CPSM Certification
SMPS offers a credential that recognizes your marketing expertise, the Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM). The CPSM credential is a voluntary certification designed to elevate the professional standards in marketing and influence the future of this vital field. The designation serves as a mark of distinction – a CPSM is recognized as an individual who has met a rigorous standard of experience and expertise in marketing professional services. Earning your CPSM designation proves proficiency in the domain’s knowledge areas and skill sets, and sets the bar for professional expertise and excellence.
Exam
The CPSM exam is a 150-question, multiple-choice test. Candidates will be tested on their knowledge of the six domains of practice: marketing research, marketing plan, client and business development, proposals, promotional activity, and management. Candidates must achieve a 75% score or higher to pass the CPSM examination. Whether you are a marketer, business developer, or the employer of one, this certification will help you take your organization to the next level.
To learn more about the reading materials, eligibility and other details download the SMPS CPSM FAQs, also visit How to Become a CPSM.
Testing Dates
Effective 2022, the CPSM testing format has changed from an on-demand continuous testing process (i.e., take the test any time you want) to a two-windows-per-year/three-week testing cycle. The testing windows are the dates during which the exam is administered by Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), and the exam windows will be open in March and September every year.
For 2025, the testing windows will be March 1 through March 22 and September 6 through September 27. Once candidates apply to take the exam and receive their Scheduling Authorization from PTC, they may choose their testing window. The application dates are as follows:
| Application Deadline | Testing Window |
| February 5, 2025 | March 1 - 22, 2025 |
| August 6, 2025 | September 6 - 27, 2025 |
Study Group
The CPSM Study Group is available to help CPSM candidates study for the exam. The study group is designed to provide support for candidates to prepare for the exam through open discussion, learning activities, and mock exams. Each session is led by a CPSM. In the study group sessions we cover the six domains of practice: Marketing Research, Marketing Planning, Client & Business Development, Proposals, Promotional Activity and Management.
SMPS is pleased to offer this updated testing schedule. The windows provide a firm guide so candidates know when to take the test, and the specific dates provide deadlines so candidates can better plan their study and scheduling.
Scholarships Available!
We understand that not all firms are able to pay for their employees to take the exam. Because of this SMPS Boston offers multiple scholarships each year for members who need help covering the exam cost. Scholarship applicants must:
- Be an SMPS Boston member
- Be eligible to take the exam
- Participate in a study group
- Take the exam within one year of your application acceptance
- Commit to writing an article on a CPSM-related topic for the SMPS Boston blog within one month of passing the exam.
Download the Scholarship Application Form.
For more information about the CPSM Program or the CPSM Study Session Group, please contact one of our Committee Members:
