Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) FAQ

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Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) FAQ

What is the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) exam?

Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) is globally recognized as the gold standard of excellence for supply management professionals. Developed by ISM, the leader in supply management education, the CPSM® credential is recognized across industries. Created from an in-depth analysis of supply management functions, this premier supply management training experience addresses the realities of supply management, as well as workplace complexities including globalization, use of technology, and expanded competencies that supply chain and procurement professionals employ to drive value in their organizations.

What are the major competencies of supply management?

CPSM® emphasizes the major competencies of supply management including:

  • Sourcing
  • Category Management
  • Negotiation
  • Legal and Contractual
  • Supplier Relationship Management
  • Cost and Price Management
  • Financial Analysis
  • Supply Chain Strategy
  • Sales and Operations Planning
  • Quality Management
  • Logistics and Material Management
  • Project Management
  • Leadership and Business Acumen
  • Systems Capability and Technology
  • Risk and Compliance
  • Corporate Social Responsibility

What are the learning objectives for the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) exam?

The objectives for the (CPSM®) exam is as follows:

  • Supply Management Core – 180 questions
  • Supply Management Integration – 165 questions
  • Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management – 165 questions

How many questions are there in the (CPSM®) exam?

The CPSM® contains three exams (180 questions, 165 questions, and 165 questions).  

In which form the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) exam is available?

The Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) exam is available in the Multiple Choice and Multi-Response Questions format.

How much time will be given to the candidate to complete the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) exam?

The candidate will be given Three exams (180 minutes, 165 minutes, and 165 minutes) to complete the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) exam.

What are the eligibility criteria for the Certified Professional in Supply Management® (CPSM®) exam?

Applicants must have three years of full-time, professional supply management experience (non-clerical, nonsupport) with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or .international equivalent OR Five years of full-time, professional supply management experience (non-clerical, nonsupport) without a qualified bachelor’s degree.

What is the passing marks for the (CPSM®) exam?

Candidates must pass each exam with a minimum of a scaled score of 400 regardless of the number of questions in the exam. 

How can I prepare for the CPSM® exam?

The candidate can prepare for the (CPSM®) exam by some steps such as visiting the official site, learning and understanding the objectives, books and guides, practice tests, training programs, etc. 

Who can join ISM?

Any person interested in the supply management field shall be eligible to be a Regular Member or an Affiliate Member-provided that such person does not solicit business on behalf of such person or his or her employer during meetings of any ISM activity.

Where can I register for the exam?

The candidate can register for the exam here!

What are the benefits of ISM membership?

Regular Members of ISM get the following benefits:

  • Access to ISM USA and ISM-INDIA sites
  • Receive monthly magazine “Inside Supply Management”
  • Access to My Training
  • Additional Practice Test
  • Guidance on a personal basis
  • Discounted Price for all ISM events including Exams & Study Material
  • Discounted price to get CPSM Original Certificate
  • Sharing of Trends and Practices in Supply Management field.

Affiliate Members of ISM-INDIA get the following benefits:

  • Monthly Magazine (Inside Supply Management)
  • Discounted Price for ISM-INDIA Events
  • Sharing of trends and practices in the Supply Management field
  • Access to My Training
  • Additional Practice Test

What are the different membership categories?

There are two types of membership. One Regular Membership which covers both ISM USA & ISM-INDIA and other Affiliate Membership covering ISM- INDIA only.

What study materials should I use to study for the CPSM® Exams?

ISM-INDIA offers a variety of study materials (online & print version) to assist you in preparing for your exams. These are as follows

  1. Study Guides for Each CPSM Exam (In total there are 3 exams)
  2. Professional Series covering each CPSM Exam.
  3. Diagnostic Kit (Covering all 3 exams).
  4. Practice Test.
  5. Glossary of Key Supply Management Terms

In addition, ISM-INDIA does provide free access to MyTraining on ISM- INDIA website (WWW.ISM-INDIA.ORG). This covers review material along with practical tips to appear for CPSM Exams.

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