Certified Professional in Supply Management Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) qualification?
The Certified Professional in Supply Management® is 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.
What are the criteria for the CPSM® qualification?
* 3 years full-time, professional supply management experience (nonclerical, nonsupport)
* Bachelors’ degree from an regionally accredited institution or international equivalent
* Pass 3 CPSM® Exams OR if you are a C.P.M. in good standing, pass the Bridge Exam
What are the benefits of achieving the CPSM® qualification?
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.
What are the benefits for my organization if I become CPSM® qualified?
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.
What is the Jack Quinn Solutions Guarantee for CPSM Exam Preparation Courses?
Our Guarantee: As a graduate of the Jack Quinn Solutions CPSM preparation course, we guarantee your success. If you fail any exam taken within 14 days of completing our course, we will pay for a second exam in addition to coaching you based on the results of the previous exam. If you fail a second exam, we will pay the fees for a third exam in addition to coaching. If you fail a third exam, your tuition minus the exam fees and a $250 administrative fee will be refunded to you within 30 days.
How is ISM distinguishing the CPSM® qualification from other organizations’ certifications?
The CPSM® is targeting supply management professionals who are forward thinking and wish to have a broad understanding of all components of the profession. It will focus on strategic supply management, not fundamental or tactical level knowledge and contain the most comprehensive body of knowledge in this area.
What does “regionally accredited” mean?
It means that your bachelor’s degree was earned from a college or university that is recognized by one of the six U.S. accrediting organizations listed with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) (http://www.chea.org/Directories/regional.asp):
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACSCU)
If you earned your bachelor’s degree in the United States from a school not accredited by one of the above six organizations, you would not qualify for the CPSM®. If you earned your degree outside the United States, please refer to the next FAQ.
What if I earned my bachelors degree outside the United States?
ISM has and is working with various countries to accept the Ministry of Educations accredited institutions. ISM is continuing to update the list of approved country listings. If your institution is not appropriately accredited through your country’s Ministry of Education or other appropriate accrediting organization, it will need to be evaluated before submitting your CPSM® application to ISM. We recommend that you use the services of Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): http://www.ece.org/. The “General” evaluation is all that ISM requires. The cost of the evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant.
Is there a way to earn your CPSM® if you do not have a bachelor’s degree?
No. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution then you are not eligible for the CPSM®. Our recommendation is to keep recertifying your C.P.M. so that you possess that valuable professional credential.
If further academic studies are in your future, keep in mind that many colleges and universities will grant 12 undergraduate credits for the C.P.M. which could be a great starting point to pursue a bachelor’s degree. For more information, please click here http://www.ism.ws/files/certification/CollegeCreditForm.pdf).
Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime Qualification status for the CPSM®?
No. The CPSM® will not have lifetime status. Since the profession is continuing to increase in complexity, continuing education will play a major role in making sure supply managers stay current on the latest supply management best practices.
Why did ISM choose to create the CPSM® instead of updating the C.P.M.?
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.
Are there exam(s) for the CPSM®?
Yes. There are (3) three separate CPSM® Exams which together cover the main segments of supply management. Exam content will address today’s supply environment and workplace complexities such as risk, strategic sourcing, technology and increased skills needed for supply professionals to drive value in their organizations.
What knowledge is on the CPSM® Exam test?
There are three (3) CPSM® Examinations. Below is a break-down of the exam by sections, with the number of questions and time allowed:
Exam 1: Foundation of Supply Management
165 questions
150 scored
2 hrs. 45 mins.
Section Name # of Tasks
Cost & Finance 5
Contracting and Negotiation 5
International 3
Social Responsibility 3
Sourcing 3
Supplier Relationship Mgmt. 6
Total 25
Exam 2: Effective Supply Management Performance
165 questions
150 scored
2 hrs. 45 mins.
Section Name # of Tasks
Forecasting 3
Logistics 4
Mats and Inventory Mgmt. 4
Organization/Dept. Assessment 4
Planning 2
Project Mgmt. 2
Product Development 2
Quality 3
Total 24
Exam 3: Leadership in Supply Management
180 questions
165 scored
3 hrs.
Section Name # of Tasks
Leadership 18
Risk and Compliance 8
Strategic Sourcing 6
Total 32
How long are my CPSM® Exam scores valid?
CPSM® Exam scores are valid for three years from the date they are taken.
What is the process for current C.P.M.s who already meet the CPSM® requirements to bridge to the CPSM® designation?
There is a single Bridge Exam for C.P.M.s who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet the CPSM® work experience requirements.
The Bridge is a single exam covering contemporary subject matter and content not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam. It has 180 questions (all scored) and candidates will be allowed three hours to complete the exam. The Bridge Exam will be available for registration through the end of 2014.**
What kind of study materials will be available for CPSM® Exam preparation?
The three best selling products ISM offers in support of CPSM® Exam preparation are the CPSM® Study Guide, ISM Professional Series and the CPSM® Diagnostic Kit.
Jack Quinn Solutions provides all these materials as part of the course. You will not be required to spend additional money for these materials. We are a one-stop shop for CPSM exam preparation.
The CPSM® Study Guide is an expanded outline of the content covered in all three exams. However, it is not comprehensive enough or meant to serve as a substitute for any of the major college level textbooks in the field of supply management. Bridge Exam content is indicated by brackets throughout.
The ISM Professional Series was written in support of the corresponding exam content (Book 1 for Exam 1, Book 2 for Exam 2, Book 3 for Exam 3). They provide more detail about the Exam topics than found in the CPSM® Study Guide. The series draws from all industries and levels, formulating a macro view of the profession. This series of books would be equivalent to college level textbooks.
ISM developed the CPSM® Diagnostic Kit to assist candidates in identifying gaps in their knowledge against the Exam content. It also allows candidates to become familiar with the multiple choice item formats that ISM uses in the Exams. The CPSM® Diagnostic Kit is available as a print or Web version. The content in the Web Diagnostic Kit is equivalent to the print version. However, the Web-based version more closely simulates the test taking environment.
In addition, ISM has compiled a CPSM® Supplemental Reading List to help candidates prepare for their exams. The books on the list have been chosen because of their focus on the expanded components of supply management. More books may be added to this list as they are identified, this list is maintained on the Web.
How much does the CPSM® cost?
$180 for ISM members
$265 for non-members
All prices are per exam and are in U.S. Dollars.
**Exam registrations are valid for one (1) year from the date that ISM processes your registration.
How do I register for CPSM® Exam(s)? How do I know where the closest test center is located?
You must contact ISM to register for an exam:
Register Online
Phone: 800/888-6276, or 480-752-6276, extension 401
Fax: 480/752-2299
Mail:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
PO Box 22160
Tempe, AZ 85285-2160 Special Courier:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
2055 E. Centennial Circle
Tempe, AZ 85284
Your exam registration is valid for one year from the day ISM processes your registration. Payment is required in advance.
