Presentation at Be Extraordinary: The SMPS Southeastern Regional Conference on March 23, 2022. By Michelle Erste, CPSM, and Kristina von Tish, CPSM, LEED Green Associate

1. The Case for
Certification
and
How To Study for an
Exam as an Adult
Michelle Erste, CPSM
Kristina von Tish, CPSM, LEED Green Associate
SMPS SERC // 03.23.2022

2. Hello!
Michelle Erste, CPSM
Past President, SMPS Atlanta
Kristina von Tish, CPSM,
LEED Green Associate
&

3. Agenda
What is a CPSM?
Overcoming Four
Common Barriers to
Taking a Credential Exam
Crowdsourcing Solutions

4. CPSM Overview
• Tests your knowledge of
marketing and BD principles in
the AEC industry
• 150 questions across 6 domains
of practice
• Built to be “best practice”
• Must have years of experience
in the industry to qualify
Certified
Professional
Services
Marketer

5. Marketing
Research
Marketing
Planning
Client and
Business
Development
Proposals Promotional
Activity
Management
Domains
of Practice

6. Eligibility
1. Education/Experience
• Bachelor’s or higher degree + 4 years of
experience in a marketing/BD role in a
professional services firm
• Associate’s degree + 6 years of experience
• No degree + 8 years of experience
2. Agree to abide by the CPSM Code of Ethics

7. CPSM
Survey:
How has
the CPSM
certification
benefitted
you?
???
???
???
???

8. Professional Growth
Promotion
Recognition
Salary Increase / Bonus
CPSM
Survey:
How has
the CPSM
certification
benefitted
you?

9. There Are Many Credentials

10. Worksheet
Why do you want
a credential?
Your Goals

11. Common Barriers
1. Out of Practice
2. No Time to Study
3. Unconventional Learning Style
4. Cost

12. Overcoming Your
Personal Barriers
1. Reframe your challenges
as opportunities
2. Crowdsource solutions

13. Worksheet
Why haven’t you
taken your credential
exam yet?
Personal Barriers

14. Psychology time!

15. Cognitive Reframing
Structured, goal-directed intervention strategies that
focus on the exploration, evaluation, and substitution of
maladaptive thoughts, appraisals, and beliefs” *
* Clark, David A. (2013). “Cognitive Restructuring.” In The Wiley Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
S.G. Hofmann (Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118528563.wbcbt02
“

16. Cognitive Reframing
Structured, goal-directed intervention strategies that
focus on the exploration, evaluation, and substitution of
maladaptive thoughts, appraisals, and beliefs” *
Changing your perspective
“
* Clark, David A. (2013). “Cognitive Restructuring.” In The Wiley Handbook of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy,
S.G. Hofmann (Ed.). https://doi.org/10.1002/9781118528563.wbcbt02

17. Civilization Civilization

18. Six Years Six Years

19. Reframing
common barriers

20. I’m out of practice

21. FLASH POLL:
How long has it
been since you
took an exam?

22. I’m experienced
I’m out of practice

23. I’m experienced
I’m out of practice
• Make a plan
• Set a timeline
• Gather materials
• Execute

24. I don’t have time

25. I’ll time it right
I don’t have time

26. I’ll time it right
I don’t have time
• Figure out what works for you
• Slow and steady wins the race
• Look at the big picture

27. I don’t learn by reading

28. I’ll learn my way
I don’t learn by reading

29. I’ll learn my way
I don’t learn by reading
• Read while doing
• Audiobooks / text-to-speech
• Study buddy or group

30. It’s expensive

31. I’m investing in myself
It’s expensive

32. I’m investing in myself
It’s expensive
• Application and exam fees = $520;
• Markendium = $0 to $174
• Study guides, online prep courses,
in-person boot camps = ???
• Will your firm help? / SMPS chapter
scholarships

33. Worksheet
Reframe your
personal barriers as
opportunities
Reframing

34. Discussion

35. Our Approaches
Kristina Michelle
Schedule 26 weeks
(6-1/2 months)
16 weeks
(4 months)
Reading Pace 1/2 Domain of Practice
every other week
1 Domain of Practice
every other week
Accountability Met with study buddy
every other week
Met with study group
every other week
Grand Finale Two weeks to
make/study flash cards
based on Markendium
glossaries + markups
Two weeks to review
sample questions

36. • Study concepts, not terms
• Study more than you think
you need to
• Consult people who have
taken the exam recently
• Get the support of upper
management, family, and
friends
• Study, study, study
• Apply concepts to real life
• Go for it!
CPSM
Survey:
What advice
would you
give to a
prospective
CPSM?

37. General Study Tips
• Set a schedule
• Work with a study buddy or group
• Study outside your home if there are distractions
• Short, regular study sessions are better than marathons
• Incorporate multiple senses (reading, audio,
movement, discussion)
• Practice in an environment similar to that in which you’ll
take the test
• Sleep, eat, exercise in the days leading up to the exam