Application and Eligibility for CPSM Exam

The Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) is open to all candidates who meet the eligibility requirements below. SMPS certification is the model of excellence for our profession; qualifying for it demonstrates your pledge to excellence as well.

1. Review Eligibility Requirements

To sit for the CPSM Examination, candidates must be proficient in the knowledge and skills identified in SMPS Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketers. Each candidate must meet the following requirements:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree plus four years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services, or
• Possess an associate’s degree plus six years work experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services, or
• Without a degree, have eight years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services,

In addition, all candidates must:

• Pledge to abide by the CPSM Code of Ethics Applying for the CPSM Examination

2. Apply for CPSM Examination

All eligible candidates must complete and submit the CPSM Application Form. Once the form has been submitted, applicants must send the appropriate application fee, a copy of original college transcript or a notarized photocopy of degree (when applicable), and three letters of reference to the SMPS National Office.  Please allow additional time for this step. Candidates must submit original documents only; copies of facsimiles will not be accepted. 

Fee Schedule

Member         Non-member

Application Fee:         $195                 $350

Paper Exam Fee:       $275                 $440

           -or-

Online Exam Fee:     $250                 $415

Recertification Fee:  $150                 $300 (Required once every three years)

Application fees are non-refundable. Examination fees may be refunded, less a $50 processing fee, if cancellations or postponements are made in writing and sent to the Certification Manager at SMPS National Office at least seven business days prior to the exam. Refunds will not be issued for cancellations or postponements received less than seven business days before the exam.

3. Receive Examination Confirmation

All applications will be reviewed by the Certification Manager. Within four weeks, applicants will receive a letter confirming their eligibility to take the examination along with a CPSM Examination Registration form, which must be submitted to the SMPS National Office once the candidate has determined the exact date, time and place to sit for the CPSM Examination. If you do not receive any correspondence upon the acceptance of your application, please contact the Certification Manager at 800.292.7677, x232.