The National Association of Purchasing Management has become the Institute for Supply Management™. Please be aware that NAPM.org is now ISM.ws.
Certification — Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
I am interested in earning one of ISM's certifications — where do I start?
First determine whether you are eligible for the Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) or the Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) or both. There are no prerequisites to take the Exam.
Modules 1, 2 and 3 of the Exam contain 95 questions (90 of which are scored) and you are allowed 1 hour and 45 minutes to complete each module. Module 4 contains 120 questions (110 of which are scored) and you are allowed 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete it.
The current requirements for the A.P.P.:
- Successful completion of Module 1 and Module 2 of the A.P.P. Exam (or Modules 1 & 2 of the C.P.M. Exam).
- Two years of professional (non-clerical, non-support) experience, of which purchasing and supply can be a secondary component OR have an associate's degree from an accredited institution and one-year of professional (non-clerical, non-support) experience.
The current requirements for the C.P.M.:
- Pass all four modules of the C.P.M. Exam.
- Five years of full time professional (non-clerical, non-support) supply management experience OR three years of full time professional supply management experience and a four year degree from an accredited institution.
Once you determine what designation(s) you wish to achieve the next step is to plan a course of study and take the A.P.P. or C.P.M. Exam. For details on the study material available through ISM and the testing process please refer to the appropriate Exam Registration Brochure. (All exam materials published in 2000 are for the exams that became available in 2001.) You can download the A.P.P. or C.P.M. Exam Registration brochure by using this link: www.ism.ws/Certification/Onlineforms.cfm. The exam registration brochure outlines the process to take the exam and contains valuable information on the exam format.
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What study materials are available and what does ISM recommend I use to prepare for the Exam?
ISM publishes a set of study materials for candidates and also makes available, through its product catalog, other material as well. Since candidate backgrounds vary significantly we don't have a detailed recommendation policy. However it may be helpful to mention that: a) use of the C.P.M. or A.P.P. Study Guide as an only source is not recommended; b) the C.P.M. or A.P.P. Diagnostic Kit helps candidates become more confident with the way questions are phrased and can help identify task areas for further study; c) many people tell us the use of college text books is helpful; d) others mention the value of C.P.M. review course work (through ISM and our local affiliates, or through colleges). We encourage candidates to look at their education, background, years in the field, other education and training and then select the course of action that meets their needs.
There are a number of items listed in our products catalog: www.ism.ws/shopping/SearchProducts.cfm. You may also find supply management text books at a local library/university library. A number of candidates participate in C.P.M. and A.P.P. review courses. ISM offers Online and Paper-based C.P.M. and A.P.P. Review Courses. More information about these courses is available at the above link. These courses are a review of the material covered on the Exam, but should not be considered comprehensive educational programs. Some ISM affiliates offer face-to-face review classes. You can locate your closest affiliate using the following link: https://www.ism.ws/secure/membership/applyonline.cfm.
The majority of people we hear from, who use only the C.P.M. or A.P.P. Study Guide, do not pass all of the Exams on the first try or even on subsequent attempts. However, the Study Guide is a great place to start. ISM recommends that the Study Guide be supplemented with additional reference material such as the ISM Knowledge Series or a good general supply management textbook. The C.P.M. or A.P.P. Diagnostic Kit can help candidates identify which task areas are their strength or weakness.
Our name change to the Institute for Supply Management did not affect the study material content. Current study materials were updated in 2000 or later.
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How do I register for the Exam? How do I know where the closest test center is located?
You can register in a number of ways:
Online: https://www.ism.ws/RegisterExam/ContactInfo.cfm?TestType=C.P.M.
Phone: 800/888-6276, or 480-752-6276, extension. 401
Fax: 480/752-2299
| Mail: |
Special Courier: |
| ISM |
ISM |
| Attn: Customer Service |
Attn: Customer Service |
| PO Box 22160 |
2055 E. Centennial Circle |
| Tempe, AZ 85285-2160 |
Tempe, AZ 85284 |
All our computer testing is done at Prometric Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience. Currently there are nearly 250 domestic and more than 800 international locations.
Domestic examination fees are USD $120 per module for ISM members while international fees for members are USD $165 per module. Domestic fees for nonmembers are USD $180 per module while international fees for nonmembers are USD $220.*
*Prices are for one exam administration. For example, if you pay $120 for Module 1 and then fail that module - in order to retake it, you would pay $120 again.
Payment is required at time of registration.
