Logistician: supply chain or business degree, related experience, optional supply chain certification
Logisticians typically need a bachelor's degree in logistics and supply chain management, business or a related field, although less education may be enough for some jobs. Employers often prefer related experience, and some let experience substitute for the degree.
For: Organized problem-solvers who like keeping goods, parts and supplies moving on time.
Route 1: Supply chain or business degree → logistician Typical
Coursework includes accounting, economics, procurement and other business topics. Internships during college give experience.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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About 4 years
Bachelor's in logistics and supply chain management or business
BLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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During college
Internship
BLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Logistician
Experienced logisticians may advance to supply chain manager or project management specialist.
Project managerBLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 2: Logistics support job or military → logistician Experience instead of a degree
Some employers allow candidates to substitute work experience for a specific degree.
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Start here
High school diploma
BLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Work
Logistical support role or military service
For example, as a material recording clerk.
BLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Logistician
BLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Route 3: APICS CSCP certification Voluntary
ASCM's Certified Supply Chain Professional covers the supply chain end to end, from suppliers to customers.
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Start here
Working in supply chain or logistics
ASCM
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Exam gate
CSCP exam
One exam covering eight modules: 150 questions in 3.5 hours, scored 200–350; above 300 passes.
ASCM
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
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Goal
Certified Supply Chain Professional
ASCM
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Licenses, registrations and certifications
Each one is marked: a state or federal license is the law, a registration through an employer comes with the job, and a voluntary certification is one employers may ask for.
- Logistics certification
Professional associations · Voluntary - Not required, but it demonstrates professional competence and a broad knowledge of logistics.
BLS
Logisticians — How to Become OneU.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OOH)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
- APICS CSCP
Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) · Voluntary - One exam of 150 questions in 3.5 hours.
ASCM
APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)- Checked
- 20 Oct 2026
Where to go next
Every career page in this cluster: entry, license, BLS pay and outlook.
What the job is, BLS pay and job outlook, and how to become one.