CPSM

CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL SERVICES MARKETER (CPSM) PROGRAM

Certification is a time-tested means of measuring a professional’s credentials. The Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) sets the standard of excellence for marketing and business development professionals in the architecture, engineering and construction industry. Because the CPSM designation is associated with leadership, the process of qualifying for and passing the test, in addition to obtaining the required number of continuing education units, is intensive. Individuals who are CPSMs demonstrate their on-going commitment to the industry, and their ability to perform in all Six Domains of Marketing, criteria that is recognized by many professional services firms.

SMPS OC Member Testimonials

Bonnie Temple, CPSM | Strategic Pursuit Manager | Brown and Caldwell

Since becoming a member in 1998 I admired the leaders in our industry who took the time to mentor and teach. I absorbed all I could by attending programs, education sessions, and conferences when I could. I admired the experts and looked up to the people who earned the professional designation, Certified Professional Services Marketer or CPSM.

After time, I became eager to obtain a CPSM too. I was also apprehensive; it is no small feat! However, I knew that passing the CPSM would be a pivotal point in my career. It was. I learned the six domains in depth and grew in confidence every day. I put what I learned to practice at work and grew in my understanding of the field and my career far beyond I imagined. What a journey, I will never regret the time I put in to studying and since I did it along side others by joining a study group I also made long-term industry friends. We challenged and supported each other.

Today, I do everything I can to keep my skills sharp and maintain the coveted designation. I encourage you to come join this elite group of professionals. You will learn so much. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact me about my experience. I am happy to share what was freely given to me through my time with SMPS and to motivate you if you are also apprehensive. Trust me when I say, it is an achievement you will always be proud of!

Kelly Teenor, CPSM | Proposal Specialist | Michael Baker International

As Marketers in the A/E/C industry, we are surrounded by colleagues who hold credentials signifying professional expertise. The CPSM credential is our chance to showcase our professional expertise. When you earn the CPSM you are joining an elite community of marketing professionals. This community is bonded by the shared experience of preparing for and taking the exam. An unexpected reward of my CPSM journey was the relationships I formed with the Study Group participants and subject matter experts who shared their knowledge with us. Each year the Orange County Chapter offers an outstanding multi-week Study Group. Participation in the Study Group provided me tremendous professional and personal value. I encourage you to participate in the Study Group as part of your CPSM journey. The credential you’ll earn is impressive, the relationships you’ll develop are invaluable.

Liza Hall, CPSM | Owner | LJH Consulting

Preparing to become an SMPS Certified Professional Services Marketer (CPSM) took years in the making. My A/E/C career didn’t start in a marketing department but learned in an administration and operations capacity alongside architects, engineers, and contractors.  An integral part missing, between work experience and active membership in the Orange County Chapter, was the CPSM. This designation provides me an opportunity to network with a special group of talented peers striving for excellence within ourselves, our firms, and the A/E/C community.  No matter what role you have in your firm, being a CPSM will take your career to the next level.

Sue Pender, CPSM | Business Development Associate - Surface Water | Michael Baker International

Having my CPSM certification has really helped to highlight my expertise in professional services marketing to my employer and in the AEC community. Ongoing, the recertification process keeps me up to speed on the latest industry trends and helps me raise the bar of the work products of myself and my team.  Since passing the CPSM, I have been more confident in pursuing projects in domains I previously did not have experience in.  Those initials add credibility!

Mindy Nickerson, CPSM | Director of Marketing & Business Development | Criterion

Obtaining my CPSM was a goal of mine since I first begin my career in AEC marketing, but with the deadline-driven nature of our industry, it was easy to keep pushing this goal out until I had ‘more time’ to dedicate to it. Of course, ‘more time’ is an anomaly for an AEC marketer, so when my SMPS mentor encouraged me to try, I decided to take the plunge. I’m so glad I did! Not only did I manage to pass, but I also learned quite a bit in the process. Much of what the books covered resonated with my experience, making the topics easy to comprehend and highly relatable. The material also opened my eyes to a variety of new topics and tips, many of which I immediately began applying in my current role. Participating in the study group was incredibly helpful in that it held me accountable to my reading and delivered the content in a friendly, engaging environment. It was also nice to meet so many peers from California and beyond!

This certification proved to my boss and colleagues that I have the expertise needed to continue to propel our organization forward; since obtaining my CPSM, I have been promoted to Director of Marketing & Business Development. I am forever grateful to my mentor for her encouragement and to the study group for providing the resources and support to get me where I am today. If you’re remotely considering taking the test, I say go for it – you can’t pass if you don’t try!

SMPS Orange County CPSM Members