MSMA offers two Certification programs:

1. CMDSM - Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Manager (candidates include Mail & Distribution Center Managers)
2. CMDSS - Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Supplier (candidates include Mail & Distribution Industry Suppliers) 

CMDSM Certification:  Management of mail and distribution systems today calls for many more skills and knowledge than in the past.  With the changing attitudes of executive management toward the importance of employing managers with higher skill levels, a new breed of mail management professional has emerged.  Organizations of all sizes are beginning to recognize that they cannot afford to entrust the management of their mail and distribution operation to unequipped managers.  A professional manager is required in order to achieve an efficient mail operation that is capable of providing maximum quality services at minimum cost.

This trend accounts for the growth of the latest professional management field of specialization – the professional Mail and Distribution Systems Manager.  These professional managers should be of a caliber comparable to the level of the other professionals with whom they must interface and serve in the best interests of their common organization.

The accounting, legal, data processing, training, human resources and other executives have long been accepted by professionals and recognized through a certification process.  This is due to the awareness of a body of technical knowledge required by professionals in each field in order to perform effectively in their field.  The CMDSM Certification program is designed to provide an accreditation for the technical knowledge required in the Mail and Distribution industry. 

CMDSS Certification:  41% of the Mail Systems Management Association members are from the “Supplier” side of the industry.  Therefore, MSMA has developed a new certification and exam for suppliers – CMDSS (Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Supplier). The CMDSS Certification incorporates Supplier themes as they relate to doing business with Mail & Distribution Management within companies.  While the CMDSS exam maintains the same integrity elements of the CMDSM exam, it is tailored to include quality assurance, customer relationship management, business ethics, negotiation, selling and presentation skills and other topics salient to Supplier excellence. 

Cost:  Members - $475     Non-Members - $675

Format:  Both CMDSM & CMDSS exams are timed (maximum 4 hours) and include 135 Multiple Choice Questions and 5 Essays.  Exams are typically administered prior to the Spring & Fall Mailcom Conferences, but can be proctored locally (check with your local MSMA Board of Directors for details).

Study Group:  MSMA Minnesota offers a free Study Group for CMDSM & CMDSS certifications.  For more study group schedules and other information, please click here

Study Guide:  MSMA offers outstanding study materials for CMDSM & CMDSS certifications.  The 2007 Study Guide is available on CD or hardcopy.  For more information and online orders, please click here.

Click here for applications:
CMDSM
CMDSS
Renewal

Additional information is available on the MSMA National Website

CMDSM Cerification Renewal Program:

Initiated in 2005, the objectives of the CMDSM Certification Renewal Program are:

1.        To raise the standards of the profession

2.        To establish the defined body of knowledge for effective performance

3.        To award recognition

4.        To encourage a continuing program of professional development

Renewing CMDSM's need to acquire 30 Certification Renewal Points over a three year period in the following areas:

• Work Experience
• MSMA Activities and Membership
• Non-MSMA Activities and Membership
• Education

      CMDSM Renewal Fee as follows:

·         RENEWAL (with points):

       MSMA Member Price = $50

       Non-Member Price = $150

·         RENEWAL (without points – retake exam)

       MSMA Member Price = $325

       Non-Member Price = $525

Additional information is available on the MSMA National Website