Vietnam’s logistics sector is growing rapidly. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the industry’s size reached $65 billion in 2022, with an anticipated annual growth rate of 15-20%. As the sector continues to expand and become more specialized, obtaining professional certifications is becoming increasingly important for evaluating talent and advancing careers. This guide provides comprehensive information on certifications for logistics professionals in Vietnam, aimed at supporting career development.
Domestic Logistics Certifications in Vietnam
Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA) Certification
The Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA) is the leading logistics organization in Vietnam, and its certifications are highly regarded within the country. VLA offers several levels of certification tailored to professionals with varying levels of experience.
Certification Levels:Junior Logistics Specialist;Intermediate Logistics Manager;Senior Logistics Director
Certification Requirements: For example, to obtain the Intermediate Logistics Manager Certification, applicants need at least three years of relevant experience in logistics and must pass both theoretical and practical exams administered by VLA. In 2022, 1,200 candidates took the intermediate exam, with a 65% pass rate.
Exam Content: The exam covers topics such as supply chain management, warehouse management, transportation management, and international trade. VLA conducts certification exams twice a year, in June and December.
More Information: Visit the VLA website: http://www.vla.com.vn/
Vietnam University of Commerce Logistics Management Certificate
The Vietnam University of Commerce is a leading institution in logistics education in Vietnam. The logistics management certificate program it offers is highly recognized in the industry.
Course Duration: 6 months (weekend classes)
Course Content: Covers modules like supply chain strategy, warehouse optimization, transportation management, and logistics information systems.
The program collaborates with several well-known logistics companies, providing practical experience opportunities. In 2022, 350 students obtained this certificate, with 80% achieving promotions or salary increases within six months of obtaining the certification.
More Information: Visit: https://eng.tmu.edu.vn/
International Logistics Certifications
FIATA (International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations) Certification
FIATA certification is highly recognized globally in logistics, especially for professionals involved in international freight forwarding.
Certification Type:
FIATA Diploma in Freight Forwarding
In Vietnam, FIATA collaborates with the Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA) to provide certification courses and exams. The course typically lasts about 9 months, combining online and in-person formats.
In 2022, 180 people in Vietnam received FIATA certification, a 25% increase from 2021. Those with FIATA certification typically earn 30% more than those without.
More Information: Visit:
https://fiata.com/training/fiata-diploma-in-freight-forwarding.html
APICS (Association for Supply Chain Management) Certification
APICS certification is globally esteemed in supply chain management, and more Vietnamese companies are recognizing its value.
Main Certification Types:
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
APICS partners with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology to offer certification training and exams in Vietnam. In 2022, 120 people obtained the CSCP certification, and 50 received the CPIM certification. According to a Navigos Group survey, professionals with APICS certification earn 40-50% more annually than those without it.
Official Website: Visit: https://www.ascm.org/
Digital Logistics Certifications
Google Digital Logistics Certification
As e-commerce continues to grow, digital logistics skills are becoming more crucial. Google’s digital logistics certification course is gaining popularity in Vietnam.
Course Content: Includes modules on data analysis, logistics automation, and e-commerce logistics.
Course Format: Fully online and self-paced.
Although recently introduced in Vietnam, this certification is growing quickly. In 2022, over 5,000 Vietnamese students enrolled in the course, with a completion rate of 70%.
Course Link: Visit: https://grow.google/intl/ALL_vn/certificates/
Online Learning Platforms and Resources
Online learning platforms provide a flexible and convenient way to prepare for logistics certifications. Below are some recommended platforms and courses for logistics professionals in Vietnam.
“Supply Chain Fundamentals” series by MIT
Recommended Course:This series includes five specialized courses covering core topics such as supply chain design, demand forecasting, and inventory management. As of 2023, over 10,000 Vietnamese learners have participated in these courses, with a satisfaction rating of 4.7 out of 5.
Course Link: Visit: https://www.coursera.org/specializations/supply-chain-management
“MicroMasters Program in Supply Chain Management” by MIT
This comprehensive online degree program covers all aspects of modern logistics management. While the tuition is relatively high, it is a valuable option for Vietnamese professionals seeking advanced logistics education. In 2022, 25 Vietnamese students enrolled in this program, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s logistics industry.
Program Link: Visit:
https://www.edx.org/micromasters/mitx-supply-chain-management
Vietnam Open University Online Courses
Vietnam Open University offers several online logistics courses specifically designed for the local market and regulations.
Recommended Course: “Vietnam Logistics Regulations and Practices.” This course provides a comprehensive overview of Vietnam’s logistics industry’s legal and regulatory framework and practical operation guidelines. It is an excellent supplement for those preparing for VLA certification. In 2022, over 1,500 students enrolled in this course, with 60% stating it significantly improved their performance in the VLA certification exam.
Course Link: Visit: http://oude.edu.vn/course/view.php?id=125
Certification Preparation Tips
Choosing the Right Certification
When choosing a certification, consider your career goals and industry needs. For instance, FIATA certification might be more suitable for those looking to advance in international logistics, while APICS certification is more valuable for those focused on supply chain management.
A survey by the Vietnam Logistics Association found that 72% of companies prioritize candidates with relevant certifications when hiring. Therefore, choosing the right certification is crucial for career development.
Creating a Study Plan
Most certifications require 3-6 months of preparation. It is advisable to develop a detailed study plan, dedicating at least 10-15 hours per week to studying and practice. Utilizing online resources and learning communities can improve study efficiency. For example, the VLA’s official forum (http://www.vla.com.vn/forum/) offers valuable discussions and resources.
Taking Practice Exams
Most certification organizations offer practice exams. Making full use of these resources can help you become familiar with the exam format and content. For example, APICS provides practice question banks covering over 80% of the actual exam content, making it a critical tool for exam preparation.
Applying Knowledge in Practice
To truly master theoretical knowledge, it must be applied in practice. Many companies encourage employees to use what they learn from certification courses in their daily work. For example, DHL Vietnam has implemented a “Learn and Apply” program, encouraging employees to apply certification knowledge in their daily tasks, resulting in a 15% improvement in participants’ work efficiency.
Post-Certification Development
Obtaining a certification is just the beginning; continuous learning and knowledge updates are equally important. Most certifications require periodic renewal, such as APICS certification, which needs to be renewed every five years.
Moreover, cross-disciplinary learning is becoming increasingly important. For example, combining logistics certifications with digital skills certifications can significantly boost career competitiveness. According to LinkedIn Vietnam, professionals with both logistics and digital skills certifications are 60% more likely to be preferred in hiring than those with a single certification.
Conclusion
In the rapidly growing logistics industry in Vietnam, professional certifications have become essential for enhancing career competitiveness. Whether choosing a local or international certification, the key is to apply the learned knowledge in practice and continually improve professional skills. As the industry evolves, continuous learning and obtaining new certifications will become a routine part of a logistics professional’s career journey.
