Last Update January 23, 2023

Contract Management
Continuing Professional Education Guide

Last Update January 23, 2023

National Contract Management Association

21740 Beaumeade Circle, Suite 125
Ashburn, VA 20147

Telephone: 800.344.8096 or 571.382.0082

Fax: 703.448.0939
www.ncmahq.org

Contact: [email protected]

The Contract Management Continuing Professional Education GuideTM was last updated on
January 23, 2023.

© 2023 National Contract Management Association. All rights reserved.

“National Contract Management Association”, “NCMA”, the NCMA logo, “Connecting to Create What’s
Next”, “Contract Management Standard”, “CMS”, “Contract Management Body of Knowledge”, “CMBOK”,
“Certified Professional Contract Manager”, “CPCM”, the CPCM logo, “Certified Federal Contract
Manager”, “CFCM”, the CFCM logo, “Certified Commercial Contract Manager”, “CCCM”, the CCCM logo,
“Certified Contract Management Associate”, “CCMA”, the CCMA logo, and “Contract Management
Continuing Professional Education Guide” are marks of the National Contract Management Association.
 Table of Contents

1.0 Statement of Contract Management Continuing Professional Education ... 1

1.1 Preamble ............................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Scope .................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Definitions............................................................................................................ 2
1.4 Participation......................................................................................................... 2
2.0 Categories of CPE ............................................................................................. 3
2.1 Certification and Recertification Requirements.................................................... 3
2.2 Professional Judgment in Determining CPE........................................................ 3
2.3 Qualifying CPE .................................................................................................... 3
2.4 Recertifying CPE ................................................................................................. 3
2.5 Unacceptable Programs, Activities, Topics, and Subjects................................... 4
3.0 Acceptable Programs and Activities ............................................................... 5
3.1 Group and Individual Self-Study Programs ......................................................... 5
3.2 Group Programs .................................................................................................. 5
3.3 Individual Programs............................................................................................. 6
3.4 Work Experience in Contract Management ......................................................... 6
3.5 Other Professional Activities................................................................................ 6
4.0 Measuring CPE .................................................................................................. 7
4.1 University or College Courses ............................................................................. 7
4.2 Individual Study Programs .................................................................................. 8
4.3 Publications ......................................................................................................... 8
5.0 Qualified Instructors ......................................................................................... 9
5.1 Qualifications of Instructors ................................................................................. 9
5.2 Evaluation of Instructor’s Performance................................................................ 9
6.0 Evaluating Learning .......................................................................................... 9
6.1 Required Elements of Evaluation ........................................................................ 9
6.2 Evaluation Results............................................................................................. 10
7.0 Maintaining Documentation ........................................................................... 10
8.0 Planning for Continuous Learning ................................................................ 11
Appendix: Outline of CMBOK Seventh Edition Competencies ................................. 1
 Contract Management
Continuing Professional Education Guide

1.0 Statement of Contract Management Continuing Professional

Education
The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is the authoritative
professional association in the practice of contract management with a legacy of
proven and meaningful results in professional and leadership development. To
build trust in learning events being capable of establishing and increasing
competence, NCMA has created the Contract Management Continuing
Professional Education Guide™ (CPE Guide) to define and assess continuing
professional education (CPE). Approved CPE is required for NCMA certification
and recertification.

1.1 Preamble
NCMA was founded in 1959 and has become the world’s leading professional
resource for those in the contract management profession. NCMA is dedicated to
the professional growth and educational advancement of contract management.
In addition, NCMA strives to serve and inform the profession it represents and to
offer opportunities for the open exchange of ideas in neutral forums. In this role,

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 NCMA is the foremost standards development organization for contract
management in the United States.

1.2 Scope
The scope of the CPE Guide is to establish a framework for the development,
presentation, measurement, and reporting of CPE to ensure contract managers
receive the quality learning activities necessary to satisfy their obligations and
desires for growth in individual competence that leads to improved organizational
capability.

1.3 Definitions
“Contract management” means the actions of a contract manager to develop
solicitations, develop offers, form contracts, perform contracts, and close
contracts. [Source: ANSI/NCMA ASD 1-2019 (R2022).]
“Contract manager” means the authorized representative or agent for a
contracting party. [Source: ANS/NCMA ASD 1-2019 (R2022)].]
“Applicant” means a person who has submitted a certification application, but the
application has not yet been approved.
“Candidate” means a person who has an approved certification application but is
not yet certified.
“Certificant” means a person holding a certification in good standing.
“Retired certification status” means a recognition bestowed on eligible certificants
who no longer practice in contract management or related fields. It is not an
active certification status.