All our computer testing is done at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Examination fees are $180 per exam for ISM members and $265 per exam for nonmembers.
Within 24 hours of processing your registration, you will receive a confirmation letter from ISM with instructions on how to schedule an exam and locate a test center on Pearson VUE’s Web site: http://pearsonvue.com/ism/
An alternative to Pearson VUE is onsite testing:
http://www.ism.ws/certification/content.cfm?ItemNumber=18566
How do I reschedule or cancel an existing appointment?
To reschedule or cancel your test appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled local testing time. For example, an 8:30am appointment on Monday must be rescheduled by 8:30am on Sunday (all times are local). If you do not reschedule or cancel your appointment in time, all funds are forfeited.
To reschedule or cancel, please visit www.pearsonvue.com/ism and select the appropriate link.
Please DO NOT call your local Pearson VUE test center to make appointments or cancel/reschedule appointments.
What kind of identification (I.D.) will I need in order to test?
For your exam, you must to bring one valid photo I.D. with signature that reflects the name on your exam registration.
Your I.D. MUST be one of the following:
Driver’s License*
Passport*
Military I.D.*
Official State, Government, or National I.D.
Employee I.D.
Student I.D.
Photo credit card
No other forms of I.D. will be accepted.
*Driver’s License, Passport and Military IDs that have a digital signature encoded will only be accepted as valid ID if accompanied by another valid ID with signature.
Note: on the day of your exam, if you are unable to produce a valid I.D. matching the name in ISM’s database, you will not be allowed to test and all registration fees will be forfeited.
Note: Pearson VUE uses biometrics in all test centers. Biometrics are automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physical characteristic and are primarily used to combat identity fraud. One such method involves the examinee placing a finger on a scanner, which results in an electronic fingerprint.
Can I bring a calculator to the exam?
You may not bring a calculator into the exam room. Instead, there is an on-screen calculator for your use.
What else should I know about taking my exam at a Pearson VUE Test Center?
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be considered a non-refundable “no show.”
You will be required to leave all personal belongings in a locker. This includes bags, pagers, watches, wallets, notes, books or other materials not authorized for this exam. Items such as a cell phone, BlackBerry, or PDA are also prohibited.
An erasable noteboard and pen will be provided for the exam. They will be collected at the end of the test.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Test center temperatures vary.
How are the Exams scored? What is passing?
Each candidate must pass with a minimum scaled score of 400 regardless of the number of questions in that Exam. ISM maintains multiple versions, or forms, of the exam. While the content of the exam remains constant, the actual questions used in the exam will change. Different forms of the exam use different questions, the level of difficulty will vary slightly from test to test. To compensate for these variations, a statistical procedure known as equating is used to account for differences in test difficulty. The passing score is not calculated based upon percentages.
For example, let’s suppose we have two test forms of an exam — Test A and Test B. Now suppose it is established that in order to pass Test A, a person must answer 32 out of 60 questions correct. Furthermore, suppose that Test B is somewhat easier than Test A. To compensate for this difference, the passing score for Test B is adjusted to prevent any “bonus” being given to the candidates taking Test B. Thus, it may be established that a candidate must get a score of 34 out of 60 on Test B in order to pass. This is test equating. It holds candidates to the same standard in terms of difficulty, regardless of which version is taken.
Due to this method of equating the percentage of correct answers varies from exam to exam. Then, to maintain consistency in scoring, a second statistical procedure called scaling is used. Scaling converts all scores to a scale ranging from 100 to 600 with a passing score set at 400. Thus, the scores you receive from ISM are actually scaled scores. If the scaled score on any particular Exam ranges from 100 to 390, this means you failed that Exam. If the scaled score is in the range of 400 to 600, you passed that Exam.
What do I do if I fail an exam?
It is not at all uncommon for candidates to fail an Exam. The average pass rate for the CPSM® is 65-70%. You should use the score report that you receive from the test center to re-focus your study effort in any task area(s) where you did not answer approximately 75% of the questions correctly. This will most likely entail obtaining additional reference material to supplement those task areas.
In order to re-test, you will again need to register with ISM and pay the appropriate member or non-member fee. There is no discount on re-tests.
ISM has a 30-day retake policy for the CPSM® Exams. If you are unsuccessful on an Exam you MUST wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-take that specific Exam.
Our Guarantee: As a graduate of the Jack Quinn Solutions CPSM preparation course, we guarantee your success. If you fail any exam taken within 14 days of completing our course, we will pay for a second exam in addition to coaching you based on the results of the previous exam. If you fail a second exam, we will pay the fees for a third exam in addition to coaching. If you fail a third exam, your tuition minus the exam fees and a $250 administrative fee will be refunded to you within 30 days.
How can I take CPSM® Exams at my company or affiliate?
ISM offers companies onsite testing of the CPSM® Exams. To request more information regarding on-site testing please contact a member of the ISM Sales team for more details. Kathy Braase at kbraase@ism.ws or Trish True at ttrue@ism.ws.
Who can proctor the CPSM® Onsite Exams?
CPSM® Exam — Proctor Requirements
The following individuals may supervise or proctor the CPSM® Examination:
* A Human Resources Representative or Training Coordinator from the organization sponsoring the exam
* A current CPSM® in good standing
* An individual, from the organization sponsoring the exam, who has no real or perceived vested interest* in the exam performance of any of the candidates
*”real or perceived vested interest” means that a proctor cannot have any of the following relationships with an examinee: supervisor, direct report, CPSM® Exam review instructor, family member, close friend, or any other relationship that might be seen as a conflict of interest.
Guidelines for Nominating a Proctor
* To eliminate any perception of impropriety regarding specific exam content, those who proctor the CPSM® Exam are excluded from ever taking the Bridge Exam or any of the three CPSM® Exams.
* The proposed proctor can have no ties to the supply management profession (unless they are a current CPSM® in good standing).
* A current C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) may not proctor the CPSM® Exam unless he/she is retired and agrees to sign an additional release form.
* A CPSM® review course instructor (or one who teaches supply management-related classes) may not proctor an exam that one of their students is taking. Also, an employee of a company that offers CPSM® review courses may not proctor.
Proctors must be willing to provide references upon request.
All proctors must sign a non-disclosure/liability agreement prior to proctoring the CPSM® Exam.
If the ISM-approved proctor cannot proctor the exam or if an additional proctor(s) is needed, ISM MUST be notified immediately. Proctor substitutions without ISM being notified may result in cancellation of all candidate scores.
For questions about ISM’s proctor requirements, please contact David Migliore — ISM Certification: dmigliore@ism.ws or 800-888-6276 x-3074.
How do I apply for the CPSM®?
