CPF
Certified Professional Forecaster
Online Program
35
Certification Included
Master Demand Planning, Forecasting and S&OP/IBP with the IBF Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF) credential.
Build the skills to create more accurate forecasts, improve planning collaboration, and support better business decisions across the organization.
Suggested Targeted Audience:
Demand planners, forecasters, forecasting analysts, and planning professionals.
Supply chain, production, inventory, S&OP, and operations planning professionals.
Sales, marketing, commercial, and category managers involved in demand inputs and forecast reviews.
ERP, planning systems, and business consultants supporting forecasting or demand planning processes.
Organizations seeking to improve forecast accuracy, planning discipline, and S&OP/IBP capability.
Key Information
Category
Demand Management
Track
Certification Track
Level
Intermediate
Total hours
35
Class
Face to Face/Online
IBF CPF Certification in Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the Middle East & MENA Region
Prepare for the IBF Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF) credential with MUHAKAT’s structured training programme for demand planning, forecasting, and S&OP/IBP professionals. The course helps learners build deeper understanding of the forecasting process, demand planning practices, data modelling, planning communication, and cross-functional decision-making.
- Globally recognized certification pathway from the Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning (IBF).
- Focused on demand planning, forecasting, S&OP/IBP, model selection, forecast performance, and stakeholder communication.
- Designed for professionals who want to validate their forecasting knowledge and improve planning performance.
- Delivered by MUHAKAT for professionals and corporate teams across Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the wider MENA region.
What is the IBF Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF)?
The Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF) is an IBF credential for professionals who want to demonstrate formal knowledge in demand planning, forecasting, and S&OP/IBP. To earn the CPF designation, candidates must pass Exams 1, 2, and 3.
The programme develops practical understanding of how forecasts are created, evaluated, communicated, and used in business planning. It covers the role of forecasting in decision-making, demand planning and demand sensing, consensus forecasting, S&OP/IBP, CPFR, data analysis, time series forecast modelling, forecast reporting, stakeholder buy-in, and new product forecasting.
Eligibility Pathways
- Bachelor’s degree plus one year of professional experience in forecasting and planning.
- Two years of professional experience in forecasting and planning if the candidate does not hold a bachelor’s degree.
- Students and new practitioners may earn CPF-C by passing Exams 1-3, then upgrade to full CPF after completing one year of professional experience.
Why Become CPF Certified?
IBF Certification supports professionals and employers by validating forecasting and planning knowledge, strengthening confidence, and establishing a recognized standard for demand planning, forecasting, and S&OP/IBP excellence.
Benefits for Professionals
- Validate forecasting, demand planning, and S&OP/IBP knowledge.
- Improve career growth, leadership opportunities, and marketability.
- Build confidence in modern forecasting and planning practices.
- Complement supply chain education and professional certifications.
- Gain recognition as a qualified forecasting and planning professional.
Benefits for Employers
- Build stronger forecasting, demand planning, and S&OP/IBP teams.
- Identify professionals with a verified body of knowledge.
- Improve planning performance, collaboration, and consensus-building.
- Increase value from forecasting and demand planning functions.
- Reduce training time by developing certified planning capability.
Why Choose MUHAKAT?
- Experienced supply chain and demand planning educators.
- Practical training style with regional and cross-industry examples.
- Structured exam preparation and discussion-based learning.
- Corporate and public training options available across the MENA region.
Our CPF Training Programme
MUHAKAT’s CPF preparation course is structured around the IBF Certified Professional Forecaster body of knowledge. It helps participants master the three CPF exam areas while connecting the concepts to practical business planning scenarios.
Exam 1
Demand Planning, Forecasting and S&OP/IBP
Role of forecasting in decision-making, demand planning, forecasting process, consensus planning, S&OP/IBP and CPFR.
Exam 2
Data Management and Time Series Forecast Modeling
Data analysis and treatment, forecasting models, time series models, model selection, forecast error and performance metrics.
Exam 3
Reporting, Presenting, New Product Forecasting and Planning
Forecast reporting, presentation and communication, management support, stakeholder buy-in, and new product forecasting.
Programme Learning Outcomes
- Understand the role of forecasting and planning in business decision-making.
- Apply demand planning concepts including demand sensing, shaping, and creating.
- Understand forecasting models, data treatment, and model selection principles.
- Evaluate forecast performance using error and accuracy metrics.
- Communicate forecast outputs and gain stakeholder support for planning decisions.
- Understand how forecasting supports S&OP/IBP, CPFR, and new product planning.
CPF Course Modules
Exam 1: What You Need to Know About Demand Planning, Forecasting, and S&OP/IBP
- Role of forecasting and planning in decision-making
- Demand planning: demand sensing, shaping, and creating
- Forecasting and planning process
- Consumption / POS-data-based forecasting and planning
- Consensus forecasting and planning
- Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) / Integrated Business Planning (IBP) process
- Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR)
Exam 2: Data Management and Time Series Forecast Modeling
- Data analysis and treatment
- Fundamentals of models and modelling
- Types of models
- Time series models
- Model selection
- Metrics: measuring forecast error and performance
Exam 3: Reporting, Presenting, New Product Forecasting and Planning
- Forecast reporting, presentation, and communication
- Winning support and confidence of management
- Gaining buy-in from stakeholders
- New product forecasting
Preparation Materials
Recommended preparation is supported by IBF’s Fundamentals of Demand Planning and Forecasting, 3rd Edition by Chaman L. Jain, which covers forecasting models, planning processes, consensus forecasting, S&OP, CPFR, IBP, forecast KPIs, communication, and real-life demand planning cases.
CPF Eligibility & Exam Details
The CPF credential is earned by passing Exam 1, Exam 2, and Exam 3. Each exam is completed online and requires a score of 70% or higher individually.
Exam 1: Demand Planning, Forecasting, and S&OP/IBP
- Questions: 50 multiple-choice questions
- Duration / Pass Mark: 2 hours / 70%
Exam 2: Data Management and Time Series Forecast Modeling
- Questions: 25 multiple-choice questions
- Duration / Pass Mark: 2 hours / 70%
Upcoming events for this course
20
Aug, 2026
- 07:00 PM - 09:30 PM
- Online
Certified Professional Forecaster (CPF)
Gain International Recognition in Demand Management
Develop Your Supply Chain Skills
