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MSMA offers two Certification programs:

1. CMDSM - Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Manager (candidates include Mail & Distribution Center Managers)
2. CMDSS - Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Supplier (candidates include Mail & Distribution Industry Suppliers) 

CMDSM Certification:  Management of mail and distribution systems today calls for many more skills and knowledge than in the past.  With the changing attitudes of executive management toward the importance of employing managers with higher skill levels, a new breed of mail management professional has emerged.  Organizations of all sizes are beginning to recognize that they cannot afford to entrust the management of their mail and distribution operation to unequipped managers.  A professional manager is required in order to achieve an efficient mail operation that is capable of providing maximum quality services at minimum cost.

This trend accounts for the growth of the latest professional management field of specialization – the professional Mail and Distribution Systems Manager.  These professional managers should be of a caliber comparable to the level of the other professionals with whom they must interface and serve in the best interests of their common organization.

The accounting, legal, data processing, training, human resources and other executives have long been accepted by professionals and recognized through a certification process.  This is due to the awareness of a body of technical knowledge required by professionals in each field in order to perform effectively in their field.  The CMDSM Certification program is designed to provide an accreditation for the technical knowledge required in the Mail and Distribution industry. 

CMDSS Certification:  41% of the Mail Systems Management Association members are from the “Supplier” side of the industry.  Therefore, MSMA has developed a new certification and exam for suppliers – CMDSS (Certified Mail & Distribution Systems Supplier). The CMDSS Certification incorporates Supplier themes as they relate to doing business with Mail & Distribution Management within companies.  While the CMDSS exam maintains the same integrity elements of the CMDSM exam, it is tailored to include quality assurance, customer relationship management, business ethics, negotiation, selling and presentation skills and other topics salient to Supplier excellence. 

Cost:  Members - $375     Non-Members - $575

Format:  Both CMDSM & CMDSS exams are timed (maximum 4 hours) and include 135 Multiple Choice Questions and 5 Essays.  Exams are typically administered prior to the Spring & Fall Mailcom Conferences, but can be proctored locally (check with your local MSMA Board of Directors for details).

Study Group:  MSMA San Diego offers a free Study Group for MQC, CMDSM & CMDSS certifications.  Most classes are by conference call and begin May 2007.  More Study Group schedules and other information, please click here.

Study Guide:  MSMA offers outstanding study materials for CMDSM & CMDSS certifications.  The 2007 Study Guide is available on CD or hardcopy.  For more information and online orders, please click here.

Click here for applications:
CMDSM
CMDSS

Additional information is available on the MSMA National Website

Certification is a process whereby an individual is evaluated and tested in order to determine that he or she has the necessary qualifications and that he or she has mastered the specific body of knowledge that has been designated by the organization as requisite for effective performance in their profession.  After successfully completing the qualification process and successfully passing the written examination, a qualifying individual can be “certified” as being an accredited professional.

Objectives of an Accreditation and Certification Program:

  • To raise the standards of the profession
  • To establish for employers, as well as people in the profession, a defined body of knowledge for the effective performance in the profession
  • To establish guidelines for achievement (a learning and experience path for people to follow in developing their career in this profession)
  • To award recognition to those who have demonstrated a high level of competence and ethical fitness in the profession
  • To improve the performance in the profession by encouraging participation in a continuing program of professional development

Job Categories Covered Under the CMDSM and/or CMDSS Programs: 

Manager or Supervisor in the following fields:

  • Distribution Services
  • Messenger Services
  • Shipping Services
  • Receiving Services
  • Fulfillment Services

Work Experience Needed To Qualify for CMDSM (Varies Slightly for CMDSS - Check National Website for Details): 

A letter must be provided from your current employer (on letterhead stationery) giving employment dates that show the following:

  • Employment in the Mail and Distribution Systems field for 5 or more years with at least 3 years in management
    - OR -
  • Current employment in the Mail & Distribution Systems field with 3 years of Mail Management experience and 2 years as a member of MSMA (can be concurrent)

A letter of recommendation from the applicant’s current employer or a recognized professional manager is required.

Other Job Categories Covered Under the CMDSM & CMDSS Programs: 

Manager or Supervisor responsible for Mail and/or other Distribution Services with other responsibilities in:

  • Administrative Services
  • Office Services
  • Facilities Services
  • Vendors or Consultants serving the equipment (hardware and/or software) supply or service needs of the Mail and Shipping Management field
  • Other reasonable categories of job descriptions that are directly involved in Mailing and Distribution Operations

Note:  Above information is subject to the review of the MSMA National educational committee.