Home > Professional Credentials


Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) and Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) FAQs

Common Certification Forms

  1. C.P.M. Original and Original Lifetime Certification Application (224 KB)
  2. C.P.M. Recertification and Lifetime Certification Application (683 KB)
  3. Exam Score Request (12 KB)
  4. Work Experience Documentation (22 KB)
  5. Conference Documentation Forms
  6. Continuing Education Documentation
How will the CPSM® qualification affect the C.P.M. Program?

The C.P.M. program is changing. Candidates are no longer allowed to enter the C.P.M. program. No C.P.M. exams are given after December 31, 2009. ISM will no longer issue Original (or New) C.P.M. designations beginning in 2014.

However, the last day to register for the C.P.M. Exam is September 30, 2009.

All C.P.M. Exams must be completed by December 31, 2009. No Exceptions.

The last day to apply for the C.P.M. Designation is December 31, 2013. Applications need to be complete with Module 1, 2, 3, and 4 exam scores, work experience documentation, and payment.

The last day to register for the C.P.M./CPSM® Bridge Exam is December 31, 2014. Candidates have one year from the date of registration to take the Bridge Exam.

This change to the C.P.M. program emerges out of a recommendation from ISM's Professional Credentials Committee and is supported by findings of the research study conducted with Knapp & Associates International Inc. Foremost among the study's conclusions is that pronounced changes in the field demand a new professional qualification that reflects higher skill levels across the entire spectrum of supply management. ISM's new professional qualification is the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®).

Back to Top


Why not continue to issue new C.P.M.s since it has significant worldwide recognition?

While the C.P.M. is indeed a mark of excellence on a global scale, it still does not address many aspects and functions that fall under the umbrella of supply management. The CPSM® will transcend the limits of the C.P.M.'s purchasing focus by corresponding directly to the evolution of the profession to expand on supply management. By creating the CPSM®, ISM ensures that professionals have broad-based strategic expertise in the major segments of supply management. See ISM's Certification Market Study Supports the New Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) Qualification.

Back to Top


Will I still be able to use my C.P.M. designation after original C.P.M.s are not issued?

Yes. ISM has granted over 50,000 C.P.M.s since the program's inception in 1974 meaning the C.P.M. designation will remain one of the most recognized designations for some time to come. However, your certification must remain in good standing. If a candidate allows the C.P.M. to expire past the grace period, the candidate will no longer be allwed to recertify and must stop using the C.P.M. designation.

Back to Top


Will having a C.P.M. give me a head-start on achieving the CPSM®?

Having your C.P.M. will be a great start to achieving the CPSM®. ISM encourages all who are in the process of attaining your C.P.M. to finish your effort. The C.P.M. designation will be advantageous in pursuing the CPSM® if you also posses a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution.

C.P.M.s in good standing who also meet the other CPSM requirements may take the Bridge Exam. The Bridge Exam is a single exam covering contemporary subject matter and content not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam. It is comprised of 180 questions (all scored) and candidates are allowed three hours for completion. The last day to register for the Bridge Exam is December 31, 2014.

Back to Top


Is there a way to earn your CPSM® if you do not have a bachelor's degree?

No. If you do not have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent), then you are not eligible for the CPSM®. Our recommendation is to keep recertifying your C.P.M. so that you possess that valuable professional credential. If further academic studies are in your future, keep in mind that many colleges and universities will grant 12 undergraduate credits for the C.P.M. which could be a great starting point to pursue a bachelor's degree. See more information on college credit.

Back to Top


Will my C.P.M. Exam scores be good toward the CPSM®?

No, but if you have a current C.P.M., and a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution, you may be able to bridge to the CPSM® qualification.

The Bridge Exam is a single exam covering contemporary subject matter and content not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam. It is comprised of 180 questions (all scored) and candidates are allowed three hours for completion. The last day to register for the Bridge Exam is December 31, 2014.

Back to Top


I have C.P.M. study materials from ISM. Can I use these materials to prepare for the CPSM®?

The breadth of knowledge required for the CPSM® is significantly greater than the C.P.M. The C.P.M. study materials may be useful for very specific sections of the CPSM® content but ISM would recommend utilizing CPSM® materials when preparing for the CPSM Exam.

Back to Top


What dates do I need to remember?
Last day to register for a failed C.P.M. Exam Last day the C.P.M. Exam is available Last day to apply for the C.P.M. Designation Last day to register for the CPSM® Bridge Exam Last day the CPSM® Bridge Exam is available
December 16, 2009 December 31, 2009 December 31, 2013 December 31, 2014 December 31, 2015

Back to Top


How can I keep updated on ISM's credentialing programs?

Information will be provided on the ISM Web site, in Supply Line 2055: Certification Update, in NewsLine, through affiliate leadership and via e-mail updates to subscribers. Be sure to sign up to receive CPSM® updates.

If you have questions or comments, contact ISM Certification at: certification@ism.ws.

Back to Top


Return to the Professional Credentials Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Main Page

Return to the Professional Credentials Main Page



 
Related Resources:

ISM News - May 2010

ISM News - April 2010

CPSM® Instructor Kit - Set — Exams 1, 2 & 3

Groups and Forums Case Studies

CPSM® Instructor Kit - Exam 3
Content Recommendations:

NewsLine - September 2010

Upcoming Seminars

Reminders

Bright Ideas

Liner Notes


Update Your Interest Profile