Frequently Asked
Questions: The CMA Certification Process
Questions:
1.
Does
it cost to take the CMA Certification tests?
Yes.
There are costs associated with the Certification and testing
process. The Prices are listed on the Certification Standards page here.
2.
What
are the 3 levels of certification?
There are three levels of Industry
Certification. Accredited, pre-certified coursework (corporate training
programs, universities, solution providers and training providers) are
available to help you achieve the standards necessary to successfully pass one
of the three levels of Industry Certification awarded to individual
professionals by the Category Management Association:
a.
CPCA Certified Professional Category Analyst
b.
CPCM Certified Professional Category Manager
c.
CPSA Certified Professional Strategic Advisor
3.
I
am an individual interested in getting certified how do I proceed?
The process is actually quite simple:
a.
Click on the
certification link on this website (here)
b.
Locate and click on the
registration link, you will be directed to the CMA’s Registration page where
you will pay for your registration ($95.00) with a credit card.
c.
Complete your personal
certification record. When you have completed your certification record you
will receive an e-mail that will be provide you with instructions on paying for
and scheduling the CPCA Test. The test requires you schedule your exam at least
72 hours in advance
4.
I
work for a company that is involved in The CMA Certification Program. How
should I proceed with certification?
We suggest contacting your Manager/Supervisor at your company for guidance on
how to proceed. Many companies rely on
their Training Providers to support
certification by providing links to registration and certification testing
following completion of training.
5.
How
do I take the CPCA Test?
Following the completion of
registration and after taking training to prepare for the exam, you will follow
the link you received in your e-mail to schedule your CPCA examination.
6.
How
is the CPCA Test Delivered?
The following are the details for delivery of the CPCA test:
a.
The exam is internet based therefore
you must use a computer with a reliable internet connection
(interruption of a test session due to internet issues will require a retest).
The computer you use must have a camera, speakers and a microphone (headsets
are acceptable).
b.
The exam is proctored. The session
will be observed and recorded to ensure integrity (most on line universities
use vide proctoring for the same purpose). You will be required to show a photo
ID before the test begins. Once you have established your identity you can
begin the exam.
7.
How
is the test structured and how long do I have to complete the CPCA test?
The test is:
a.
50 questions long
b.
There are 10 sections to the test,
one section for each CMA Learning Program. Each section has at least 5
questions. You must get at least 4 of the 5 questions correct in each section
to pass the exam.
c.
The question formats are multiple
choice, true/false, and fill in the blanks. There are some calculations
required and you will be allowed to use a calculator (on your phone is
acceptable).
d.
Some questions use exhibits that you
can enlarge by clicking them
e.
You have 75 minutes to complete the
exam.
f.
You can navigate forward and back
(allowing you to skip questions and return so that you can best manage your
time.
8.
What
happens if I have internet difficulties?
If you have an internet
interruption during the test:
a.
Please call 512-230-8646
b.
The problem will also be reported by
the proctor
c.
You will be provided an opportunity
to retake the exam at no charge
9.
What
happens if I have a problem with any of my links?
If you have a problem with your scheduling or any other
links
a.
Please e-mail the CMA at Certifications@catman.global
immediately
b.
We will reissue you by resending the
link
10. What happens after I complete the exam?
a.
You will receive you grade within 24
hours
b.
If you pass the exam you will
receive your certification in 10 business days
11. What happens if I fail the exam?
a.
If you fail the exam you
will get your results within 24 hours
b.
You will receive a
report indicating what Learning Programs you did not pass and a link to reapply
to take the exam again at your convenience. There is a fee of $50.00 to retake the exam
c.
We suggest you consider
training in the indicated Learning Programs from an accredited training company
d.
If you fail the exam a
second time you must wait 60 days to take the exam a third time a link will be
provided in your test report
12.
Do
I have to complete the certification tests in sequential order?
a.
Yes. The certification tests are
taken in order with the exception that people who have already reached CPCA can
apply for CPCM without taking the CPCA on-line exam. The sequence is:
i. CPCA
ii. CPCM
iii. CPSA