Certification Details

Mentor Plus is proud to partner with the Center for Strategic Performance Management, Inc. in order to offer practitioners the opportunity to become Certified in Strategic Performance Management. Click here to contact the Center regarding certification.

 

Certification Process

To become certified in Strategic Performance Management, you complete the Strategic Performance Management Workshop with Mentor Plus, after which you contact the Center for Strategic Performance Management, Inc. to complete the certification process. To contact the Center to complete your certification, please visit their website at www.center4spm.org

 

Although there are a great many practitioners who have some experience in the area of Performance Measurement, very few have invested the time and resources to become a specialist in this field. In addition to creating a distinct differentiation between a typical accountant and a Performance Management specialist, the key benefits to a certification program are to:

• Provide a structured curriculum that encompasses the multi-dimensional aspects of Performance Management.
• Set a standard of excellence in both the development and delivery of Performance Management services.
• Provide recognition to those who have made the commitment to become specialists in this field.
• Establish a credential that is recognized and valued by clients and peers.
• Maintain the integrity of the credential by only awarding it to those who:
• Possess the educational and experiential pre-requisites
• Have completed the required educational modules.
• Have demonstrated proficiency by way of case study submission and examination.
• Continue to expand their knowledge by completing the minimum continuing education units required each year.

Ultimately, the objective of the certification program is to provide a turn-key process by which practitioners can gain the skills they need and the tools and resources required to rise to the level of specialist, all the while maintaining the highest level of ethical and technical standards.

 

General Requirements

To become CSPM one must:

1. Have earned a credential commensurate with or greater than a CPA (Certified Public Accountant). -Or- Demonstrate advanced study and experience in accounting, finance, business administration, or related field of study.
2. Be a member in good standing within their professional body.
3. Have a minimum of 5 years practical experience working with businesses.

Obtaining the Certification

Certification Requirements: the certification program is designed to address both the educational and experiential needs of the practitioner. There are two parts to the educational process.

 

Step 1 - Performance Measurement PLUS Skills & Systems Workshop Certification

Applicants must complete the basic three-day workshop offered by Mentor Plus. The workshop is focused on the act of Performance Measurement- developing a relevant and accurate set of business performance measures. For more information on participating in the Performance Measurement PLUS Skills & Systems Workshop, please visit www.bopmentorplus.com.

 

Step 2 - Strategic Performance Management Workshop

Certification applicants must complete three days of advanced training in the art of Performance Management. This includes coursework in financial fluency, compensation planning, information systems, conflict resolution, and team building.

 

Applicants will be given a case study to complete within four weeks following Part 2. This case provides a vehicle for the applicant to demonstrate competency in the diagnostic, planning, and measure development aspects of a Performance Management engagement.

 

Upon completing parts 1 & 2 of the training and passing the exam, a conditional certificate will be issued. Once the TOP training and case study requirements are met the final certification will be issued.

 

Step 3 - Technology of Participation Training

In addition, applicants must show proof of completion of the ICA - Technology of Participation Training (TOP). This 2-day course is offered in cities all over the world. This facilitation training is a critical part of the educational process and must be completed prior to or within 12 months of passing the CSPM exam. For more information on this training, please visit www.ica-usa.org

 

CSPM Exam Schedule and Details

The exam is offered through the Center for Strategic Performance Management (CSPM). (Investment: $250.00, made payable to Center for Strategic Performance Management, Inc.) The exam is made up of multiple choice and essay questions. A score of 80% or higher is necessary to pass the exam. Applicants who must re-take the exam may do so no sooner than 2 weeks or later than 2 months following their previous attempt. A fee of $250 is required for tests or re-takes turned in after the 2-month deadline. Allow up to two weeks for results. For information on becoming certificed, please contact the Center at www.center4spm.org

 

Step 1- Performance Measurement Plus Skills & Systems Workshop

June 20-22, 2005: Chicago, IL
July 25-27, 2005: San Francisco, CA (tentative)
September 26-28, 2005 : Las Vegas, NV

Step 2 - Strategic Performance Management Workshop

Pre-requisite: Part 1 within previous 24 months prior to Part 2
September 21-23, 2005: San Francisco Bay Area
Investment $3,500 - fee includes three days of training

 

Step 3 - Technology of Participation Training

TOP Training available through Institute of Cultural Affairs. www.ica-usa.org (must be taken within 12 months of passing the exam).

 

Maintaining the Certification

Continuing Educational Requirements: Specialists must maintain their certification with 30 hours of CPE in the area of Business Management Consulting every two years. This requirement can be met a number of ways including, but not limited to, membership in the Mentor Plus Consulting Accountants RoundTable.

 

Peer Review: Specialists are required to submit one case study every two years to the peer review committee. The peer review committee is made up of practitioners who have at least 5 years experience in Performance Measurement/Management consulting.

 

Annual Certification Dues: $495.00 - This fee ensures each CSPM's name and firm information appears on a published web directory of Performance Management specialists as well as other services offered by the Center for Strategic Performance Management, and is payable to the Center for Strategic Performance Management, Inc. www.center4spm.org

 

Other Important Details

CPE: In accordance with NASBA, CPE credit has been granted based on a 50-minute hour in the consulting field of study. Legal: The Center for Strategic Performance Management makes no warranties pertaining to conflict of interest issues with regard to the delivery of Performance Management services in combination with other services. Specialists must determine for themselves, or in accordance with their firm's policies, the most appropriate application of these services.

 

The CSPM designation is conferred upon individuals who have mastered, both through education and experience, the skills necessary to provide Performance Management advisory services to the business community. The discipline associated with Performance Management is broad and requires a full scope of technical and facilitative abilities. CSPM's are able to advise on and, when appropriate, support the implementation of a Performance Management system.