The demand for skilled and experienced staff to meet the challenges of growth in the level and complexity of transport and logistics activity has resulted in significant interest in improved recognition of the industry’s professionals. Five key national industry Associations have responded by backing a unified and standard approach to industry certification across Australia.
“The common interest in raising the level of professional recognition for people working in the industry has brought these Associations together”, said the Chair of the Transport and Logistics Certification Council, Dr Daryll Hull.
“They have agreed that two main industry standard accreditations be made by each Association. The Certified Professional Logistician (CPL) and the Certified Transport Planner (CTP) awards have been created to give employers a clear sense of individual capability and professional standing in the sector”, Dr Hull said.
The CPL program recognises logistics professionals who have made a significant contribution in the field of logistics and supply chain management. The CTP program recognises transport planners who have attained broad experience and educational qualifications in the field of transport planning.
Initial accreditation is obtained after careful assessment by the Associations of each candidate for the award. Dr Hull said that an important feature of the CPL and CTP programs is the requirement for candidates to undertake Continuing Professional Development to maintain their initial accreditation.
This commitment to continuing professional development benefits not only certificate holders but also their employers, as it underpins currency of skills and knowledge.
“Recruitment is also assisted by knowledge that a candidate holding a CPL or CTP has received regular and independent professional assessment of his or her capabilities”, Dr Hull said.
When recruiting new professional staff, businesses and industry organisations can use these industry recognised standards by indicating in advertisements and briefing to recruitment companies that a CPL or CTP (whichever is applicable) would be preferred from applicants. This will assist in qualifying the applicants as part of the selection process.
Dr Hull said that towards 100 candidates have progressed to certification as a Certified Professional Logistician or Certified Transport Planner since the introduction of the programs in late 2007. The potential for further take-up is significant, to the benefit of individuals, businesses, and the industry generally.
Background
The CPL and CTP programs have been introduced by six national bodies active in developing Australia’s transport and logistics professionals, and in increasing skills levels in the industry more generally. Five are prominent membership based professional Associations and the sixth is the national Transport and Logistics Centre (TALC):
- The Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport in Australia (CILTA)
- Logistics Association of Australia (LAA)
- Supply Chain and Logistics Association of Australia (SCLAA)
- Australian Institute of Traffic Planning and Management (AITPM)
- Australasian Production and Inventory Control Society (Apics)
- Transport and Logistics Centre (TALC)
The Transport and Logistics Certification Council comprises representatives of all six bodies and oversees the management of the two certification programs, the awarding of individual certificates, and regular auditing of the professional standards involved.
Each of the participating institutions provides ongoing management of continuing professional development activity as part of its involvement in the programs.
The first step to securing a CPL/CTP requires application through the program websites – for the CPL www.cplinstitute.com and for the CTP www.ctpinstitute.com Assessment can be sought through membership of one of the five professional associations involved or through the TALC. There is a fee of $500 for the initial assessment and accreditation stage, and thereafter an annual renewal fee of $75 to cover review of professional development undertaken in the preceding twelve months.
Further Inquiries
Contact for Media Inquiries: Dr Daryll Hull 02 9032 7600
General inquiries about the Certificates can be made through 1300 790 743 or email inquiries can be directed to info@cplinstitute.com and info@ctpinstitute.com