Once registered you will receive a confirmation letter from ISM with instructions on how to schedule an exam and locate a test center on Prometric's website: www.prometric.com.
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Can I take the C.P.M. or A.P.P. Exam at my place of work?
ISM offers Onsite testing and review classes. For more information, please click here or contact Kathy Braase and Trish True, ISM Sales Associates at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276 ext. 3061 and ext. 3086 or e-mail them at: kbraase@ism.ws and ttrue@ism.ws.
To help minimize cost, the following individuals from your organization may supervise or proctor the A.P.P./C.P.M. Examination:
- Certified Purchasing Managers (C.P.M.s) meeting required conditions and in good standing may serve as proctors for the A.P.P./C.P.M. Examination. C.P.M.s teaching a review course may not proctor the exam for those whom they have instructed. Those who teach supply management-related classes may not proctor.
- Individuals from a candidate's organization, where a group onsite exam has been scheduled, who meet required conditions and in good standing (e.g. human resources employees, department trainers, etc.) may act as a proctor for the A.P.P./C.P.M. Examination. Trainers teaching a review course may not proctor the exam for those they have instructed.
Organizations engaged in the business of providing A.P.P. and/or C.P.M. review courses must use proctors who are not employees of the organization to proctor an examination. Proctors must be willing to provide references upon request. All proctors must sign a non-disclosure/liability agreement prior to proctoring the A.P.P./C.P.M. Exam (example provided in appendices).
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How are the Exams scored? What is passing?
Each candidate must pass the required Exam modules with a minimum scaled score of 55 regardless of the number of questions in that module of the 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. Because 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 Module 4 — 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 25 to 75, with a passing score set at 55. Thus, the scores you receive from ISM are actually scaled scores. If the scaled score on any particular module ranges from 25 to 54, this means you failed that module. If the scaled score is in the range of 55 to 75, you passed that module.
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What do I do after I pass the Exam?
Once you have passed the Exam you will need to apply for certification. You can obtain the appropriate application in the 'Apply for' section on our Web site using the following link: www.ism.ws/Certification/Onlineforms.cfm. 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.
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Do my exam scores ever expire?
Scores are valid for five years from the date they were taken. The exception is the former Module 4 (taken prior to January 1, 2001) which can no longer be used toward certification. Candidates must postmark a completed application within five years of the earliest exam score or their score will expire.
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What do I do if I lost my score report(s) prior to applying for certification or accreditation?
If you have lost one or more of your score reports you will need to request a duplicate score report to submit with your application. You must complete a request form providing information to facilitate the location of your scores. There is a nominal charge to cover the research time and duplicate score report creation: www.ism.ws/Certification/Onlineforms.cfm.
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Can modules of the A.P.P. Exam substitute for a part of the C.P.M. Exam?
Modules 1 and 2 of the A.P.P. Exam taken after January 1, 2001 are interchangeable with Modules 1 and 2 of the C.P.M. Exam.
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I earned my A.P.P. using exam scores dated prior to January 1, 2001. What modules do I still need for the C.P.M.?
If you have a current A.P.P. accreditation, you will need to pass only Modules 3 and 4 of the current C.P.M. Exam, no matter how old your passing exam scores are.
If your A.P.P. has expired, the dates that you passed your exams will determine which modules you will need to pass to earn a C.P.M.
In other words, an expired A.P.P. would have originally been earned by passing Modules 1 and 4 of the former Exam. That Module 1 score is valid for five years from the date you passed the exam, so you still might be able to use it toward C.P.M. certification. Module 4 taken prior to January 1, 2001 is no longer valid.
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How long does it take ISM to process my application?
The standard processing time for applications is four to six weeks from receipt. All applications are processed in the order in which they are received. Due to the volume of applications ISM receives we are unable to provide individual status information for applications pending. Applications that request and provide payment for rush service will be contacted within three business days of receipt
You can also verify if you have already been certified by going to our Web site using this link: www.ism.ws/Certification/CPMSearch.cfm. This information will normally be updated by the close of business on Thursdays for certifications processed that week. Congratulations letters and certificates are typically mailed each week shortly after processing.
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How do I document my work experience?
ISM does not allow candidates to self-validate their work experience. You will be required to provide documentation in the form of a letter on letterhead from your current and/or previous employers stating your applicable job titles, the months and years you held each title (from and to) and responsibilities of each job title. This should be written by either your supervisor or an HR representative. ISM will not give you credit for work experience listed on the application unless we receive adequate backup documentation.
