CPSM Certification

The benefits of being a CPSM loom large in my long career. I was among the first to be accredited and so have reaped benefits for a long time. The knowledge gained from studying and talking about the exam with fellow marketers is a huge advantage in one’s day-to-day work life. But perhaps the most important benefit for me was the confidence it gave me that I had a wealth of knowledge under my belt that helped me every single working day and that I knew how to augment if I needed more information. — Jan Kopple, CPSM

Not having had formal training in marketing or business development before jumping into the A/E/C industry, the CPSM certification process helped bring all the best practices knowledge together and make it “gel”. It gave me a structured, organized way to approach marketing and business development. It has also elevated my professional stature in the industry and helped me move into a higher level role with a new company. — Andreina Perez, LEED AP, CPSM

Much like our professional colleagues that obtain the status of a Registered Architect or a Professional Engineer, marketing and business development personnel have the ability to demonstrate our knowledge and understanding of the basics of our profession. For us marketers, that is through the obtaining of the Certified Professional Services Marketer designation. Becoming a CPSM projects a definitive level of credibility to our superiors as well as the highest level of respect among our peers – and I experienced that directly. Although I may have had the respect of my technical peers through my PE registration, it was not until I received my CPSM that I truly obtained the marketing credibility that I felt I deserved. Additionally, as a required prerequisite, it also allowed me to fulfill one of my personal career goals of becoming a Fellow within SMPS – a goal that I obtained in 2010. So, for marketers that want to advance their career and obtain more respect – as well as just expand their knowledge and understanding of the marketing profession, the CPSM designation is the most important step. — William Long, PE, FSMPS, CPSM

1. Must meet eligibility criteria for SMPS CPSM Certification per SMPS
2. Must have been an SMPS Philadelphia Chapter Member for at least one (1) full membership year and be a current Chapter Member in good standing at the time of application and throughout the disbursement of the scholarship funds if awarded
3. Must submit the following information for consideration
   1. a. Name, Role/Title, firm name, contact information, membership origination date
   2. b. Current resume
   3. c. Summary of SMPS activities and involvement with Philadelphia chapter to date
   4. d. Responses to the following questions:
      1. i. Why do you want to pursue CPSM certification?
      2. ii. What do you hope to gain from participating in the boot camp and attaining your CPSM certification?
      3. iii. How have you benefited from SMPS and the Philadelphia Chapter to date?
      4. iv. How do you plan to give back to SMPS and the Philadelphia Chapter after obtaining your CPSM certification?
4. e. Letter from your supervisor supporting your pursuit of the CPSM certification and your attendance at the Boot Camp in the Spring of 2016
5. f. Statement committing to become involved in promoting the CPSM program within the Philadelphia chapter if awarded the scholarship

• Must commit to participating in the Philadelphia Chapter CPSM Boot Camp Sessions to be scheduled in Spring 2016 (March – May, exact dates TBA)
• Must commit to taking the CPSM exam by December 31, 2016