is particularly interested or specifically qualified to write. A work-related case study would be a good choice for many candidates. It is recommended that the paper thoroughly cover a narrow subject, rather than superficially treat a "broad" one.

Masters or Doctoral Theses: The Society will accept a copy of a candidate's thesis as a qualifying submission if it directly addresses a facet of transportation, logistics, or supply chain management. The candidate must submit the title and outline to be reviewed by the Examiner tosubstantiate that the paper directly relates to the thrust of AST&L® research papers. Upon acceptance of the outline, the candidate then submits a copy of the actual thesis to the AST&L®.

Logistics AnalysisThe logistics systems analysis module of the CTL examines decision-making tools and skills as they apply to logistics and supply chain management. The module stresses developing skills to analyze technical problems and their interrelationships within logistics, a company or enterprise, and across a supply chain.

The module has several objectives due to the comprehensive nature of logistics and supply chain management. These objectives include:

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Understanding the techniques available for modeling logistics and supply chain systems Analyzing logistics and supply chain systems by using several operations research

techniques Interpreting the results obtained by employing operations research techniques in a supply

chain setting Forecasting and determining inventory requirements for dependent and independent

inventory systems and across multiple echelons of supply Simulating and optimizing network processes commonly encountered in logistics and

supply chain management

Supply Chain ManagementThis module is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge and understanding of supply chain management as it implemented in today’s organizations. The module has recently been added to the certification program because of the tremendous changes which have occurred in the global business environment over the past few years. It should be noted that the module views supply chain management as a wider concept than logistics. In particular, the module reflects the belief that supply chain management builds upon functional expertise and seeks to achieve linkages and coordination between the processes of other entities in the supply chain, and the organization itself.

The base knowledge portion of this module is meant to focus on these key business processes that can be integrated across a firm’s supply chain (e.g., customer relationship management, customer service management, demand management, manufacturing flow management, order fulfillment, supplier relationship management, product development and commercialization, and/or returns management). Thus, the base knowledge portion of the exam presupposes a familiarity with basic business functional areas and methods for integrating suppliers and customers into an organization’s operations. Of particular importance is an understanding of the cross-functional contributions to managing key business processes across the supply chain. In addition, the exam requires knowledge of pertinent and timely aspects of supply chain management as reported in leading practitioner periodicals.

Logistics and Supply Chain StrategyThe purpose of this module is to enhance student understanding of international value-creating

networks. Our increasingly competitive and globalized business environment is forcing more and more firms to explore and implement strategies for increasing collaboration and integration across their supply chains. The vision of an integrated, collaborative network of suppliers, manufacturers, and retailers across a distribution network focused on maximizing value for customers is moving from a competitive advantage to a competitive necessity. This module will present issues, challenges, strategies, and practices to assist firms in succeeding in these value-creating networks.

Challenges and issues will be explored, to include performance measurement; inventory positioning; lead time management; synchronization of activity between firms; managing international networks; and risk management. Capstone topics include the implementation of the value chain vision among supply chain partners, and challenges to be faced in leveraging this vision into a competitive capability.

 

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Exams

General ApproachCandidates may prepare for the examinations in various ways. There is no requirement as to

how a candidate obtains his/her knowledge, since all are subjected to the same examinations. Some take regular courses at universities, colleges, or other accredited institutions of higher learning. Others take special courses in evening or extension departments of universities or colleges, or technical institutions along the lines in which they will be examined. Some candidates join others in local study groups organized by traffic and transportation organizations, while others prepare individually by means of home study.

Study guides for each of the modules are published by the Society. They present selected, targeted material. Exams will be given online or on hardcopy. Candidates will be required to obtain proctors and examination sites. AST&L® does not have “official” or specific testing sites in the United States.

The examination site may be a local university, the candidate’s workplace, or any location that consists of a quiet place where candidates may sit undisturbed for a maximum of four hours (for each exam).

The proctor may be a Certified Member of AST&L®, a candidate’s supervisor, a teacher or professor at a local university, or anyone of such standing, but he or she must not currently be an Associate Member or Student Member or in the AST&L® certification program, or anyone considering joining AST&L®. Each proctor is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Examination Form and FormatExam questions may be in either essay or objective format. The exam series includes

questions relating to definitions, understandings of concepts, discussion of the relative merits of various issues, as well as development of approaches to hypothetical situations. See the current study guides for examples of questions.

Rules of Conduct for ExaminationsThe specific rules pertaining to the conduct of the examinations are printed on the front of the

examination book. Read them carefully before answering the first question. Candidates are expected to exercise honest and ethical behavior during the exams.

Waivers

Exam WaiversIn lieu of the written tests, waivers may be granted under the following conditions: candidates

must have completed two or more years of course work at an accredited institution of higher learning or recognized vocational school within the past five years, and achieved a grade of “C” or better in the specific course(s) set forth for individual requirements stated elsewhere in this booklet.

In all cases, the burden of proof is upon the applicant and must include a letter describing why the waiver is warranted, college transcripts identifying which courses are being applied to each waiver, copies of certificates with course title, instructor, content/text, and table of contents, college catalogs, or other documentary evidence containing course descriptions. You may not use a course for more than one exam module.

Application should be made to the Executive Office of AST&L® using the CTL Exam Registration Waiver form. The required fee must be paid with the application before review of each waiver will be considered.

