Becoming a Certified Management Consultant (CMC®) in the United States may seem overwhelming to new or busy consultants. But the benefits far exceed the effort you’ll spend applying, taking required tests and sitting for an oral interview by existing CMCs. Below are the facts about the rigorous application and review process managed by IMC USA. Read on for what you need to know to become a CMC®.

WHO May Become a Certified Management Consultant?

Consultants with a minimum of three years’ experience in management consulting and a Bachelor’s degree or (if no Bachelor’s Degree) five years of work experience including three years of consulting full-time.

WHAT is the Certified Management Consultant (CMC®)?

Management consultants in the United States may apply to become a Certified Management Consultant (CMC®) through IMC USA. The CMC® is a globally recognized designation which measures consultants’ skills and performance against international standards of management consulting. The CMC® designation is awarded after a group of Certified Management Consultants rigorously review a consultant’s application, completed test results, checks client references and conducts an oral interview.

WHY Become a Certified Management Consultant?

The reasons to become a Certified Management Consultant are many. It offers proof to clients and other consultants that you have satisfied clients and that you conduct your engagements professionally and ethically. The CMC designation puts you “on the same page” as other CMCs around the world, using the same Competency Framework and facilitating collaboration and adding more value for clients. Becoming a CMC is a process where a group of peers, all CMCs themselves, assess the applicant’s performance against professional and ethical standards. For many consultants, this process is extremely gratifying and self-affirming.

WHEN Can Consultants Apply for the CMC® Designation?

Consultants can apply for CMC certification at any time. The CMC® application is available online. Download and complete the application and submit it to IMC USA.

WHERE Does the CMC® Certification Process Take Place?

IMC USA processes all CMCs remotely, including the online application through the written examinations and other materials. There is an oral examination by a group of existing CMCs that takes place online via video conference.

HOW Does a Consultant Achieve the CMC® Designation?

Download the CMC Application form. Then, identify five or six references who are officers or executives of the clients you serve. You will need to obtain proof of any university degrees you have. Members of IMC USA’s Certification Committee will contact your client references to assess client satisfaction. You must have at least five satisfactory evaluations. Write at least three client engagement summaries, making sure you protect your clients’ identities as necessary. Submit your application online. Upon approval of your application, take the Ethics and other exams as required. The final step is an Oral Interview by existing IMC USA CMCs who will ask questions about your client engagement summaries, the Competency Framework and the Code of Ethics.

Become a CMC® NOW.

Click on this link, Start Your CMC Certification Now to learn more on IMC USA’s website, review The Competence Framework and download the CMC® application.