Introduction

Founded in 1915, the Institute for Supply Management TM {ISM) is the largest supply management institute in the world and one of the most respected. ISM's mission is to lead the supply management profession through its standards of excellence, research, promotional activities and education. ISM is a not-for-profit. institute that provides opportunities for the promotion of the profession and the expansion of professional skills and knowledge.

With its mission in mind, ISM undertook an enormous task in developing a new qualification the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM). ISM recognizes that changes in the field demand that the CPSM reflect the skills necessary for both today and tomorrow for a supply management professional. The CPSM addresses the realities of supply management, as well as workplace complexities including globalization, greater use of technology and expanded competencies that supply management professionals employ to drive value in their organizations. The CPSM meets these criteria and is the profession's most rigorous qualification, representing the highest degree of professional competencies.