The C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) Program was originated by ISM in 1974, and is the first nationally accepted standard of competence and knowledge for the purchasing and supply management field. Those who earn the title of C.P.M. join a select but fast growing professional group, widely recognized by management and colleagues to be among the most knowledgeable in today's competitive world of purchasing and materials management.
All candidates must complete and submit an application for certification.
Applicants for C.P.M. certification must pass all four modules of the C.P.M. exam. In addition, the applicant must (a) have five years of full-time professional (non-clerical, non-support) purchasing and supply management experience, or (b) have a four-year degree from an accredited institution and three years of full-time professional purchasing and supply management experience.
ISM administers the program for the profession and the public. Membership in ISM is not required. Questions about ISM membership should be directed to ISM Customer Service at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 401.
* Modules 1 and 2 of the new A.P.P exam (introduced 1/1/01) may be substituted for Modules 1 and 2 of the updated C.P.M. exam (introduced 1/1/01) and vice versa.
Note: For Information on how modules passed prior to January 1,2001, can be combined with modules of the updates C.P.M. exam to meet the examination requirement for the C.P.M., please refer to the C.P.M. transition chart.
Last Updated: 09/01/11