(TEMPE, Ariz.) — Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) continues to lead supply management by developing a new professional qualification that will be relevant internationally and reflect the expanded education, skills and experience needed to be a successful supply management professional. ISM's Board of Directors recently approved the recommendation by the ISM Certification Committee that ISM develop a new professional qualification that recognizes those expanded competencies. The ISM Board directed that the program be available in 2008.
"The new qualification will address the realities of supply management, workplace complexities including globalization, greater use of technology, and expanded competencies that supply management professionals employ to drive value in their organizations," states ISM Chief Executive Officer Paul Novak, C.P.M., A.P.P.
This initiative emerges out of a recommendation from ISM's Certification Committee and is supported by findings of the research study conducted with Knapp & Associates International Inc. Foremost among the study's conclusions is that pronounced changes in the field demand the new professional qualification must reflect higher skill levels across the entire spectrum of supply management.
"The recommendation to develop an expanded supply management qualification is also based on extensive job analysis of supply management competencies," says ISM Certification Committee Chair Susan I. Scott, C.P.M., A.P.P. "ISM has established a legacy of certification excellence through innovation and expertise. The new qualification will strengthen this legacy."
The new qualification will require more formal educational achievement and higher levels of competencies than previous designations. Look for additional details on assessment criteria, exam content and other processes early next year.
The Certified Professional in Supply Management is slated to be the qualification that supply management professionals strive to earn. The CPSM will be relevant internationally and reflect the expanded knowledge, skills and abilities needed to be a successful supply management professional.
5 years full-time, professional supply management experience
4 year degree from a regionally accredited college or university
Pass 3 exams OR if you are a C.P.M. in good standing, pass the Bridge Exam
The CPSM qualification will enable professionals to gain a clear understanding of their organization's supply operation and enable managers to take an active role in critical decisions. 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 will be 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.
Organizations have communicated to ISM that they value the C.P.M. as evidence of a solid baseline of purchasing knowledge. The CPSM qualification will also recognize individual competencies in the broader area of supply management. The CPSM will emphasize major segments of the supply management profession; holders of the qualification will attain a greater understanding of their organization's supply network and have the skills to make more accurate and profitable decisions.
The C.P.M. designation does not lend itself to being re-purposed to the extent required to cover the increasingly broad spectrum of supply management competencies. The C.P.M. primarily tests one specific segment of supply management — purchasing. The CPSM will test on the expanded components of supply management and like the C.P.M. it will be relevant to all industry sectors.
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Last Updated: 05/05/10