WHAT IS CMC?

When you see the initials CMC following a consultant's name, it means that he or she is a Certified Management Consultant and has met strict certification requirements of the Institute of Management Consultants in his or her country. If that Institute is a member of the International Council of Management Consulting Institutes, the initials mean the consultant has met world-class standards of competence, ethics and independ-ence, and is eligible for reciprocity between ICMCI member institutes. These standards include:

REQUIREMENTS

Experience

Three years in management consulting with project leadership responsibilities
Education
Recognized university degree
Time spent
1200 hours per annum in active management consulting during the three qualifying years and currently active in management consulting

Independence

Owner or employee of a firm in independent practice, or internal consultant in organization meeting institute's independence criteria

QUALIFICATION PROCESS

Examination
Written examination or structured interview to test professional competency and application of the code of professional conduct
Sponsors
Two sponsors who are Certified Members
References
Written descriptions of five assignments, and five client references verified through interview

CMC s pledge in writing to abide by their Institute's code of professional conduct. Their adherence to this code signifies voluntary assumption of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of law. Every institute member of ICMCI has such a code which meets the minimum standards of ICMCI. Institutes enforce their code by receiving and investigating complaints of violations and by taking disciplinary action, including revocation of certification, against any member who is found guilty of code violation.

The initials FIMC designate a Certified Management Consultant who is also a Fellow of his or her institute.

In selecting management consultants, clients are well advised to seek individuals who meet the profession's own standards of competence, ethics, and independence. Institute certifica-tion is a valuable aid in this quest. It is the mark of excellence among management consultants.

E. Michael Shays has been a certified management consultant since 1973 and a Fellow of the Institute since 1988.