Once you have passed the Exam(s) you will need to apply for certification. You can obtain the appropriate application in the Certification Forms section on our Web site. Complete and sign the application, attach the required backup documentation and mail the application along with the appropriate member or non-member fee. ISM recommends that you maintain a copy of the entire application. ISM will accept either your original Exam score reports or copies of them. If you do submit copies of your score reports we ask that you maintain the originals in a safe place.
All documentation must be submitted in English and ISM will NOT accept incomplete applications nor will ISM put an application on-hold, pending an exam score or work experience letter.
I already have my C.P.M. and have passed the Bridge Exam, what documentation do I need to submit?
As a C.P.M., you will not need to re-submit your work experience because ISM already has it on file.
Along with exam scores, everyone will need to submit a copy of their Bachelor’s Degree – either a photo copy of the diploma or a transcript that shows completion.
How can I keep updated on ISM’s credentialing programs?
Information will be provided on the ISM Web site, in Supply Line 2055: Certification Update, in NewsLine, through affiliate leadership and via e-mail updates to subscribers. Be sure to sign up to receive CPSM® updates.
If you have questions or comments, contact ISM Certification at: certification@ism.ws.
How long is my CPSM® valid?
The CPSM® qualification is valid for a three (3) year period.
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Once earned, how do I maintain my CPSM®?
CPSM®s will be required to recertify every three years with 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). Once your certification has expired, you will be given a one year grace period in which you can recertify with no penalty. Candidates in their grace period will not be recognized as a CPSM® nor will they be allowed to use the designation. Recertification within the grace period will reset the certification date to a new date of approval and new expiration date Exams may only be re-taken for 20 CEHs each in the last year of certification or within the grace period year.
Please notify ISM Certification when you move or change jobs in order to keep your records current, as we may attempt to notify individuals when their designation has expired.
How do I earn Continuing Education Hours (CEHs)?
To recertify, applicants must earn 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) during their current certification period. At least two-thirds of the points must be educational in nature. One-third may be earned in the professional contributions category. Candidates will be able to retake CPSM® Exam Sections for 20 CEHs each, but only in their last year of qualification or during their grace period. ISM does not need to pre-approve CEHs for recertification.
Categories for earning CEHs are:
1. College Courses (Taken or Taught
2. Continuing Education (Taken or Taught)
3. Contributions to the Profession
4. CPSM Exam Sections (20 CEHs each in the last year of qualification or during the grace period)
The options for obtaining CPSM® CEHs are similar to the alternatives for C.P.M. CEHs.
Please notify ISM Certification when you move or change jobs in order to keep your records current, as we may attempt to notify individuals when their designation has expired.
Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime status for the CPSM®?
No. Lifetime status will not be offered for the CPSM®. Since the profession is continuing to increase in complexity, continuing education will play a major role in making sure supply managers stay current on the latest supply management best practices.
What is the CPSM® Bridge Exam?
The Bridge is a single exam for C.P.M.s in good standing who wish to earn the CPSM® designation. The Bridge Exam covers contemporary content and material not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam. It is comprised of 180 questions (all scored) and candidates will be allowed three (3) hours to test. The last day to register for the CPSM® Bridge Exam is December 31, 2014. Please note: ISM offices are closed from December 24, 2014 through January 4, 2015.
A Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (nonclerical, nonsupport) supply management experience are also required to bridge to the CPSM®.
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Who is eligible to take the Bridge Exam?
C.P.M.s in good standing are eligible to take the Bridge Exam. A Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (nonclerical, nonsupport) supply management experience are also required to bridge to the CPSM®. The individual must be in good standing at the time of Exam registration, the time of testing and when they apply for the designation.
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How do I know if I am a C.P.M. “in good standing”?
You are a C.P.M. “in good standing” if your certification is current at the time you submit both your registration for the Bridge exam and your application for the CPSM® Qualification. If your C.P.M. has expired, even if you are within your one-year grace period, your C.P.M. is NOT in good standing.
Lifetime C.P.M.s are always considered in good standing because their certification never expires.
To check your C.P.M. status: http://www.ism.ws/certification/CPMSearch.cfm?navItemNumber=15543
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What knowledge will the Bridge Exam test?
Section Name # of Tasks # of Questions
Contracting/Negotiations 3 5
Cost/Finance 5 12
International 3 8
Social Responsibility 3 5
Sourcing 2 2
Supplier Relationship Management 4 6
Forecasting 2 5
Logistics 4 12
Materials & Inventory Management 4 12
Organization/Department Assessment 3 10
Planning 2 9
Product Development 1 3
Project Management 2 8
Quality 1 3
Leadership 10 30
Risk and Compliance 6 15
Strategic Sourcing 6 35
Total Tasks:
61 Total Questions:
180
What kinds of study materials are available for CPSM® Bridge Exam preparation?
ISM has developed the CPSM® Study Guide and the ISM Professional Series (a 3-volume series of books supporting the content) to help you prepare for the CPSM® Exam.
In addition, ISM has compiled a CPSM® Supplemental Reading List to help candidates prepare for their exams. The books on the list have been chosen because of their focus on the expanded components of supply management. More books may be added to this list as they are identified, this list is maintained on the web.
Additional support materials such as the ISM Supply Management Handbook, the ISM Glossary of Supply Management Terms are available.
ISM is developing a diagnostic kit (practice exams) that will be available in 2009.
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How much does the Bridge Exam cost?
CPSM®Computer-based exam fee: $180 for ISM members
$265 for non-members
All prices are per exam and are in U.S. Dollars.
How do I register for CPSM® Bridge Exam? How do I know where the closest test center is located?
You must contact ISM to register for an exam:
Register Online
Phone: 800/888-6276, or 480-752-6276, extension. 401
Fax: 480/752-2299
Mail:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
PO Box 22160
Tempe, AZ 85285-2160 Special Courier:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
2055 E. Centennial Circle
Tempe, AZ 85284
Last day to register for the CPSM® Bridge Exam is December 31, 2014. Please note: ISM offices are closed from December 24, 2014 through January 4, 2015.
Your exam registration is valid for one year from the day ISM processes your registration. Payment is required in advance.
All our computer testing is done at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Examination fees are $180 per exam for ISM members and $265 per exam for nonmembers.
Within 24 hours of processing your registration, you will receive a confirmation letter from ISM with instructions on how to schedule an exam and locate a test center on Pearson VUE’s Web site: http://pearsonvue.com/ism/
An alternative to Pearson VUE is onsite testing:
http://www.ism.ws/certification/content.cfm?ItemNumber=6040
How do I reschedule or cancel an existing appointment?
To reschedule or cancel your test appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled local testing time. For example, an 8:30am appointment on Monday must be rescheduled by 8:30am on Sunday (all times are local). If you do not reschedule or cancel your appointment in time, all funds are forfeited.
