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Certification Program
Handbook

NPMA Certification Program Handbook

Table of Contents
Purpose ................................................................................................................................ 2
Benefits ............................................................................................................................... 2
Value ................................................................................................................................... 2
Process ................................................................................................................................ 2
Certification Levels.....................................................................................................................2
Examination.................................................................................................................................2
Applying......................................................................................................................................3
Preparation...................................................................................................................................3
Continuance.................................................................................................................................3
Eligibility Requirements..............................................................................................................3

Examination Information, Requirements, and Schedule .................................................... 4

NPMA CPPS/CPPA Certification Examination Information.....................................................4
Functional Areas:........................................................................................................................4
Examination Requirements:........................................................................................................4
Examination Schedule and expiration Dates for CPPS and CPPA.............................................7
Scoring.........................................................................................................................................7
Certified Professional Property Manager....................................................................................7
Appeals Process...........................................................................................................................7
Certificate Issuance.....................................................................................................................7

Confidentiality Policy ......................................................................................................... 8

CPPM Exam Statistics (2011-2012) ................................................................................... 9
Discrimination Policy ......................................................................................................... 9
Disciplinary Policy.............................................................................................................. 9
Students with Disabilities ................................................................................................... 9
Appendix A CGB Leadership ......................................................................................... 10
Appendix B NPMA Membership & Certification Contact............................................. 11
Appendix C Study Materials........................................................................................... 12
Appendix D Certification Fees and Additional Purchases ............................................. 13

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Purpose
The National Property Manager Association (NPMA) Certification Program is designed
to elevate professional standards, enhance individual performance, and designate those
who demonstrate knowledge essential to the practice of personal property management.
The NPMA Certification Program is managed by a Certification Governing Board
(CGB), (see Appendix A).
Benefits
NPMA Certification is the key to enhancing professional stature. Applicants
should consider obtaining their NPMA Certification to gain the following
benefits:

Expand knowledge: Gain technical competence in every aspect of

property management.
National professional recognition: Peers, staff, and management all
value NPMA Certification.
Extensive peer-level communication: Potentially increases networking
opportunities as a result of participating in NPMA Chapter meetings,
Regional conferences or educational classes and seminars.

Value
By hiring NPMA certified professionals, employers can be confident they are hiring
property experts who are skilled both in depth and breadth for their level of certification.
With every certificate issued, NPMA and the CGB are validating a level of Property
Management proficiency that crosses the normal lines of specific organizational or
industry based knowledge. NPMA strives to represent to the outside world that our
certified professionals have met and are held to the highest standards of excellence.
Process
Certification Levels

There are three progressive levels of NPMA certification:

Certified Professional Property Specialist (CPPS)

Certified Professional Property Administrator (CPPA)
Certified Professional Property Manager (CPPM)

Each certification has unique eligibility requirements when advancing to the next
level. This handbook covers the requirements for all three certifications.

Examination

The exams are multiple-choice or essay style questions, depending on the level of
certification. The examination fees cover exam issuance, scoring and recording.

All NPMA certification exams require an approved proctor who must comply
with the stipulations contained in the Proctors Manual whenever an NPMA exam
is administered.

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Applying

First time applicants must apply at www.npma.org.

Click the Certification tab at the top of the page.

Click the Apply Today link.
Complete the address on the invoice.
Choose a proctor, curriculum and examination information
If an applicant is requesting a re-exam, they should log in using their
profile.
Click the Certification tab at the top of the page.
Select applicable certification level and module.

Preparation

It is highly recommended all students study the materials prior to taking the exam.

Continuance

The nature of the property management profession, which is primarily regulated

by governmental laws, rules and regulations, usually experiences nominal
changes within a five-year period and any interim changes will be captured by the
continuing education requirement expected of all certificants. A Continuance
Application is required for each level of certification. CPPS, CPPA and CPPM
certificates are valid for five years and must be renewed every five years from the
date listed on the certificate. Details for the renewal requirements and application
are on the NPMA website at www.npma.org.

