Curious about the Certified Project Manager (CPM) certification? This article explains exactly what the CPM is, delves into its detailed components, and outlines the requirements to earn it. Read on to gain a thorough understanding of this globally recognized project management credential

1. What is Certified Project Manager certification?

Certified Project Manager (CPM) is a professional certification in the field of project management launched by the Institute of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). It aims to verify the comprehensive management capabilities of practitioners in the entire process of project planning, execution, monitoring and closing, and emphasizes the combination of practical experience and leadership. It not only requires mastering the basic theories of project management, but also focuses on applying this knowledge in actual scenarios to solve problems and lead teams to achieve goals. It is a qualification certificate for mid- and senior-level project managers, with particular emphasis on the alignment of project management with organizational strategy, cross-departmental collaboration and risk management capabilities.

2. Benefits of having Certified Project Manager certification

CPM is a project management certification that focuses on practical leadership. Its core value lies in proving that the holder can lead a team to achieve project goals in a complex environment. Its certification process is closer to the real needs of enterprises for project managers. To a certain extent, it is equivalent to endorsing practical ability. It is suitable for practitioners who need to prove that they can "implement and lead a team." In industries that value qualifications and practical experience, such as engineering, construction, and public utilities, CPM is an important credential for promotion to management positions, which can help career advancement and reflect control over complex projects. As a project management certification with a long history, CPM is recognized in North America and many countries around the world, especially in organizations that focus on standardized management. It has a high credibility.

3. About the Certified Project Manager Credential 

The Certified Project Manager certification exam lasts 3 hours and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions, including scenario analysis questions, concept understanding questions, and practical application questions. The exam content includes project initiation and planning, project execution and so on.
The full score of the exam is 1000 points, and candidates need to score 700 points or above to pass the exam. The Certified Project Manager certification is more suitable for project managers with more than 3 years of project management experience who want to prove their comprehensive management capabilities or practitioners who are seeking to be promoted from mid-level project managers to senior management positions, as well as project managers who focus on "practical leadership" rather than pure theory, especially professionals working in traditional industries such as manufacturing, engineering, and government projects.
The examination and related fees for the Certified Project Manager (CPM) certification are mainly formulated by the International Association of Certified Professional Managers (ICPM). The specific costs vary slightly depending on the application path, membership status and region. The examination registration fee is about US$595 for non-members, including the use of the online examination platform, score evaluation and certificate production fees, and about US$495 for ICPM members. Although the CPM exam does not require training, ICPM recommends completing its recognized project management training courses, which are usually 30-40 hours to improve the pass rate. If candidates choose offline classroom training, it will cost about US$1,500-3,000, including teaching materials, case exercises and instructor guidance. The online self-study course is about US$500-1,500, which is more suitable for practitioners with certain experience. If you hold advanced certifications such as PMP and PRINCE2 Practitioner, you can apply for a partial training hours exemption to reduce related costs. 
If you fail the first exam, the re-examination fee is about $300 per time for non-members and about $250 per time for members. It is important to note that the re-examination must be completed within 12 months after the first exam, and there is no limit on the number of times. Professionals holding CPM certification must renew every 3 years. To renew the certificate, you must accumulate 60 Continuing Education Units and pay a renewal fee of about $150 per 3 years.

4. What Are the Qualifications to Get a Certified Project Manager Certification?

(1) Educational background:

A bachelor's degree is required. Applicants with a high school diploma require additional work experience. 

(2) Work experience:

Bachelor's degree holders must have at least 3 years of project management experience, accumulated within 8 years before applying, which must include experience in leading projects, such as serving as a project manager or project leader.
Those without a bachelor's degree must have at least 5 years of project management experience, and other requirements are the same as above.

(3) Training and examination:

You must complete an ICPM-approved project management training course or obtain other qualification exemptions. For example, PMP certification holders can be exempted from some training and pass the CPM comprehensive examination. 

(4) Certification maintenance

The CPM certification is valid for 3 years. To renew the certificate, you must accumulate 60 Continuing Education Units and pay a certification maintenance fee of approximately US$150/3 years.

5. Similar certifications of Certified Project Manager certification

• Project Management Professional (PMP)
• International Project Management Professional (IPMP)
• PRINCE2
• China Standards Project Management (CSPM)