FAQs about the C.P.M. Exam Review Courses
How do I contact University of Wisconsin Learning Innovations (UWLI) Independent Learning for information on the C.P.M. exam review courses?
We recommend reading through these FAQs before calling our Student Services section. Typical questions are covered here. Then, if you still have questions, please contact Student Services at:
Toll-free telephone: 877-UW-LEARN (877-895-3276)
711 Relay
E-mail: info@learn.uwsa.edu
Click here to go to University of Wisconsin-Extension Independent Learning catalog.
How do I register for my course?
Simply click Register for C.P.M. Courses (above left) and follow the easy instructions.
What are the UWLI Independent Learning C.P.M. exam review courses?
Our review courses provide preparation for the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) professional certification examinations. Following is a description of the C.P.M. examinations as described in the ISM Study Guides.
Purpose of the [C.P.M.] Examination: The C.P.M. examination is a criterion-referenced occupational certification test, designed to determine whether a candidate is qualified to attain the title of Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.). Candidates for the C.P.M. must pass Modules 1 through 4 of the examination (C.P.M. Study Guide, 7th edition, p. ii).
What are the knowledge areas covered in the C.P.M. certification examinations?
Module 1: Purchasing Process
Module 2: Supply Environment
Module 3: Value Enhancement Strategies
Module 4: Management
Are the C.P.M. review courses offered online?
Yes! The newly revised print version is available with an e-mail option. For a brief description of the e-mail option, please see the following question.
How does the e-mail option work?
When you enroll in the print course, you automatically get the e-mail option, which allows you to send and receive your assignments electronically, through a Web-based delivery site. You choose whether and when to use it. We provide a URL, user name, and password. You may submit your assignments by either mail or e-mail as you choose, without notifying either UWLI Independent Learning or your instructor. Complete instructions for submitting and receiving assignments by surface mail and e-mail are provided with your course.
How many modules are there in each course?
There are as many as four modules. You decide how many and which modules to include in your course.
How much time will it take me to complete each module?
These courses are self-paced. However, the estimated time needed to complete each module is 30 hours.
What is the cost of the modules?
For specific cost information please click here, then click the specific course offering.
By registering for more than one module at a time, you can reduce overall administrative fees by as much as $165.00.
What is the cost of materials for the course?
The following information is provided for perspective. Keep in mind that it is approximate. For specific price information please contact MBS Direct, our virtual bookstore, at 1-800-325-3252, or visit the MBS Web site at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/uwlearning.htm.
The ISM C.P.M. Study Guide costs approximately $59.00 and covers the four C.P.M. course areas. Each Independent Learning C.P.M. Review course packet (Modules 1 through 4) costs approximately $12.00 to $16.00, plus shipping.
How do I get course materials after registering?
To order your course materials, please contact MBS Direct, our virtual bookstore, at 1-800-325-3252, or visit the MBS Web site at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/uwlearning.htm.
Please inform MBS that you are requesting materials for the C.P.M. Review course (C216-M21). Be sure to include the appropriate alpha suffix (A-N) covering your combination of modules and indicate which modules you have registered for (Module 1; Modules 1 and 3; Modules 1 through 4; etc.).
For a listing of courses, please click Register for C.P.M. Courses (above left) and follow the easy instructions.
What happens if I fail a module? Can I retake the module?
Yes, if you fail a module and want to take it again, you can reregister, paying applicable tuition and administrative fees.
If I have questions about my module, may I phone or e-mail my instructor directly?
Instructors are always available by mail, and students with e-mail may contact their instructor directly at any time. Contact by telephone depends on the individual instructor. Contact UWLI Independent Learning at 1-877-UW-LEARN (877-895-3276) if you have questions about contacting your instructor, or discuss this with your instructor by mail or e-mail.
Do the C.P.M. exam review courses run on a semester basis?
You are not restricted to a semester registration schedule, so you may register for the C.P.M. courses at any time. You have a year from the date of registration to complete your course, whether you have registered for 1, 2, 3, or 4 modules.
Do I get something from UWLI Independent Learning showing that I have completed a module?
Yes. After successful completion of each module you will receive an achievement award and a grade sheet.
Does ISM recognize the continuing education credit awarded for completion of these courses?
Yes. Please contact ISM at 1-800-888-6276, extension 401, or visit the ISM Web site at http://www.ism.ws/ for information about continuing education credit.
Will taking the C.P.M. exam review courses assure me success on the ISM certification examinations?
There are a number of factors to consider. For example, your years of experience in the purchasing field and your resident knowledge base prior to registering for the C.P.M. exam review courses are key factors.
For many people, the C.P.M. exam review courses are enough to enable them to pass the exams.
ISM has additional reading and exam preparation materials if you feel you need them. You may contact ISM at 1-800-888-6276, extension 401, or visit the ISM Web site at http://www.ism.ws/.
When I complete a module, do I contact UWLI Independent Learning to set up a time and place to take the ISM certification exam?
Independent Learning does not schedule the ISM certification exams.
ISM does all the certification testing for the organization. Please contact ISM for information about the testing center nearest to you.
Contact ISM at 1-800-888-6276, extension 401, or visit the ISM Web site at http://www.ism.ws/.
How much does it cost to take an ISM Certification Exam?
Please contact ISM at 1-800-888-6276, extension 401, or visit their Web site at http://www.ism.ws/, for member and nonmember fees.
What are the "pass rates" for the C.P.M. and A.P.P. Certification Exam?
UWLI Independent Learning does not have this information. Please contact ISM at 1-800-888-6276, extension 401, or visit their Web site at http://www.ism.ws/.
Can I get my NAPM certificates re-issued as ISM certificates?
Yes, you may apply free of charge to ISM to have your C.P.M. and APP certificates reissued by ISM, to replace the NAPM-issued certificates. Here's how:
Go to http://www.ism.ws/. Select Certification from the left margin. Then select Online Forms in the bulleted list, then Replacement Certificate Request.