New Jersey CPM Program Overview
The State of New Jersey Certified Public Manager Program® (CPM) is nationally accredited by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. New Jersey has provided the CPM program to public sector managers, supervisors, and administrators since 1984.
The NJ CPM program delivers challenging theoretical concepts, practical learning activities, and real-world assignments that are essential for the development of management skills. This combined conceptual and experiential learning approach prepares program graduates with the necessary competencies to effectively impact organizations’ mission and performance goals in today’s dynamic public management environment.
The NJ CPM Program participants meet one day a week for 10 months. All requirements for the program may be completed within a year. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and in consideration of our students’ need for flexibility, the New Jersey Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program is currently being offered virtually until in-person classes can safely resume. Relatedly, the class duration has been adjusted to half-day sessions (3 hours) However, to meet the National CPM Consortium program hour requirement, students will also be expected to participate in small group activities and discussion boards.
Upon successful completion of the program, graduates receive a CPM certificate and CPM designation issued jointly by the CSC and Rutgers SPAA. Graduates are also awarded 30.2 CEU’s and may apply up to 15 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits toward a degree at Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.
Program Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the NJ CPM Program, candidates must be a manager, administrator, or supervisor in a public organization in New Jersey – such as state, county and municipal governments, boards and associations – and have at least two years of supervisory experience. Candidates who do not currently supervise staff but have responsibility for managing, coordinating, or overseeing a program area whose deliverable has an impact beyond their current work unit will also be considered. Candidates must have the approval and support of their current supervisor and department/agency.
Application Requirements
To apply to the NJ CPM program, applicants must complete, prepare, and submit the following:
- Application Form
- Professional Resume
- Personal Statement
- Write a short essay (one to two typed double-spaced pages) that answers “Why are you interested in applying to the NJ Certified Public Manager Program?”
- Supervisor Statement of Approval
Admission to The New Jersey Certified Public Manager Program® is processed on a rolling basis. Classes are held in various locations throughout the southern, central, and northern regions of New Jersey. The application may be accessed by visiting http://spaa.newark.rutgers.edu/cpm.
Program cost is $4100 per student. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs has approved CPM for GI Bill educational benefits.
The NJ CPM program is delivered by Rutgers University, School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and administered by the New Jersey Civil Service Commission (CSC).
