"There are noble public servants in all levels of government. This is one of the first times in my 25+ year career in public service that I’ve had an opportunity to 'work' with so many state employees."

Denise A. Katula, CPM – Manager of Leadership and Talent Development Somerset County Administrator’s Office (Trenton 9 Cohort)

"The Rutgers CPM program has assisted me in developing a better overall understanding of the responsibilities involved with being a leader and meeting the challenges presented in my day to day tasks more effectively in today's public sector workforce."

John Decker, CPM – Police Lt., Jackson Police Department

"Being with so many different classmates from various departments allowed me to understand varied perspectives. The program was lots of work but was quite a satisfying experience and I am proud that I completed it."

Atul Shah, CPM – New Jersey Department of Transportation (Trenton 7 Cohort)

"A great program for any Public Manager if you are looking to excel in your role and develop your organization with direct benefits to the people you serve. The education, the pace of work, and the networking among your peers are the best parts."

Joseph V. Palumbo, Sr., CPM – Fire Chief, Pennsauken Fire Department

State of NJ Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM)

The New Jersey Certified Public Manager® Program equips participants with the skills and competencies needed to impact their organization's efforts to meet its mission and performance goals in today's dynamic public management environment. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to tackle complex organizational challenges, manage their day-to-day operations more effectively, and grow as leaders. The program also provides a framework upon which leaders can build and apply throughout their career.

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The NJ CPM Program is designed around the core leadership requirements established by the National Consortium of Certified Public Managers. The curriculum was developed jointly by Rutgers University–Newark's School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) and the State of New Jersey's Civil Service Commission to meet the complex demands and challenges of the 21st-century public management environment.

The core competencies of the New Jersey Certified Public Manager Program are:

Public Service Focus
Quantitative Techniques
Communication
Problem Solving and Decision Making
Strategic Thinking
Analytical Thinking
Administrative Law
Budgetary Process
Management Information Systems
Personal and Organizational Integrity
Managing Work
Leading People
Developing Self
Systemic Integration
Change Leadership

Upon completion of the NJ CPM Program, participants will be able to:

Demonstrate the knowledge necessary to be successful public sector managers, supervisors, and leaders
Effectively align resources and lead people to accomplish agency goals
Demonstrate high levels of commitment to public service, personal integrity and continuous learning
Practice results-driven management and act as an effective change agent
Become a member of a network of public leaders and managers in the American Academy of Certified Public Managers (AACPM)
Apply up to 15 undergraduate credits or 9 graduate credits toward a degree at Rutgers University and possibly at other institutions of higher learning

The NJ CPM Program consists of:

21 courses which meet one workday every week over a period of 10 months
252 classroom hours plus a 50-hour work-related capstone project
A cohort model, where the same students attend all courses together
The option to select one of various locations throughout New Jersey

Coursework
Courses are highly interactive and include case studies, presentations, papers, projects, self-assessments, and review of current literature that relate directly to workplace issues and will positively impact the participant's capabilities in their work setting.

Capstone Project
Each participant will select a project with her/his supervisor that will benefit their organization. The participant will apply CPM concepts, skills, and learning while working on the project throughout the nine months of the program.

Schedule Options
See Schedules & Locations for cohort start dates and locations.

Flexible Framework
Flexible start dates, locations, and class schedules can be arranged for groups of 15 or more. Contact Jane Sharp, Director of the Certified Public Manager Program, at cpmspaa@rutgers.edu or 973-353-3979.

To be eligible for the NJ CPM Program, candidates must be a manager, administrator, or supervisor in a public organization in New Jersey – such as state, county and municipal governments, boards and associations – and have at least two years of supervisory experience. Candidates who do not currently supervise staff but have responsibility for managing, coordinating, or overseeing a program area whose deliverable has an impact beyond their current work unit will also be considered. Candidates must have the approval and support of their current supervisor and department/agency.

A bachelor's degree is not required and participants are not required to enroll in or complete an academic degree program; however, Rutgers will accept college credits for completion of the NJ CPM Program.

Courses are taught by Rutgers full-time faculty and qualified practitioners in their areas of competence. CPM faculty and mentors are selected for their academic qualifications and for their demonstrated excellence as practitioners in public management and business. In addition to quality instruction, each participant receives coaching from faculty members throughout the program.

CPM graduating class at its graduation ceremony (photo provided by Jane Sharp)

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Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program Graduates Largest Class To Date

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State of NJ Certified Public Manager® Program (CPM)

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Certified Public Manager (CPM) Program Graduates Largest Class To Date