Certified Software Project Manager (CSPM)

The need for improved and more reliable Software Project Management calls for professionals who can effectively design, manage, test, and monitor the status of software projects. Organizations now demand high quality software, delivered on time and within budget. Certification is recommended as a means to define the Common Body of Knowledge for the practice of software project management, and to evaluate an individual’s ability to apply that knowledge to practice.

The Certified Software Project Manager program is intended to establish standards for initial qualification, and continuing improvement of professional competence. This certification program helps to:Define the tasks (Domains) associated with software project management activities in order to evaluate mastery of these activities.

Demonstrate an individual’s willingness to improve professionally.
Acknowledge attainment of an acceptable standard of professional competency.
Aid organizations in selecting and promoting qualified individuals.
Motivate personnel having software project management responsibilities to maintain their professional competency.
Assist individuals in improving and enhancing their organization’s software project management programs (i.e., provide a mechanism to lead a professional).

Software Project Defined
An automated application developed or acquired for a business unit involving planning, scheduling, staffing, budgeting, and testing based on business unit provided requirements.

CSPM PDF Brochure

Applying for Candidacy for CSPM Exam

QuickPath...

If you are completely new to this certification, start with Checking Prerequisites.
If you are ready to submit your first application, see Filing the Initial Application.

Checking Prerequisites

Recipients of the Certified Software Project Manager (CSPM) designation will be those who demonstrate experience and knowledge in matters related to software project management. The assessment is designed to certify candidates who:

Have three years current software project management experience, OR two years of current software project management work experience with a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college-level institution,

AND

Can demonstrate proficiency in practicing software project management.

Filing the Initial Application

A Certification Candidacy Application must be submitted for entrance to Software Certifications as a candidate for any particular certification. This application is intended to be used by working professionals who feel they are prepared to sit for, and pass, the required examination for the certification designation for which they are requesting candidacy. It should only be submitted by individuals who:

Have reviewed the appropriate Common Body of Knowledge,
Are working in the field covered by the certification designation,
Have significant experience and breadth to have mastered the basics of the entire Common Body of Knowledge, and
Are prepared to take the required examination and therefore desire to establish candidacy.

It should not be submitted by individuals who:

Are not yet working in the field but who have an interest in obtaining employment in the field,
Are working in limited areas of the field but would like to expand their work roles to include broader responsibilities,
Are working in information technology but have only marginal involvement or duties related to the certification, or
Are interested in determining if this certification program will be of interest to them.

Candidates for certification who rely on only limited experience, or upon too few or specific study materials, typically do not successfully obtain certification. Many drop out without ever taking the examination. Fees in this program are nonrefundable. Do not apply unless you feel confident that your work activities and past experience have prepared you for the examination process.

Applicants already holding a certification from Software Certifications must still submit a new application when deciding to pursue an additional certification. For example, an applicant already holding a CSQA certification must still complete the application process if pursuing the CSPM certification.

The initial application fee is $400. (see Payment & Refund Policy)

Information and status obtained through telephone conversations with the administering body shall be considered unofficial and off-the-record.