ISM to offer supplier diversity qualification

Institute for Supply Management (ISM) invites supply management professionals to take the next step in advancing their careers by obtaining the Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) designation. ISM’s newest designation is intended for supplier diversity professionals and supply management professionals who hold diversity responsibilities. Offering a supplier diversity designation is a significant way for ISM to demonstrate commitment to supplier diversity and to respond to ever-growing requests from the supplier diversity community. The CPSD will deliver added value to business leaders and other team leaders who have an interest in, or participate in the development of, diverse supplier initiatives within their organizations.

Requirements for the Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity include:
•      Candidates must successfully pass CPSM Exam 1. This requirement is waived if the candidate holds a current Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) or Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).
•      Candidates must successfully pass the CPSD Exam.
•      Candidates must demonstrate three years of professional supply management or supplier diversity experience (not necessarily full-time) with a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or five years of professional experience (not necessarily full-time) if they do not hold a bachelor’s degree.

The full CPSD program will launch in early 2011. ISM is currently scheduling pilot testing, which has been a standard practice each time it has introduced a new professional credential. Pilot testing will be offered through ISM affiliates and participating companies on-site in early November 2010. Companies and ISM affiliates must have at least eight candidates interested in taking the CPSD pilot exam in order to register for the Pilot Testing Program.

For more information on the CPSD pilot exam, contact Michelle Pattee.