Frequently Asked Questions

The following questions are those most commonly asked about the Wisconsin Certified Public Manager program. If you do not find the information you are looking for here, please contact us with your inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Certified Public Manager program?
2. Who can enroll in WCPM classes?
3. Where will classes be offered?
4. Who will teach?
5. What are the requirements for certification?
6. Why should I enroll in the program?
7. Veterans please note
8. What is the total cost of the program?
9. How long does it take to complete the program?
10. What are the benefits of participating in the program?
11. Which courses "fit" in which phases?
12. How do I know what to take?
13. Are all classes in Madison?
14. How do I get more information?
15. How do I register for a class?

What is the Certified Public Manager program?

The Wisconsin Certified Public Manager Program (WCPM) is a nationally-accredited comprehensive statewide management development program specifically for managers in federal, state, tribal and local government. The WCPM program consists of three phases, totaling 300 hours of training. Like CPM programs in other states, it recognizes the public management profession and its unique demands and challenges as well as your professional commitment and achievement. The program is administered by the University of Wisconsin—Madison.

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Who can enroll in WCPM classes?

Supervisors, administrators and managers working at any level of government or non-profit management can participate in courses. It is not necessary to enroll in the WCPM program to attend classes. Most are one-day, six-hour classes.

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Where will classes be offered?

WCPM classes are offered statewide. You can participate in the program at a site convenient to your workplace. WCPM classes also can be offered for individual agencies or government units upon request.

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Who will teach?

All classes are taught by UW faculty or experienced public managers and trainers.

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What are the requirements for certification?

The WCPM program consists of 300 hours in three phases. You must complete all phases to be certified. Phase III is open only to those people who have completed Phases I and II. The requirements are:

Phase I: Supervisory Training (73 Hours)-Begin with the class "Management Assessment" which must be taken during the first year after enrollment. This class gives you both an understanding of your strengths as a manager and an overview of the program. Complete a professional development plan to guide you in your management training. Provide evidence of at least 60 hours of supervisory training. If you have not completed this, you must do so before beginning Phase III. Complete a written project. This paper demonstrates your ability to apply supervisory concepts in a work situation. More information on the project is provided during the "Management Assessment" class.

Phase II: Management Training (138 Hours) - Complete seven required core courses and fifteen elective courses. Complete a take-home review demonstrating what you have learned .

Phase III: Senior Management Training (65 Hours) - Use knowledge gained from previous training in case studies, a simulation, an applied project and a leadership seminar.

Professional Development Electives (24 Hours) -You must complete 24 hours of Professional Development Electives, taken any time during the program. These electives can be completed through employee training, WCPM classes, professional conferences and independent study. They are an opportunity to tailor your professional development to your specific technical or management area.

See Program Overview page for details of the courses offered as part of the different phases.

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Why should I enroll in the program?

You will enhance your administrative, technical, analytical and communication skills.

It provides you and your agency with structured training that has the broad perspective necessary for effective management.

As a program participant you are a member of statewide and national cadres of professional public managers, learning from and with representatives of other governmental and non-profit agencies.

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Veterans please note

Eligible Wisconsin veterans, enrolled in part-time classroom study, may qualify for reimbursement of costs incurred in taking courses offered by the University of Wisconsin. Contact your County Veterans Service Officer for details.

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What is the total cost of the program?

The total cost of the program, including all application and project fees, is approximately $3,400.

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How long does it take to complete the program?

You can work at your own rate, taking classes as your work and personal schedules permit. Some students finish in as short a period as 18 months; others have taken seven or more years. The program requires that you make progress every year, but there is no limit on the time necessary to complete the program.

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What are the benefits of participating in the program? Of getting a CPM?

Candidates in the program report that they receive useful, work-based tools, skills and knowledge from the CPM classes. They also report that they meet and talk to a variety of public managers, and learn from them. Of current CPM graduates, approximately one-half have received a promotion while in the program or after completing the program. But the real benefit of participating is that, if you apply what you learn in the classroom, you will become a better manager, have a more satisfying worklife, and a more productive and happier workforce.

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Which courses "fit" in which phases?

Although the CPM Program has three phases, only one course offered directly by the program is in phase one -- Management Assessment. All other courses listed publicly are in Phase Two. Phase Three courses are only available for candidates who have completed all of Phase Two. There are 22 courses in Phase Two.

How do I know what to take?

First, register for the Management Assessment class as soon as possible. Part of that class will provide information on the program and help you to decide which classes to take. If you can't take the Assessment class in the near future but would like to enroll in classes, make a note that you need to take the 7 core classes in phase two, plus fifteen electives (three in each of five areas).

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Are all classes in Madison?

Currently, yes. But we are eager to offer the program in other places if there is sufficient interest. For those who live in isolated areas, or where there are no others interested in the program, online classes are available. Visit the online classes page for more information. Let the CPM Office know of your interest in completing the program online, by sending an e-mail to Program Director Susan Paddock at sschaefer@dcs.wisc.edu

How do I get more information?

Please contact:

Wisconsin CPM Program
University of Wisconsin-Madison
610 Langdon St., Room 313
Madison, WI 53703-1195

For an application form or a copy of the current training calendar, call (608)262-3830/4354; e-mail: cpm@dcs.wisc.edu; or write to the above address.

How do I register for a class?

To register call 608-262-0810 or 800-725-9692.

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Photograph by Jeff Miller, UW-Madison Communications

WCPM is a program of the
Department of Professional Development & Applied Studies
610 Langdon St., Rm. 313.....Madison WI 53703
Phone: 608-263-2088 or .....(800) 442-4617
Fax: 608-265-2329.....E-mail: pdas@dcs.wisc.edu