required qualified applicants to pass four exam modules that measured their aptitude in areas such as purchasing, supplier relations, quality issues, business law, personnel challenges, diversity and more.
[5] ISM’s development of the CPSM qualification allowed it to move beyond a narrow focus on purchasing to roles that require a broader knowledge of supply management and leadership.
[6][7] To obtain a CPSM designation, the association requires candidates to have three years of full-time, professional supply management experience (nonclerical, nonsupport) with a regionally accredited bachelor's degree or international equivalent or five years of supply management experience (nonclerical, nonsupport) without a degree.
To maintain the integrity of the credential, ISM requires CPSM holders to continue learning and developing their skills throughout their career.
To be eligible for recertification, CPSM holders must earn 60 hours of approved continuing education through any combination of: After a designated one-year grace period, a professional whose certification has lapsed must retake all three exams.