Participants
get an in-depth review and assessment of the material in the
CPSM®Study
Guide by
tailoring the course to their specific study needs. These interactive courses
includes sample test questions, case studies and bonus supplemental content
developed by subject-matter experts. This bonus content gives candidates
additional study material for tasks with the most questions on the exams. Get
immediate feedback with this online review course to customize your personal
study program.
Study Guide to help supply management professionals
advance their career.
Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) has
announced the release of the CPSM Study Guide, a critical component for
professionals looking to advance their career by attaining ISM’s latest
professional credential, the Certified Professional in Supply Management
(CPSM). The Study Guide, applicable to Exam and Bridge Exam candidates,
provides information on test specification, examples of the testing format and
question styles. “The CPSM Study Guide is the keystone in a candidate’s
study preparation,” ISM CEO Paul Novak, C.P.M., said.The CPSM represents the
highest degree of professional competencies, containing the most comprehensive
body of knowledge in supply management, and is designed to lead the profession
by emphasizing the main components of supply management. The CPSM will be relevant
internationally and reflect the expanded education, skills and experience
needed to be a successful supply management professional. Effective April 1, 2008, the CPSM Study Guide became available for $59 for members and $89 for nonmembers. The ISM Professional
Series (available in May), another key study tool for CPSM candidates, are available for $200 for members and $280 for nonmembers. Place your order by
contacting ISM Customer Service at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 401,
or by downloading a product order form located at http://www.ism.ws. Select
Products, then Download Product Order Form.
Exam Specs For New Qualification Posted To Web Site
Exam 1 — Foundation of Supply Management Covers:
Contracting/negotiations; cost/finance; international; social
responsibility; sourcing; supplier relationship management. Includes
165 questions (150 scored — 2 hours, 45 minutes)
Exam 3 — Leadership in Supply management
Covers: Leadership; risk and compliance; strategic sourcing. Includes 180 questions (165 scored — 3 hours)
To access the exam specs and other information regarding the new
qualification is to go to the ISM Home Page (www.ism.ws), Select the
Professional Credentials tab, then Certified Professional in Supply
Management (CPSM) Program.
Contact the Certification Department at
if you
have any questions.
Why Certification Budget and staff cuts have become a way of life for many organizations; at the same time, employees are expected to achieve better results with fewer resources. Fortunately, knowledgeable supply management professionals have the ability to positively impact the financial results of any organization.
Supply management, more than any other function, reaches throughout and beyond the organization into the extended enterprise, making it the most strategic and cost-leveraging function in the modern corporation. Global sourcing, supplier relationship management, cost management strategies, outsourcing, and e-business technology are some of the tools today's modern supply management professional uses to drive savings directly to the bottom line.
A CPSM represents the broadest body of knowledge in the dynamic and critical field of supply management. Professional organizations and enterprises around the world are adopting the CPSM, with its rigorous testing and lifelong learning requirements, as the standard of achievement and excellence for the profession.
Certification is an objective measure of knowledge and experience, and ensures a certain level of expertise and skill. Earning a CPSM designation builds credibility for the individual, and the organization. An organization supporting the CPSM program underscores its commitment to professionalism. Certification can reduce future training costs, and the program content exposes employees to broad-based knowledge specification, which in turn helps them open up their thinking and problem-solving skills.
Those earning the CPSM tell us they are more effective at what they do and gain a heightened sense of professionalism, self-worth, and confidence — all important attributes in today's competitive and aggressive business environment. 82% of respondents in a survey conducted by The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) in 2001 felt that having a CPSM designation has benefited them professionally
Attention to ethics, professional responsibility, and lifelong learning are outcomes of the CPSM program. Lifelong learning is encouraged through the program to ensure candidates reflect the latest in supply management.
For more information on the CPSM. study programs offer sponsored by NAPM-Memphis, Inc. contact Mike Babineaux at
ISM Establishes New Qualification
ISM's Board of Directors approved the recommendation by the ISM Certification Committee that ISM develop a new professional qualification that recognizes your expanded competencies.
To help answer some of your questions, NAPM-Memphis, Inc. reviewed some of the more frequently asked questions so far and the correlating answers. Here's just a few of the questions included in that list:
Why do we need to develop a new qualification?
The development of the CPSM further enhances ISM's mission to lead supply management. The qualification will recognize the expanded education, skills and experience needed to be successful as a supply manager. Today's professionals are facing both increasingly complex supply relationships and a greater reliance on technology. ISM assumes the responsibility to raise its professional and educational standards to meet the current and future demands of the profession.
ISM's Certification Committee and ISM's Board of Directors agree that the development of the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) qualification is a necessary and forward-thinking move for the organization and the profession. The CPSM will include information on all segments of supply management as defined by ISM. See "Supply Management: Maximizing Opportunities, Managing Risk."
What will happen to the C.P.M.?
The C.P.M. will continue to be a valuable designation within the supply management profession. ISM has developed a bridging process for current C.P.M.s who have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and a total of five or more years of professional experience.
C.P.M.s who do not possess a Bachelor's degree may continue to recertify as long as they remain in good standing and do not let their certification lapse.
Note: If current C.P.M.s plan to recertify using Modules 3 and /or 4 of the Exam they must register with ISM by postmarking or entering their registration no later than December 31, 2008. After January 1, 2010, Modules 3 and/or Module 4 will no longer be an option for earning CEHs toward recertification.
What is the name of the new qualification?
ISM has chosen the title — Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) as the name of the new qualification. The CPSM is slated to be the profession's most rigorous qualification. It will be the standard for all professionals in supply management. Therefore, the words "Professional in Supply Management" are emphasized. Per ISM's definition of supply management and its components, the CPSM is much more than purchasing.
When will the new qualification be available?
ISM began the CPSM qualification program in 2008. As this process moves forward, ISM will ensure that the dates, policies and procedures are communicated through the ISM Web site, newsletters and e-mail updates to interested individuals. Be sure to sign up for CPSM updates.
Have any criteria for the new qualification been determined?
Yes. The Certification Committee recommended and the Board of Directors approved that a Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution and at least five years of professional supply management experience will be required for the CPSM.
Current C.P.M.s who hold a Bachelor's degree and wish to bridge to the CPSM must also have at least five years of professional supply management experience.
