The Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM™) is the flagship certification of the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It validates advanced knowledge of contract management principles, processes, and practices across the entire contract lifecycle — from pre-award to contract closeout.
It is based on the Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK®) and is recognized globally in both government and commercial contracting.

The CPCM is ideal for:

• • Experienced contract managers working in government or industry
  • Procurement and acquisition professionals managing complex contracts
  • Project managers, compliance officers, and legal professionals involved in contract oversight
  • Senior professionals seeking the highest level of recognition in contract management

• Recognition as a global expert in contract management
• Career advancement into senior roles (Director, Head of Contracts, Chief Procurement Officer)
• Competitive advantage in government and private sector contracts
• Confidence in managing complex contracts, negotiations, and compliance
• Strengthened professional credibility with employers, clients, and government agencies

A CPCM proves you have mastered:

• • The entire CMBOK® framework
  • Pre-award, award, and post-award contracting processes
  • Risk, compliance, legal, and financial aspects of contracts
  • The ability to lead teams and make executive-level contracting decisions

To apply, you must meet all of the following:

1. 1. 1. 1. Education: A bachelor’s degree (or higher) from a regionally accredited institution.
            • For degrees earned outside the U.S., you must obtain an evaluation from an independent third party, such as:
              • World Education Services (WES)
              • Scholaro
              • GEO Credential Services (GCS)
              • Info Check USA
              • SpanTran
         2. Work Experience: At least 5 years of experience in contract management or a related field.
         3. Continuing Professional Education (CPE/CLP): A minimum of 120 hours of training in contract management or related subjects (see NCMA’s CPE Guide for acceptable activities).

• Complete the online application via NCMA’s certification portal
• Submit:
  • University transcripts
  • Resume/CV or employer verification of 5 years’ experience
  • Proof of 120 hours of CPE/CLP
  • Application fee
• Application Fees:
  • NCMA Members: $225
  • Non-Members: $425
• Processing time: Up to 15 business days for NCMA Certification Department review

If your academic degree or training does not directly meet NCMA’s standard requirements, you can apply for equivalency:

• • Provide credential evaluation reports for non-U.S. degrees
  • Submit evidence of professional certifications (e.g., PMP, CCP, PSP) and contract management training
  • Provide proof of relevant work experience in place of academic gaps
  • NCMA evaluates equivalency case by case and may request additional documentation

• Format: Computer-based exam, delivered by Kryterion Testing Network (KTN)
• Duration: 4 hours
• Number of Questions: ~180 multiple-choice questions
• Content Coverage: Entire CMBOK®, including:
  • Pre-award (requirements, planning, solicitation)
  • Award (source selection, negotiations)
  • Post-award (performance, modifications, closeout)
  • Business, financial, and risk aspects

• U.S. & Canada: $135
• International: $160
  (This fee is separate from the application fee.)

• Once your application is approved, you have 1 year of eligibility
• Within that year, you can take the exam up to 3 times
• If you fail all 3 attempts, you must reapply and pay fees again

• No. Membership is not required to apply, obtain, or maintain CPCM certification.
• However, membership is strongly recommended because:
  • It lowers application and recertification fees
  • Provides access to study resources, discounts, and NCMA community support

• Study the CMBOK® (Contract Management Body of Knowledge) — primary reference
• Attend NCMA’s official prep courses, bootcamps, or webinars
• Practice with sample questions and case studies
• Join NCMA local chapters or study groups
• Focus on applying concepts to real-world scenarios

• Candidates must achieve a scaled score of at least 70%
• Results are displayed immediately after the exam

• CPCM is valid for 5 years
• Renewal is required to maintain active status

To renew, you must:

• • Earn 80 hours of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) every 5 years
  • Submit renewal application and fee before expiration

✅ Yes — via Kryterion Testing Network (KTN)

• Options: Online proctored exam OR test center
• Requirements: Computer, webcam, stable internet, private workspace

• You can retake within your 1-year eligibility window (max 3 attempts)
• Retake fees apply
• Focus on weak areas highlighted in the score report

• Exam results are immediate
• Official certificate and digital badge arrive within a few weeks

• CFCM (Certified Federal Contracts Manager): Focuses on Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
• CCCM (Certified Commercial Contracts Manager): Focuses on Uniform Commercial Code (UCC)
• CPCM: Covers all aspects of contract management via CMBOK® and is the highest-level credential