A Certification Emeritus (Lifetime) certificate is available by submitting an

application. The criteria for this certificate is granted at the highest level of
certification earned and must meet one of the following:

Totally and permanently disabled

Retired from the field of Property Management at age of 60 or older

Retired from the field of Property Management with 20 years of

continuous service

Emeritus status indicates one who is permitted to retain, as an honorary title, the
certification(s) last held.
Details for this certificate and application is on the NPMA website at
www.npma.org.

Eligibility Requirements

NPMA membership is not required for participation in the NPMA Certification

Program. If the applicant is not a member and would like to become one, please
join online or call the NPMA office. For contact information (see Appendix B).

There are no eligibility requirements for the CPPS certification level.

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If an applicant is new to property or works as a specialist in a specific area

(e.g., shipping, receiving, or inventory), then applying for the CPPS
designation is applicable.

Eligibility for the CPPA exam requires the applicant to have successfully attained
the CPPS certification, worked in the property management field for a minimum
of three years and have an approved work experience summary which
demonstrates functional responsibilities and years of experience. NPMA
Certification Work Experience Summaries will be approved or denied by a
Certified CPPM reviewer.

Eligibility for the CPPM exam requires the applicant to have successfully attained
the CPPA certification, worked in the property management field for a minimum
of six years with a minimum of four years of managerial experience and have an
approved NPMA Certification Work Experience Summary which demonstrates
functional responsibilities and years of experience. NPMA Certification Work
Experience Summaries will be scored by a CGB team made up of certified CPPM
members.

Examination Information, Requirements, and Schedule

NPMA CPPS/CPPA Certification Examination Information

The knowledge-based, on-line examinations consist of two module exams per

certification level, each comprised of 50 multiple-choice questions based on
topics from the Functional Areas listed below. There is a 90-minute time limit to
complete each exam, (see Appendix C).

Functional Areas:
(Applicant will be tested on these topics)

Acquisition
Audits
Consumption
Contracts and
Agreements Closure
Control: Ownership,
Responsibility, and
Accountability
Disposition and
Retirement
Environmental
Considerations
Identification
Inventory Management

Maintenance
Movement and Transfers
Physical Inventory
Property Accounting
Receiving
Records
Reporting
Risk Management
Screening and Excessing
Storage and Warehousing
Utilization
Valuation

Examination Requirements:

CPPS and CPPA

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Successful completion of two on-line module exams (scored as

PASS/FAIL).
E-mail notification will be provided when exam results are posted. A
numbered score will not be provided.
Examination Schedule and expiration Dates for CPPS and CPPA

One or more exams may be ordered at the same time.

Exams are created with issue and expiration dates.
Candidates have 90 days from the date of issue to complete each exam. Note:
When more than one exam is ordered, the expiration dates are staggered,
beginning with the first module exam.

Module Exam I expires in 90 days;

Module Exam II expires in 180 days;
Module Exam III expires in 270 days;
Module Exam IV expires in 360 days;

Each level of examination must be completed prior to taking the next level.

Scoring

For security purposes, copies of the exam or missed questions will not be
released. CPPS and CPPA exams will be scored by the NPMA Certification
Manager. If the candidate does not pass the exam, the candidate will receive a
breakdown of each competency area covered on the exam along with the
maximum score needed in each area. This will assist the candidate in determining
what areas to concentrate on when studying again for the exam.

Certified Professional Property Manager

The CPPM exam consists of three, two-part questions. Answers will be written in
short essay format. The exam has a three-hour time limit and must be taken in the
presence of an NPMA approved proctor or examination center.
The CPPM exam will expire 90 days after issuance. All four Module exams must
be successfully completed prior to taking the CPPM exam.
The applicant will be notified via e-mail of exam results after the exam has been
reviewed and the results posted. A number score will not be provided. CPPM
exams will be scored by teams made up of certified CPPM members.

Appeals Process

In order to appeal an exam score, candidates must submit a written request to the
NPMA Certification Manager within 30 days of receiving examination results.
The NPMA Certification Manager will forward the appeal to the CGB. Appeals
will be handled on a case by case basis. Adjustments may be made pending
resolution of the investigation.

