Wisconsin Certified Public Manager®

A nationally accredited management development program that prepares managers in federal, state, and local government and in tribal and nonprofit organizations for the challenges and unique demands of the public management profession.

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Information for Current Participants

We Recognize the Public Management Profession and Its Unique Demands

Enhance your administrative, technical, analytical and communication skills

Become a better manager, have a more satisfying work life, and a more productive and happier workforce

Learn from and with representatives of other governmental and non-profit agencies

Become a member of statewide and national cadres of professional public managers

A Nationally Accredited Program

The Wisconsin Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM) is a 300-hour nationally-accredited comprehensive management development program.

A candidate is awarded the Certified Public Manager® designation upon completion of the CPM program. This designation is recognized throughout the United States as evidence that you have successfully learned the competencies required to be an effective public manager.

The program is organized into three phases: supervisory, management and executive. It is designed specifically for managers in local, tribal, state and federal government and in non-profit organizations.

Phase I: Supervision

Phase II: Management

Phase III: Executive Management

Seven Leadership Competencies of CPM Goals and Objectives

Personal and Organizational Integrity
Model ethical awareness and maintaining a sense of trust through critical and courageous conversations and consistent words and actions

Managing Work
Empower others through personal responsibility and empowerment allowing an organization to grow and thrive

Leading People
Leadership is not managing the demands of each day; it is taking people in a direction.

Developing Self
Enhance our quality of life and increase our satisfaction

Public Service Focus
Contribute to the common good through accountability and transparency

Systemic Integration
Boost productivity and improving the workflow of an organization

Change Leadership
Navigate the rapidly increasing change and the growing complexity of today’s rapidly changing world

Form a Community Through Colleague Groups (Cohorts)

By participating in an 18-month Colleague Group cohort, you will form a learning community with other public sector professionals, engaging with an intensive broad-based management curriculum that hones your management and program delivery skills.

The CPM program brought together a cohort of emerging leaders and a cadre of distinguished instructors. It was a pivotal experience for my advancement as a leader.

(Randy W., Oregon Area Fire / EMS District)

“The Colleague program enhances the CPM program by promoting a forum which furthers a participant’s experience with peer group discussion and experiences that are likely more open and honest due to comfort and familiarity developed with each other.

Allan D., Village of Hobart

This is equivalent to a public sector MBA (I know… because I had a regular MBA degree and worked in the private sector before). So, every new/future leaders of the state government should have this certification to be effective public managers/leaders.

Masud P., Wisconsin Department of Administration

Course Information

Cost:

$4,600¹

Course Duration:

18 Months

Time Commitment:

300 Hours

Next Class Begins:

October 2025

¹Cost is payable in one lump sum or in two installments of $2,300 each. Please check with your agency to see whether it is willing to cover any or all of your program fees, and determine what sort of leave time will be needed to attend classes.

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By registering, you are about to embark on a rigorous and stimulating educational experience specifically designed to make you a better public manager. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn to respond even more effectively to the high calling of public management.

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