What are the key topics I need to know to pass the exam?
The exam is aligned to the AMA Standard in Management™ competency framework and follows the topics listed in the content outline or test specifications. The AMA Standard in Management™ competency framework includes key competencies and tasks associated with four areas: Professional Effectiveness, Relationship Management, Business Acumen, and Analytical Intelligence.
The examination is organized as follows:
Professional Effectiveness |
25% |
Relationship Management |
35% |
Business Acumen |
25% |
Analytical Intelligence |
15% |
Total |
100% |
Is the credential held by the individual or the employer/company?
The credential is held by the individual and will follow the individual throughout their career as long as they maintain their credential.
How many questions will be on the exam?
The exam is comprised of 175 single response, multiple choice questions designed to assess the applicant’s knowledge and skills in performing managerial tasks.
How much time is allotted to take the exam?
The exam itself is 3.5-hours. In addition, there is an optional tutorial before the exam and a post-test survey making the actual seating time 4 hours.
Who is PSI and what do they provide for certification?
PSI provides the actual testing centers where candidates will go to take a proctored exam. The candidate will need to bring a valid driver’s license or other government issued ID to the testing center for identification purposes.
Does the test happen during the exam prep course?
No; the exam is administered online, separately, at a PSI testing center. The examination required for certification is NOT part of any course.
After your application is approved and you receive an authorization, you can schedule your exam online. You must schedule your exam before arriving at a PSI test center.
Is the exam something to be scheduled for a later date?
You may decide to schedule your examination to occur within the next testing window that follows the completion of your study. Check the website for the dates of the scheduled testing windows and coordinate your preparation with the scheduled testing windows.
If I fail the exam, can I repeat the prep course?
The AMA prep course is guaranteed so if you do not pass you can take another prep course at no additional charge.
How many times can I take the exam, and when can I retake it?
Three times within your one-year eligibility period, but one time within one testing window. The eligibility period starts once your application is approved.
What happens if I took the exam three times and still failed?
You will need to start the process over and re-apply to take the exam after your current eligibility period expires.
Are there fees to take the exam?
Yes, there are two fees associated with earning the certification–the $50.00 non-refundable application fee and the $450 USD examination fee.
If I fail, how much does it cost to take the exam again?
The fee to take the exam again is $350 USD.
Where do people go to sit for the exam (who are the testing providers)?
At any PSI testing center. Once you receive your authorization to test letter and start the process of scheduling your test you will be able to locate a PSI test center that is convenient to you. You will not be able to search for a test location before you receive your authorization to test.
For how long is one certified?
The certification expires 3 years after it is attained unless continuing education requirements, called Professional Management Units (PMUs), are maintained.
Will there be some sort of icon or badge for clients on LinkedIn?
Candidates will earn the right to place AMA-CPM™ after their names on business cards and signatures. Successful candidates will also be sent a link to a time-limited, digital representation of the credential that describes the knowledge and skills required to earn the certification.