To attain the CPM® certification, ACPM members are required to complete two components of the CPM® program. First, they complete 202 hours of self-study (Course Curriculum) completing 55 eLearning modules and pass the most advanced level test of each module with 80% or higher. They then attend the residential program hosted by the IEOR Department at Columbia University in the City of New York. The rigorous classroom instruction and coursework led by Columbia professors and industry experts includes the study of the theory and practice of asset pricing, asset management, risk management, hedge fund management, quantitative methods, corporate finance, derivatives, fixed income analysis and foreign exchange. The final exam is devised and given by the Columbia professors.
The academic component is designed to provide a deeper understanding of fundamental security analysis, asset allocation, and portfolio management concepts for financial services industry professionals managing discretionary portfolios.
The curriculum encompasses eight core concepts:
- Quantitative Methods
- Financial Statement Analysis
- Corporate Finance Fixed Income Analysis
- Equity Analysis
- Fiduciary Responsibility
- Derivatives
- Portfolio Management
"Our goal with this designation is two-fold," said Michael Ross, president of ACPM and one of the individuals instrumental in developing this program. "First, we desired to have a professional designation that institutional and public investors could recognize as a commitment to the disciplines needed to successfully manage money. Second, we wanted to create a program that could help successfully train the next generation of portfolio managers." Previous president Jerrold Tepper, adds, "After several years of discussions about this new designation, we at PMI are especially proud of bringing this concept to fruition." Both Tepper and Ross participated and graduated with the first class of CPM®'s. "I am enjoying this process immensely," added Tepper. "It is a great privilege to participate and help pioneer the process of establishing these credentials industry-wide."
The IEOR Department is also very pleased to be participating in this one of a kind program. "At Columbia, we have a deep expertise in quantitative securities analysis and portfolio management, and we are delighted to incorporate this knowledge into a curriculum for professionals who are currently practicing portfolio management," said Dr. Soulaymane Kachani, Professor and Vice Dean of Columbia Engineering.
