Purpose of the Study Guide

The CPSM Study Guide offers an overview of the material covered in the CPSM Examination. The information contained in the Guide is meant to provide the exam candidate with an introduction to the major components covered in the test, and to provide direction for additional study. The Guide is constructed according to the CPSM Exam Specifications and is divided into three exams: Exam 1, Exam 2 and Exam 3.

The CPSM Study Guide takes a step-by-step approach to the basic material covered in the CPSM Exam Specifications and lists the major parts of the exam, followed by the task and the knowledge, skill and ability areas (KSAs) related to each task.

While the Study Guide provides a summary of the type of content covered on the CPSM exam, the candidate should recognize that the Study Guide is not meant to serve as a substitute for any of the major textbooks in the field of supply management. ISM lists supplemental study materials including the ISM Professional Series on its Web site, www.ism. ws. The ISM Professional Series is a three-book series that covers content included in the CPSM Exam. Candidates are strongly urged to use at least one of the major supply management texts in addition to the Study Guide when preparing for the CPSM Exam. Reading the Study Guide alone, without any other resources, is not considered to be sufficient preparation for the CPSM Exam. Also, please be aware that the actual exam may contain material that may not be covered in the Study Guide.

The CPSM Study Guide is the work of several talented individuals in the field of supply management, who have graciously offered their time and expertise to this project. The Institute for Supply Management TM (ISM) is grateful for their professionalism and sincere desire to see this project successfully completed