Mission

The North Carolina Certified Public Manager® Program is a comprehensive, competency-based, and nationally accredited development program designed for middle managers from federal, state, tribal, and local government organizations. This credentialing program translates academic theory into practical (real-world) application as evidenced by skills, attitudes, behaviors and best practices that characterize successful management.​

Purpose and Goals

The purpose of the NC Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program is to provide an in-depth, comprehensive, competency-based, nationally-certified professional development program for public sector middle managers in the state of North Carolina.

NC CPM Program Goals include:

• Providing high-quality instruction that enhances participant performance in competencies identified as essential to managerial effectiveness in state, federal and local government
• Facilitating participants’ application of learning on the job to improve effectiveness in the public sector

Teaching/Learning Strategies

Learning is change. Extensive effort is spent in the NC CPM Program helping participants assess their current performance, identify appropriate improvements, commit to implementing meaningful behavioral changes and share successes with peers.

The NC CPM Program format is blended. The four core instructional modules each require extensive pre - and post-class assignments which include online course work. Classroom or virtual instructor-led training sessions focus on practicing skills and giving/receiving real-time performance feedback.

CPM competencies are developed through readings, case analyses, reflections, face-to-face and online discussions, simulations (role plays, group exercises, etc.), observing and critiquing others’ performances, online courses, action-planning and assigned on-the-job skills application.

A comprehensive individual project is also required (see Project Requirements). Each core instructional module includes a written project assignment.

Assessment

NC CPM Program participants are assessed on their ability to perform what has been taught. Throughout the program, participants will be required to complete tasks related to one or more of the instructional modules. Tasks may be written (e.g., create a Growth and Learning Plan), or interactive (e.g. facilitate an in-class meeting or make an online presentation). Rating criteria for these tasks reflect best practices taught in the NC CPM Program instructional modules. Participant performance is evaluated by program faculty and classmates as well as by personnel from sponsoring agencies and organizations.

Project Requirements

Each participant will be required to design a capstone project and submit a progress report by the end of their NC CPM Program. The purpose of the project is to allow the participant to demonstrate application of acquired competencies by developing and implementing a plan of action which is intended to measurably improve the quality of service in the participant’s work unit. The project entails leading an improvement planning team. Each participant will submit periodic written reports to their assigned CPM faculty coach, including a project proposal, team meeting update, implementation plan and final paper. The final project will be assessed by the assigned CPM faculty coach and by personnel from each participant’s sponsoring agency or organization.

Competencies

Personal and Organizational Integrity: modeling and reinforcing behaviors that address potential ethical problems; appropriate workplace behavior; legal and policy compliance.

Managing Work: meeting organizational goals through effective planning, prioritizing, organization and alignment of human, financial, material and information resources. Empowering others by delegating clear job expectations. Providing meaningful feedback and coaching, and measuring performance. 

Leading People: inspiring others to positive action through a clear vision; developing a diverse workforce; fostering commitment and team spirit; effectively managing emotions and impulses.

Developing Self: demonstrating commitment to continuous learning, self-awareness and individual performance planning through feedback, analysis and action.

Systemic Integration: approaching planning, decision-making and implementation from an enterprise perspective; understanding internal and external relationships that impact the organization.

Public Service Focus: delivering superior services to the public as well as to internal and external recipients; identifying stakeholder expectations and implementing processes that result in quality service.   

Change Leadership: initiating and supporting change within the organization by implementing strategies to help others adapt to changes in the work environment; fostering creativity and innovation; being proactive.

The NC CPM Program curriculum consists of the following four core instructional modules (not including prerequisite or co-requisite courses) based on the seven core competencies established by the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. Each module is delivered in a two-and-a-half-to-three-day classroom or virtual instructor-led training workshop supported by extensive pre-and post-class assignments. Significant online course work and an intensive individual project are required.

Management Development Planning

• Describe key behaviors associated with each of the seven CPM competencies
• Practice giving and receiving performance-based feedback
• For each CPM competency, use 360° assessment data to identify individual baseline performance levels
• Create an individual Growth and Learning Plan that includes 12-month improvement goals, action steps, performance measures, resource requirements, timelines and results

Twenty-plus hours of related pre- and post-class assignments. Pre-class assignments include written exercises and competency-based 360° performance survey data. Post-class assignments feature online courses, live online discussions, discussion board posts, and up to two hours of individualized feedback and planning with a CPM faculty coach followed by the subsequent submission of an individual written Growth and Learning plan.

Managing Daily Operations

• Better manage daily operations by honing skills associated with the CPM competencies of Managing Work, Leading People and maintaining a Public Service Focus
• Select and apply problem solving and process improvement approaches, tools and techniques to assess the effectiveness of public sector programs, processes, policies and organizations
• Plan and launch a project which addresses solving a problem, improving a process or program, or initiating a new program, with emphasis upon effective data/measurement, teamwork, implementation strategies and change management

Forty-plus hours of related pre- and post-class assignments. Pre-class assignments include online courses, self-audit of managerial activities, case analysis and project exploration. Post-class assignments consist of additional online course work, live online meetings, discussion board posts and a written project proposal. Optional Six Sigma Yellow Belt offered though the DIT may be included.

Interacting Across All Levels

• Engage effectively in interpersonal interactions by applying communication and problem-solving skills
• Use collaborative conflict management strategies to achieve mutual benefit while getting organizational results
• Select, develop, lead and facilitate effective teams
• Run productive meetings using best practices including appropriate technologies
• Prepare and deliver formal informative and/or persuasive presentations

40-plus hours of related pre- and post-class assignments. Pre-class assignments include readings, interaction questionnaires, online courses, live online discussions and discussion board posts. Post-class assignments include online courses, discussion board entries, delivery of an individual online presentation and a written project team update.

