Common Certification Forms
- CPSM® Exam Registration
- CPSM® Exam Information and Registration Brochure (545 KB)
- CPSM® Original Application
What is the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) qualification?
The Certified Professional in Supply Management® is the qualification that supply management professionals strive to earn. The CPSM® is recognized internationally and reflects the expanded knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be a successful supply management professional.
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What important dates do I need to remember?
- December 31, 2014 — Last day to postmark your C.P.M. Original/Original Lifetime application.
- December 31, 2014 — Last day to register for the CPSM® Bridge Exam.
- December 31, 2015 — Last day to take the CPSM® Bridge Exam.
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What are the criteria for the CPSM® qualification?
- 3 years full-time, professional supply management experience with a regionally accredited bachelor's degree (nonclerical, nonsupport) OR 5 years of supply management experience (nonclerical, nonsupport) without a degree.
- Pass 3 CPSM® Exams OR if you are a C.P.M. in good standing, pass the Bridge Exam
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What does "regionally accredited" mean?
It means that your bachelor's degree was earned from a college or university that is recognized by one of the six U.S. accrediting organizations listed with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) (http://www.chea.org/Directories/regional.asp):
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACSCU)
If you earned your degree outside the United States, please refer to the next FAQ.
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What if I earned my bachelors degree outside the United States?
ISM has extensive references with regard to degrees from other countries. If you have had MORE THAN 5 YEARS of experience, you do not need to have a degree, but if you have had between 3 and 5 years of experience, you may send email to certification@ism.ws to ask about your degree. If we are unable to determine the equivalency of your degree, you may elect to have your degree evaluated by an independent credentials evaluator such as ECE: http://www.ece.org/. The "General" evaluation is all that we require. The cost of the evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant.
If your degree is determined by ECE to be equivalent to a US Bachelor's degree, please submit a copy of ECE's decision along with your CPSM® application packet.
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What are the benefits of achieving the CPSM® qualification?
The CPSM® qualification indicates the holder of the qualification has mastered the supply management body of knowledge. Each step in the development of an organization's products and/or services is controlled by supply management. Current evolution of the profession dictates that a strategic level qualification is needed for professionals to effectively implement innovative supply strategies throughout their entire organization. The CPSM® is a milestone for those professionals who take ownership of their careers. Surveys indicate those with professional designations report higher annual compensation than those without certification. Pursuing your CPSM® qualification is your chance to leverage your knowledge and experience into career advancement.
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What are the benefits for my organization if I become CPSM® qualified?
The CPSM® qualification emphasizes major segments of the supply management profession. Holders of the qualification attain a greater understanding of their organization's supply network and have the skills to make more accurate and profitable decisions. By encouraging the entire team to pass the CPSM® exams, an employer ensures the supply management team masters the same common body of knowledge and is performing from a consistent foundation.
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How is ISM distinguishing the CPSM® qualification from other organizations' certifications?
The CPSM® is targeting supply management professionals who are forward thinking and wish to have a broad understanding of all components of the profession. It focuses on strategic supply management and contains the most comprehensive body of knowledge in this area.
See CPSM® Exam Specification.
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Is there a way to earn your CPSM® if you do not have a bachelor's degree?
Yes. Candidates without a degree must have 5 years of supply management (nonclerical, nonsupport) experience.
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Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime Qualification status for the CPSM®?
No. The CPSM® will not have lifetime status. 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.
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How can I keep updated on ISM's credentialing programs?
Information will be provided on the ISM website, in Supply Line 2055: Certification Update, in NewsLine, through affiliate leadership and via email 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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Go to Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) Program
Go to Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) Recertification FAQs
Go to Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) Bridge FAQs
Return to the Certification Main Page
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