Certified Manager Certification

Certified Manager Certification

The Certified Manager certification is offered in multiple formats, from self-study to LIVE online to classroom, to fit your specific needs. The 90-hour certification prep program covers essential tools and principles for quality management practice that is applicable to any industry. Applicants are allowed 15 months to pass the CM exams and earn the CM certification from the Institute of Certified Professional Managers. Successful applicants also earn the privilege to use the "CM" professional credential as a sign of their competency. Participants can apply online at any time by completing the CM application and purchasing program materials.

Why CM Certification?

The Certified Manager certification is the product of a comprehensive job task analysis of the management profession to identify the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for competent performance on-the-job. Upon attaining CM certification, certificants will possess proof of their qualification to manage and lead in the workplace. CM certification empowers certificants to take control of their careers by positioning themselves for advancement.

Learning Materials

Applicants prepare for the Certified Manager exams using ICPM's custom developed certification prep materials.

The CM certification prep materials consist of 90 hours of learning organized into three modules:

Study Books and E-Learning Center Access

Each module of the Certified Manager Program consists of a printed study book, access to ICPM's e-Learning Center, and a CM certification exam. ICPM's e-Learning Center contains multimedia learning resources such as PowerPoints, quizzes, notes and outlines to reinforce learning and to test your knowledge.

The CM certification, inclusive of learning materials, can be purchased by the bundle--one payment of $850 + shipping for international purchases (free shipping in the US). Applicants that do not desire to purchase ICPM's learning materials can purchase the CM application and three exams for $555 US dollars.

Certified Manager Certification Prep Formats

Applicants have the option to complete the CM certification individually or as part of a group, according to the formats described below.

Individual, Self-Directed Online Study

Enjoy the flexibility of studying individually anytime and anywhere with ICPM’s self-directed online certification prep. Enrollment is continuous, allowing applicants to apply online and get started right away. The proctored CM exams can be scheduled whenever the applicant is ready to test, allowing individual control over the pace of completion. Additionally, the exams can be taken on any computer with reliable Internet access, eliminating the need to travel to a testing center. CM module and bundle pricing apply.

Group, Instructor-Led Live Online Certification Prep (Pilot Program)

Experience the convenience of studying from your desktop with ICPM's instructor-led live online certification prep. Both US and international applicants can participate in online classes that combine live instruction with dynamic group interaction. A computer with a reliable Internet connection, webcam and microphone are all it takes to get started. Administered by ICPM's Authorized Instructional Partners,* you will receive high-quality, application-based instruction, plus the ability to asynchronously view any missed classes. Applicants can start with any of the three CM modules and enroll up to two weeks before classes begin. Register for a single module or for all three modules at once and save! For specific details and start dates, CLICK HERE. Training fees plus CM module or bundle pricing apply.

Group, Instructor-Led Classroom Study

Benefit from thought-provoking instruction and discussion with the instructor-led classroom certification prep. Small class sizes of 15-25 students facilitate learning and maximize group interaction. Administered by ICPM's Authorized Instructional Partners,* classroom programs are offered in specific geographic regions that have high demand. Each program is designed to meet the needs of its local customers; accordingly, costs, duration, and program formats vary by location. For specific details and start dates, contact partners directly from the Instructional Partners page. Training fees, plus CM module or bundle pricing apply.

*ICPM’s Instructional Partners comprise an elite group of high-quality, well-experienced training organizations and academic institutions. To learn about becoming an ICPM Authorized Instructional Partner, visit the link or contact ICPM by emailing info@icpm.biz or calling 540-568-3247.

Certified Manager Exams

In order to earn the Certified Manager certification applicants must pass all 3 multiple choice CM exams.

The CM exams include:

• Certified Manager I: Management Essentials
• Certified Manager II: Planning and Organizing
• Certified Manager III: Leading and Controlling

Content Areas

Together all three Certified Manager exams assess essential analytical skills, knowledge and decision-making skills in the following areas:

• The Practice of Professional Management
• Managing in a Global Marketplace
• Communication and Information Technology
• Legal and Economic Influences on Organizations
• Creating Plans and Strategies for Success
• Structuring and Organizing Work Projects and Teams
• Selecting and Training a Diverse Staff
• Maximizing Employee Performance
• Leading and Motivating Others
• Managing Employee Behavior and Conflict
• Establishing and Following Effective Control Standards
• Financial and Accounting Concepts

For full CM exam specifications, please view the CM Exam Blueprint.

Taking the CM Exams

Exams are administered through ICPM's e-Learning Center and may be taken on any computer with reliable Internet access. Each exam contains 100 multiple-choice questions and is time limited to a maximum of 120 minutes.

Exam Results and Grading

Test takers receive immediate pass or fail results on-screen and by email. Exams are officially processed on the 16th of each month or the next business day. Detailed feedback that highlights strengths and weaknesses in specific content areas is sent by email after this grading. Test takers who pass the exam can use this feedback to help them address areas of weakness, while those who fail can use the feedback to prepare to retake the exam.

New CMs will receive a CM certification packet, including two copies of their CM certificate. These packets will be sent within 4 weeks after the official results of the third and final CM exam have been sent.

Proctoring

ICPM requires that all CM exams be proctored, and has provided applicants with two proctoring options:

ProctorFree Option

ProctorFree is an on-demand online proctoring solution that is available for the CM exams. ProctorFree allows CM applicants to take their final exams from anywhere and at anytime with a standard microphone, webcam, and an internet connection. An additional $15 per exam fee applies when scheduling an exam. Please take some time to learn more about ProctorFree's technical requirements for online proctoring.

In-Person

Applicants have the option to use an in-person proctor to observe and monitor their exam. Applicants who choose this option are responsible for securing a proctor that meets the requirements established by ICPM. All proctors must be pre-approved by providing the following documentation to ICPM at least 2 weeks prior to testing:

1. A copy of the proctor's photo ID
2. A resume or CV to verify proctor requirements
3. A signed copy of ICPM's Exam Proctor Agreement

Proctor Criteria

In order to proctor an ICPM exam an individual must be:

1. At least one level above the applicant in their organization
2. Unrelated to the applicant
3. Currently not a CM applicant

Preferred Proctor Candidates Include:

• Active CMs and CMARs
• Certified Manager or Foundations of Management program instructors
• Approved ICPM Instructional partners
• An HR representative or training coordinator in the applicant's organization
• The applicant's manager or supervisor

Recertification

CM certification embodies a commitment to life-long learning in order to stay current on ever changing management practices. As such, Certified Managers are required to recertify in order to continue to use the CM credential.

Recertification is accomplished by meeting two requirements

1. Paying a $50 recertification fee annually.
2. Completing 45 management/leadership-related professional development units (PDUs) during the three year renewal period.

At the end of the three year renewal period each CM is required to report 45 professional development units (PDUs) to ICPM. ICPM encourages Certified Managers to participate in a variety of different activities to earn the required PDUs. Learn More about professional development requirements for recertification.

Who Must Recertify?

All CMs must recertify. Initial CM certification is current for 3 years. CMs are responsible for paying recertification fees beginning one year after their initial certification date, as shown on their CM certificate, and annually thereafter. CMs are also responsible for reporting 45 PDUs beginning 3 years after their initial certification date, and every 3 years thereafter. For example, a CM who attains initial certification on June 16, 2015 is responsible for paying a $50 recertification fee for the first time on June 16, 2016 and for reporting 45 PDUs for the first time by June, 16 2018. Learn More about the recertification process.