Strategic Leadership

• Improve individual leadership performance in the workplace through the application of five Leadership Challenge practices and 10 commitments based upon the research of Kouzes and Posner
• Describe effective change management strategies
• Compare practices in their state and local government agencies and universities to those best practices
• Apply effective business execution and monitoring/ evaluation tools in the context of their CPM project
• Use best practices to create organizational cultures and structures that support high-performing organizations

20-plus hours of related pre- and post-class assignments. Pre-class assignments include online courses, discussion board posts and a written project implementation plan. Post-class assignments include online courses, discussion board posts, completion and submission of the final project paper, and online project reviews by team members and agency personnel. The completed Growth and Learning plan that documents performance results for individual development efforts is also submitted.

What is the NC Certified Public Manager® Program?

The NC Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program targets middle managers from state, federal, local and tribal public sector government. The 300-hour program is an in-depth, comprehensive, and nationally accredited professional development program.

What is the purpose of the NC Certified Public Manager® Program?

The North Carolina Certified Public Manager Program shall provide participants with practical training that will increase their managerial performance in public sector organizations.

What are the benefits of program completion?

This program helps participants identify strengths and weaknesses, hone management skills, refine daily operations, improve interactions with coworkers across all levels of the workplace, and strengthen strategic leadership skills. Seven CPM core competencies, shared by CPM programs nationwide, are prevalent throughout all curriculum learning activities and are the basis for an intensive assessment of participants.

What is the time commitment?

The total NC CPM Program requires 300 hours to complete. The core, including pre-and co-requisite courses, is an intensive 14-month curriculum. Participants will spend approximately 12 classroom days divided into four modules. Over 120 hours are required outside the classroom to complete online courses, pre/post-class assignments, and a CPM project. Participants are to be given paid work time to complete all program activities and coursework.

Who should be nominated?

Are there any prerequisites required?

Yes, nominees/participants must have completed: 

1. Advanced Skills for Managers (ASM) program
2. Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Fundamentals course
3. LAAL: M High Performance Coaching course

What is the cost of this program?

NC CPM program fees are based on cost recovery. The 2025-26 PY fees are $2,101.25 per participant, payable upon admission due no later than 30 days prior to the first CPM classroom session. This cost must be covered by the participant’s sponsoring agency.

What is an agency’s commitment for nominating someone?

Each nomination carries with it the commitment of the organizational leaders of the applicant’s agency to:

• Make participation part of the nominee’s work plan, including the required 300 hours of knowledge acquisition and skills application.
• Encourage and support the application of CPM Program competencies on the job
• Complete all feedback instruments, evaluations, and assessments for the nominee
• Approve program funding

When may I begin nominating, and what is the deadline to complete nominations?

Applicants must be nominated by their agency leadership or Training Coordinator. Click here to see a description of the nomination process. Once you have decided on a nominee, the description contains a link to forward to your nominee to begin the application process. The application period opens on January 31 and the deadline to submit completed applications is March 31.

What is the purpose of the NC Certified Public Manager® Program?

The NC Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program targets middle managers from state, federal and local public sector government. The 300-hour program is an in-depth, comprehensive and nationally-certified development program.

What are the benefits of program completion?

This program helps participants identify strengths and weaknesses, hone management skills, improve daily operations, improve interactions with coworkers across all levels and strengthen strategic leadership skills. Seven core competencies are prevalent throughout all curriculum learning activities and are the basis for an intensive assessment of participants.

What is the time commitment?

The total NC CPM Program requires three hundred (300) hours to complete. The core, including pre-and co-requisite courses, is an intensive 14-month curriculum. Participants will spend 12 classroom days divided into four modules. Over 120 hours are required outside the classroom to complete online courses, pre/post-class assignments, and a CPM project. To maximize the agency investment, participants are to be given paid work time to complete all program activities and coursework.

When does the program start?

Because there are multiple cohorts, there are different session event and related deliverables due dates.  The first workshops will begin from July-August 2025.

Download 2024-2025 CPM Program Calendar

Who should be nominated?

Nominees must be middle managers approved by their agency leadership, assisted by their agency Training Director. Typically, nominated individuals are in positions that function at the level between executive management and first-line supervisors.

Are there any prerequisites required?

Yes.  Three prerequisites, available in the NC Learning Center, must be completed prior to March 31, 2025 in order to participate in the 2025-2026 CPM Program:

1. Advanced Skills for Managers (ASM) program
2. Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Fundamentals course
3. LAAL: M High Performance Coaching course

What is the cost of this program?

The current cost is $2101.25 per participant, payable upon admission into the program and no later than July 15. This cost will be covered by the participant’s agency.

Who should I talk to if I want to be nominated?

Individuals interested in participating in this program should speak with their supervisors, Training Directors and/or Human Resources directors about program admission before completing the program application. (For a list of Training Coordinators and their contact information see below under Related Content)

When do nominations begin, and what is the deadline for nominated applicants to complete applications?

Applicants must be supported by their supervisors and nominated by their agency leadership or Training Coordinator. The application window for nominated candidates is January 31 - March 31 (i.e. the deadline to submit applications is 5 p.m. March 31).

Accreditation

The NC CPM Program is authorized under the auspices of the National Certified Public Manager® Consortium to designate NC CPM Program graduates as Certified Public Managers®.

NC Society of Certified Public Managers®

The NC Society of Certified Public Managers® is a professional association of public sector managers who have earned the CPM designation or significantly promote the Society's objectives. The Society promotes networking with other professional managers as well as career development through continuing education. Find more information at www.ncscpm.org or learn more about the American Academy of Certified Managers.

North Carolina State University

The School of Public and International Affairs Offers a Master in Public Administration degree. Normally requiring 42 credit hours, students who complete the NC CPM program are only required to complete 33 hours in the MPA program.