CPSM Certification
Being a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) means that you have successfully positioned yourself amongst an elite group of professionals that are committed to pursuing knowledge, building their businesses, and advancing their careers. A CPSM credential is an investment that illustrates a commitment to continuous improvement through education and thereby enhancing opportunities for success.
BENEFITS OF CERTIFICATION
A mark of distinction, achieving CPSM certification offers a wide range of benefits to you:
- Industry recognition for professional competence
- Enhanced credibility with employers, clients and peers
- Improved ability to compete in the job market
- Potential for increased compensation and benefits
- Public recognition through SMPS channels whose audience includes more than 7,000 professionals from 5,000 design and building firms, encompassing 80% of the Engineering News-Record Top 500 Design Firms and Top 400 Contractors
- Invitation to CPSM-only educational and networking events
- Access to exclusive CPSM resources and list-serve
An employer can also be assured that a CPSM on staff means that they have what it takes to generate profitable business through demonstrated proficiency in the core activities related to marketing professional services. A CPSM adds the following benefits to the firm:
- Diverse background and skills to successfully develop meaningful project opportunities for the firm
- Documented background and experience in marketing management to help plan the future growth and prosperity of the firm
- Knowledge and experience to complete projects more effectively than their peers
- Commitment to keeping abreast of the latest marketing trends
- Increased professionalism
The bottom line: CPSMs are identified as experts - professionals who stand out from the rest of the pack. They know professional services marketing better than their peers and have turned that knowledge into results.
ELIGIBILITY
To sit for the exam, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Possess a bachelor's degree or an advanced degree plus four years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services, OR
- Possess an associates degree plus six years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services, OR
- Without a degree, have eight years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services.
PREPARING FOR THE EXAM
The first step in preparing for the examination is acquisition of the relevant study materials, including:
- Suggested Reading Materials, which can be purchased from the SMPS Bookstore or bought as a set for a reduced price
- Study Guide as published by SMPS National
Once you have your materials and have started the readings, you can enhance your study experience by joining a Study Group. To join the SMPS/LA sponsored study group, contact SMPS/LA's CPSM Liaison Brandy Little, CPSM at (626) 930-1383 ext. 105.
TAKING THE EXAM
You must submit an application a minimum of six (6) weeks prior to your scheduled exam date. An application fee is due upon submission and it is non-refundable. All applications are processed by the SMPS National office. Please see the CPSM Application Form for fee and submission details.
CPSM_Application
The exam may be taken at any time throughout the year as long as a qualified proctor is confirmed and approved by the National office. The examination is offered annually at the Build Business conference. You may also check with the local study group for a calendar of scheduled exam dates or contact the Chapter Liaison to make special arrangements.
The examination consists of 150 questions that use a multiple-choice format. The total testing time is three (3) hours with additional time allotted for instructions. There are no breaks during the exam. Candidates may not use any notes or testing aids. A passing score is 75% correct or better.
The test is available in traditional paper form or online. In either case, a qualified proctor must be present to oversee the exam proceedings.
MAINTAINING THE CREDENTIAL
Upon receipt of your credential, a CPSM is expected to adhere to a Code of Ethics, which recognizes an individual's integrity and obligation to maintain high standards of professional behavior, as well as the responsibility to promote the same standards within our industry.
To maintain certification, a CPSM must accumulate a minimum of 50 continuing education units (CEUs) over a three-year period. CEUs for certification may be accumulated in a variety of ways, through SMPS or other related professional associations. A CPSM that is active within SMPS and their local community will have no difficulty achieving recertification. Download the CEU Documentation Form.
QUESTIONS?
Visit the SMPS National Website for additional information on certification or contact SMPS National Certification Program Manager Kevin Doyle at (800) 292-7677.
Contact the Los Angeles Chapter CPSM Liaison Brandy Little, CPSM at (626) 930-1383.