1.4 Participation
Successful contract managers participate in learning activities that maintain or
improve individual competence. Selection of learning activities should be a
thoughtful, reflective process addressing the individual contract manager’s
current and future professional plans, current knowledge, and skill level, and
desired or needed additional competence to meet future opportunities or
professional responsibilities, or both. Accordingly, acceptable continuing
education encompasses programs contributing to the development and
maintenance of professional skills.

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2.0 Categories of CPE

2.1 Certification and Recertification Requirements

CPE that would satisfy certification and recertification requirements must be in
topics or related to the competencies identified in the Contract Management
Body of Knowledge® (CMBOK). Please refer to the Appendix for the outline of
CMBOK competencies.

2.2 Professional Judgment in Determining CPE

The certification candidate is responsible for ensuring that a topic or subject
qualifies as acceptable CPE. For instance, there are CPE programs that include
a wide variety of topics and subjects that may contribute to maintaining or
enhancing the professional competence of some learners, but not others.
Determining what topics and subjects are appropriate for individuals to satisfy the
CPE requirement is a matter of professional judgment. Among the considerations
in exercising that judgment are the individual’s experience, the contract
management area(s) in which he or she works, and the responsibilities he or she
assumes in performing contract management functions.

2.3 Qualifying CPE

Qualifying CPE for certification must be earned no later than ten (10) years from
the date of application for certification. Qualifying CPE are those professional
development opportunities which must be in topics or related to the
competencies in the CMBOK®. Please see the Appendix, which presents the
CMBOK® outline of competencies and Section 3.0, Acceptable Programs and
Activities, for information on determining qualifying CPE. It is up to each
individual to determine what professional development opportunities they need
and its applicability to the CMBOK® competencies.

2.4 Recertifying CPE

To keep certification(s) active, the certificant must earn qualifying CPE within the
designated recertification period provided in the certification handbook.
The certificant has the responsibility to comply with the CPE requirements.
Individuals are responsible for:

• Seeking opportunities for CPE,

• Successfully completing CPE programs and activities,

• Maintaining documentation of the completed CPE, and

• Monitoring their own progress toward meeting the CPE requirements.

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2.5 Unacceptable Programs, Activities, Topics, and Subjects
Learning events without learning objectives and a measurement of how the
learning objective was achieved are not acceptable. In addition, repeated
learning events where CPE was already awarded are not acceptable. Examples
of programs, activities, topics, and subjects that do not qualify for CPE include,
but are not limited to, the following:

• Informal on-the-job training.

• Basic or elementary courses in topics and subjects in which the candidate

already has the necessary knowledge and skills.

• Programs or courses that allow the participant to test out.

• Programs that are not designed to maintain or enhance contract

managers’ competence, but are designed for the general public (e.g.,
resume writing, improving parent–child relations, personal investments,
money management, retirement planning, etc.).
• Sales-oriented programs that demonstrate office equipment.

• Programs restricted to an organization’s administrative operations (e.g.,

how to prepare time and attendance reports or internal administrative
reporting responsibilities).

• Business or governance sessions at conferences, conventions, or

meetings.

• Participation as a member of a committee of a professional organization.

• Preparation and presentation time for repeated presentations.

• College courses cannot be counted as CPE and used to meet the

education eligibility requirements of a certification (i.e., no double dipping).
If the course is not used to meet the education requirements and is
completed within the eligible timeframe for a certification application or
recertification application, the CPE apply.

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3.0 Acceptable Programs and Activities
NCMA does not establish detailed criteria for CPE programs; however, it does
require that CPE contribute to the designated contract manager’s professional
competence and growth. To determine if programs contribute to professional
competence and to facilitate documentation, the following criteria for CPE
programs may be considered as appropriate.

3.1 Group and Individual Self-Study Programs

“Group and individual self-study programs” include the following features:

• An agenda or outline is prepared in advance and retained by the program

sponsor that indicates the name(s) of the instructor(s); the
subject(s)/topic(s) covered; the date(s) and length of the program; and
when appropriate, the program’s learning objectives and any
prerequisites.