To reschedule or cancel, please visit www.pearsonvue.com/ism and select the appropriate link.
Please DO NOT call your local Pearson VUE test center to make appointments or cancel/reschedule appointments.
What kind of identification (I.D.) will I need in order to test?
For your exam, you must to bring one valid photo I.D. with signature that reflects the name on your exam registration.
Your I.D. MUST be one of the following:
Driver’s License*
Passport*
Military I.D.*
Official State, Government, or National I.D.
Employee I.D.
Student I.D.
Photo credit card
No other forms of I.D. will be accepted.
*Driver’s License, Passport and Military IDs that have a digital signature encoded will only be accepted as valid ID if accompanied by another valid ID with signature.
Note: on the day of your exam, if you are unable to produce a valid I.D. matching the name in ISM’s database, you will not be allowed to test and all registration fees will be forfeited.
Note: Pearson VUE uses biometrics in all test centers. Biometrics are automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physical characteristic and are primarily used to combat identity fraud. One such method involves the examinee placing a finger on a scanner, which results in an electronic fingerprint.
Back to Top
Can I bring a calculator to the exam?
You may not bring a calculator into the exam room. Instead, there is an on-screen calculator for your use.
What else should I know about taking my exam at a Pearson VUE Test Center?
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be considered a non-refundable “no show.”
You will be required to leave all personal belongings in a locker. This includes bags, pagers, watches, wallets, notes, books or other materials not authorized for this exam. Items such as a cell phone, BlackBerry, or PDA are also prohibited.
An erasable noteboard and pen will be provided for the exam. They will be collected at the end of the test.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Test center temperatures vary.
How are the Exams scored? What is passing?
Each candidate must pass with a minimum scaled score of 400 regardless of the number of questions in that Exam. ISM maintains multiple versions, or forms, of the exam. While the content of the exam remains constant, the actual questions used in the exam will change. Different forms of the exam use different questions, the level of difficulty will vary slightly from test to test. To compensate for these variations, a statistical procedure known as equating is used to account for differences in test difficulty.
The passing score is not calculated based upon percentages.
For example, let’s suppose we have two test forms of an exam — Test A and Test B. Now suppose it is established that in order to pass Test A, a person must answer 32 out of 60 questions correct. Furthermore, suppose that Test B is somewhat easier than Test A. To compensate for this difference, the passing score for Test B is adjusted to prevent any “bonus” being given to the candidates taking Test B. Thus, it may be established that a candidate must get a score of 34 out of 60 on Test B in order to pass. This is test equating. It holds candidates to the same standard in terms of difficulty, regardless of which version is taken.
Due to this method of equating the percentage of correct answers varies from exam to exam. Then, to maintain consistency in scoring, a second statistical procedure called scaling is used. Scaling converts all scores to a scale ranging from 100 to 600 with a passing score set at 400. Thus, the scores you receive from ISM are actually scaled scores. If the scaled score on any particular Exam ranges from 100 to 390, this means you failed that Exam. If the scaled score is in the range of 400 to 600, you passed that Exam.
What do I do if I fail an Exam?
It is not at all uncommon for candidates to fail an Exam. The average pass rate for the CPSM® is 65-70%. You should use the score report that you receive from the test center to re-focus your study effort in any task area(s) where you did not answer approximately 75% of the questions correctly. This will most likely entail obtaining additional reference material to supplement those task areas.
In order to re-test, you will again need to register with ISM and pay the appropriate member or non-member fee. There is no discount on re-tests.
ISM has a 30-day retake policy for the CPSM® Exams. If you are unsuccessful on an Exam you MUST wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-take that specific Exam.
Our Guarantee: As a graduate of the Jack Quinn Solutions CPSM preparation course, we guarantee your success. If you fail any exam taken within 14 days of completing our course, we will pay for a second exam in addition to coaching you based on the results of the previous exam. If you fail a second exam, we will pay the fees for a third exam in addition to coaching. If you fail a third exam, your tuition minus the exam fees and a $250 administrative fee will be refunded to you within 30 days.
How can I take CPSM® Exams at my company or affiliate?
ISM offers companies onsite testing of the CPSM® Exams. To request more information regarding on-site testing please contact a member of the ISM Sales team for more details. Kathy Braase at kbraase@ism.ws or Trish True at ttrue@ism.ws.
Who can proctor the CPSM® Onsite Exams?
CPSM® Exam — Proctor Requirements
The following individuals may supervise or proctor the CPSM® Examination:
• A Human Resources Representative or Training Coordinator from the organization sponsoring the exam
• A current CPSM® in good standing
• An individual, from the organization sponsoring the exam, who has no real or perceived vested interest* in the exam performance of any of the candidates
*”real or perceived vested interest” means that a proctor cannot have any of the following relationships with an examinee: supervisor, direct report, CPSM® Exam review instructor, family member, close friend, or any other relationship that might be seen as a conflict of interest.
Guidelines for Nominating a Proctor
• To eliminate any perception of impropriety regarding specific exam content, those who proctor the CPSM® Exam are excluded from ever taking the Bridge Exam or any of the three CPSM® Exams.
• The proposed proctor can have no ties to the supply management profession (unless they are a current CPSM® in good standing).
• A current C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) may not proctor the CPSM® Exam unless he/she is retired and agrees to sign an additional release form.
• A CPSM® review course instructor (or one who teaches supply management-related classes) may not proctor an exam that one of their students is taking. Also, an employee of a company that offers CPSM® review courses may not proctor.
Proctors must be willing to provide references upon request.
All proctors must sign a non-disclosure/liability agreement prior to proctoring the CPSM® Exam.
If the ISM-approved proctor cannot proctor the exam or if an additional proctor(s) is needed, ISM MUST is notified immediately. Proctor substitutions without ISM being notified may result in cancellation of all candidate scores.
How do I apply for the CPSM®?
Once you have passed the Exam you will need to apply for certification. You can obtain the appropriate application in the Certification Forms section on our Web site. Complete and sign the application, attach the required backup documentation and mail the application along with the appropriate member or non-member fee. ISM recommends that you maintain a copy of the entire application. ISM will accept either your original Exam score reports or copies of them. If you do submit copies of your score reports we ask that you maintain the originals in a safe place.
All documentation must be submitted in English and ISM will NOT accept incomplete applications nor will ISM put an application on-hold, pending an exam score or work experience letter.
I already have my C.P.M. and have passed the Bridge Exam, what documentation do I need to submit?
As a C.P.M., you will not need to re-submit your work experience because ISM already has it on file.
Everyone will need to submit a copy of their Bachelor’s Degree — either a photo copy of the diploma or a transcript that shows completion.
Certified Professional in Supply Management Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) qualification?
The Certified Professional in Supply Management® is 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.
