Most industries have "certification programs" which designate a level of experience, professionalism and expertise that set those individuals in a particular class for businesses and people to recognize. In today's ever-changing business environment, you need every advantage to stay on top of your professional growth and development.
The Mail Systems Management Association (MSMA) has established the Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Manager (CMDSM) Certification for professionals in our industry. Nearly 20 years ago, a committee was formed to develop and create a system for "certifying" individuals. To insure the integrity and effective development of the program, it took two years to complete the framework for what is now the CMDSM Certification Program. Since 1989, there have been over 350 individuals in the
The objectives of the CMDSM program have remained constant throughout the history of MSMA. The CMDSM curriculum is designed to:
effective performance
professional development
The CMDSM program provides the framework for an individual to be evaluated, tested and certified as a skilled professional in the mail and distribution systems industry both in the areas of technical knowledge and management skills. Many businesses have relied on this program to provide them with a "selection process" for hiring and developing their management staff.
What Does Achieving a CMDSM Certification Mean?
First of all, it is not the same as getting a college degree. Many individuals who achieve the CMDSM Certification also have their college degrees. However, many do not! There are many individuals who are top professionals in the industry, but it has not been possible for them to obtain a college degree. The Certification program contributes to leveling the playing field between individuals who have college degrees and those who do not but possess experience and expertise in the mail and distribution systems industry. So is it important to have a degree? I would say yes, if at all possible. But if a supervisor or manager in this industry does not (or cannot) obtain a college degree, the CMDSM program provides the opportunity to demonstrate that they have achieved a level of knowledge that is recognized as "exceptional" in their profession.
Continuing Professional Development
The CMDSM program is the cornerstone of the MSMA. Therefore, in 2005, MSMA embarked upon a CMDSM Renewal program to verify that CMDSM recipients are continuing their professional development and level of industry expertise. The initial CMDSM Renewals will begin by the end of 2007. The renewal program will provide many individuals with the opportunities of being mentored by another professional. Individuals who have the distinguished honor of placing the CMDSM credentials after their names generally have many occasions to share their knowledge with others in the industry through speaking, teaching/training and mentoring. MSMA provides opportunities through their chapter meetings and the MAILCOM Conference for presenting sessions. Local PCCs and other industry events provide opportunities as well.
Sometimes the CMDSM credential means even more to the individual. Following are specific examples of recipients who had immediate professional changes upon achieving their CMDSM.
1. One recipient went back to work after being awarded the CMDSM Certification at MAILCOM in
2. Another individual contacted her boss the same day she found out she had passed the CMDSM exam. She was told on the phone that when she returned to work after the conference she would have the title of Vice President rather than Director, and her salary would be adjusted accordingly.
When I achieved my CMDSM Certification, my director posted the "press release" for people in my company to see. The comments from my fellow associates indicated they recognized the achievement. Most of all, I felt I had obtained a personal achievement that means a lot to me, and I also enjoy the networking opportunities I did not previously have. As such, I attempt to help others obtain their CMDSM Certification.
Would I Recommend the CMDSM Certification to Others?
The answer, without hesitation, is YES! The exam is now in the process of its 15th revision and is a computer-based exam. The areas covered by the exam are:
The study guide is a continual work in progress. Resources vary with the continuous changes taking place in the industry. For more information about the CMDSM Program, please check out the MSMA National Web site: www.msmanational.org.
Chuck Zeikle, CMDSM, has been involved in the mail and distribution industry for over 25 years and is currently the National President of MSMA and Shipping Manager for Trabon Printing Company in
