Preparing for NCMA Certification Tests

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) offers three distinct certifications for professionals interested in demonstrating their contract management expertise: the CPCM, CFCM and CCCM certifications. Each of these three can be useful at various stages of a contract management professional’s career, depending on individual interests and specializations, and all carry the mark of quality of the NCMA.

By demonstrating benchmark levels of skill and experience, these three programs can serve as résumé qualifications for individuals seeking upper-level management responsibilities.

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)

The CPCM is the NCMA’s highest certification, demonstrating advanced competence with the Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK). As a senior certification, the CPCM is designed for those with significant career experience, including at least five years in the contract management field. Professionals interested in taking the CPCM exam must submit an application to the NCMA and will only be allowed to sit for the exam pending application review and acceptance.

Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)

The CFCM certification is designed for professionals who either work for or deal with various government agencies, and demonstrate knowledge of and competence with the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Unlike the CPCM, the CFCM requires just one year of work experience in contract management, in addition to an undergraduate degree from an accredited university. Candidates without a degree may waive this requirement with 10 years of demonstrable work experience. Like the CPCM, however, potential test takers must submit an application to the NCMA outlining their qualifications to sit for the exam.

Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)

The CCCM certification is designed for contract management professionals who work specifically with commercial contracts, demonstrating competence with the Uniform Commercial Code. Its test-taking requirements are similar to those of the CFCM, including one year of contract management work experience and an accredited undergraduate degree. As with the CFCM, the degree requirement may be waived with 10 years of related work experience. Interested test takers are encouraged to apply to the NCMA for admission to the certification exam.

NCMA Certification Preparation at Villanova

Whatever the certification that is right for you and your interests in contract management, Villanova University offers several 100% online preparation courses and certificate options in CM that can help you succeed.

The three-course Certificate in Contract Management includes courses such as Essentials of Commercial Contract Management, Essentials of Government Contract Management and Advanced Contract Management.

Whether interests are more commercial or federal, continuing education can allow students to both prepare for industry-standard certification tests and boost their resumes in the process. With contract management playing a more significant role in today’s organizations with each passing year, now is an excellent time to position yourself for work in this highly-valued business area.