What are the criteria for the CPSM® qualification?
* 3 years full-time, professional supply management experience (nonclerical, nonsupport)
* Bachelors’ degree from an regionally accredited institution or international equivalent
* Pass 3 CPSM® Exams OR if you are a C.P.M. in good standing, pass the Bridge Exam
What are the benefits of achieving the CPSM® qualification?
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.
What are the benefits for my organization if I become CPSM® qualified?
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.
What is the Jack Quinn Solutions Guarantee for CPSM Exam Preparation Courses?
Our Guarantee: As a graduate of the Jack Quinn Solutions CPSM preparation course, we guarantee your success. If you fail any exam taken within 14 days of completing our course, we will pay for a second exam in addition to coaching you based on the results of the previous exam. If you fail a second exam, we will pay the fees for a third exam in addition to coaching. If you fail a third exam, your tuition minus the exam fees and a $250 administrative fee will be refunded to you within 30 days.
How is ISM distinguishing the CPSM® qualification from other organizations’ certifications?
The CPSM® is targeting supply management professionals who are forward thinking and wish to have a broad understanding of all components of the profession. It will focus on strategic supply management, not fundamental or tactical level knowledge and contain the most comprehensive body of knowledge in this area.
What does “regionally accredited” mean?
It means that your bachelor’s degree was earned from a college or university that is recognized by one of the six U.S. accrediting organizations listed with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) (http://www.chea.org/Directories/regional.asp):
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (MSA)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA-HLC)
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS)
Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC-ACSCU)
If you earned your bachelor’s degree in the United States from a school not accredited by one of the above six organizations, you would not qualify for the CPSM®. If you earned your degree outside the United States, please refer to the next FAQ.
What if I earned my bachelors degree outside the United States?
ISM has and is working with various countries to accept the Ministry of Educations accredited institutions. ISM is continuing to update the list of approved country listings. If your institution is not appropriately accredited through your country’s Ministry of Education or other appropriate accrediting organization, it will need to be evaluated before submitting your CPSM® application to ISM. We recommend that you use the services of Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE): http://www.ece.org/. The “General” evaluation is all that ISM requires. The cost of the evaluation is the responsibility of the applicant.
Is there a way to earn your CPSM® if you do not have a bachelor’s degree?
No. If you do not have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution then you are not eligible for the CPSM®. Our recommendation is to keep recertifying your C.P.M. so that you possess that valuable professional credential.
If further academic studies are in your future, keep in mind that many colleges and universities will grant 12 undergraduate credits for the C.P.M. which could be a great starting point to pursue a bachelor’s degree. For more information, please click here http://www.ism.ws/files/certification/CollegeCreditForm.pdf).
Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime Qualification status for the CPSM®?
No. The CPSM® will not have lifetime status. Since the profession is continuing to increase in complexity, continuing education will play a major role in making sure supply managers stay current on the latest supply management best practices.
Why did ISM choose to create the CPSM® instead of updating the C.P.M.?
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.
Are there exam(s) for the CPSM®?
Yes. There are (3) three separate CPSM® Exams which together cover the main segments of supply management. Exam content will address today’s supply environment and workplace complexities such as risk, strategic sourcing, technology and increased skills needed for supply professionals to drive value in their organizations.
What knowledge is on the CPSM® Exam test?
There are three (3) CPSM® Examinations. Below is a break-down of the exam by sections, with the number of questions and time allowed:
Exam 1: Foundation of Supply Management
165 questions
150 scored
2 hrs. 45 mins.
Section Name # of Tasks
Cost & Finance 5
Contracting and Negotiation 5
International 3
Social Responsibility 3
Sourcing 3
Supplier Relationship Mgmt. 6
Total 25
Exam 2: Effective Supply Management Performance
165 questions
150 scored
2 hrs. 45 mins.
Section Name # of Tasks
Forecasting 3
Logistics 4
Mats and Inventory Mgmt. 4
Organization/Dept. Assessment 4
Planning 2
Project Mgmt. 2
Product Development 2
Quality 3
Total 24
Exam 3: Leadership in Supply Management
180 questions
165 scored
3 hrs.
Section Name # of Tasks
Leadership 18
Risk and Compliance 8
Strategic Sourcing 6
Total 32
How long are my CPSM® Exam scores valid?
CPSM® Exam scores are valid for three years from the date they are taken.
What is the process for current C.P.M.s who already meet the CPSM® requirements to bridge to the CPSM® designation?
There is a single Bridge Exam for C.P.M.s who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution and meet the CPSM® work experience requirements.
The Bridge is a single exam covering contemporary subject matter and content not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam. It has 180 questions (all scored) and candidates will be allowed three hours to complete the exam. The Bridge Exam will be available for registration through the end of 2014.**
What kind of study materials will be available for CPSM® Exam preparation?
The three best selling products ISM offers in support of CPSM® Exam preparation are the CPSM® Study Guide, ISM Professional Series and the CPSM® Diagnostic Kit.
Jack Quinn Solutions provides all these materials as part of the course. You will not be required to spend additional money for these materials. We are a one-stop shop for CPSM exam preparation.
The CPSM® Study Guide is an expanded outline of the content covered in all three exams. However, it is not comprehensive enough or meant to serve as a substitute for any of the major college level textbooks in the field of supply management. Bridge Exam content is indicated by brackets throughout.
The ISM Professional Series was written in support of the corresponding exam content (Book 1 for Exam 1, Book 2 for Exam 2, Book 3 for Exam 3). They provide more detail about the Exam topics than found in the CPSM® Study Guide. The series draws from all industries and levels, formulating a macro view of the profession. This series of books would be equivalent to college level textbooks.
ISM developed the CPSM® Diagnostic Kit to assist candidates in identifying gaps in their knowledge against the Exam content. It also allows candidates to become familiar with the multiple choice item formats that ISM uses in the Exams. The CPSM® Diagnostic Kit is available as a print or Web version. The content in the Web Diagnostic Kit is equivalent to the print version. However, the Web-based version more closely simulates the test taking environment.
In addition, ISM has compiled a CPSM® Supplemental Reading List to help candidates prepare for their exams. The books on the list have been chosen because of their focus on the expanded components of supply management. More books may be added to this list as they are identified, this list is maintained on the Web.
How much does the CPSM® cost?
$180 for ISM members
$265 for non-members
All prices are per exam and are in U.S. Dollars.
**Exam registrations are valid for one (1) year from the date that ISM processes your registration.
How do I register for CPSM® Exam(s)? How do I know where the closest test center is located?
You must contact ISM to register for an exam:
Register Online
Phone: 800/888-6276, or 480-752-6276, extension 401
Fax: 480/752-2299
Mail:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
PO Box 22160
Tempe, AZ 85285-2160 Special Courier:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
2055 E. Centennial Circle
Tempe, AZ 85284
Your exam registration is valid for one year from the day ISM processes your registration. Payment is required in advance.
