Certified in Supply Management^TM (CSM^TM) designation validates experience and knowledge.

TEMPE, Ariz. -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

Institute for Supply Management^TM (ISM) announces a new certification option for professionals who aim to prove their experience and broad-based knowledge in all the major components of supply management. The Certified in Supply Management^TM (CSM^TM) designation debuts November 15, 2011 and will allow practitioners to demonstrate knowledge in supply management, regardless of whether they have a college degree.

ISM Professional Credentials Committee Chair Karen Fedele, CPSM, C.P.M., says the new CSM^TM solidifies ISM's status as the premiere association for all supply management professionals. "The CSM^TM meets the needs of a large number of our constituents who want a designation that accurately reflects their knowledge and dedication to their chosen career, but were not in a position to pursue a four-year degree," Fedele says. "I'm thrilled ISM has added this current, relevant designation option that recognizes the expanded sphere of supply management."

ISM Board Chair Sidney Johnson, CPSM, stresses ISM's mission to lead and serve supply management by providing opportunities that advance the profession and, at the same time, allow individuals to advance in their careers. "Basic skills are no longer sufficient to compete in the international arena," Johnson says. "ISM has global reach and the new CSM^TM option gives a broad range of practitioners a valuable way to prove and leverage their supply management knowledge and expertise."

The new CSM^TM tests the same body of knowledge as ISM's Certified Professional in Supply Management^® (CPSM^®) credential, which debuted in 2008. CSM^TM eligibility is dependent on a candidate's educational background and work experience.

Eligibility requirements for the CSM^TM are:

• Successfully pass three CSM^TM Exams or if a C.P.M. in good standing, pass the CSM^TM Bridge Exam.
• Three years of full-time, professional supply management experience (non-clerical, non-support) with an associate's degree from a regionally accredited institution (or international equivalent) or five years full-time, professional supply management experience (non-clerical, non-support).

For more information, visit www.ism.ws/2866.

Institute for Supply Management^TM (ISM) is the first supply management institute in the world. Founded in 1915, ISM exists to lead and serve the supply management profession and is a highly influential and respected association in the global marketplace. By executing and extending its mission through education, research, standards of excellence and information dissemination - including the renowned monthly ISM Report On Business^® - ISM maintains a strong global influence among individuals and organizations. ISM is a not-for-profit educational association that serves professionals with an interest in supply management who live and work in more than 80 countries. ISM offers the Certified Professional in Supply Management^TM (CPSM^®) qualification and is a member of the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM).

CONTACT:

Institute for Supply Management
Public Relations
Jean McHale
(U.S.) 800/888-6276, extension 3143
(International)+1 480/752-6276, extension 3143
jmchale@ism.ws