FAQ - Chartered Marketer Program

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS TO COMPLETE THE CM PROGRAM

What required to complete the CM program?

To complete the CM program, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements to take the final Summit course after you have passed the three mandatory courses and one elective course. You can view the eligibility requirements for the Summit course here.

I took marketing courses as part of my undergraduate degree. Does this count towards the requirements to take the Summit course?

Yes – if you have taken at least two marketing courses, or at least one marketing and one business course from an accredited university or college, you are eligible to apply to take the Summit course for your CM designation after completing all the required CM courses. Click here to see full eligibility .

Please note this only applies to the Summit course. All other CM courses are eligible for anyone to take.

Do marketing courses from organizations offering online courses count towards the course requirements?

The prerequisite courses need to be from an accredited educational institution. CMA Certificate courses would also count.

What kind of work experience do I need to be eligible?

There are no barriers to registering for any of the CM courses. However, to take the final Summit course to obtain your CM designation, you will need at least one year of full-time Canadian work experience that is focused primarily on marketing.

I have significant experience in the marketing industry. Is this designation still for me?

If you have ten years plus of senior leadership experience in the marketing field, you might be better suited for our Executive Advanced Standing pathway. Please click here for more information.

I am a Chartered Marketer in the UK- does the CMA recognize this qualification?

We do not currently have an equivalency setup between CIM in the UK and the CMA for Chartered Marketer. Our program is specifically for marketers in Canada (one of the eligibility requirements to complete the CM program is work experience in Canada). However, marketing employers in Canada may recognize this qualification.

I currently work and live outside of Canada. Am I eligible to apply?

The CM program allows anyone to take the s, at anytime, in any order. To be eligible to take the final CM course (the Summit course), you need to have one year of marketing experience in a full-time role in Canada.

CM COURSES

What courses do I need to take to become a Chartered Marketer?

You will need to complete the following five courses:

Mandatory courses (complete all three)
- Tools for Success (formerly Applied Marketing Core 1)
- Finance and Campaign Execution (formerly Applied Marketing Core 2)
- Creative Elements of Marketing (formerly Applied Marketing Core 3)
One elective course (complete one)
- Brand
- Media
- Insights
Final CM course (application required)
- Summit

Do I need to submit an application to start taking any of the CM courses?

You can take any CM course except for the Summit course by registering and paying the course fee. You will need to submit an application to register for the Summit course, which is the final course of the CM program. Click here to see eligibility requirements for the Summit course.

How many courses do I need to take to obtain the CM designation?

You will need to complete a total of five courses: three mandatory marketing courses (Tools for Success, Finance and Campaign Execution, and Creative Elements of Marketing), one elective course (Brand, Media, or Insights), and the final Summit course.

How much does each course cost?

The cost of the CM program and each course can be found on our pricing page.

How do I register for a CM course?

You can register for any of the CM courses via the CMA’s events and learning calendar. Find the course you are looking for and follow the registration process. For the Summit course, you will need to submit an application as part of the registration process to determine if you are eligible (eligibility requirements can be found here).

Do I need to purchase textbooks for any of the courses?

All of our courses are offered 100% online so you do not need to purchase any additional materials.

How long will it take to complete all of the courses?

You have five years to complete all courses but this can be achieved in as little as 18 months depending on the pace and capacity of each learner.

Who can I contact if I have questions about courses?

You can contact our Learning Programs Coordinator – charteredmarketer@thecma.ca

GENERAL

How do I earn the Chartered Marketer designation?

To receive your Chartered Marketer designation, you will need to complete the following five courses.

- Mandatory courses (complete all three):
  - Tools for Success (formerly Applied Marketing Core 1)
  - Finance and Campaign Execution (formerly Applied Marketing Core 2)
  - Creative Elements of Marketing (formerly Applied Marketing Core 3)
- One elective course (complete one):
  - Brand
  - Media
  - Insights
- Final CM course (application required):
  - Summit

Can I complete the CM program while working full-time?

Yes- our learners have full-time jobs and other commitments and are able to complete one course per semester. Assignments are due weekly, so it is important to set aside dedicated time each week for coursework. Dedicated time varies between 6-8 hours per week.

How do I pay the course fees and what is the total cost?

The course fees are paid in steps as you complete specific parts of the program. For example, after you complete the prep course and have submitted your transcripts, you will be able to pay for Applied Marketing Core 1. The total cost of the program can be found at our pricing page.

I read that I must have 3 years of work experience to exit the Chartered Marketer program. Do I have to earn my marketing experience while in the program, before receiving the designation?

You can enter the program already meeting the 3-year work experience requirement. You can also earn it during the program or after completing the program. You will not receive the CM designation until you have earned the necessary work experience.

What are my options if I sign up for a course and can no longer complete it?

In extenuating circumstances, a deferral may be requested. Requests for deferral should be made in writing (email is acceptable). All deferral requests must be received prior to the start of week 3. Learners may only defer to the next available semester.

CPD REQUIREMENTS

What are CPD Credits?

CPD Stands for Continuing Professional Development, and is the term used to describe the learning activities professionals participate in to develop and enhance their abilities.

What CPD requirements are Chartered Marketers required to meet?

Chartered Marketers must earn 15 credits per year to earn a total of 45 credits over a three-year cycle.

What qualifies as CPD credits?

Structured, relevant learning that includes a formal assessment (e.g. an exam)
Relevant learning with no formal assessment
Marketing leadership
Self-directed learning
Researching and writing
Community participation
See more detail on CPD

I have recently earned my CM designation. When do I start logging my CPD credits?

You will be required to start obtaining CPD credits in the calendar year following the year in which you are awarded the designation. CMs will be permitted to bring forward any credits earned during the gap between achieving the designation and the next calendar year.

What is the online CPD log and where can it be found?

The online CPD log is where yearly professional development is documented. To add CPD activity click on ‘Program Status’ in MyCMA and then click on ‘CM Workbook (CPD)’ in the designation grid.

Will there be an audit to ensure compliance?

Yes, CMA will audit a percentage of Chartered Marketers to ensure submitted logs are truthful and accurate. Those who were recently designated and are CPD exempt will not be audited. Failure to comply with the audit requirement will result in a designation suspension.

What happens if I fail to comply with CPD requirements?

Failure to complete your CPD requirements may result in the suspension of your Chartered Marketer designation until the requirement is met.

Is there a deadline to submit my CPD log?

Your completed log should be submitted at the end of each year prior to December 31.

How many CPD credits must I earn each year?