SMPS Los Angeles - SMPS/LA CPSM Page

Quick links

CPSM Test Exam Fee Scholarships
Apply Now!

Certified professional services marketer (CPSM) Program

CPSM is more than just four letters behind a name – it’s a standard that elevates our profession.

The Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) certification is grounded in best practices that serve to elevate the delivery of professional services marketing and business development, providing a mark of distinction for individuals who demonstrate multiple competencies thereby enhancing their value to their employers, colleagues, and the profession.

What does the CPSM curriculum address?

Your marketing skills are vital to the lifeline of your firm. Every day you further your company’s growth by identifying new project opportunities, developing business relationships, and getting your company’s name in front of prospective clients.

It takes a diverse skill set to effectively perform our jobs. The certification program is organized into six general classifications of the core competencies our jobs require – known as the Domains of Practice – as follows:

Research – Gain insight into various research methods and learn how to design, conduct and evaluate research data, as well as key resources for information gathering.
Planning – Understand how to analyze your data, conduct internal analyses, develop goals and objectives, estimate return on investment, create a budget, and assess progress.
Client and Business Development – Learn to qualify clients and prospects, build and maintain relationships, measure client satisfaction, and develop planning strategies.
Proposals and SOQs – Starting with preliminary strategies and decision-making through teaming, developing value proposition, graphics, production, and quality control.
Promotional Activity – Encompassing branding, communications, trade shows, advertising, press releases, awards competitions, and special events.
Management – Fundamentals for supervising staff, recruitment, data management, understanding metrics and accounting principles, and negotiations.

Current SMPS/LA CPSMs & Fellows (FSMPS)

Thomas Smith, FSMPS, CPSM
Nancy Egan, FSMPS, CPSM
Paula Raymond Stamp, FSMPS, CPSM
Tonya Giebel, CPSM
Brandy Little, FSMPS, CPSM, CPCC
Juanita Martinez, CPSM, LEED GA
Fawn Radmanich, FSMPS, CPSM
Doug Parker, FSMPS, CPSM
Larisa Forester Gilday, CPSM, Associate AIA
Damion Morris, CPSM
Chad Yussman, MBA, CPSM
Shaunagh O'Connor, CPSM
Amanda Nelsen, CPSM
Emily Marino, CPSM
Stephanie Cardin, CPSM
Josephine Donde, CPSM
Samuel Rios, CPSM

Is the CPSM really a notable distinction?

CPSM is a voluntary certification that is managed by the Society for Marketing Professional Services in conjunction with Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), a global leader in testing, certification and licensing programs. This alliance means testing is rigorous and comparable to other well-known credentialing programs.

In fact, the CPSM pass rate is 60%.
In comparison, the pass rate for the Architect Registration Exam (NCARB) is 67% and the Professional Engineer (PE) is 79%.
Currently, less than 15% of SMPS members hold the designation. With even fewer professionals “at-large” having the distinction, it is truly a differentiator demonstrating dedication and competency.
CPSM is a mandatory minimum requirement for individuals who want to earn the Society’s Fellows designation.

How will I benefit from becoming a CPSM?

There are both direct and indirect benefits in becoming a CPSM. You will gain access to unique content and exclusive events curated for this community of dedicated professionals who are united by the vision of “Business transformed through marketing leadership.”

What are the eligibility requirements?

To sit for the CPSM examination, a candidate must meet one of the following requirements:

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
Possess an associate’s degree plus six years work experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services; OR
Without a degree, have eight years of experience in marketing or business development for firms providing professional services.

In addition, all candidates must pledge to abide by the CPSM Code of Ethics.