The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is partnering with the Supply Chain Council, Inc. (SCC) to offer member access and discounts to one another's training and certification programs. Both are non-profit organizations. ISM services supply-management professionals around the world. SCC provides expertise on methodology, diagnostics and benchmarking based on the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model. Under the new partnership, SCC members are eligible for member pricing on ISM educational programs and testing for the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) professional credential, as well as registration for ISM's annual conference and educational exhibit, slated for May 15-18, 2011 in Orlando, Fla. ISM members gain access to SCC's SCORmark database for supply-chain benchmarking. In addition, they receive member rates for SCOR Framework and Project workshops, as well as global SCC events. In a related announcement, ISM is offering the Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) designation. It is intended for supply-chain management professionals who hold supplier diversity responsibilities. Requirements for the certification are passing the CPSM Exam 1 (unless the candidate holds a current Certified Purchasing Manager or Certified Professional in Supply Management qualification), along with three years of professional experience in supply management or supplier diversity and a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or five years of professional experience for those lacking a bachelor's degree. The full CPSD program will launch in early 2011. ISM is currently scheduling pilot testing, to be offered on site to its affiliates and participating companies in early November of 2010.
