C.P.M. / A.P.P. Certification Workshop Information

The Certification Department routinely receives calls from members regarding Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). Some members are asking: How do I keep my certification valid if it expires in five years? How do I earn CEHs to maintain my designation? What can I do if I am getting close to the expiration of my certification? Below are answers to these important questions. For more information, please visit the Certification area on the ISM Web site (www.ism.ws) or e-mail us at certification@ism.ws.

How do I keep my certification valid if it expires in five years?

The process for maintaining your certification is called recertification or reaccreditation. It requires a completed application form with backup documentation showing that you have met the specific program requirements.

To recertify your C.P.M., you will need to document 12 C.P.M. points earned during your current certification period. Twelve C.P.M. points is equal to 84 CEHs.

To reaccredit your A.P.P., you will need to earn 42 CEHs during your current accreditation period.

If you have both the C.P.M. and A.P.P., you can use the same CEHs toward both programs’ recertification requirements provided that the education took place during the current certification period for both.

We recommend that you download the appropriate Recertification or Reaccreditation application form from the ISM Web site to review all of the requirements at www.ism.ws/Certification/Onlineforms.cfm.

How do I earn CEHs to maintain my designation?

There are several ways to earn CEHs. One way is to retake a module or modules of the exam. C.P.M. candidates can retake Modules 3 and/or 4 of the exam. A.P.P. candidates can retake any one of the four modules. Each module successfully passed is worth 42 CEHs (6 C.P.M. points).

You can also receive CEHs by attending or presenting college courses, public seminars (e.g., AMA, APICS, etc.) or conferences; by enrolling in business-related training provided by your employer or related correspondence courses; by publishing an article in an established purchasing or trade magazine or journal; by making contributions to the profession (individuals who hold an office in ISM or an affiliate); or by earning a certification from an ISM Allied Association. Applicable topics include supply management, purchasing, accounting, finance, computers, economics, law, engineering, traffic management, communications, statistics, behavioral sciences or any business-related course. All educational events must be at least one hour in length to qualify toward recertification or reaccreditation. ISM does not need to pre-approve your courses. Candidates are required to keep track of their own Continuing Education Hours earned.

ISM does not require that the continuing education be taken through ISM. However, ISM does offer numerous ways to earn CEHs (ISM-sponsored seminars, conferences, online courses and more). Again, we recommend that you download the appropriate Recertification or Reaccreditation application from our Web site to review all of the requirements at www.ism.ws/Certification/Onlineforms.cfm.

What can I do if I am getting close to the expiration of my certification?

If you are short on CEHs and do not have enough time to take advantage of ISM’s learning opportunities or your organization’s learning opportunities, you may retake a module toward your recertification points.

C.P.M. & A.P.P. TALLY