As a principal or lead consultant in a small- to mid-size or boutique consulting firm, it’s a challenge to compete against other consulting firms and stand out from the crowd.

In the same fashion that IMC USA certifies individuals as CMC®s, IMC USA now offers certification for consulting firms. We do this in association with the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes (ICMCI), which administers the certification for consulting firms. 

Becoming a Certified Consulting Firm Provides Competitive Advantage

The CMC Firm designation from IMC USA and ICMCI provides consulting firms with:

• Increased international distinction and visibility
• Proof of your entire firm’s professionalism in consulting 
• A certified consulting firm has competitive advantage

What Are the Criteria for Becoming a CMC Firm?

Similar to Certified Management Consultants (CMC®s), CMC Firms are evaluated by ICMCI based on commitment to a Professional Code of Conduct, adherence to the Code of Ethics and  professional conduct as evidenced in Firm processes, use of consultant performance evaluations and reporting by clients, commitment of Firm to core competencies, skills and tools.

In addition, evaluation of the CMC Firm Certification includes proof of careful consideration in selecting and hiring new consultants, supervision, mentoring and provision of feedback to consultants, and a minimum number of CMCs in the Firm.

For a firm with ten or fewer employees, the firm must have one CMC. For firms between ten and fifty employees, the requirement is two  CMCs. Firms with over fifty employees must have at least three CMCs.

The Benefits of Becoming a CMC Firm

ICMCI lists the following benefits for CMC Firms:

• Use of CMC Firm branding elements in your firm’s marketing in add to your competitiveness and distinction in consulting
• Join a facilitated network of other high quality, approved firms, to potentially leverage each other’s talent and add more value for your clients
• Be included and have access to the online global directory of CMC Firms
• Attend the CMC-Global Annual International CMC Conference, with unique sessions
• Reinforce your firm’s ethical standards and code of conduct to your clients
• Reinforce your firm’s status and reach vis-à-vis major international firms

CMC Firms in the United States

Currently one CMC Firm exists in the United States. Quantum Mark is a CMC firm in Nevada. Quantum Mark was founded by IMC USA members Suzanne March and Diane Borhani to bridge the gap between people and technology when it comes to IT projects. Quantum Mark uses the CMC Firm mark to promote their firm and add credibility within the global community. According to QuantumMark,

“We are a CMC Global Firm. QuantumMark is a Certified Management Consultant (CMC), women-owned small business and project management consulting firm. We serve clients across the US, Canada, and Europe, with the ability to expand to other countries easily.”

Become a United States CMC Firm® in 2025

By joining forces with ICMCI, IMC USA leadership is actively looking for consulting firms who wish to attain the prestigious honor of being awarded the CMC Firm designation.  You can be one of the early adopters seeking this distinction by contacting the IMC USA CMC Marketing Committee and start the process for a new future.

Email [email protected] for more information.