All our computer testing is done at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Examination fees are $180 per exam for ISM members and $265 per exam for nonmembers.
Within 24 hours of processing your registration, you will receive a confirmation letter from ISM with instructions on how to schedule an exam and locate a test center on Pearson VUE’s Web site: http://pearsonvue.com/ism/
An alternative to Pearson VUE is onsite testing:
http://www.ism.ws/certification/content.cfm?ItemNumber=18566
How do I reschedule or cancel an existing appointment?
To reschedule or cancel your test appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled local testing time. For example, an 8:30am appointment on Monday must be rescheduled by 8:30am on Sunday (all times are local). If you do not reschedule or cancel your appointment in time, all funds are forfeited.
To reschedule or cancel, please visit www.pearsonvue.com/ism and select the appropriate link.
Please DO NOT call your local Pearson VUE test center to make appointments or cancel/reschedule appointments.
What kind of identification (I.D.) will I need in order to test?
For your exam, you must to bring one valid photo I.D. with signature that reflects the name on your exam registration.
Your I.D. MUST be one of the following:
Driver’s License*
Passport*
Military I.D.*
Official State, Government, or National I.D.
Employee I.D.
Student I.D.
Photo credit card
No other forms of I.D. will be accepted.
*Driver’s License, Passport and Military IDs that have a digital signature encoded will only be accepted as valid ID if accompanied by another valid ID with signature.
Note: on the day of your exam, if you are unable to produce a valid I.D. matching the name in ISM’s database, you will not be allowed to test and all registration fees will be forfeited.
Note: Pearson VUE uses biometrics in all test centers. Biometrics are automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physical characteristic and are primarily used to combat identity fraud. One such method involves the examinee placing a finger on a scanner, which results in an electronic fingerprint.
Can I bring a calculator to the exam?
You may not bring a calculator into the exam room. Instead, there is an on-screen calculator for your use.
What else should I know about taking my exam at a Pearson VUE Test Center?
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be considered a non-refundable “no show.”
You will be required to leave all personal belongings in a locker. This includes bags, pagers, watches, wallets, notes, books or other materials not authorized for this exam. Items such as a cell phone, BlackBerry, or PDA are also prohibited.
An erasable noteboard and pen will be provided for the exam. They will be collected at the end of the test.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Test center temperatures vary.
How are the Exams scored? What is passing?
Each candidate must pass with a minimum scaled score of 400 regardless of the number of questions in that Exam. ISM maintains multiple versions, or forms, of the exam. While the content of the exam remains constant, the actual questions used in the exam will change. Different forms of the exam use different questions, the level of difficulty will vary slightly from test to test. To compensate for these variations, a statistical procedure known as equating is used to account for differences in test difficulty. The passing score is not calculated based upon percentages.
For example, let’s suppose we have two test forms of an exam — Test A and Test B. Now suppose it is established that in order to pass Test A, a person must answer 32 out of 60 questions correct. Furthermore, suppose that Test B is somewhat easier than Test A. To compensate for this difference, the passing score for Test B is adjusted to prevent any “bonus” being given to the candidates taking Test B. Thus, it may be established that a candidate must get a score of 34 out of 60 on Test B in order to pass. This is test equating. It holds candidates to the same standard in terms of difficulty, regardless of which version is taken.
Due to this method of equating the percentage of correct answers varies from exam to exam. Then, to maintain consistency in scoring, a second statistical procedure called scaling is used. Scaling converts all scores to a scale ranging from 100 to 600 with a passing score set at 400. Thus, the scores you receive from ISM are actually scaled scores. If the scaled score on any particular Exam ranges from 100 to 390, this means you failed that Exam. If the scaled score is in the range of 400 to 600, you passed that Exam.
What do I do if I fail an exam?
It is not at all uncommon for candidates to fail an Exam. The average pass rate for the CPSM® is 65-70%. You should use the score report that you receive from the test center to re-focus your study effort in any task area(s) where you did not answer approximately 75% of the questions correctly. This will most likely entail obtaining additional reference material to supplement those task areas.
In order to re-test, you will again need to register with ISM and pay the appropriate member or non-member fee. There is no discount on re-tests.
ISM has a 30-day retake policy for the CPSM® Exams. If you are unsuccessful on an Exam you MUST wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-take that specific Exam.
Our Guarantee: As a graduate of the Jack Quinn Solutions CPSM preparation course, we guarantee your success. If you fail any exam taken within 14 days of completing our course, we will pay for a second exam in addition to coaching you based on the results of the previous exam. If you fail a second exam, we will pay the fees for a third exam in addition to coaching. If you fail a third exam, your tuition minus the exam fees and a $250 administrative fee will be refunded to you within 30 days.
How can I take CPSM® Exams at my company or affiliate?
ISM offers companies onsite testing of the CPSM® Exams. To request more information regarding on-site testing please contact a member of the ISM Sales team for more details. Kathy Braase at kbraase@ism.ws or Trish True at ttrue@ism.ws.
Who can proctor the CPSM® Onsite Exams?
CPSM® Exam — Proctor Requirements
The following individuals may supervise or proctor the CPSM® Examination:
* A Human Resources Representative or Training Coordinator from the organization sponsoring the exam
* A current CPSM® in good standing
* An individual, from the organization sponsoring the exam, who has no real or perceived vested interest* in the exam performance of any of the candidates
*”real or perceived vested interest” means that a proctor cannot have any of the following relationships with an examinee: supervisor, direct report, CPSM® Exam review instructor, family member, close friend, or any other relationship that might be seen as a conflict of interest.
Guidelines for Nominating a Proctor
* To eliminate any perception of impropriety regarding specific exam content, those who proctor the CPSM® Exam are excluded from ever taking the Bridge Exam or any of the three CPSM® Exams.
* The proposed proctor can have no ties to the supply management profession (unless they are a current CPSM® in good standing).
* A current C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) may not proctor the CPSM® Exam unless he/she is retired and agrees to sign an additional release form.
* A CPSM® review course instructor (or one who teaches supply management-related classes) may not proctor an exam that one of their students is taking. Also, an employee of a company that offers CPSM® review courses may not proctor.
Proctors must be willing to provide references upon request.
All proctors must sign a non-disclosure/liability agreement prior to proctoring the CPSM® Exam.
If the ISM-approved proctor cannot proctor the exam or if an additional proctor(s) is needed, ISM MUST be notified immediately. Proctor substitutions without ISM being notified may result in cancellation of all candidate scores.
For questions about ISM’s proctor requirements, please contact David Migliore — ISM Certification: dmigliore@ism.ws or 800-888-6276 x-3074.
How do I apply for the CPSM®?
