Liberty, Missouri – The International Publishing Management Association (IPMA) will offer examinations for its Certified Graphic Communications Manager (CGCM) and Certified Mail Manager (CMM) credential several times in 2003. Testing will be conducted at IPMA headquarters in Liberty, MO, on Saturday, January 4, April 5 and October 4, 2003. It will also be given on Saturday, June 15 in conjunction with IPMA’s Annual Conference in Salt Lake City. (Please note: You must apply by May 15, 2003 to be eligible to sit for the exam at the June conference.) "Both the CGCM and the CMM credential are recognized throughout the industry as the true measure of excellence and one avenue for gaining an inside edge," explains Domenic J. Vallone, CGCM, chairperson of IPMA’s Certification Program. "IPMA is proud that approximately 14% of its entire membership is certified, having attained the CGCM or CMM designation, with five individuals having earned both credentials.’ The recently updated examinations are not based on a structured curriculum of study. Instead they are designed to evaluate a manager's overall experience and technical expertise by covering a broad range of information, not limited to any specific publications. Both exams consist of two major sections (A & B), each containing multiple choice and essay questions. Section A covers topics regarding general management, finance and personnel, i.e., common competencies with which any manager in any industry today would be expected to be familiar. Section B is industry-specific and covers much more technical competencies. To reinforce your base of knowledge, it is recommended that you become familiar with the glossary of terms provided on IPMA’s web site: http://www.ipma.org/pages/ProfessionalRecognition_frm.html. To identify areas of weakness that may require additional review, a bibliography is also provided. This listing, however, should not be used as the sanctioned or sole study guide. Some managers, who have successfully attained certification, have found study groups to be yet another valuable resource in preparing for the exam. Examination fees are $225 for IPMA members and $450 for nonmembers. Preparation and processing times vary, so individuals are encouraged to apply well in advance of the test date to ensure eligibility. If you have additional questions regarding the CGCM or CMM examination, contact IPMA headquarters directly at 816.781.1111 or by email at www.ipma.org. About IPMA IPMA is the professional association for managers of in-house/corporate graphics, publishing, printing, and mail departments for educational institutions, governments, and private industry. IPMA’s 1,500 members reside in the United States, Canada, and several other countries. Established in 1964, the Association is headquartered in Liberty, Missouri. For more information on IPMA, please call international headquarters at 816.781.1111; fax 816.781.2790; Email [email protected]; or via the World Wide Web at http://www.ipma.org.