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Certified Public Manager® Program
The Iowa Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM) is the premium nationally accredited professional certification for public sector managers and directors.
About CPM:
The CPM designation is held by 950 leading public sector professionals in Iowa and is the professional credential of choice for public sector leaders. Drake utilizes a practice-focused approach that emphasizes the practical application of theory to improve effectiveness while meeting the challenges of today's public organizations.
CPM is pursued as a unified learning group (cohort) of 25 professionals who meet 2-3 days each month over 18 months utilizing a mix of on-campus or virtual sessions. A new "cohort" of learners is launched twice each calendar year. See the "Schedules" heading below for details.
We are certain you will find the Iowa Certified Public Manager® Program a positive and rewarding experience that will enhance your professionalism and strengthen your organization. CPM is facilitated by The Zimpleman College of Business at Drake University in partnership with the State of Iowa. Contact Lance Noe at (515) 271-2008 for more information.
CPM Blends In-person with Virtual Learning
CPM Blends In-person with Virtual Learning
CPM sessions feature a blending format, with 2/3 of sessions meeting in-person on the Drake campus and 1/3 meeting virtually. Sessions that work best in a face-to-face setting will meet in person, while sessions that work well in a live/online format will enjoy the convenience of engagement from your home or office. This mix of online and on-campus sessions lowers travel costs and travel time commitments while providing face-to-face engagement for specific courses. See the course schedule for more information.
Technology Needs
What do I need from a technology perspective? CPM is a very engaging experience, whether offered virtually or face-to-face on the Drake campus. Since major elements of this CPM cohort will take place online, we ask that each CPM learner have access to a computer or device with an internet connection plus a microphone and camera to allow virtual engagement with others in real-time.
New Cohorts Begin each September and January!
Applications are taken throughout the year. To ensure a seat in the cohort of your choice, it is best to apply 1-2 months before the time you wish to begin. See the "Admission and Cost" heading below for application links.
Leads to a Zimpleman graduate degree:
Iowa's CPM is uniquely designed to be integrated with the Zimpleman College of Business online Master of Public Administration degree. Graduates of the CPM program who are otherwise well qualified for graduate school may reduce the required number of credit hours needed to earn the Master of Public Administration degree at Zimpleman by up to nine credit hours.
CPM Time and Tuition Savings toward a Zimpleman MPA degree
Time and Tuition Savings when applying CPM to the Zimpleman Online MPA
| Number of three (3) credit-hour courses required without CPM* | 10 |
| Number of three (3) credit-hour courses required when utilizing the CPM** | 7 |
| Total tuition for ten (10) courses required to complete the MPA* | $21,420 |
| Total tuition for seven (7) courses** | $14,994 |
| Tuition savings when utilizing the CPM | $6.426 |
To learn more about the Zimpleman MPA degree, click here.
* assumes an applicant who meets all requirements for admission to the Zimpleman College of Business Master of Public Administration degree program and the Fall 2023 tuition rate of $714.00 per credit hour.
** assumes an applicant who meets all requirements for admission to the Zimpleman College of Business Master of Public Administration degree program and who successfully completes the Iowa Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program within five years of beginning the Drake MPA program and the Fall 2023 tuition rate of $714.00 per credit hour.
Admission and Cost of the CPM
Admission and Cost of CPM:
Admission to CPM is based on professional experience criteria that include:
- Managing two or more people
- Involvement in a professional project or activities
- Pursuing a graduate degree
Applications are coordinated by our State of Iowa partners. You may apply anytime for admission to the next available cohort.
The 300-hour CPM program costs $3,500.00. Most CPM learners are sponsored by their employers; however, some choose to pursue the program as private professionals. The fee is paid through the State of Iowa.
For more information about the cost and application, contact (515) 281-5456 or visit the State of Iowa CPM webpage.
CPM Schedules
Schedules:
CPM Handbooks
Congratulations Graduates
CPM 39, June 2024
The 39th cohort class of professionals completed the 18-month curriculum and now holds the nationally recognized professional designation Certified Public Manager®. A new cohort begins on August 27, 2024.
Potential applicants are encouraged to contact Lance Noe at Lance.Noe@drake.edu or phone 515-271-2008 for more information.
Zimpleman News
April 10, 2024
