Ohio Certified Public Manager (OCPM) Program FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Certified Public Manager® Program?
The Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program is a comprehensive and nationally certified development program for state and local government leaders. To receive the Ohio CPM credential, participants must enroll in and successfully complete the Public Management Academy and the Leadership Academy.

Who is eligible to apply?
Any public or nonprofit leader is eligible to apply.

How do I apply?
Candidates must complete an online application, which is housed on Cleveland State University's website. In addition to a completed application, the candidate must provide written documentation from his/her supervisor acknowledging the commitments of the Ohio CPM program.

How long is the program?
The program is divided into two components: Public Management Academy (PMA)  and Leadership Academy (LA). Public Management Academy consists of 19 instructor-led workshops. The cohort typically meets twice a month, for approximately a year. Leadership Academy consists of 12 instructor-led workshops. The cohort meets either once or twice a month, for about seven months. Each session is 6.5 contact hours in length.

Do I need to enroll in both academies simultaneously?
No. Participants can take each academy individually or simultaneously based on personal preference and works well for their availability. A Center team member will work with candidates to discuss what option may be best for them.

In addition to the in-person workshops, what are the other commitments of the program?
Participants will be assigned pre and post-class work such reading case studies & articles, responding to discussion board posts, taking assessments, and so on. These assignments will be housed on Blackboard - an online learning platform. Cohort members will receive a guest username and password upon enrolling, and will be granted access to the materials. Additionally, participants will complete projects for both academies.

What type of work do the projects require?
Public Management Academy participants are required to create, develop, and implement a process-improvement project specific to their organization and their position. Participants must successfully present and defend their capstone projects and submit a written paper. Each Leadership Academy cohort must create, develop, and implement a community engagement project as a team. Upon completion of the program, the class must clearly demonstrate that the project positively impacted the community.

How do I receive academic credit at Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs for participating in the Ohio CPM program?
Participants who complete all program requirements and wish to obtain academic credit must apply and be accepted to an academic undergraduate or graduate program in the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Urban Affairs. Academic credit is granted via the CSU Credit by Exam process. Although there is a $20 credit by exam processing fee, students do not pay tuition for the corresponding credit hours. Undergraduate students are granted up to 6 credit hours per academy for a potential total of 12 credit hours. Tuition for academic programs is $409.55 per credit hour, which translates to a savings of up to $2,457.30 per academy, equating to a total savings of $4,914.60. Graduate students are granted up to 4 credit hours per academy, for a potential total of 8 credit hours. Graduate tuition is $556.35 per credit, amounting to savings of up to $2,225.40 per academy, and a total savings of $4,4450.80 when combining both academies.