ISM Ready to Introduce New Certification

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) plans to unveil the Certified in Supply Management (CSM) certificate next week.

Educators and industry analysts suggest this might be a new way for professionals to “build” careers in management and procurement.

According to spokesmen, this new certification option allows a broad range of practitioners to demonstrate knowledge and expertise in supply management, regardless of whether they have a degree. Effective November 15, 2011, eligible candidates can register through ISM for the CSM Exam, and will have one year from the date they register to schedule their computer-based exam.

“The debut of the CSM is a defining event for ISM because it furthers our mission to lead and serve supply management,” said ISM CEO Paul Novak, CPSM, C.P.M., A.P.P., MCIPS. “Individuals and teams worldwide have expanded opportunities to build their professional stature and business credibility.”

Lynn Failing, vice president of Kimmel & Associates, Inc, a national executive search firm specializing in the logistics and supply chain industries, said that every bit of extra education is a “differentiator.”
“I believe that global supply chain processes will become increasingly important in the coming years as companies seek to optimize costs and margins despite less vigorous top-line growth,” he said.

The new CSM joins ISM’s globally-recognized Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) program to set a common standard of measurement for professionals to demonstrate mastery of supply management knowledge and skills.

The CSM tests the same body of knowledge as the CPSM. Eligibility for the CSM is dependent on a candidate’s work experience and educational background, as well as successfully passing the required exam(s).

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