ISM has created sample work experience letters that are available on our Web site using the following link: www.ism.ws/Certification/files/CertExperience.pdf. For companies that are no longer in business, we will allow you to have this work experience documented by either a co-worker, subordinate, or even a supplier provided they can provide the requested details about your position(s). The sample letters do cover unique circumstances. If your work experience was gained in the military, ISM will accept a copy of your DD-214 as documentation of work experience.
ISM does not verify work experience on recertification or reaccreditation applications. Work experience is only verified at the time of original or lifetime application.
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What do I do if I fail a module?
It is not at all uncommon for candidates to fail a module or two of the Exam. The average pass rate for the modules is in the mid-65-70% range. If you are not successful in passing a module, ISM recommends that you wait at least 30 days before you retest that module. 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. This will also allow you time to get over the experience of not having passed the exam.
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.
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How do I stay current on certification information?
ISM created "Supply Line 2055: Certification Update." You can subscribe to this quarterly email update using the following link: www.ism.ws/Certification/Newsletter/index.cfm. Supply Line 2055 provides information on ISM's certification programs, updates on educational opportunities that are eligible toward recertification, and to ask your opinion on various topics related to certification.
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Is it true that I can use my VA benefits to pay for the certification exams?
ISM had both the C.P.M. and A.P.P. programs approved for reimbursement under the Montgomery GI Bill (also called the MGIB or Chapter 30), VEAP (also called Chapter 32), or Dependents Educational Assistance (also called DEA or Chapter 35). Please use the attached link to find additional information on this great opportunity to use your VA benefits toward earning a certification. www.ism.ws/Certification/ReimbursementGI.cfm
We have also received approval for reimbursement under Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Please contact DANTES directly for additional information on eligibility and availability of funds. http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/certification/index.htm?Flag=True
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I've already earned the C.P.M. or A.P.P. — is it true that it is can be used toward undergraduate college credit?
ISM had both the C.P.M. and A.P.P. programs evaluated by NYBOR PONSI for college credit. The C.P.M. certification earned with the current exam content has been evaluated to be worth up to 12 credits. Nine credits in course requirements and an additional three credits for work experience. The A.P.P. program has been evaluated to be worth up to 4 college credits. You can download the evaluation and a transcript request using the following link: www.ism.ws/Certification/files/CollegeCreditForm.pdf. Transcript requests can take up to three weeks to process and there is a nominal fee for the service.
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For how long is my certification valid?
If you were able to document 18 years of applicable experience when you first applied for your C.P.M. or A.P.P. you should have received a Lifetime Certification or Accreditation. This means your certification will never expire. If you documented less than 18 years of experience your certification will be valid for 5 years from the date you were certified or accredited.
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How do I keep my certification valid if it expires in 5 years?
The process for maintaining your certification is called 'recertification' or 'reaccreditation'. It requires a completed application with backup documentation showing that you have met the specific program requirements.
In order to recertify your C.P.M. you will need to document 84 continuing education hours (CEHs) earned during your current certification period.
In order to reaccredit your A.P.P. you will need to earn 42 continuing education hours earned during your current accreditation period.
If you have both the C.P.M. and A.P.P. you can use the same CEHs toward both programs' recertification requirements provided that the education took place during the current certification period for both.
We recommend that you download the appropriate Recertification or Reaccreditation application from our Web site to review all of the requirements: www.ism.ws/Certification/Onlineforms.cfm.
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How do I earn Continuing Education Hours (CEHs)?
There are several ways to earn CEHs. Once way is to retake a module or modules of the Exam. C.P.M. candidates can retake Module 3 and/or 4 of the Exam, A.P.P. candidates can retake any one of the four modules. Each module successfully passed will be worth 42 CEHs.
You can also receive CEHs for college courses, attending or presenting public seminars or conferences, business-related training provided by your employer, correspondence courses, publishing an article in an established purchasing or trade magazine or a refereed journal, or even earning a certification from an ISM Allied Association. Applicable topics include, supply management, purchasing, accounting, finance, or other business related courses. All educational events must be at least one hour in length to qualify toward recertification or reaccreditation. ISM does not need to pre-approve your courses. Each candidate is required to track their own continuing education hours earned.
ISM does not require that the continuing education be taken through ISM. However, ISM does offer numerous ways to earn CEHs (ISM-sponsored seminars, conferences, online courses, and more). We recommend that you download the appropriate Recertification or Reaccreditation application from our Web site to review all of the requirements: www.ism.ws/Certification/Onlineforms.cfm.