Once you have passed the Exam(s) you will need to apply for certification. You can obtain the appropriate application in the Certification Forms section on our Web site. Complete and sign the application, attach the required backup documentation and mail the application along with the appropriate member or non-member fee. ISM recommends that you maintain a copy of the entire application. ISM will accept either your original Exam score reports or copies of them. If you do submit copies of your score reports we ask that you maintain the originals in a safe place.
All documentation must be submitted in English and ISM will NOT accept incomplete applications nor will ISM put an application on-hold, pending an exam score or work experience letter.
I already have my C.P.M. and have passed the Bridge Exam, what documentation do I need to submit?
As a C.P.M., you will not need to re-submit your work experience because ISM already has it on file.
Along with exam scores, everyone will need to submit a copy of their Bachelor’s Degree – either a photo copy of the diploma or a transcript that shows completion.
How can I keep updated on ISM’s credentialing programs?
Information will be provided on the ISM Web site, in Supply Line 2055: Certification Update, in NewsLine, through affiliate leadership and via e-mail updates to subscribers. Be sure to sign up to receive CPSM® updates.
If you have questions or comments, contact ISM Certification at: certification@ism.ws.
How long is my CPSM® valid?
The CPSM® qualification is valid for a three (3) year period.
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Once earned, how do I maintain my CPSM®?
CPSM®s will be required to recertify every three years with 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). Once your certification has expired, you will be given a one year grace period in which you can recertify with no penalty. Candidates in their grace period will not be recognized as a CPSM® nor will they be allowed to use the designation. Recertification within the grace period will reset the certification date to a new date of approval and new expiration date Exams may only be re-taken for 20 CEHs each in the last year of certification or within the grace period year.
Please notify ISM Certification when you move or change jobs in order to keep your records current, as we may attempt to notify individuals when their designation has expired.
How do I earn Continuing Education Hours (CEHs)?
To recertify, applicants must earn 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) during their current certification period. At least two-thirds of the points must be educational in nature. One-third may be earned in the professional contributions category. Candidates will be able to retake CPSM® Exam Sections for 20 CEHs each, but only in their last year of qualification or during their grace period. ISM does not need to pre-approve CEHs for recertification.
Categories for earning CEHs are:
1. College Courses (Taken or Taught
2. Continuing Education (Taken or Taught)
3. Contributions to the Profession
4. CPSM Exam Sections (20 CEHs each in the last year of qualification or during the grace period)
The options for obtaining CPSM® CEHs are similar to the alternatives for C.P.M. CEHs.
Please notify ISM Certification when you move or change jobs in order to keep your records current, as we may attempt to notify individuals when their designation has expired.
Will it be possible to achieve Lifetime status for the CPSM®?
No. Lifetime status will not be offered for the CPSM®. Since the profession is continuing to increase in complexity, continuing education will play a major role in making sure supply managers stay current on the latest supply management best practices.
What is the CPSM® Bridge Exam?
The Bridge is a single exam for C.P.M.s in good standing who wish to earn the CPSM® designation. The Bridge Exam covers contemporary content and material not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam. It is comprised of 180 questions (all scored) and candidates will be allowed three (3) hours to test. The last day to register for the CPSM® Bridge Exam is December 31, 2014. Please note: ISM offices are closed from December 24, 2014 through January 4, 2015.
A Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (nonclerical, nonsupport) supply management experience are also required to bridge to the CPSM®.
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Who is eligible to take the Bridge Exam?
C.P.M.s in good standing are eligible to take the Bridge Exam. A Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (nonclerical, nonsupport) supply management experience are also required to bridge to the CPSM®. The individual must be in good standing at the time of Exam registration, the time of testing and when they apply for the designation.
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How do I know if I am a C.P.M. “in good standing”?
You are a C.P.M. “in good standing” if your certification is current at the time you submit both your registration for the Bridge exam and your application for the CPSM® Qualification. If your C.P.M. has expired, even if you are within your one-year grace period, your C.P.M. is NOT in good standing.
Lifetime C.P.M.s are always considered in good standing because their certification never expires.
To check your C.P.M. status: http://www.ism.ws/certification/CPMSearch.cfm?navItemNumber=15543
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What knowledge will the Bridge Exam test?
Section Name # of Tasks # of Questions
Contracting/Negotiations 3 5
Cost/Finance 5 12
International 3 8
Social Responsibility 3 5
Sourcing 2 2
Supplier Relationship Management 4 6
Forecasting 2 5
Logistics 4 12
Materials & Inventory Management 4 12
Organization/Department Assessment 3 10
Planning 2 9
Product Development 1 3
Project Management 2 8
Quality 1 3
Leadership 10 30
Risk and Compliance 6 15
Strategic Sourcing 6 35
Total Tasks:
61 Total Questions:
180
What kinds of study materials are available for CPSM® Bridge Exam preparation?
ISM has developed the CPSM® Study Guide and the ISM Professional Series (a 3-volume series of books supporting the content) to help you prepare for the CPSM® Exam.
In addition, ISM has compiled a CPSM® Supplemental Reading List to help candidates prepare for their exams. The books on the list have been chosen because of their focus on the expanded components of supply management. More books may be added to this list as they are identified, this list is maintained on the web.
Additional support materials such as the ISM Supply Management Handbook, the ISM Glossary of Supply Management Terms are available.
ISM is developing a diagnostic kit (practice exams) that will be available in 2009.
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How much does the Bridge Exam cost?
CPSM®Computer-based exam fee: $180 for ISM members
$265 for non-members
All prices are per exam and are in U.S. Dollars.
How do I register for CPSM® Bridge Exam? How do I know where the closest test center is located?
You must contact ISM to register for an exam:
Register Online
Phone: 800/888-6276, or 480-752-6276, extension. 401
Fax: 480/752-2299
Mail:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
PO Box 22160
Tempe, AZ 85285-2160 Special Courier:
ISM
Attn: Customer Service
2055 E. Centennial Circle
Tempe, AZ 85284
Last day to register for the CPSM® Bridge Exam is December 31, 2014. Please note: ISM offices are closed from December 24, 2014 through January 4, 2015.
Your exam registration is valid for one year from the day ISM processes your registration. Payment is required in advance.
All our computer testing is done at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience.
Examination fees are $180 per exam for ISM members and $265 per exam for nonmembers.
Within 24 hours of processing your registration, you will receive a confirmation letter from ISM with instructions on how to schedule an exam and locate a test center on Pearson VUE’s Web site: http://pearsonvue.com/ism/
An alternative to Pearson VUE is onsite testing:
http://www.ism.ws/certification/content.cfm?ItemNumber=6040
How do I reschedule or cancel an existing appointment?
To reschedule or cancel your test appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled local testing time. For example, an 8:30am appointment on Monday must be rescheduled by 8:30am on Sunday (all times are local). If you do not reschedule or cancel your appointment in time, all funds are forfeited.
