Congratulations to our 2013 CPSM Group!

Stay tuned for our next Study Group in 2014! 

CPSM Study Group

MAKE IT TO THE TOP

Demonstrate your Professional Excellence:  
Resolve to Become a Certified Professional Services Marketer

You are vital to the lifeline of your firm. Every day you help your company grow by identifying new project opportunities, developing business relationships, branding your firm, strategizing your firm’s future development, and getting your company’s name in front of prospective clients. That’s your job as a professional services marketer. The Society of Marketing Professional Services (SMPS), the recognized leader in marketing for the design and building industry, offers a credential that recognizes your experience and demonstrates your skills: Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM).

Certification is the time-tested means of measuring a professional’s credentials. It sets the standard for architects, engineers, attorneys, accountants, and many other professionals. Now, professional services have a benchmark to measure their excellence and knowledge. The demanding journey to certification helps ensure the highest quality preparation and training for professional services marketers. Holders of the CPSM designation are recognized as the best prepared to develop databases of qualified prospects, find the most creative ways to communicate with them, build the types of relationships that generate ongoing business opportunities, and prepare proposals and presentations that win new business. Consequently, employers can be confident that they have hired the best-qualified professional to market their firm’s services.

CPSM Study Group

SMPS is committed to being the premier source for education and information in marketing professional services within the built and natural environments. In support of this mission, the Pittsburgh Chapter is offering its support to our members in becoming more proficient in the skill sets for AEC marketing, encompassed in the six domains of practice:

•    Marketing Research

•    Marketing Plan

•    Client and Business Development

•    SOQs/Proposals

•    Promotional Activity

•    Information, Resource, and Organizational Management

These knowledge and skill sets are the foundation of SMPS’ CPSM Program. Join fellow members and study for your CPSM! Earning a CPSM designation offers you a wide range of important benefits including:

•    Enhanced credibility as a professional in the A/E/C community

•    Expanded professional network

•    Increased potential for additional compensation and benefits

•    CPSM List Serve becomes your resource for answers to your questions and valuable ideas from CPSMs throughout the nation

Minimum Qualifications

To sit for the CPSM Examination, candidates must be proficient in the knowledge and skills identified in SMPS Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketers. Each candidate must meet the following requirements:

1.  Possess a bachelor’s degree or an advanced degree plus four years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services, or

2.  Possess an associate’s degree plus six years work experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services, or

3.  Without a degree, have eight years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services.

The 150-question, multiple-choice certification exam is offered in two formats, a traditional paper exam or an online exam. Candidates must achieve a 75% score or higher to pass the CPSM examination.

Application Process

Step 1. Complete the CPSM Application Form and application fee online.



Step 2. Send a copy of your college transcript, or a notarized photocopy of your degree (when applicable), to the SMPS National Certification Department.



Step 3. Await acceptance of your application. (Please allow up to four weeks for the Certification Department to process your application and verify eligibility.) You will receive written confirmation of your acceptance to the program.



Step 4. Determine the date, time, location, and format (online or paper) of your examination, working with the Certification Department.



Step 5. Complete and return to SMPS National Headquarters your CPSM Examination Registration Form and fee.

If you have any questions about our chapter’s current CPSM efforts, please contact Rhonda L. Bolding, CPSM (rbolding@mascaroconstruction.com)