The CPCM, CFCM, and CCCM are certifications awarded to candidates who meet rigorous standards, including experience, education, training, and knowledge. They are professional designations of distinction, and carry the respect of their peers in the profession. The NCMA professional certification program is designed to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and distinguish those who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of contract management. Click here to view the PDF version of NCMA’s certification program brochure.
The CPCM exam is based on the competencies found in the Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK). The CFCM and CCCM exams are based on knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), respectively. All exams are designed to be legally defensible and psychometrically sound.
The CPCM exam is based on the competencies found in the Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK). The CFCM and CCCM exams are based on knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Uniform Commercial Code (UCC), respectively. All exams are designed to be legally defensible and psychometrically sound.
CFCM Certification
Certified Federal Contract Manager
WHO SHOULD PURSUE THE CERTIFIED FEDERAL CONTRACT MANAGER CERTIFICATION
- Federal contract managers (buyers and sellers) who participate in federal government contract actions,
- State and local contract managers (buyers and sellers) who participate in contract actions involving federal funds,
- Those who have a general interest in federal contract management (e.g., academicians, consultants, researchers, regulatory authorities, representatives of accrediting organizations, representatives of other organizations, etc.).
- It sets you apart from others in your profession.
- It sharpens your focus.
- It shows that you are committed to maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
- A Bachelor’s Degree. Non-degreed candidates with at least 10 years of verifiable contract management experience may request a waiver.
- Degrees from outside the United States must be evaluated by an independent third party, such as World Education Services, Scholaro, Credit Eval, Info Check USA, or SpanTran.
- One year of work experience in the contract management or related field.
- A minimum of 80 hours of continuing professional education (see our Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Guide for details).
CPCM Certification
Certified Professional Contract Manager
WHO SHOULD PURSUE THE CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CONTRACT MANAGER (CPCM) CERTIFICATION?
- Buyers and sellers who participate in government-to-business (federal, state, and local) and business-to-business (small, medium, and large) contract and subcontract activities;
- Buyers interested in understanding how their actions impact sellers and sellers interested in understanding how their actions impact buyers; and
- Contract management professionals who have a general material interest in contract management (e.g., scholars, consultants, researchers, regulatory authorities, representatives of accrediting organizations, representatives of other organizations, etc.)
- It sets you apart from others in your profession.
- It helps you achieve your professional goals.
- It shows that you are committed to maintaining the highest level of professionalism.
- A Bachelor’s Degree.
- Degrees from outside the United States must be evaluated by an independent third party, such as World Education Services, Scholaro, Credit Eval, Info Check USA, or SpanTran.
- Five years of work experience in the contract management or related field.
- A minimum of 120 hours of continuing professional education (see our Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Guide for details).
If you’re interested in the CPCM certification program, complete and submit your application along with:
- Your college/university transcripts.
- Your work experience (CV, resume, or employer records).
- Proof of at least 120 CPE hours.
- Your application fee ($210 for NCMA members and $410 for nonmembers).
- Once you have completed and submitted your application, the Certification Department will have everything formally reviewed within 15 business days. If approved, you will have one year and three attempts to pass your exam.
EXAM PROCESS & FEES:
Your test will be scheduled through Kryterion, NCMA’s testing provider. You will be able to select the date, time, and testing location based on your zip code. The exam fee is $125 in the U.S. & Canada and $150 internationally.
Reschedule requests made within 72 hours of an exam will result in a $100 (domestic) and $130 (international) fee.
The Rio Grande Chapter assists members who apply for the CPCM exam through group study sessions similar to those offered for the CFCM certification and mentoring where desired to help "fill in the blanks" or provide relevant examples of how various contract principles are applied in real world scenarios.
Continuing Education
Continuing Education Opportunities
The 2019 - 2020 program year got off to a great Start with our Government Construction Contracting Confab on November 20th. Upcoming events planned for Winter and Spring of 2020 include a Cybersecurity workshop that will be produced in conjunction with the New Mexico Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and a yet-to-be-announced breakfast seminar.
Program events will be publicized on our website in the EVENTS section so please check back frequently.
CMLDP
The Contract Management Leadership Development Program (CMLDP)
The CMLDP is designed to help develop the next generation of acquisition and NCMA leaders through an intensive year-long educational experience. The Rio Grande Chapter has sponsored several candidates for the CMLDP since its inception in 2006. In this photo TWO of our chapter members (Cara Woodward and Audra Charity) are pictured at their graduation at the 2019 World Congress in Boston MA. Our board is standing by to assist with your application!
THE CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate should have at least four years (but not more than eight years of experience) and should not yet hold a supervisory level position in the contract management profession. He or she must hold a bachelor's degree, or higher, from an accredited institution. The candidate should have a strong desire to become an inspirational leader, be considered a top performer by his or her employers, and have a high degree of potential for advancement. This program is for "the best of the best." Other than those mentioned, there are no specific qualifications required, but as you will see from the application form, there are certain criteria that will determine who has the highest potential for selection to this select program.
THE EXPERIENCE
In addition to the extensive classroom and online coursework contained in the program, your leadership growth will include a series of assignments designed to round out your development. These experiences include serving as a volunteer NCMA leader at a local chapter and possibly for the national organization. Volunteering for NCMA is like immersing yourself in a "leadership incubator," where you may eventually become the president of a functioning, vibrant chapter and interact with colleagues and leaders, including senior executives, throughout the contract management profession. In addition, you will be required to write a research paper on a topic of interest to you, which will be relevant to the practice of contract management. It is possible that your research paper may be published in Contract Management Magazine or the Journal of Contract Management. Also, for the duration of the program, you will work with two mentors who will assist you in achieving your professional development goals and offer their input on your assignments. You will be given the opportunity to select your own mentors, but NCMA has a pool of deeply accomplished professionals—representing all walks of the profession—standing by to assist. These mentors represent the most experienced and accomplished people within our profession—our NCMA Fellows and Board of Advisors.
THE COMMITTMENT
Your employer, your mentors, your fellow classmates, and NCMA itself, including your local chapter, are ready to invest a significant amount of time and money to prepare you to assume a leadership position. In return, NCMA requires that you remain committed for the entire program duration and two years thereafter, where you will undertake leadership experiences through volunteer opportunities with your chapter. Participants will be required to maintain a current NCMA membership over the course of three years. NCMA also requires that you honor and uphold the Contract Management Code of Ethics throughout your professional career. There is an expectation that a successful graduate of the program will assume a leadership position at the chapter level and may contribute to national leadership as well in preparation for leadership within his or her professional (employer) position.
Admission to the program requires a commitment of your time to attend the three in-residence events cumulatively representing 100 hours away from your position. The remainder of the program is conducted through webinars, group activities, and self-paced activities that do not require time away from the office.
A successful candidate should consider his or her ability to manage time to complete required coursework, mandatory in-residence events, maintaining an NCMA membership, commitment to his or her NCMA chapter or the association as a whole, and personal obligations prior to applying for the program.
THE COST
You must be an NCMA member to apply, but there is no application fee. NCMA is investing in future leaders, so the cost of materials, instruction, seminars, conferences, and mentoring is provided at no cost to participants.
The only expense participants experience is travel-related costs to attend the three in-residence events. Applicants may seek support for these expenses in full or in part from their employers or their chapters. Your total travel expense for the program will vary depending upon where you live, but we estimate your travel expenses will be from $4,000 to $8,000 for the year.
For more information about CMLDP, please visit http://www.ncmahq.org/learn-and-advance/contract-management-leadership-development-program-(cmldp)