• Prior to 1900 -Purchasing was recognized as an independent function by many railroad organizations.
• Prior to World War I (1914-1918) -Purchasing was regarded as primarily clerical.
• During World War I (1914-1918) and World War II (1939-1945)- Function increased due to the importance of obtaining raw materials, supplies, and services needed to keep the factories and mines operating.
• During 1950s and 1960s -Purchasing continued to gain stature as the techniques for performing the function became more refined and as the number of trained professionals increased. The emphasis became more managerial. -
• During 1970s and 1980s -More emphasis was placed on purchasing strategy as the ability to obtain needed items from suppliers at realistic prices as prices increased.
• During 1990s -Purchasing became more integrated into the overall corporate strategy.
• Current -The field is experiencing increasing integration with supply networks and information technology. The field has changed from "purchasing" to "supply management" to reflect the transition from a transaction-based, tactical function to a process-oriented, strategic one.

Founded in 1915, the Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) is the largest supply management association in the world as well as one of the most respected. ISM's mission is to lead the supply management profession through its standards of excellence, research, promotional activities, and education. ISM's membership base includes more than 45,000 supply management professionals with a network of domestic and international affiliated associations. ISM is a not-for-profit association that provides opportunities for the promotion of the profession and the expansion of professional skills and knowledge.

The C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) Program was originated by ISM in 1974, and is the first nationally accepted standard of competence and knowledge for the purchasing and supply management field. Those who earn the title of C.P.M. join a select but fast growing professional group, widely recognized by management and colleagues to be among the most knowledgeable in today's competitive world of purchasing and materials management.

All candidates must complete and submit an application for certification.

Applicants for C.P.M. certification must pass all four modules of the C.P.M. exam. In addition, the applicant must (a) have five years of full-time professional (non-clerical, non-support) purchasing and supply management experience, or (b) have a four-year degree from an accredited institution and three years of full-time professional purchasing and supply management experience.

ISM administers the program for the profession and the public. Membership in ISM is not required. Questions about ISM membership should be directed to ISM Customer Service at 800/888-6276 or 480/752-6276, extension 401.