The ISM Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a leader qualified in all areas of supply management. Internationally recognized, a CPSM has key knowledge of their field acquired through experience and education. With demand high for increasing value and cutting costs, a CPSM certification gives supply managers the training necessary to understand and accomplish these goals and lead their business and themselves to excel in all areas.
At the table negotiating new supply contracts, in the office outlining supply budgets, or researching potential new sources of supply are just a few of the tasks where CPSMs train to surpass any competition. In large corporations or government agencies, a CPSM certification will mark you as a strong leader.
To become a CPSM, one must have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution. In addition, three years of full-time, professional supply management experience is required in order to be eligible for certification.
Exam Information
Before scheduling your exam dates, you must register on the ISM website. All ISM certification exams are scheduled through Pearson VUE’s website here. You may reschedule your exam if necessary, given at least 24 hours notice to Pearson VUE. All tests are taken on computer. Plan to arrive at least 30 minutes early and have valid government issued identification to match your registered name on ISM. There is a 30 day waiting period to retake any exam.
CPSM Exams and Certification
- Foundation of Supply Management
- Effective Supply Management Performance
- Leadership in Supply Management
- Bridge Exam
There are several exams, each designed to test professionals on their knowledge of the current supply management market. Topics covered include risk, strategic sourcing, and technology. Not all questions are scored in each exam and no indication is given as to which questions contribute to your final score and which are for research. The bridge exam is the sum of scored material from all three examinations.
The exams do NOT rate current or future performance or compare candidates aptitude for supply management and no curves are in place relating individual’s scores.
Real Life CPSM Experiences
The ISM highlights these real certified professionals on their website. Brent Frimodig is a senior buyer at Puget Sound Energy in Washington state and he offers this insight into the exams:
Studying for the CPSM® forced me to learn the theory and background of contracting and supply management, which gave me an edge when pursuing cost effective opportunities for Puget Sound Energy (PSE). I want to be at the table helping make supply chain decisions instead of cranking out purchase orders. I felt the CPSM® was an important representation of the skills I need to accomplish that goal.”
Read his full account of the exam and his experience as a CPSM here.
Click here to learn more about all the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) certifications.