To reschedule or cancel, please visit www.pearsonvue.com/ism and select the appropriate link.
Please DO NOT call your local Pearson VUE test center to make appointments or cancel/reschedule appointments.
What kind of identification (I.D.) will I need in order to test?
For your exam, you must to bring one valid photo I.D. with signature that reflects the name on your exam registration.
Your I.D. MUST be one of the following:
Driver’s License*
Passport*
Military I.D.*
Official State, Government, or National I.D.
Employee I.D.
Student I.D.
Photo credit card
No other forms of I.D. will be accepted.
*Driver’s License, Passport and Military IDs that have a digital signature encoded will only be accepted as valid ID if accompanied by another valid ID with signature.
Note: on the day of your exam, if you are unable to produce a valid I.D. matching the name in ISM’s database, you will not be allowed to test and all registration fees will be forfeited.
Note: Pearson VUE uses biometrics in all test centers. Biometrics are automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physical characteristic and are primarily used to combat identity fraud. One such method involves the examinee placing a finger on a scanner, which results in an electronic fingerprint.
Back to Top
Can I bring a calculator to the exam?
You may not bring a calculator into the exam room. Instead, there is an on-screen calculator for your use.
What else should I know about taking my exam at a Pearson VUE Test Center?
Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are more than 15 minutes late, you will be considered a non-refundable “no show.”
You will be required to leave all personal belongings in a locker. This includes bags, pagers, watches, wallets, notes, books or other materials not authorized for this exam. Items such as a cell phone, BlackBerry, or PDA are also prohibited.
An erasable noteboard and pen will be provided for the exam. They will be collected at the end of the test.
Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Test center temperatures vary.
How are the Exams scored? What is passing?
Each candidate must pass with a minimum scaled score of 400 regardless of the number of questions in that Exam. ISM maintains multiple versions, or forms, of the exam. While the content of the exam remains constant, the actual questions used in the exam will change. Different forms of the exam use different questions, the level of difficulty will vary slightly from test to test. To compensate for these variations, a statistical procedure known as equating is used to account for differences in test difficulty.
The passing score is not calculated based upon percentages.
For example, let’s suppose we have two test forms of an exam — Test A and Test B. Now suppose it is established that in order to pass Test A, a person must answer 32 out of 60 questions correct. Furthermore, suppose that Test B is somewhat easier than Test A. To compensate for this difference, the passing score for Test B is adjusted to prevent any “bonus” being given to the candidates taking Test B. Thus, it may be established that a candidate must get a score of 34 out of 60 on Test B in order to pass. This is test equating. It holds candidates to the same standard in terms of difficulty, regardless of which version is taken.
Due to this method of equating the percentage of correct answers varies from exam to exam. Then, to maintain consistency in scoring, a second statistical procedure called scaling is used. Scaling converts all scores to a scale ranging from 100 to 600 with a passing score set at 400. Thus, the scores you receive from ISM are actually scaled scores. If the scaled score on any particular Exam ranges from 100 to 390, this means you failed that Exam. If the scaled score is in the range of 400 to 600, you passed that Exam.
What do I do if I fail an Exam?
It is not at all uncommon for candidates to fail an Exam. The average pass rate for the CPSM® is 65-70%. You should use the score report that you receive from the test center to re-focus your study effort in any task area(s) where you did not answer approximately 75% of the questions correctly. This will most likely entail obtaining additional reference material to supplement those task areas.
In order to re-test, you will again need to register with ISM and pay the appropriate member or non-member fee. There is no discount on re-tests.
ISM has a 30-day retake policy for the CPSM® Exams. If you are unsuccessful on an Exam you MUST wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-take that specific Exam.
Our Guarantee: As a graduate of the Jack Quinn Solutions CPSM preparation course, we guarantee your success. If you fail any exam taken within 14 days of completing our course, we will pay for a second exam in addition to coaching you based on the results of the previous exam. If you fail a second exam, we will pay the fees for a third exam in addition to coaching. If you fail a third exam, your tuition minus the exam fees and a $250 administrative fee will be refunded to you within 30 days.
How can I take CPSM® Exams at my company or affiliate?
ISM offers companies onsite testing of the CPSM® Exams. To request more information regarding on-site testing please contact a member of the ISM Sales team for more details. Kathy Braase at kbraase@ism.ws or Trish True at ttrue@ism.ws.
Who can proctor the CPSM® Onsite Exams?
CPSM® Exam — Proctor Requirements
The following individuals may supervise or proctor the CPSM® Examination:
• A Human Resources Representative or Training Coordinator from the organization sponsoring the exam
• A current CPSM® in good standing
• An individual, from the organization sponsoring the exam, who has no real or perceived vested interest* in the exam performance of any of the candidates
*”real or perceived vested interest” means that a proctor cannot have any of the following relationships with an examinee: supervisor, direct report, CPSM® Exam review instructor, family member, close friend, or any other relationship that might be seen as a conflict of interest.
Guidelines for Nominating a Proctor
• To eliminate any perception of impropriety regarding specific exam content, those who proctor the CPSM® Exam are excluded from ever taking the Bridge Exam or any of the three CPSM® Exams.
• The proposed proctor can have no ties to the supply management profession (unless they are a current CPSM® in good standing).
• A current C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) may not proctor the CPSM® Exam unless he/she is retired and agrees to sign an additional release form.
• A CPSM® review course instructor (or one who teaches supply management-related classes) may not proctor an exam that one of their students is taking. Also, an employee of a company that offers CPSM® review courses may not proctor.
Proctors must be willing to provide references upon request.
All proctors must sign a non-disclosure/liability agreement prior to proctoring the CPSM® Exam.
If the ISM-approved proctor cannot proctor the exam or if an additional proctor(s) is needed, ISM MUST is notified immediately. Proctor substitutions without ISM being notified may result in cancellation of all candidate scores.
How do I apply for the CPSM®?
Once you have passed the Exam you will need to apply for certification. You can obtain the appropriate application in the Certification Forms section on our Web site. Complete and sign the application, attach the required backup documentation and mail the application along with the appropriate member or non-member fee. ISM recommends that you maintain a copy of the entire application. ISM will accept either your original Exam score reports or copies of them. If you do submit copies of your score reports we ask that you maintain the originals in a safe place.
All documentation must be submitted in English and ISM will NOT accept incomplete applications nor will ISM put an application on-hold, pending an exam score or work experience letter.
I already have my C.P.M. and have passed the Bridge Exam, what documentation do I need to submit?
As a C.P.M., you will not need to re-submit your work experience because ISM already has it on file.
Everyone will need to submit a copy of their Bachelor’s Degree — either a photo copy of the diploma or a transcript that shows completion.