CBED - OCEPD

CPSM Bridge Exam Prep Course

November 2, through December 4, 2009 Online Format – Online Anytime Learning  

COURSE OVERVIEW
This course is a review to help prepare C.P.M. certified supply professionals for taking the CPSM Bridge exam. Participants will gain an understanding of the CPSM test module not currently covered in C.P.M. testing and recertification.  The course begins with a brief overview of exam content areas, question format and types, exam characteristics and test-taking tips. CPSM Bridge Exam candidates will spend most of the course working on activities tied to tasks weighted most heavily in the exam specification and where candidates may expect the most exam questions on the exam. Students will have the opportunity to identify areas for further study using ISM published study materials and other resources.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
Any supply chain professional who currently holds their C.P.M. certification and wishes to obtain their CPSM certification. 

What is the CPSM Bridge Exam?
The Bridge is a single exam for C.P.M.s in good standing who wish to earn the CPSM designation. The Bridge Exam covers contemporary content and material not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam. It is comprised of 180 questions (all scored) and candidates will be allowed three (3) hours to test.  A Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (nonclerical, nonsupport) supply management experience are also required to bridge to the CPSM. 

What are the benefits of achieving the CPSM^® qualification?
The CPSM^® qualification will enable professionals to gain a clear understanding of their organization's supply operation and enable managers to take an active role in critical decisions. Each step in the development of an organization's products and/or services is controlled by supply management. Current evolution of the profession dictates that a strategic level qualification is needed for professionals to effectively implement innovative supply strategies throughout their entire organization. The CPSM^® will be a milestone for those professionals who take ownership of their careers. Surveys indicate those with professional designations report higher annual compensation than those without certification. Pursuing your CPSM^® qualification is your chance to leverage your knowledge and experience into career advancement.

What are the benefits for my organization if I become CPSM^® qualified?Organizations have communicated to ISM that they value the C.P.M. as evidence of a solid baseline of purchasing knowledge. The CPSM^® qualification will also recognize individual competencies in the broader area of supply management. The CPSM^® will emphasize major segments of the supply management profession; holders of the qualification will attain a greater understanding of their organization's supply network and have the skills to make more accurate and profitable decisions.  

Registrants who cancel their registration may do so without penalty if SVSU Office of Continuing Ed receives cancellation not less than 15 business days prior to the seminar date.  Cancellations received less than 15 business  days  prior  to  the  seminar  date  will  be  subject  to  a  $50 processing charge.  No cancellations will be honored 7 business days or less prior to the seminar date.  SVSU reserves the right to cancel this course at any time up to the starting date of the course.  Registrants will receive confirmation that the class will take place, usually by one week prior to the seminar.

Visit www.ism.ws under FAQ.s for details on the CPSM Bridge Exam and other pertinent information.  

The three study guides which come as a set are required to be purchased from ISM directly. The required study material set includes: Leadership in Supply Management, Effective Supply Management Performance, and Foundation of Supply Management.  

Who is eligible to take the Bridge Exam?
C.P.M.s in good standing are eligible to take the Bridge Exam. A Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution and three years of full-time professional (nonclerical, nonsupport) supply management experience are also required to bridge to the CPSM. The individual must be in good standing at the time of Exam registration, the time of testing and when they apply for the designation.

 To check your C.P.M. status: http://www.ism.ws/certification/CPMSearch.cfm?navItemNumber=15543

What knowledge will the Bridge Exam test?

What kinds of study materials are available for CPSM Bridge Exam preparation?
ISM has developed the CPSM Study Guide and the ISM Professional Series (a 3-volume series of books supporting the content) to help you prepare for the CPSM Exam.In addition, ISM has compiled a CPSM Supplemental Reading List to help candidates prepare for their exams. The books on the list have been chosen because of their focus on the expanded components of supply management. 

How do I register for CPSM Bridge Exam? How do I know where the closest test center is located? 
You must contact ISM to register for an exam:  You may visit the ISM web site to
Register Online or Phone: 800/888-6276, To schedule an exam and locate a test center on Pearson VUE's Web site: http://pearsonvue.com/ism/  

Why You Should Pursue the CPSM® Qualification
Demand for strategic supply professionals is on the rise as managers take on more pivotal roles within organizations. Since the early 1990s, the profession has witnessed a growing focus on accomplishing strategic goals related to cost and value. In order to be professionally competitive, supply managers must acquire the necessary strategic skills that add value and enable eff ective alignment with key business functions at the senior management level. 

CPSM® Requirements
The criteria for earning the CPSM qualification are:• Three years of full-time, professional supply management experience  — non clerical, non support.• Bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent.• Pass all three Exams, OR if you are a C.P.M. in good standing, pass the Bridge Exam. Current C.P.M.s (who hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution) can take the Bridge Exam to attain the CPSM. The Bridge is a single exam covering contemporary subjectmatter and material not covered in the current C.P.M. Exam, but found within the content of the three CPSM exams The Bridge Exam will be available to test through the end of 2014. To recertify, CPSMs must earn 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) during their three-year certification period. Candidates may submit their work experience to ISM before taking any exams to see if they qualify for the CPSM. To download the form, go to www.ism.ws and select Professional Credentials, then Certification Forms.  

The CPSM® Exam
The CPSM examination process consists of three separate exams which together will cover the main segments of supply management. Exam content addresses today’s supply environment and workplace complexities such as risk, strategic sourcing, technology and increased skills needed for supply professionals to drive value in their organizations.  The CPSM Exam is a professional qualifications test. The exam will NOT evaluate or gauge how “good” you are or will be as a supply manager. It also does not indicate whether one candidate is a better supply manager than another candidate. It is not designedto rank candidates against each other.  The likelihood of passing the exam is in no way affected by the performance of other candidates. Your standing on the exam remains the same regardless of how well the other candidates score on the test. There are no quotas or “curves” used on this exam.  All exams are administered in English only.  

Who Should Take the CPSM® Exam
Candidates who meet the CPSM educational and work experience requirements are eligible to take the CPSM Exam. Exam scores are valid for three years. Testing for any other reason is strictly prohibited.