Frequently Asked Questions About ISM
How do I become an ISM member?
Complete a membership application and send it, along with your payment in US funds, to ISM, PO Box 22160, Tempe, AZ 85285-2160, or fax your application with your credit card number and expiration date to (480) 752-2299, Attn: Customer Service. You can also apply through your local affiliate if you have information about them.
How much does membership cost?
Dues vary according to the affiliate you join. There are more than 180 ISM affiliated associations. While you are free to join any one of them, membership is usually determined by zip code or geographic location.
How do I know which affiliate to join?
If you want to join the affiliate nearest you, call ISM Customer Service with your zip code, and you will be given the name of the nearest affiliate along with the amount of your dues and a contact person.
What is C.P.M. certification?
The Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) is a professional designation program administered by ISM. Established in 1974, it is the first nationally accepted standard of competence and knowledge for the purchasing and supply management field. Professional certification signifies that you possess the skills and knowledge required to meet an established level of competency in the field of purchasing.
How do I become certified?
Applicants for C.P.M. certification must pass all four modules of the C.P.M. exam. In addition, the applicant must (a) have five years of full-time professional purchasing and supply management experience, or (b) have a four-year degree from an accredited institution and three years of full-time professional purchasing and supply management experience.
All candidates must complete and submit the appropriate application for certification.
ISM administers the program for the profession and the public. Membership in ISM is not required. Questions about ISM membership should be directed to ISM Customer Service at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 401.
How/where/when do I take the C.P.M. exam?
The computer exam is offered year round. The written exam is available in two venues:
- The Exam is offered each year at the ISM International Conference.
- Special testing dates when requested by employers, associations or affiliates:
www.ism.ws/seminars/OnsiteCPM.cfm
All our computer testing is done at Prometric Testing Centers (formerly known as Sylvan Technology Centers) and can be scheduled at your convenience. Currently there are nearly 350 domestic and more than 2,000 international test centers. Saturday, evening or Sunday hours may be available at some locations.
Domestic examination fees are $120 per module for ISM members while international fees for members are $165 per module. Domestic fees for nonmembers are $180 per module while international fees for nonmembers are $220.
You must contact ISM to register: you can register by mail, fax (+1-480-752-7890), phone (800/888-6276, ext. 401 or +1-480-752-6276, ext. 401), or online: www.ism.ws/certification/examregistration.cfm.
Once you are registered you will receive a confirmation letter from ISM with details on how to schedule an appointment with the Prometric Learning Center nearest you. For Prometric Test center locations, please visit www.2test.com - select "Find a Test Center" and scroll down to "Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM)."
Do you accept purchase orders?
Yes, for product orders and seminars only and only if your order is for $100 USD or more. We require advanced payment for subscriptions, exams, and membership.
Can I place an order over the telephone by using a credit card?
Yes, you may use MasterCard, Visa, Diner's Club, and American Express. Provide your card number and the expiration date.
How do I check on the status of an order placed last week?
Call ISM Customer Service at 1-800-888-6276, ext. 401, and provide your name or ISM ID number, and a customer service representative will research your order.
What is the product return policy?
Can I be invoiced for a seminar?
Seminars must be paid for by the date of the seminar by purchase order, check, or credit card in US funds.
Can I get a seminar outline?
Yes. All seminar outlines are on the Web site. Search for the seminar you are want to learn about and click on the seminar number in the results list.
What is The Journal of Supply Chain Management, and how can I order it?
The Journal of Supply Chain Management is a quarterly publication written specifically for and by purchasing professionals and educators. You may subscribe online at www.blackwellpublishing.com/journal.asp.
What is the Report on Business®?
The Report on Business® is an economic forecast arrived at by surveying 300 purchasing professionals in the manufacturing sector representing 20 industries in all 50 states. The Report, compiled monthly and released the first working day of the month, is an easy-to-understand, straightforward report and has proven to be a reliable source of information.
What study materials should I use to study for the C.P.M. exam?
ISM does not recommend specific study materials due to the fact that examinees' experience and needs vary greatly. For a copy of our Educational Products Catalog featuring a variety of widely recognized study materials, call 1-800-888-6276, ext. 401, and request that a catalog be mailed to you.
Who is the contact for my local affiliate?
Call ISM Customer Service at 1-800-888-6276, ext. 401, and ask. You can also find your affiliate officers in the Affiliate Officer's Directory To find affiliate officer information, simply select the state you are interested in. You will then get a list of the affiliates in that state.
Links to More Frequently Asked Questions
Back to Top
|