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My certification has expired — what do I do now?
ISM provides each candidate with a one (1) year grace period to recertify or reaccredit their designation without penalty. During this grace period the individual is no longer a C.P.M. or A.P.P. ISM expects that candidates in their grace period will cease using their designation until they are recertified or reaccredited by ISM. This grace period does not lengthen your certification period - using this grace period will not change your next expiration date. Your expiration date will remain five years from when you were certified or recertified.
If it has been more than one year, or if you do not postmark your recertification application within one year of the expiration date, you will be required to retake the modules of the exam. For the A.P.P. you will need to retake Modules 1 and 2. For the C.P.M. you will need to take Modules 1, 2, 3 and 4. ISM does not make exceptions to this policy.
Although ISM currently sends reminder postcards approximately 1 year and 6 months prior to a candidates expiration date, it is the responsibility of each candidate to know when their certification expires. The expiration date for your certification is clearly printed on the bottom left of the certificate you received when you were certified or accredited.
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Is it possible to get a replacement or additional certificate from ISM?
ISM will be happy to provide a replacement or an additional certificate. If you are a lifetime C.P.M. or A.P.P. we will provide this service one time at no charge. For all other replacement requests there is a processing fee of $25. All requests for replacement certificates must complete the form found on our Web site: www.ism.ws/Certification/files/ReplacementCertificate.pdf. These requests should be faxed to 480-752-7890 or mailed to: ISM, PO Box 22160, Tempe, AZ 85285-2160.
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As a program sponsor or an ISM Affiliate, how do I provide attendees with proof of their attendance if I don't have an ISM program number?
There is no requirement to apply for or receive an ISM program number in order to claim credit for Continuing Education Hours (CEH). As an individual, a company, or an ISM affiliate, programs (with the exceptions of Safety and First Aid and Fork-lift Driving), that are related to business, your job, your product, computers or core business courses are eligible for CEH. However, please be aware that CEH credit will only be allowed for programs that are "educational" in content and are at least one hour in length. Networking sessions and vendor exhibits are considered informational and not educational. When calculating CEHs for participants or as an individual, do not include lunch or break times in the total number of hours being claimed. Further, please understand that ISM does not approve, endorse, certify, or sponsor programs by providing a program number.
If a form is needed to document individual attendance, you may download and make a copy of a documentation form located at: http://www.ism.ws/Certification/CEHDocumentation.cfm.
Documentation should consist of the program name, number of actual seminar/classroom hours, appropriate signature, and date. Submit the form with your C.P.M. Recertification and Lifetime Recertification application or A.P.P. Reaccreditation and Lifetime Reaccreditation application.
Program sponsors other than ISM affiliates, may note in their literature that program participants can earn CEHs that may be applied toward ISM's C.P.M. recertification and/or A.P.P. reaccreditation program requirements. Please use the following wording including the note: Participants who successfully complete this program will receive (insert number) hours of continuing education. They may be applied toward ISM C.P.M. recertification and/or A.P.P. reaccreditation program requirements. Note: ISM does not endorse, certify or sponsor this program or its content.
Affiliates, please put your affiliate name/number, title of the program, and date on the Achievement Award or certificate you issue. To download a Achievement Award form, please click on the following link: http://www.ism.ws/Certification/files/AchievementAward.doc
If you have any questions, please contact the certification department at 1-800-888-6276 extension 3044 or by email to certification@ism.ws.
If you would still like a program number issued, please select one of the following options:
- By filling the form out online.
- By calling the Certification Department at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 3044.
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How do I become a review instructor?
ISM offers a one day seminar at our Annual International Supply Management Conference to help new review instructors set up their program. This program provides information about ISM's certification programs, the requirements, creating your syllabus, the exam specification, how to write your own review questions and more. For additional information on this program, please see the seminar section of our Web site: www.ism.ws/shopping/SearchSeminars.cfm. Select 'C.P.M./A.P.P. Instructor Program' from the drop-down box.
ISM does not certify instructors, nor do we provide courseware. We do, however, have guidelines that we expect review instructors to follow. These can be found on our Web site at: www.ism.ws/Certification/InstructorInformation.cfm.
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Go to FAQs for the C.P.M. Exam
Go to FAQs for the Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) Program
Go to FAQs for the A.P.P. Exam
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