Transform Yourself

Position yourself as a strategic innovator in

supply chain management with the Certified
Professional in Supply Management.

CPSMs earn 23% more than

those without a designation.
Source: ISM 2011 Salary Survey

How to Prepare for the CPSM Exams

!

Set goals and create a realistic timeline to study and take your exam(s).

Take the CPSM Diagnostic Kit practice test(s) to find your weak areas. Use the
score report to develop a study plan to target areas you need to strengthen
areas in which you scored less than 75 percent. The score report references
where to find the answers and explanations at the CPSM Study Guide, the ISM
Professional Series and a few other resources giving you personalized study
plan.

Once you are more confident, take another practice test to make sure you
understand the concepts. If your scores improved, take your exam(s).

If you find you still need more help, take a CPSM Review Course. They are
available in three different formats to fit your schedule online, self-study
workbook or face-to-face seminars. Check out the ISM website and your ISM
affiliate for details.

CPSM Exam Content

Exams cover the major areas of supply management. For detailed exam specifications,
visit the Professional Credentials section of the ISM website at www.ism.ws

Exam 1 Foundation of Supply Management

165 questions, two hours and 45 minutes
Contracting and negotiation I Social Responsibility | Cost and Finance I Sourcing I
International Supplier Relationship Management

Exam 2 Effective Supply Management Performance

165 questions, two hours and 45 minutes
Forecasting I Materials and Inventory Management I Logistics I Organization and
Department Assessment | Product and Service Development I Quality I Planning

Exam 3 Leadership in Supply Management

180 questions, three hours
Leadership I Strategic Sourcing I Risk Compliance

CPSM Eligibility
!

Three years of full-time, professional supply management experience

nonclerical, non-support

Bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited institution or international

equivalent

Successfully pass three CPSM Exams, OR, if you are a C.P.M. in good standing,
pass the Bridge Exam (test centers located in more than 230 locations around the
world)

Re-certify every three years with 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). For added
convenience, ISM offers many online courses to earn CEHs, including Web seminars.

Use These Resources to Study

ISM offers a variety of study materials to assist you in preparing for your exams. To meet
your personal study preference, some study materials are available in print or online. ISM
best-sellers include the CPSM Study Guide and the CPSM Diagnostic Kit.

CPSM Study Guide

The CPSM Study Guide, an expanded outline of the exam content,
provides information on test specifications, examples of the testing format
and question styles. (Bridge Exam content is noted.)

CPSM and CPSM Bridge Exam Diagnostic Kit

The CPSM Diagnostic Kit, in your choice of print or web versions, helps
you focus your study efforts by identifying any areas of supply
management that need improvement. You get a sample test for the
CPSM Exam(s) with a scoring chart and correct answers, including
justifications and bibliographic references. Use with the CPSM Study
Guide. Note: Print or web versions have the same content.

CPSM Supplemental Reading List

For those who want additional study, a CPSM Supplemental Reading list is available at
www.ism.ws. The Supplemental Reading List contains a variety of exam-related titles that
give you additional resources in the broad areas of supply management.

I didnt want to be

catching up with those

coming into the profession,
I want to stay ahead.

The CPSM
differentiates you
from your peers
or other people being considered for a role.

Jami Bliss, CPSM, C.P.M., MBA

Manager Supplier Collaboration
ConAgra Foods, Inc.