CPM Designation vs. MPA Degree

One of the most popular ways to advance your career as a public servant is to pursue certifications and graduate degrees. Most career paths have specific requirements and certifications that need to be completed to apply for a senior post, such as a Masters in Public Health (MPH).



However, for those with more general degrees, earning a certified public manager CPM designation or an MPA degree can help in ascending the ranks. If you can’t decide between the two, we’ve gathered some information on the major factors that should ideally be influencing your choice.

Time

MPA programs can take two full years to complete— three years if done part-time. Some colleges that offer MPA programs only offer in-person, full-time morning classes. These classes tend to clash with schedules, so if you'd like to pursue an MPA program, you might need to do some extra research.

CPM programs also take between two to three years to complete. However, unlike MPA programs, CPM programs don't require a high level of commitment since most classes take place once or twice per month. These days can be compensated for by the government since government organizations typically encourage staff to attend training sessions during work hours. These training sessions are considered an investment because trainees can immediately begin to put their skills into practice.



Cost

Certain government organizations cover the cost of MPA and CPM degree programs. These reimbursements take place under the guise that the employee must remain within the organization for a specific period of time. If the employee fails to do so, they must reimburse the organization for the tuition.

MPA programs are significantly more costly than CPM programs. This is because of their nature as lecture-based, in-person seminars. CPM programs are comparatively cheaper, so if the cost is a huge factor in terms of deciding which degree to obtain, a CPM program is your best bet.

Prestige

MPA programs require a lot more time and effort as compared to CPM programs. Naturally, this means that MPA degrees are more valued and prestigious in comparison to CPM designations. Hiring managers prefer MPA degrees given that they're complete master’s degrees, whereas a CPM is a certification. However, this doesn't mean that a CPM designation won't help you rise through the ranks.

Although both degrees have their pros and cons, in the end, it all boils down to what your lifestyle allows. If you’re looking for help in preparing for your civil service exams in NYC and Suffolk, we recommend Civil Service Success. With over 4 decades of experience under their belt, their instructors have been preparing candidates for civil service, police, and court officer exams diligently and effectively.

Contact them at 631-218-0889 or email them at customerservice@civilservicesuccess.com for more info.

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