Exam Format

• Exam Code: LEAD
• Certification Level: Professional
• Exam Duration: 165 minutes / 2 hours and 45 minutes
• Passing Score: 400 or higher on ISM’s 100–600 scaled score range
• Unscored Content: The exam includes 15 unscored questions. These questions do not count toward the final score.

Exam Details

• Question Types: Multiple choice
• Number of Questions: 165 questions
• Hands-On Questions: The Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management Exam does not include hands-on lab questions. It is a computer-based exam focused on leadership, business strategy, stakeholder influence, people development, technology, risk, compliance, and ethical 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 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: The Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management Exam itself does not grant a standalone renewable certification. It is completed as part of the CPSM® certification pathway.
• Renewal Options: CPSM® certification must be maintained through ISM recertification requirements, including approved Continuing Education Hours and timely recertification submission.

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 Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management Exam. However, candidates pursuing the CPSM® certification must meet ISM’s CPSM® eligibility requirements, which generally include:

• Passing the Supply Management Core Exam
• Passing the Supply Management Integration Exam
• Passing the Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management Exam
• Three years of full-time professional supply management experience with a bachelor’s degree
• Or five years of full-time professional supply management experience without a bachelor’s degree
• Knowledge of leadership, business strategy, stakeholder engagement, people development, technology, risk, compliance, and ethics

Exam Topics

• Leadership and Business Acumen – Strategy Development: Develop and execute supply management strategies, align goals with business objectives, support transformation, and contribute to organizational excellence
• Leadership and Business Acumen – Stakeholder Engagement: Build relationships with internal and external stakeholders, influence business decisions, communicate value, and support cross-functional collaboration
• Leadership and Business Acumen – People Development and Coaching: Develop teams, coach professionals, support performance, encourage learning, and strengthen supply management talent capabilities
• Systems Capability and Technology: Evaluate technology, systems, data, automation, and digital tools that support supply management processes and organizational performance
• Risk and Compliance: Identify, assess, manage, and communicate supply management risks while supporting compliance with policies, regulations, contracts, and organizational standards
• Corporate Social Responsibility: Support ethical sourcing, sustainability, diversity, social responsibility, supplier accountability, and responsible supply management practices

Intended Audience

The Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management Exam is ideal for procurement, sourcing, supply chain, and supply management professionals involved in leadership, strategy, transformation, stakeholder engagement, risk, compliance, technology, and team development, including:

• Procurement Manager
• Supply Chain Manager
• Sourcing Manager
• Category Manager
• Supply Management Leader
• Vendor Management Manager
• Operations Manager
• Procurement Transformation Professional

Career Impact

Jobs You Can Get:

• Procurement Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Sourcing Manager, Category Manager, Vendor Management Manager, Procurement Transformation Lead, Strategic Sourcing Manager, Risk and Compliance Manager, Supply Management Director, etc.

Average Salary:

• Varies by country and role — U.S.: around $75,000–$130,000 USD,
• India: around ₹8,00,000–₹22,00,000 INR,
• United Kingdom: around £40,000–£80,000 GBP,
• UAE: around 140,000–260,000 AED per year.

Why It’s Valuable:

• Recognized by ISM, required for CPSM® certification, and useful for professionals leading procurement strategy, transformation, stakeholder engagement, risk, compliance, technology adoption, and responsible supply management initiatives

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 Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management 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 Leadership and Transformation in Supply Management Exam toward the CPSM® certification pathway
• Complete the Supply Management Core Exam and Supply Management Integration Exam, if not already completed
• Submit the CPSM® certification application through ISM
• Pay the required certification application fee, if applicable
• Once approved, receive and maintain your CPSM® credential through ISM recertification requirements

Offers