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Wisconsin Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program

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.
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
Developing Self
Enhance our quality of life and increase our satisfaction
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.
Apply Today
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.

CPM Staff


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