• The program is developed by individuals qualified or experienced in the

topic/subject matter.

• Program materials are technically accurate, current, and sufficient to meet

the program’s learning objectives.
• The program is reviewed, when appropriate, by other qualified or
experienced individuals. The nature and extent of any review may vary
depending on characteristics of the program.

• Evaluations of the program are obtained from instructors and participants,

when appropriate.

3.2 Group Programs

“Group programs” are where the program is presented by a qualified instructor or
discussion leader. The following are provided as examples and is not an all-
inclusive list of acceptable group programs:

• Internal training programs (courses, seminars, and workshops).

• The portion of a contract management organization staff meeting in which

a structured educational program is used to provide staff with knowledge
regarding topics and subjects such as those included here. Informal
discussions of current events in the contract management profession do
not qualify for CPE.

• University and college courses (credit and noncredit).

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 • Training programs presented by contract management organizations,
educational organizations, foundations, and associations at conferences,
conventions, meetings, seminars, and workshops of professional
organizations.

3.3 Individual Programs

“Individual programs” are where participants are required to register for the
program and the program sponsor provides evidence, such as a certificate or
other document, of satisfactory completion. The following are provided as
examples and is not an all-inclusive list of acceptable individual programs:

• Online courses.

• Online and webinar events.

3.4 Work Experience in Contract Management

For recertification purposes only, NCMA certificants may earn two (2) CPE for
each full year of continued work experience in contract management or related
field (see Appendix to view the outline of CMBOK competencies). Proof of
employment and a job description are required (e.g., a resume).

3.5 Other Professional Activities

“Other professional activities” include the following examples:

• Serving as a speaker, instructor, or discussion leader at group programs.

Proof of participation must be provided (see Section 7.0 Maintaining
Documentation for guidance).
• Serving as an appointed reviewer of abstracts for breakout sessions in
conferences, symposia, etc. An appointment document must be provided.
• Publishing articles and books or developing CPE courses on topics and
subjects that qualify for CPE and that contribute directly to the author’s
professional competence.

• Serving on a magazine or journal review board. An appointment

document must be provided.

• Serving as a mentor or learner in a formal mentoring program. An

appointment document must be provided.

• Serving as an item writer for certification examinations. An appointment

document with recommended CPE from the certification sponsor is
required.

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4.0 Measuring CPE
A CPE hour may be granted for each 50 minutes of participation in qualifying
programs and activities. At conferences and conventions, where individual
presentations are less than and/or more than 50 minutes, the sum of the
presentations should be considered as one total program. For example, two 90-
minute, two 50-minute, and three 40-minute presentations equal 400 minutes, or
eight CPE.
Sponsors of CPE programs should monitor their programs to accurately assign
the appropriate number of hours. Learners should earn CPE only for the actual
time they attend the program. Preparation time for students participating in a
CPE program is not counted.
Hours awarded in a measurement other than CPE will need to be converted to
CPE using the following conversion method.
1 CEU = 10 CPE
1 CPU = 10 CPE
1 CLE = 1 CPE
1 CLP = 1 CPE
1 PDU = 1 CPE

4.1 University or College Courses

Learners taking or teaching university or college noncredit courses should
receive CPE based on the guidance previously mentioned. For learners
completing university or college credit courses, the following conversions apply:

• Each semester hour credit equals 15 CPE, and

• Each quarter hour credit equals 10 CPE.

Instructors for university or college credit courses should receive CPE based on
the number of credit hours the university/college gives a student for successfully
completing the course (e.g., a 3-semester hour credit course x 15 CPE per
semester hour = 45 CPE).
An instructor should not receive CPE for teaching a course more than once
unless the course was changed significantly.

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4.2 Individual Study Programs
Participants in individual study programs should be granted CPE when they
satisfactorily complete the program. These programs generally should be pre-
tested by the vendor or sponsor to determine the average completion time, and
CPE should be granted in an amount equal to the average completion time.
For example, an individual study program that takes an average of 600 minutes
to complete should be granted 12 CPE.
Speakers, instructors (university/college noncredit courses), and discussion
leaders at programs that qualify for CPE should receive CPE for preparation and
presentation time to the extent the topic or subject matter contributes directly to
their professional competence. One hour of CPE should be granted for each 50
minutes of presentation time, and up to two additional hours of CPE may be
granted for advance preparation for each 50 minutes of their presentation.
For example, a discussion leader could receive up to 21 hours of CPE for a
presentation of 350 minutes (seven hours for presentation and 14 hours for
preparation). An individual should not receive CPE for either preparation or
presentation time for repeated presentations unless the topic or subject matter
involved was changed significantly.