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Blanket WaiversAST&L® has a “blanket waiver” program, under which the transportation, logistics, and supply

chain programs of an institution of higher learning can be examined and approved as meeting the standards of AST&L®. Recent graduates of those institutions’ programs can receive the CTL without further examinations or the creative component. The number of such schools will continue to grow, as there are many schools which would qualify for the blanket waiver, because they and their educators have fine reputations in the field.

For a current list of schools qualifying for the blanket waiver program, candidates should consult AST&L’s® website, www.astl.org.

Current waiver criteria for exam modules

GENERAL MANAGEMENT PRINCIPLES AND TECHNIQUES

Business degree from an AACSB Accredited school

OR

ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE REQUIRED:1. Financial Management2. Managerial Principles in Marketing3. Organizational Behavior4. Management Information Systems/Computer Applications5. Principles of Managerial Accounting or Principles of Financial Accounting

TRANSPORTATION ECONOMICS MANAGEMENTONE course in Principles of Microeconomics as well as ONE course in Principles of Macroeconomics

ANDTWO courses from the following:

1. Transportation Economics2. Carrier Management3. Principles of Transportation4. Transportation Public Policy5. Related Academic Credit, Internship, or Independent Study

LOGISTICS MANAGEMENTAPICS/ISM Certification

ORONE Basic Course in Logistics Management

ANDTWO courses from the following:

1. An Advanced Course in Distribution, Channel Management, or Logistics2. Inventory Control3. Production/Operations Management4. Packaging5. Warehousing or Materials Management6. Purchasing7. Related Academic Credit, Internship, or Independent Study

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INTERNATIONAL TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICSONE course in International Logistics (or Customs Brokers License from U.S. Treasury Department)

ALTERNATIVELYONE course in Ocean Shipping, International Transport, or International Trade

ANDONE course in International Economics, International Business, or Related Academic Credit Internship

or Independent Study

CREATIVE COMPONENTThe creative component section of the examination program must be completed.It cannot be waived except by blanket waiver.

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT THE FOLLOWING IS REQUIRED:ONE course in Supply Chain Management

Course should focus on investigating the design and implementation of supply chains to maximize their efficiency. In addition, there should be coverage of the analysis and design activities of the supply chain development process and introduction to system implementation and maintenance issues. Students should provide documentation (course description/syllabus) that demonstrates the course is distinct from a logistics, transportation, purchasing, production, or operations focused course.

LOGISTICS ANALYSIS An advanced course in logistics systems analysis. Suitable course should focus on decision-making tools and operations research techniques as they apply to logistics and supply chain management. Course should stress developing analytical skills to evaluate network and design problems and their interrelationships within a company and across a supply chain.

OROne course in operations research

ORTwo courses from the following:Production/Operations ManagementMaterials ManagementSupply Chain Network Design and Analysis

LOGISTICS AND SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGY ALL OF THE FOLLOWING ARE REQUIRED:ONE course in StrategyONE course in Supply Chain Management (cannot be the same course used for another waiver)ONE course in Logistics (may include Marketing Channels)

GRADUATE COURSESONE course in Strategy ANDONE course in Supply Chain management

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AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS®, INC.

Membership Application

We invite you to become a new member or renew your membership with AST&L®, if you have not been active since the year 2000. If you are an active member and your information has changed, use this form so we may update our records. Please complete the information below and mail or fax this form to: American Society of Transportation & Logistics®, 1700 North Moore St., Suite 1900, Arlington, VA 22209-1904 Fax (703) 524-5017

Full name: Dr. ___ Mr. Ms. Mrs. Organization:

Title:

Mailing Address: Home Business (may attach card) Phone Number: Phone: Fax Number: Fax: E-Mail Address: E-Mail: Preferred place of contact: ___ Home ___ Business

DOB ___/___/___ If a college graduate, where and year graduated

How were you referred to AST&L®?

Type of Membership: Date of Application

___Associate $125 ___ Educator $75 Working in the industry Teaching in a related field

___ Student $25 ___ DLP $500 Where enrolled / Class of Industry Leader

*International Members add $25 for postage and handling.

You may pay by check (made payable to AST&L©) or credit card

Type of card: ___AMEX ___MC___VISA Total:

Number: Cardholder:

Signature: Exp. Date: / MM YY

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THE AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TRANSPORTATION AND LOGISTICS®

EXAM REGISTRATION FORM

Complete and return to AST&L® Headquarters at 1700 North Moore St, Suite 1900 Arlington, VA 22209 or via fax (703) 524-5017

Today’s Date: _______________ Member Number:__________________

Full name with prefix: (Mr., Ms., etc.) Organization:

Preferred Mailing Address:

Phone: Fax: Email:

Register for one or more of the following exams; you must complete six exams for your CTL. The first four exam modules are required; select two of the final four exam module options:

Required Optional Modules (Select two)

_____ General Management Principles and Techniques _____ Creative Component

_____ Transportations Economics and Management _____ Logistics Analysis

_____ Logistics Management _____ Supply Chain Management

_____ International Transport and Logistics _____ Logistics and Supply Chain Strategy

I plan to take the exam: ___online ___ hardcopy

Waiver

_____ I wish to apply for a waiver of the following exam: Include documents for approval with this application

Payment is due with this application. You can pre-pay the entire program for a discounted rate of $1095.00. The fee for individual exam modules including the study guide is $225.00. The non-refundable waiver processing fee is $75.00.

You may pay by check (made payable to AST&L®) or credit card

Type of card: ___AMEX ___MC ___VISA Total: $

Number: Cardholder:

Signature: Exp. Date _____/_____ MM YY

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