The Institute for Supply Management's (ISM) two professional designations provide you with the opportunity to show your proficiency in the purchasing/supply management profession.

C.P.M. Certification

The Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) program was established 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 supply management.

Requirements for Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.)

Applicants for C.P.M. certification must pass all four modules of the exam. In addition, the applicant must have either:

a) five years of full-time professional purchasing or supply management experience, or
b) a four-year degree from an accredited institution and three years of full-time professional purchasing or supply management experience.

All candidates must complete and submit an application for certification. View Certification Information.

Note that the deadline for registering for C.P.M. examinations is December 31, 2008 and examinations must be taken within one year of the registration date.

CPSM Certification

In recognition of the evolution of the purchasing/supply management profession, ISM introduced the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) credential in 2008. The CPSM reflects the expanded education, skills and experience needed to be a successful supply management professional.

Requirements for Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

- 3 years of full-time, professional purchasing or supply management experience
- A bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university
- Passing grades on the three exams OR if you are a C.P.M. in good standing, a passing grade on the Bridge Exam

All candidates must complete and submit an application for certification. View Certification Information.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) administers the C.P.M. and CPSM programs for the profession and the public. Membership in ISM is not a requirement to earn or retain the C.P.M. or the CPSM.

ISM-New York offers a host of certification training classes. For further details on how you can begin on the road to becoming certified, please email us. We suggest that you also review the certification review seminars listed in the ISM-New York Professional Development Catalog.