Professional Development

The right training is key to achieving your career goals. SMPS Charlotte offers a variety of professional development resources to meet the diverse and changing needs of our membership.

CPSM Certification

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. That’s your job as a professional services marketer. SMPS, the recognized leader in education and information for marketing professional services, offers a credential that recognizes the marketing expertise you have achieved: Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM).

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

The CPSM exam 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.

Once candidates apply to take the exam and receive their Scheduling Authorization from PTC, they may choose their testing window. The upcoming application dates are as follows:

study group

Virtual Study Groups for March 2026 Testing Window:

1. SMPS South Florida Chapter

• Starts November 6^th, 2025
• More info/register: SMPS South Florida - Meeting/Event Information

 
2. SMPS Boston Chapter

• Starts in late September 24^th, 2025
• Extras: Scholarships available for members to help cover exam costs.
• More Info/register: SMPS Boston CPSM Certification 

 
3. SMPS Pacific Regional Chapters

• Participating Chapters: Los Angeles, Orange County, Inland Empire, San Diego, Seattle, Sacramento.
• Study Group Timing:

• Info Session: September 17, 2025
• Kick-Off: October 1, 2025

• More Info/register: SMPS Pacific Regional CPSM Study Group 

CPSM Testimonials:

	"The knowledge I acquired through the CPSM exam has been invaluable in shaping my professional journey. The certification equipped me with essential building blocks, enabling me to approach AEC marketing with a broader perspective and a deeper level of expertise.  Moreover, it introduced me to a career path that I truly love." Jennifer Weaver, CPSM - Business Development Manager, Timmons Group
	“The CPSM exam is challenging, but adding those credentials to my name legitimized my place on my team, in my company, and in the AEC industry. Those four little letters do so much—It sparks a conversation with professional partners, team members, and colleagues in the field about how important our role is in the industry. I’m thrilled to be an advocate of the certification and encourage others to take that next—albeit intimidating—step in their development!” Caitlin Rath, CPSM - Marketing Specialist, Kimley-Horn
	“Taking the CPSM test is a dedication of time, but well worth it in the end. Becoming a CPSM helped boost my confidence in myself, as others recognized the certification I had achieved. It also pushed me to take the knowledge I gained and apply it big vision planning, as well as daily tasks." Tracy Sagehorn, CPSM – Marketing Director, Vannoy Construction
	"The journey to becoming a CPSM is rewarding, challenging, and humbling. Most marketers come from a different industry than AEC and are faced with an unexpected learning curve. Reading the Markendium, studying for the CPSM exam, and talking to others not only helped me earn those four letters, it helped me understand how to better approach business operations and marketing in our industry. Personally, I still smile when I see those four letters after my name. It's such an incredible accomplishment." Jill Davis, CPSM - Marketing Director and Principal, Cline

For more information about the CPSM program visit the Certification section of the SMPS website.
Questions may be directed to Kevin Doyle at 703.549.6117, ext. 232.

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