Home Certification & Training Certification CPSD® Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity® Get Started on Your CPSD Journey

Get Started on Your CPSD Journey

We Can Help You Achieve Success

Making a commitment to getting certified is a big deal, but you don’t have to take that journey alone. ISM offers exam preparation material and support to help you through your certification journey. In addition, we want to help encourage and support you to achieve your end goal through helpful study tip communications as well as accessing a community of CPSDs in our LinkedIn group to offer their advice and inspiration. You are never alone on this journey. Let us help you get started.

The Steps to Achieving Your CPSD®

  • Step 1: Know the Criteria (Eligibility Requirements)

    You will need the following professional experience and/or education:

    • Three years professional (non-clerical, nonsupport) or supply management experience and have a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited college or university,
      • -OR-
    • Five years of professional (non-clerical, nonsupport) supplier diversity or supply management experience (which does not need to be your primary function)

    Download Certification Guidebook

  • Step 2: Get Help Preparing for Exams

    There are two exams to prepare for with the CPSD. They include:

    • Supply Management Core (180 Questions — 3 hours 15 minutes*)
    • Essentials in Supplier Diversity — CPSD Exam 2 (150 Questions –2 hours 45 minutes*)

    * This time allows 15 minutes extra for tutorial review when factoring the exam seat time at the testing center.


    We offer a self-study CPSD Learning System, where you can study at your own pace for the Supply Management Core and Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exams. This digital learning system provides study reading material and practice exams. For candidates who hold an active CPSM or C.P.M., you only need to study for and take the Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam, as you took the Supply Management Core Exam while earning your CPSM or C.P.M. certification.

    If you hold an active CPSM or C.P.M., select the Essentials in Supplier Diversity Learning System. If you do not hold an active CPSM of C.P.M., select the CPSD Learning System.

    Exam Specification Preparation                                                                                                                        

    CPSD Learning System

    Essentials in Supplier Diversity Learning System

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  • Step 3: You’re Ready! Now Purchase and Schedule Your Exams

    You are prepared and now it’s time to purchase and schedule your exam. Exam testing facilities are located throughout the world or we offer proctored exam options that you can take from the comfort of your own home.

    EXAMS

    Supply Management Core exam available in English, Chinese or Korean.

    Essentials in Supplier Diversity exam available in English.

    SCHEDULE

    To schedule your exam, go to our partner, PeasonVue’s website at: https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ism.html

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  • Step 4: You Passed! Submit Your Application

    You completed the toughest part. Congratulations! Now it is time to complete and submit your application. Here are the items you will need to complete and process your certification application:

    • Proof of education (Copy of diploma, transcripts)
    • Work background/experience
    • Complete and pass all required exams
    • Payment information for processing fee
    Access Application

Get the Professional Community Behind You!

Join our CPSD LinkedIn Group and connect with a community of supply chain and procurement professionals who have either already earned their certification or are currently pursuing their accreditation. Get connected and have the support of others during your certification journey.

Request to Join Group