Overview of the CPSM Certification Program

Your marketing skills are vital to the lifeline of your firm. Every day you further your company’s growth by identifying new project opportunities, developing business relationships, and getting your company’s name in front of prospective clients. That’s your job as a professional services marketer. Now the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), the recognized leader in education and information for marketing professional services, offers a credential that recognizes your achieved marketing expertise, the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM).

The CPSM credential is a voluntary certification designed to elevate the professional standards in marketing and influence the future of this vital field. Furthermore, the CPSM designation serves as a mark of distinction for professional services marketers and business developers, raising their standing with their employers, peers, and the public. 

A CPSM is recognized as an individual who has met a rigorous standard of experience and expertise in marketing professional services and has demonstrated their knowledge of the practice and related disciplines through a thorough examination of marketing competency. This individual further adheres to the ethics and responsibilities of the profession as outlined in the CPSM Code of Ethics.

When you apply for the CPSM examination, you are taking your first step toward joining a distinguished group of professionals who have made a commitment to professional excellence, career advancement, and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge.

The 150-question, multiple-choice certification exam is offered in two formats, a traditional paper exam or an online exam. Candidates must achieve a 75% score or higher to pass the CPSM examination. The exam is based on a practice analysis commissioned by SMPS. Candidates will be tested on their knowledge of the following six domains of practice: marketing research, marketing plan, client and business development, SOQs/proposals, promotional activity, and information, resource, and organizational management. Whether you are a marketer, business developer, or the employer of one, this certification will help you take your organization to the next level.

"When clients ask me to assist them in finding a marketing coordinator to add to their team, I know that a certified marketing professional has the qualities necessary to perform the duties of the position."
- Karleen Belmont, FSMPS, KB Consultants

"Since marketing/business development is both an art and a science, certification will add to the credibility of those who practice it."
-Philip Bannan, CPSM, Gillan & Hartman, Inc.

Get Connected to other CPSMs on LinkedIn!

The SMPS National Office has established a community for CPSMs on LinkedIn this week. If you are a LinkedIn user and want to connect to other CPSMs via this social networking site, log in to www.linkedin.com  and search the groups for "SMPS National CPSM Group.  Then click on "Join This Group." The group administrator is Kevin Doyle, SMPS National Certification Program Manager. Kevin will verify that each group applicant is a CPSM before allowing them access to this SMPS LinkedIn Group.