Certificate Issuance

Certificates are printed and mailed the first week of each month.

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NPMA member CPPS, CPPA and CPPM certificates and pins will be mailed
directly to their Chapter President.
Non-member certificates and pins will be mailed to the primary address listed in
the individuals profile (see Appendix D).

Confidentiality Policy
Exam results are only provided to the applicant. Applicants are notified via e-mail when
exam results are posted. The applicant must login to their profile to view their results.
Exam results will not be given over the phone or by e-mail.
Certification levels, certificate numbers and expiration dates are considered public
information; any person can contact NPMA Headquarters (HQ) for verification of
certification level, certificate number and expiration date if applicable. Exam results are
considered confidential information and will not be released.

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CPPM Exam Statistics (2011-2012)

Passing Score: 28 out of 60 Points
Total Exams: 81
Exams with Passing Scores: 54 out of 81
Passing Exams: 67%
Average Exam Score: 30.5
Averages

Question 1

Question 2

Question 3

Question 4

Question 5

Question 6

Exam

Final Score

Final Score

Final Score

Final Score

Final Score

Final Score

Final Score

2011

31

2012

30

Combined

5.5

5.5

4.5

30.5 Pass

Discrimination Policy
NPMA does not discriminate against race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age,
disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military status or any other category
protected by federal, state and local laws.
Disciplinary Policy
Grounds for disciplinary action may include, but are not limited to: dishonesty,
fraudulence, or misrepresentation provided to NPMA staff, CGB or its representatives.
Actions may include suspension or permanent termination of examination eligibility,
revoking of certification and civil action. Depending on the severity of the violation,
renewal may be blocked for a set period of time. Any violations will be documented and
notification will be sent to the Disciplinary Committee for initial evaluation. If a need for
action of the Disciplinary Committee is founded, the individual(s) will be notified within
seven business days. The Disciplinary Committee will then notify the individual(s) in
writing within 45 days of any infraction.
The Disciplinary Committee is a sub-committee of the CGB. The CGB Vice-Chair will
head the Disciplinary Committee. All potential violations will be evaluated and reviewed
discreetly by the committee. Any persons notifying an instructor, Proctor, Vice President
or the Certification Manager of a potential violation will be treated with respect and will
not be publically named.
Students with Disabilities
In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any student with disabilities
will receive accommodations made specifically to meet their needs. Arrangement will be
made by the Certification Manager with persons in their locality to provide the required
accommodations. This includes but is not limited to help with studying and examination
verbally. Students or a person on their behalf must contact the Certification Manager to
request assistance.
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Name

Begis, Jim
CPPM CF
Bowley, Kim
CPPM, CF
Brockman, Cinda
CPPM CF
Finnegan, Barbara, CPPM
CF
Flanders, Tracy, CPPM
Glover, Hubert, PhD,
CRMA, CRISC, CIA, CMA,
CPA
Gonzalez, Frank
CPPM
Green, Beth
CPPM CF
Miller, Tara
CPPM CF

Appendix A CGB Leadership

Certification
Expertise
Governing Board
Committee Members
CGB Vice-Chair
Federal
Voting member
Voting member
Government
Contract
National Director of
Government
Certification
Contract
Non-voting member
Voting member
Government
Contract
Voting member
Government
Contract
Voting member
Public Member

Staff Certification
Manager
Presson, Frank, CPPA

CGB Chair
Voting member
VP Certification
Non-voting member
Eastern Region VP
CGB Secretary
Non-voting member
Operational Leadership
Non-voting member
Voting member

