Can the same CPE be applied to multiple NCMA certifications for recertification?
Yes. If the CPE meets the requirements of the Contract Management Continuing Professional Education Guide, CPE can be used across NCMA certifications.
I have to recertify this year. When do I need to submit my completed recertification
application?
Complete recertification applications must be submitted by December 31. Recertification applications postmarked or emailed after December 31 are considered suspended. Applications submitted from January 1 to March 31 will be assessed a nonrefundable $75 late fee. During this period of suspension, you cannot claim to hold the suspended certification. Applications received after March 31 are not accepted and the certification is expired. To achieve an active certification, the current certification process must be followed. Please be aware that an incomplete application will not extend recertification deadlines.
When does recertification occur?
- Recertification for CPCM™, CFCM™, and CCCM™ occurs every five years from the year you initially earned your certification or five years after your last recertification.
- CCMA: Recertification occurs every three years from the year you initially earned your certification for two consecutive terms. Each second recertification requires a retest. (Ex: Earned the CCMA in
April 2021; the three year term begins Jan 1, 2022 through Dec 31, 2024; the first recertification cycle would span Jan 1, 2025 through Dec 31, 2027; when recertifying in 2027, which is the second recertification, you would need to retake the CCMA exam.)
How much does recertification cost?
For NCMA members, $95; and for nonmembers, $145.
What are the requirements for recertification?
To achieve recertification, candidates must submit:
- Completed recertification application,
- $95 member/$145 nonmember recertification fee, and;
- Evidence of new CPE being achieved:
- CPCM™ recertifying by Dec 31, 2025 – 60 CPE within the 5-year recertification period
- CPCM™ recertifying Dec 31, 2026 or beyond – 100 CPE within the 5-year recertification period
- CFCM™ – 60 CPE within the 5-year recertification period
- CCCM™ – 60 CPE within the 5-year recertification period
- CCMA – 40 CPE within the 3-year recertification period
All CPE must comply with the Contract Management Continuing Professional Education Guide. CPE may not be applied multiple times for the same certification. However, CPE may be applied to
multiple certifications (Ex: Simultaneous CPCM™ & CFCM™ recertification requires 60 CPE, not 120).
Please retain and submit documentation of your education and training per the guidance shared in the Contract Management Continuing Professional Education Guide.
How many CPEs are required for recertification?
To achieve recertification, candidates must submit:
- Completed recertification application;
- $95 member/$145 nonmember recertification fee; and
- For the CCMA: Evidence of 40 new CPE being achieved within the 3-year recertification period (and pass the CCMA exam in even numbered recertification cycles);
- For the CFCM™ or CCCM™: Evidence of 60 new CPE being achieved within the 5-year recertification period; and
- For the CPCM™: Through 2025, evidence of 60 new CPE being achieved within the 5-year recertification period, and starting in 2026 evidence of 100 new CPE being achieved within the 5-year recertification period.
All CPE must comply with the Contract Management Continuing Professional Education Guide. CPE may not be applied multiple times for the same certification.
I have to recertify this year. When do I submit my completed recertification application?
Complete recertification applications must be submitted by December 31. Recertification applications submitted after December 31 are considered "lapsed." Applications submitted from January 1 to March 31 will be assessed a nonrefundable $75 late fee. Applications received after March 31 are not accepted and the certification is expired. To achieve an active certification, the current certification process must be followed.
I have multiple NCMA certifications. Can I recertify for all of them at the same time?
Each certification stands on its own and there is no alignment process of certifications by NCMA. Effective 1 January 2020, NCMA Certification Oversight Body (COB) has determined that each new certification will not impact the renewal dates of existing certifications. Recertification for each certification must be done separately. However, CPE may be applied to multiple certifications (Ex: Simultaneous CPCM™ & CFCM™ recertification requires 60 CPE, not 120).
I can’t remember my certification date and/or certification number. How do I find that out?
This information can be found in your member profile. To access, go to www.ncmahq.org and click “Log In” at the top right corner of the screen. If you have trouble accessing, you can call our Member Service Advocates at 800-344-8096 for this information.
How long does the recertification process take?
Complete and verifiable applications can take 15 business days to process. If the certificant’s application is incomplete, the process can take longer. The Certification Staff will notify those who are missing information via email when their applications are reviewed. Please keep in mind that any requests for additional information on an incomplete recertification application does not extend the deadlines of December 31 or March 31.
I can’t make my recertification deadline. Can I get an extension?
Certificants must plan accordingly and attain new CPE throughout the 5-year recertification cycle. The only “extension” is where NCMA will suspend your certification from January 1 to March 31 (a nonrefundable $75 late fee applies). During this period of suspension, you cannot claim to hold the suspended certification.
After March 31, the suspended certification is expired. The only means of activating the certification is by starting the application process from the beginning.
Please be aware that an incomplete application will not extend recertification deadlines.
I missed my certification deadline. Is my certification still valid?
Between the period of January 1 and March 31 following the recertification date, an additional nonrefundable fee of $75 will be assessed—$170 (NCMA members)/$220 (nonmembers) total. After
March 31, the certification(s) will be expired. If an active certification is desired, the current certification process must be followed.
What kind of documentation do I need to send with my recertification application to verify my CPE?
The same type of documentation used to verify CPE in recertification is the same as that used in the certification process. For more guidance, please refer to the Contract Management Continuing Professional Education Guide.