Member Benefit: CGCM and CMM Professional Certifications
Professional certification has long been recognized as an important credential for individuals across a broad spectrum of industries. Benefits to certified individuals include recognition by a third party, enhanced credibility, continued professional development and a sense of personal accomplishment. Holding certifications may also lead to opportunities for career advancement and/or increased earnings. Employers also benefit from the increased knowledge, skill and leadership levels gained by their employees as part of the certification process. The IPMA Certification Committee, currently co-chaired by Tammy Dunham, CGCM, from Nestlé Purina and Lora Connaughton, CGCM/CMM, from the University of North Texas, oversees the program and ensures its currency. The committee updates the examinations on a periodic basis - most recently in 2011 during Larry Wright's Certification Committee Chairmanship - to maintain currency with industry trends and practices. Additionally, on-line testing has been implemented, allowing candidates to sit for testing at 312 sites around the country. IPMA recently conducted a survey of CGCM and CMMs and validated that recipients of the IPMA certifications are enjoying these expected benefits, including expanded job opportunities and increased compensation (see "Professional Certificate Program Yields Real Value" article in this issue of INSIDEDGE). Sadly, most IPMA members never take advantage of the opportunity to certify, losing out on the potential to leverage the value of these professional credentials in the development of their careers, as well as to provide added value to their employers. However, now is a great time to apply for certification and take advantage of the convenient opportunity to sit for the certification exams during the upcoming FULL THROTTLE COMMUNICATION Conference on June 8, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Taking the examination during conference is convenient, saving you having to set up your own testing date and paying extra fees, and allows you to sit for the exam along with a supportive group of your peers. How Can YOU Get Certified? The first key to becoming certified is to understand and not be afraid of the certification process. Many CGCM and CMMs have told us that most managers probably already have much of the knowledge needed to pass the examinations based on the work they do on a daily basis. Additionally, it is not necessary to pass all of the examination modules in one sitting - it can be accomplished in multiple test sittings. So, let's look at a brief overview of the process! 1. Review the eligibility requirements to see if you qualify To be eligible to sit for the CGCM or CMM exam, candidates must:
2. Submit an Application Individuals who meet the eligibility criteria can apply to take the CGCM or CMM examination up to 30 days prior to the testing date. IPMA headquarters reviews all applications to confirm eligibility and informs applicants of their status as eligible or ineligible for the examination. Eligible applicants will be sent identification and admission documents which must be presented on examination day. To apply to sit for the exam at conference on June 8, submit the following to IPMA headquarters by May 16:
Click here for Certified Graphics Communications Manager Application Click here for Certified Mail Manager Application 3. Prepare for the CGCM or CMM Examination When the application has been approved, CGCM candidates will receive an IPMA vocabulary reference and study guide. It is also recommended that CGCM applicants use the following industry guides to prepare for the exam.
CMM candidates also receive an IPMA vocabulary reference and study guide and are recommended to use the following resources to review the most up to date procedures/policies regarding mail processes.
Applicants for both exams will also receive a link to an IPMA webinar that explains the certification process and what to expect during the examination. Candidates will benefit from watching the webinar prior to taking the test. You can view the webinar now by clicking on the link here: http://tinyurl.com/becomecertified Candidates will then receive a letter with instructions on how to set up the testing time, date and place. 4. Take the CGCM or CMM Examination The examination may be taken online at IPMA's annual conference or at one of 312 educational testing facilities across the U.S. that IPMA has approved to administer the test. Applicants are responsible for all additional testing site fees. These fees are waived when taking the test at IPMA's annual conference. The CGCM and CMM examinations are each organized in four parts, consisting of multiple-choice and essay questions. The areas for testing include: computer skills, financial management, general management, document management, personnel management, and technical skills. To see a more specific description of topics covered in the exams, click on the links below:
The entire examination requires approximately six hours to complete (including a lunch break). Each of the examination’s four parts is graded separately. A candidate must score 75 percent or better on each part in order to be certified. Candidates who pass at least two sections of the examination need only retake the sections they do not pass. Test results are provided to candidates within 48 hours, reported as “Pass” or “Fail” for each of the four parts. Test results are confidential and can only be released to a person or organization other than the candidate by written consent of the candidate. 5. Show Off Your Certification and Start Reaping the Benefits Once a candidate successfully completes the examination they receive a mounted certificate confirming their certification, a CGCM or CMM lapel pin and a letter of commendation from the IPMA International President. A letter outlining the significance of the achievement is also sent to the candidate’s supervisor as well as local media. Once you've earned certification you are authorized and encouraged to use the CGCM or CMM designation with your name on business cards, letterhead and all other forms of address. Newly certified CGCM and CMMs are also added to the rolls of the Franklin Stamp & Ink Society. So, don't delay! Get your certification process underway and start enjoying the benefits and value certified CGCM and CMMs are already experiencing. Submit your application before May 16 so you can sit for the examination on June 8 during the FULL THROTTLE COMMUNICATION Conference! Certified Graphics Communications Manager
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Since 1976, the In-Plant Printing and Mailing Association (IPMA) has offered a professional certification program that individuals can take advantage of in order to validate their expertise in the eyes of management, their customers and their colleagues by gaining Certified Graphic Communications Manager (CGCM) or Certified Mail Manager (CCM) designations. The CGCM and CMM certifications are a knowledge evaluation process offered exclusively by IPMA through which individuals are able to demonstrate their management experience, professionalism and industry knowledge through successful completion of a comprehensive examination. Those who complete the CGCM and/or CMM process have the right to use the CGCM or CMM designation as part of their official title. They also become members of IPMA's "Franklin Stamp and Ink Society", an exclusive group of dedicated members who have demonstrated leadership, technological and advanced knowledge in the fields of printing and mailing.