ISM - Professional Credentials - Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) Recertification FAQs

Certified Professional in Supply Management^® (CPSM^®) Recertification FAQs

How long is my CPSM^® valid?
Once earned, how do I maintain my CPSM^®?
How do I earn Continuing Education Hours (CEHs)?
Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime status for the CPSM^®?
What important dates do I need to remember?
How can I keep updated on ISM's credentialing programs?

Common Certification Forms

How long is my CPSM^® valid?

The CPSM^® qualification is valid for a three (3) year period.

Once earned, how do I maintain my CPSM^®?

CPSM^®s will be required to recertify every three years with 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). Once your certification has expired, you will be given a one year grace period in which you can recertify with no penalty. Candidates in their grace period will not be recognized as a CPSM^® nor will they be allowed to use the designation. Recertification within the grace period will reset the certification date to a new date of approval and new expiration date Exams may only be re-taken for 20 CEHs each in the last year of certification or within the grace period year.

Please notify ISM Certification when you move or change jobs in order to keep your records current, as we may attempt to notify individuals when their designation has expired.

How do I earn Continuing Education Hours (CEHs)?

To recertify, applicants must earn 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) during their current certification period. At least two-thirds of the points must be educational in nature. One-third may be earned in the professional contributions category. Candidates will be able to retake CPSM^® Exam Sections for 20 CEHs each, but only in their last year of qualification or during their grace period. ISM does not need to pre-approve CEHs for recertification.

Categories for earning CEHs are:

College Courses (Taken or Taught
Continuing Education (Taken or Taught)
Contributions to the Profession
CPSM Exam Sections (20 CEHs each in the last year of qualification or during the grace period)

The options for obtaining CPSM^® CEHs are similar to the alternatives for C.P.M. CEHs.

Please notify ISM Certification when you move or change jobs in order to keep your records current, as we may attempt to notify individuals when their designation has expired.

Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime status for the CPSM^®?

No. Lifetime status will not be offered for the CPSM^®. Since the profession is continuing to increase in complexity, continuing education will play a major role in making sure supply managers stay current on the latest supply management best practices.

What dates do I need to remember?

Last day to register for the 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
September 30, 2009	December 31, 2009	December 31, 2013	December 31, 2014	December 31, 2015

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.

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