Certified Service Manager Certification

The Certified Service Manager certification (CSM) was developed by NESDA to provide a means to verify the knowledge needed to manage a modern service business. CSM certification is also one requirement of the CSC (Certified Service Center) program.

A manager who passes a written test based on his or her knowledge of profitable business operations and who has the required experience may become a "CSM" (Certified Service Manager).

Although the CSM exam is not easy, service center managers will already have much of the knowledge needed just from the daily experience of operating a service business, as well as just plain "common sense."

The test is approximately 50% general information (laws, regulations, customer and employee relations, etc.), and 50% financial management. Service managers often have the most difficulty with the financial section, since there are a number of formulas to learn and utilize. All of the necessary formulas are included in the CSM Study Guide (see information below on how to purchase), as well as examples of how they are used.

Areas covered are business types, quality systems, bankruptcy laws, warranties and risk of liability, employee relations and pay systems, employment laws, subcontractors, interviewing job applicants, and financial management.

A training class is available each year at NPSC in July or August to help you get ready for the exam. If you are interested in the CSM certification, this class is a must, as it will help you gain a good understanding of the material covered on the test. The exam is also offered through ISCET Certification Administrators all year long.

The cost of the CSM exam is $150 per exam session. Members of NESDA or ISCET members receive a voucher for a credit of $50 which may be applied to a membership billing or materials order. (please request form when you take the exam)

A CSM Study Guide is also available and may be purchased through the ISCET online store. Cost of the study guide is $12.95 for members of NESDA/ISCET or $19.95 to non-members.

For more information on study material or taking the exam, contact the ISCET office at 817/921-9101 ext. 119, or the NESDA office at 817/921-9061 ext. 116.