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HOW TO BECOME A CPSM
Becoming a Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) will test your knowledge and your mettle.
With CPSM credentials behind your name, you demonstrate that you not only have industry experience, but you have also mastered the SMPS Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketing. As you continue to climb the ladder in your career, a CPSM designation helps you distinguish yourself as a proven leader.
When you apply for the CPSM program, you are taking your first step toward joining a group of 1,000+ professionals who have made a commitment to professional excellence, career advancement, and an ongoing pursuit of knowledge through the domains, which outline the day-to-day functions of professional services marketers and business developers.
Earning your CPSM designation proves proficiency in the domain’s knowledge areas and skill sets and sets the bar for professional expertise and excellence.
To sit for the CPSM examination, a candidate must meet 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
- Thoroughly review the current CPSM Handbook.
- Complete and submit the online CPSM application form and application fee (credit card only) to Professional Testing Corporation (PTC). The application will be reviewed, and qualified candidates will receive their Scheduling Authorization from PTC. The application will require you to provide the following information:
- Current contact information, firm information, and supervisor information
- Higher education information to include a notarized diploma or official final transcript
showing degree and award date - Employment info including position titles, firm names and descriptions, and dates of employment
- Job duties, to include the encompassed Domains of Practice
- The CPSM examination is administered every year during two three-week testing periods in March and September. PTC will send approved candidates an email called the Scheduling Authorization approximately 11 weeks before the first day of the testing window. Candidates may not make an appointment to test until they receive this authorization.
- For 2026, the testing periods will be February 28 through March 21, 2026 and September 5 through September 26, 2026.
Applications deadlines: January 28, 2026 for the March 2026 testing window | August 5, 2026 for the September 2026 testing window. - Refer to the Scheduling Authorization for details on how to schedule your examination appointment at a Prometric Testing Center. Appointment times are first-come, first-serve, so schedule your appointment as soon as you receive your Scheduling Authorization to maximize your chance of testing at your preferred location and on your preferred date.
- To prepare for your CPSM exam, please refer to the recommended exam preparation materials list here.
| SMPS Member | Nonmember | |
| Application Fee: | $245 | $350 |
| Examination Fee: | $275 | $415 |
| Total Fee*: | $520 | $765 |
| Retesting Fee: | $275 | $415 |
| Recertification Fee*: | $225 | $375 |
Cancellation Policies
As a Certified Professional Services Marketer:
I will maintain and advance my knowledge of professional services marketing, respect the body of marketing knowledge, and contribute to its growth.
I promise to continually seek to raise the standards of excellence in professional services marketing.
I pledge to pursue my professional activities with honesty and fairness, to demonstrate the highest standard of personal conduct, to actively encourage the highest level of ethical standards within the profession, and to report unethical behavior to the Society for Marketing Professional Services.
I promise to practice in a manner that supports the rights of employers, employees, and clients and will not discriminate because of race, sex, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
I recognize my responsibility to uphold all laws and regulations relating to my firm’s policies and activities.
I promise to be loyal to the firm that employs me and pursue its objectives in ways that are consistent with the public interest.
In partnership with Professional Testing Corporation (PTC), the Society recently conducted a Job Task Analysis survey to help define the scope of practice and knowledge needed for marketers and business developers in the A/E/C industries.
The resulting survey information provided insight on the core skills most critical for Professional Services Marketing going forward, and the Society refreshed the SMPS Domains of Practice for Professional Services Marketing in Spring 2023.
The SMPS Domains of Practice serve as the foundation for the Society’s Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) Exam, so the CPSM Exam and Handbook were also refreshed.
The MARKENDIUM, also known as the SMPS Body of Knowledge, further defines the six Domains of Practice for the Society and professional services marketing. The refreshed MARKENDIUM was released in Spring 2023 and is available for purchase though Amazon.
Questions and comments on the refreshed Domains of Practice can be directed to Anita Smith, SMPS HQ’s Manager, Advancement and Recognition.
Questions regarding the CPSM Exam can be directed to PTC.
Have questions about the CPSM credential? Download our FAQ sheet, or reach out to Anita Smith for additional information.
Have questions? Please email knowledge@smps.org