Created in 2009, the Colorado Certified Public Manager® (CPM) program is a professional development program that offers public sector professionals an opportunity to develop and improve their management skills, while earning a nationally-recognized, professional certificate.
Courses are taught by academic and practice-focused faculty to bring theory and practice together with participants' experiences.
Colorado CPM is the only nationally accredited Certified Public
Manager® (CPM) program offered in Colorado and is accredited by the National CPM Consortium. All CPM graduates are eligible to join the American Academy of Certified Public Managers®.
CPM is ideal for:
• mid-level managers in all areas of government
• high-level managers seeking a broader perspective
• professionals transitioning to the public sector
• aspiring government managers
Attendees come from all levels and areas of government, which offers a unique classroom experience where students connect with and learn from the experiences and perspectives of other professionals.
Participants complete six courses, which are delivered in a two-day format (Fridays and Saturdays) in-person on the CU Denver Auraria campus with a real-time, Zoom-in hybrid option for people who are unable to attend in-person. The Zoom is monitored and managed to provide a successful hyflex (in-person/on-line) experience. Courses Are offered on a rolling basis, approximately every other month.
Course topics include budgeting, human resources, administrative law, community engagement, leadership, ethics, innovation and more. Each course requires pre-session homework and post-session homework.
Participants may start with any course and may complete the coursework in six consecutive courses, or they may complete the program at a slower pace. In addition to the courses, participants complete a capstone project. All requirements for the certificate must be completed within three years.
CPRA members receive discounted tuition for the CPM Certificate!
Option 1- Complete the Certified Public Manager Certification
CPRA members register at the discounted rate of $400/course ($100 savings). That's a $600 savings for individuals receiving credit in the CPM program.
To receive the discounted registration rate, you must be a current CPRA member and registration must be completed through CPRA.
Potential participants must apply for and be accepted into the program. Once in the program, participants register for the individual courses (via the CPRA website) when they wish to take them. The application is available HERE.
Option 2- Attend any single CPM Course Offering
CPRA members can choose to attend any CPM course offering a la carte style without receiving the certificate. Each a la carte course is $300. Application is not required for those taking single courses and not seeking the certificate. Registration must be completed via CPRA.