Price, Rick, CPPM

Voting member

Open

Voting member

Quinn, Gary
CPPM
Seltzer, Cathy

University & College

Government
Contract & Federal
Government
Contract

Company

Retired
ManTech International
Corporation
Consultant

Lockheed Martin Space Systems

Abacus
ReDe/Critique

Texas State University, San

Marcos
Consultant
ReDe/Critique

Certification

NPMA Headquarters

Government
Contract
Government
Contract

ITT Exelis

University & College

and State & Local
Government
Contract

UT Southwestern Medical
Center
TASC

Open
Smart, Mike, CPPS

Central Region VP
Non-voting member
VP Professional
Development
Non-voting member
Voting member
Voting member

University & College

Stickel, Darlene, CPPM

Voting member

Federal

UT Southwestern Medical
Center
General Services Administration

Walker, Latasha, CPPS

Voting member

Government contract

ReDe/Critique

Walsh, Mike
CPA

Voting member

NPMA member;
(Not NPMA
certified)

Goldbelt Eagle, LLC

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Appendix B NPMA Contact Information

National Property Management Association

3525 Piedmont Road
Building 5, Suite 300
Atlanta, GA 30305
Phone: 404-477-5811
Fax: 404-240-0998
E-mail: [email protected]

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Appendix C Study Materials

CPPS (Fundamentals of Personal Property Management)

July 2006, ISBN 0-9711728-5-4. This manual is for all property professionals pursuing
the Certified Professional Property Specialist. The manual includes a CD that contains a
Student Study Guide and a .pdf version of the manual.
CPPA (Intermediate Studies Manual)

March 2007, ISBN 978-0-9711728-6-9. This manual is for all property professionals
pursuing the Certified Professionals Property Administrator. The manual includes a CD
that contains a Student Study guide and a .pdf version of the manual.
CPPA Supplements to Intermediate Studies (a supplement is chosen by an applicant
for their specialized profession)

Government Contracts, Federal, State & Local Government, College & University and
Corporate
2007 ISBN 978-0-9711728-7-6 Supplement to the "Intermediate Studies" manual. This
supplemental manual may be purchased separately for use as a timely reference tool or as
part of the certification process. Topics in this supplement include the laws, rules and
regulations. This supplemental manual comes complete with a CD that includes a
Student Study Guide and a .pdf version of the manual.

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Appendix D Certification Fees and Additional Purchases

CERTIFICATION
NON-MEMBER
MEMBER COST
COST
Price difference does
not include
membership.
CPPS
Application Fee (includes manual, a CD
containing copy of manual, a Student Study
Guide, and shipping costs)

$185

$85

Module 1 Exam Fee (non-refundable)

Module 2 Exam Fee (non-refundable)
CPPA
Application Fee (includes manual, a CD
containing copy of manual, a Student Study
Guide, and appropriate supplements for
Contract, Federal, State & Local Government,
or College & University Property
Management, and shipping costs)

$150
$150

$50
$50

$185

$85

Module 3 Exam Fee (non-refundable)

$150

$50

Module 4 Exam Fee (non-refundable)

$150

$50

CPPM
$175
Exam Fee (non-refundable)
Exams not completed by exam expiration date Case by Case Basis
can be extended for 30 days (one time
extension)
Continuance Application Fee (nonrefundable)
Additional Manuals
Fundamentals of Property Management
(with CD containing copy of manual and
Student Study Guide)
Intermediate Guide for Personal Property
Management (with CD containing copy of
manual and Student Study Guide) plus
appropriate Supplement(s)

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$275

$75
Case by Case Basis

$75

$175 non-members +
$10 Shipping &
Handling

$75 members +
$10 Shipping &
Handling

$175 non-members +
$10 Shipping &
Handling

$75 members +
$10 Shipping &
Handling

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Appendix D Certification Fees and Additional Purchases (continued)

If an exam is not passed, the cost to retake the exam is the current published price of the
exam. Please check the NPMA Web site (www.npma.org) for current pricing.
Additional purchases:
Reprints of certificates can be printed and mailed to members upon request for the per
certificate costs below. This cost is subject to change.
Members - (current USPS Flat Rate envelope fee) per certificate
Non-Members - $25 per certificate
Pins can also be purchased:
Members - $6 per pin
Non-Members - $10 per pin
Please check NPMA Certification Web site for current pricing.

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