About
CPWP-M
The Certified Public Works Professional-Management credential recognizes individuals in the public works field who have the knowledge and experience to manage organizations in a public works department.
It is for public works managers, superintendents, and supervisors ready for management positions.
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Steps to Certification
Step 1: Eligibility and Preparation
Eligibility Requirements
To demonstrate eligibility, the candidate must document the following:
- Completion of one of the following education and work experience pathways:
- High school graduation or equivalent and seven years public works experience, with a minimum of three years supervisory experience in public works.
- Associate degree or trade school certificate with equivalent credit hours and five years public works experience, with a minimum of three years supervisory experience in public works.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher and three years public works experience, with a minimum of three years supervisory experience in public works.
- Completion of the Certified Public Works Professional-Supervision, with a minimum of three years supervisory experience in public works.
- Current or previous experience serving as an employee or contracted employee for a public agency is required.
- Cover letter explaining why the individual is seeking the certification.
- Complete resume/description of relevant public works experience.
- Agreement in writing to adhere to the APWA Standards of Professional Conduct.
Eligibility Application Process
- Complete and save the CPWP-M Eligibility Application.
- Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
- APWA will confirm receipt of the CPWP-M Eligibility Application and notify the candidate of the status of their application via email within 20 business days.
- If proven eligible, the candidate will have 24 months (two years) to sit for the exam before having to requalify.
Eligibility Tools and Resources
Eligibility Application Fee
APWA Members: $195
Nonmembers: $245
Preparing for the Exam
The expectation for earning the CPWP-M is a minimum level of competence across all areas of public works:
- Budget and Finance
- Asset Management
- Procurement and Contract Administration
- Communication
- Human Resource Management
- Administrative
- Project Management
- Emergency Management
- Understanding of Public Works Operations
The CPWP-M Content Outline details the full list of tasks that are assessed on the exam. The candidate should use the CPWP-M Examination Self-Assessment Form to determine the areas for which additional study may be warranted and develop a study plan focusing on those areas.
No preparatory materials are prerequisites to earning APWA certifications, nor does review of the suggested materials provide any guarantees that the candidate will pass the exam. However, reviewing materials can refresh and improve the candidate's understanding of the processes and functions.
Preparation Tools and Resources
Step 2: Scheduling and Taking the Exam
Scheduling the Exam
- The candidate must sit for the CPWP-M exam prior to expiration of their eligibility period.
- Review the Exam Administration FAQs.
- Select the desired date from the available dates on the Certification Exam Schedule. The exam must be scheduled at least 30 days prior to the candidate's preferred exam date.
- The candidate should determine and secure the preferred location and proctoring administration. The exam can be administered directly to the candidate's place of employment or a testing center of their choosing.
- Complete and save the CPWP-M Exam Application.
- Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
- APWA will confirm receipt of the CPWP-M Exam Application and initiate discussions with the proctor to ensure they are trained, prepared, and software is loaded.
- The candidate and proctor will be notified of the specifics of the schedule within 10–14 days of the scheduled exam date.
Taking the Exam
- The computer-based, proctored exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions based on the CPWP-M Content Outline.
- The candidate is given a maximum of 3.5 hours to complete the exam.
Exam Tools and Resources
Exam Fee
Place of employment administration: $500
Testing center administration: $500 plus any testing center fees paid directly to the center
Step 3: Navigating Certification and Recertification
Congratulations! Earning the CPWP-M is a significant achievement.
Share the Success
A newly certified individual is encouraged to:
- Add their digital badge and certification to their LinkedIn profile.
- Share their accomplishment on social media.
- Add their credential to their name and signature on email, business cards, and social media profiles.
- Send a press release to their local paper.
- Write an article or record a testimonial.
Find Other CPWP-Ms Using Our Interactive Map
Recertification
Certification is valid for five years. To maintain certification, the individual must complete a minimum of 50 credits (10 credits per year) earned through a combination of continuing education and contributions to the profession.
Applying for Recertification
Recertification requests must be initiated prior to the end of the individual's certification term. To recertify, the individual should:
- Track their progress via the CPWP-M Recertification Tracking Form.
- Complete and save the CPWP-M Recertification Application.
- Email the completed digital version to certification@apwa.org.
Recertification Tools and Resources
Recertification Application Fee
APWA Members: $195
Nonmembers: $245
CPWP-M Certification Spotlight On:
Ron Simpson, CPWP-M, Public Works Manager, City of Arroyo Grande, California
“I think it shows your organization and residents that you are committed to continual education and training which can be a benefit to everyone.”
Questions About the Certification Programs?
Reach out to the Certification team at certification@apwa.org or by phone at 800-848-2792.
Please note: APWA Education is independent of APWA Certification. APWA certification programs are governed by the Certification Commission, a semi-independent certifying body of APWA. In adherence to certification industry standards, the Commission volunteers are independent and not involved in the development of preparatory programs.
Certification Program Governance