4.3 Publications
Articles, books, or CPE courses written by learners on topics and subjects
related to their expertise and/or work that contribute directly to professional
competence will qualify for CPE in the year they are published. One CPE may be
granted for each hour devoted to writing articles, books, or course materials that
are published.
The following figure presents a summary of qualifying speaking and writing
activities to earn CPE.

Activity # CPE When does it qualify?

Develop a 2 CPE per contact The year the course or presentation is

Course or hour of the course initially presented
Presentation or presentation

Preparation for 2 CPE per contact The year the updated course is initially
a Course or hour of the course presented (cannot claim CPE for
Presentation or presentation additional presentations)

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 Present a 1 CPE per contact The year the course or presentation is
Course or hour initially presented (cannot claim CPE
Presentation for additional presentations)

Write an Article 1 CPE per hour The year the article or book is
or Book published

5.0 Qualified Instructors

Instructors must be qualified with respect to both program content and
instructional methods used.

5.1 Qualifications of Instructors

Instructors are key ingredients in the learning process for any learning program
or session. Therefore, it is imperative that great care is exercised in selecting
qualified instructors for all CPE-granting events.
Qualified instructors are those who are capable, through training, education, or
experience, of communicating effectively and providing an environment
conducive to learning. They must be competent and current in the subject matter,
skilled in the use of the appropriate instructional methods and technology,
prepared in advance, and must strive to engage participants.

5.2 Evaluation of Instructor’s Performance

The instructor’s performance should be evaluated at the conclusion of each
program or session to determine the instructor’s suitability to serve in the future.

6.0 Evaluating Learning

An effective means for evaluating learning activity must be employed to measure
quality with respect to content and presentation, as well as provide a mechanism
for participants to assess whether learning objectives were met.

6.1 Required Elements of Evaluation

The objectives of evaluation are to assess participant and instructor satisfaction
with specific programs and to increase subsequent program effectiveness.
Evaluations, whether written or electronic, must be solicited from participants and
instructors for each program session to determine such things as whether:
• Stated learning objectives were met,

• Stated prerequisite requirements were appropriate and sufficient,

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 • Program materials, including the qualified assessment, if any, were
relevant and contributed to the achievement of the learning objectives,

• Time allotted to the learning activity was appropriate, and

• Individual instructors were effective.

It is not necessary to solicit an evaluation from the instructor if the instructor is
actively involved in the development of the program materials.

6.2 Evaluation Results

CPE program sponsors must periodically review evaluation results to assess
program effectiveness and should inform developers and instructors of
evaluation results.

7.0 Maintaining Documentation

Learners are required to maintain records of CPE earned and provide supporting
documentation on CPE completed. Records should include the following
information for each CPE program or activity attended or completed:
• Sponsoring organization.

• Location at which the program was given.

• Title of the program and a brief description of its contents, to include the
CMBOK competency(ies) (please refer to the Appendix).

• Dates attended for group programs or dates completed for individual study
programs.

• Number of CPE earned and evidence of attendance or completion. This

might include the following:
o Record of the grade received for a university or college credit
course;
o Outline and evidence of attendance or of having been the instructor
or discussion leader from the program sponsor;
o Certificate or other evidence of completion from the program
sponsor; or
o Copy of the published book, article, or course.

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8.0 Planning for Continuous Learning
Continuous, lifelong learning is the hallmark of success in contract management.
The amount of time designated for recertification is intended to include adverse
life events that may periodically interrupt the pursuit of CPE (e.g., ill health, family
leave, military service, foreign residency, etc.).
The accomplishment of CPE should be a targeted, planned, and deliberate
activity. Take full advantage of the time allotted for each recertification cycle to
ensure you maximize time, continue to develop professionally, and provide ease
come recertification time.

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Appendix: Outline of CMBOK Seventh Edition Competencies