FAQs – Frequently Asked Questions
http://www.ncmahq.org/certification/faq.asp (National NCMA Link)
Do the 120 hours include the hours from the degree?
There are 2 different areas here. First is the 24 hours of business courses. Second is the
120 CPE of training. However, any business hours in excess of the 24 can converted to
CPE. The formulas are 15 CPE per semester hour and 10 CPE per quarter hour.
How far back are the a) hours and b) degree allowed to go?
For certification, there is no statute of limitations for the hours and degree.
Does NCMA have study materials?
Yes, there are study guides available for both the CCCM and CFCM examinations.
Preparatory study manuals include the General Business Knowledge module,
Commercial Knowledge module, and the Federal Knowledge module. The second edition
of the Guide to the Body of Knowledge has been released and is available for purchase.
These guides are available for purchase through the NCMA Bookstore.
What study materials does NCMA sell for the CFCM Exams?
For the General Business Knowledge Exam module:


General Business Knowledge Study Guide 5-volume set
General Business Study Prep e-course
For the Federal Knowledge Exam module:





Federal Knowledge Study Guide Book
Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK) Book
Annotated Guide to the Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK)
Desktop Guide to Basic Contracting Terms
Federal Knowledge Study Prep e-course
*For pricing and ordering information, click here.
What study materials does NCMA sell for the CCCM Exams?
For the General Business Knowledge Exam module:


General Business Knowledge Study Guide 5-volume set
General Business Study Prep e-course
1
For the Commercial Knowledge Exam module:




Commercial Knowledge Study Guide Book
Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK) Book
Annotated Guide to the Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK)
Desktop Guide to Basic Contracting Terms
*For pricing and ordering information, click here.
How long does it take for study guides to be delivered?
It will take approximately two weeks for your book(s) to be delivered with all standard
delivery orders. If you need your order expedited or shipped internationally, please
contact customer service at 1-800-344-8096 for current shipping rates.
Does NCMA have study groups?
Yes. Many, but not all, NCMA chapters provide study groups at the chapter level; please
consult your local NCMA Chapter for more details.
How do I start a Study Group?
Please review the Chapter Study Group Guide located on the NCMA website.
Does NCMA have e-courses?
NCMA has created online, e-learning courses that not only help you prepare for
examination but also enable you to obtain continuing education hours for use toward your
certification requirements. Visit our NCMA Online Education Center for more
information. Click here to view a demonstration of all these courses have to offer.
Are there e-courses for all exams?
There are e-courses for the Federal Knowledge Module and the General Business
Knowledge Module exams at this time. The e-course for the Commercial Knowledge
Module is unavailable at this time.
How much does an e-course cost and how many continuing education hours do I receive?
Please visit the Catalog Search Results page for current enrollment rates. Each of the
curriculum bundles provide comprehensive coverage of one or two major competency
areas in the General Business Contract Management Body of Knowledge (CMBOK).
Course content is at the college undergraduate level. Each bundle provides succinct, yet
thorough treatment of the subject matter roughly equivalent to a one-semester college
course. Successful completion of the curriculum bundles earn varying Continuing
2
Professional Education (CPE) hours, as shown below. CPEs may be applied toward
meeting NCMA's certification or re-certification requirements.
NCMA has also developed alliances with other education providers, who are listed in the
NCMA Educational Partners.
Do you have to be a NCMA member to purchase the study materials or take an e-course?
No, candidates are not required to be an NCMA member in order to purchase NCMA
study materials. However, there are discounted prices for members on all NCMA study
materials.
Do I have to apply for certification before I take an e-course?
No. Candidates who wish to take a study prep e-course to prepare for the certification
exams can register for the e-course at any time.
Are you required to purchase the study materials or required to take an e-course?
No, purchasing NCMA study materials or e-courses is not a requirement in taking the
certification exam.
How do I sign up for an e-course?
Candidates interested in signing up for a NCMA study prep e-course, can register online.
How long do I have to complete an e-course?
Most e-courses are available for a period of 90-days. If you are registered for an e-course
and need additional time to complete your program you may purchase an extension
through your online e-course account.
How do I receive proof of completing an e-course through V-Campus?
You are able to re-print transcripts through V-Campus. Simply login to your account,
click on My Courses, Past Courses, Transcript Page. If you are still unable to print your
transcript, please e-mail support@vcampus.com or call 1-888-235-7260.
I need technical assistance with an e-course, what do I do?
You will need to email support@vcampus.com or call 1-888-235-7260.
I am looking to earn more continuing professional education (CPE) hours to fulfill the
certification eligibility requirements. Does NCMA have seminars I can take?
3
Yes, NCMA and affiliated chapters host National Education Seminars (NES) that enable
you earn continuing education hours and the opportunity to learn more relevant
information relating to specific topics in the contract management field. Visit the
National Education Seminars site for a current schedule of NESs in your area.
Does NCMA offer ethics education courses?
Yes, NCMA currently works with LRN, the leading ethics and compliance education
provider, to provide a suite of five on-line courses entitled Certificate of Ethics
Education. Participants earn 5 CPEs for completion of the certificate. Cost: $300
members/$350 non-members for all five courses. Courses cannot be taken separately. To
register, please download the Certificate in Ethics Education Registration Form
and
submit back to NCMA along with payment. Registrations received without payment will
not be processed.
4