NPMA Certification - Frequently Asked Questions
What is Certification?
"Results from an assessment process that recognizes
an individual's
knowledge, skills and competency in a particular specialty."
1. When I order my tests do they have an expiration date?
Yes. All tests expire in 90 day increments from the order date. The student is responsible for keeping track of their test expiration dates.
2. I have access to a manual from a co-worker/chapter, is it necessary for me to purchase the same manual?
Yes. The manual encompasses fees for the certification program as well as the manual.
3. What is the recommended amount of study time before taking the tests?
It is recommended at least 1 month of studying prior to taking tests.
4. I will be attending an NPMA Certification Review Course. Is it necessary to study prior to attending?
Yes. It is recommended to study at least 1 month prior to attending the course. The test questions are directly from the manuals. If prior studying is not done the test outcomes will not be desirable. The program is for all property
personnel and not created for each individual company.
5. When I received my CPPA Intermediate manual it came with a supplement. What is the supplement for?
The supplement is 20% of the CPPA module 4 test.
6. I do not know who my proctor is. How can I find that out?
Proctors are not assigned. A proctor list from your area can be accessed on our website under the certification tab. Their name, email and location is available so you can contact them to see their availability. Once you have a proctor
with a compatible schedule you can order your tests and choose that proctor.
7. Can a human resource person become a proctor for me?
Yes. They need to fill out the proctor application and ethics statement from our website to submit for processing. It is a volunteer position and they will not become a member.
8. I have been working in property related positions for over 10 years; can I take only the CPPM test since I have the qualifying years?
No. The certification program is progressive. To achieve CPPM certification you must pass CPPS module tests 1 & 2, CPPA module tests 3 & 4 and then the CPPM situational judgment exam. (With an approved work experience summary)
9. Can I submit my work experience summary after taking the CPPA and/or CPPM exams?
No. Your work experience summary must be approved before you meet the qualifications to take the CPPA and/or CPPM tests.
10. Can I submit my resume as my work experience summary?
No. You must submit the Word document from our website.
11. When filling out the work experience summary does each of the 7 functions have to have the minimum years? (3 for CPPA and 6 for CPPM)
Yes. Each of the 7 different functions must have the minimum years required and explain in a paragraph what you actually did with each function uniquely.
12. I have done all 15 property functions in my career; why does the form only allow for 7 functions?
The form was designed to be processed in the most efficient way possible. The work summary reviewers will only review the minimum number of functions necessary.
13. Once I achieve my CPPA certification, does it expire?
Yes. The CPPA expires 5 years from the issue date.
14. Once I achieve my CPPM certification, do I have to renew both my CPPA and CPPM certifications?
No. Once you achieve CPPM certification it overrides your CPPA certification. You must renew 5 years from the CPPM issue date.
15. I achieved a certification. Do I receive a certificate?
Yes. Certificates and pins are mailed out one time each month to the chapter presidents for presentation at the chapter meetings.
16. If I know of or witness a violation in the testing program by an individual, who do I contact and can I remain annonymous?
Please contact Penny Parker at
pparker@npma.org You can remain annonymous.
17. Does a CPPS Certification Expire?
Yes! Starting January 1, 2013 all CPPS certifications will expire with the same requirements as the CPPA and CPPM.
More questions? Contact Penny Parker at the NPMA office:
pparker@npma.org.