Exam Format

•  Exam Code: CPSD2
•  Certification Level: Professional
•  Exam Duration: 150 minutes / 2 hours and 30 minutes
•  Passing Score: 480 or higher on ISM’s 100–600 scaled score range
•  Unscored Content: ISM lists this exam as 150 questions, all scored.

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple choice
•  Number of Questions: 150 questions
•  Hands-On Questions: The CPSD Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam does not include hands-on lab questions. It is a computer-based exam focused on supplier diversity strategy, program management, sourcing, reporting, stakeholder engagement, and professional decision-making.

Exam Policies

• Offline Proctoring: The exam can be taken in person at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers. Rescheduling or cancellation must be completed at least 24 hours before the scheduled appointment to avoid forfeiting exam fees.
• Online Proctoring: The exam can be taken online through Pearson VUE OnVUE online proctoring, where available. Candidates must meet system, webcam, identification, workspace, and remote-proctoring requirements.
• Waiting Period: ISM applies a 30-day retake policy. If a candidate fails the exam, they must wait at least 30 days before retaking the same exam.
• Retake Fee: Full exam fee must be paid for each retake.

Certification Validity and Renewal

• Validity: CPSD® certification must be recertified every 3 years.
• Renewal Options: Maintain the CPSD® certification by earning 60 approved Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) and submitting the ISM recertification application before the certification expires.

Exam Fee

• Base Fee: ISM Member: $495 USD; Nonmember: $795 USD
• Taxes: Country-specific VAT/GST may apply
• Example: In India, 18% tax applies, making the total $584.10 USD for ISM members ($495 + $89.10 tax) and $938.10 USD for nonmembers ($795 + $143.10 tax)

Prerequisites

There are no formal prerequisites for taking the CPSD Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam. However, to earn the CPSD® certification, candidates must meet ISM’s certification requirements, which include:

• Successfully passing the Supply Management Core Exam, unless the candidate already holds an active CPSM® or C.P.M. certification
• Successfully passing the CPSD Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam
• Five years of professional supplier diversity or supply management experience
• Or three years of professional supplier diversity or supply management experience with a bachelor’s degree
• Knowledge of supplier diversity strategy, sourcing, supplier development, reporting, and stakeholder engagement

Exam Topics

• Developing Business Case and Obtaining Executive Support: Integrate supplier diversity into organizational strategy, advise leadership, and align supplier diversity with business goals
• Developing a Supplier Diversity Program: Build, implement, and improve supplier diversity initiatives, goals, websites, databases, procedures, and best practices
• Project Management for Supplier Diversity Professionals: Manage supplier diversity projects, timelines, resources, deliverables, and cross-functional activities
• Influencing and Partnering with Internal Stakeholders: Train stakeholders, resolve concerns, build internal advocates, and integrate supplier diversity into business practices
• Establishing Diverse Supplier Certification Process: Determine and develop diverse supplier certification requirements
• Establishing Diverse Supplier Qualification Process: Screen, qualify, and recommend diverse suppliers for sourcing opportunities
• Developing Diverse Suppliers: Provide supplier training, mentoring, business development support, and multi-tier supplier diversity initiatives
• Managing Relationships with Diverse Suppliers: Maintain supplier relationships, monitor progress, review performance, and support continuous improvement
• Financing and Budgeting: Define ROI, justify supplier diversity programs, and develop financial support for organizational diversity initiatives

Intended Audience

The CPSD Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam is ideal for professionals responsible for supplier diversity, strategic diversity initiatives, procurement, sourcing, supplier management, and supply chain inclusion, including:

• Supplier Diversity Manager
• Procurement Manager
• Sourcing Specialist
• Supply Chain Manager
• Diversity Program Manager
• Vendor Management Professional
• Supplier Relationship Manager
• Supply Management Professional

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get:

• Supplier Diversity Manager, Procurement Manager, Sourcing Manager, Supplier Relationship Manager, Vendor Diversity Specialist, Supply Chain Manager, Diversity Program Lead, GRC and Compliance Specialist, etc.

Average Salary:

• Varies by country and role — U.S.: around $70,000–$120,000 USD,
• India: around ₹6,00,000–₹18,00,000 INR,
• United Kingdom: around £35,000–£65,000 GBP,
• UAE: around 120,000–220,000 AED per year.

 Why It’s Valuable:

• Recognized by ISM, specialized in supplier diversity, and valuable for procurement, sourcing, diversity, compliance, supplier development, and strategic supply management careers

Exam Mode

The exam is proctored and can be taken either:

• In-person at authorized Pearson VUE testing centers
• Online through Pearson VUE OnVUE online proctoring, where available

Exam Booking Link

• Book your CPSD Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam via Pearson VUE — Click here https://www.pearsonvue.com/us/en/ism.html

Once you pass the exam

• Receive your score report after completing the exam
• Use the passed CPSD Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam toward the CPSD® certification pathway
• Complete the Supply Management Core Exam, unless waived due to active CPSM® or C.P.M. certification
• Submit the CPSD® certification application through ISM
• Pay the required certification application fee, if applicable
• Once approved, receive and maintain the CPSD® credential through ISM recertification requirements

Offers