The Washington Certified Public Manager (WCPM) program is designed specifically to meet the needs of today's public managers operating in an environment of close public scrutiny, high expectations, increasing demands and constant change. Instruction bridges theory and application enabling participants to create results that matter most to customers, stakeholders, and citizens.

The WCPM program is delivered state-wide and is nationally recognized and accredited. Participants also earn some college credit through South Puget Sound Community College. The WCPM program is an effective combination of study, practice, application and testing, providing a solid managerial foundation. Upon successful completion of the WCPM program, graduates are awarded the Certified Public Manager professional designation.

The WCPM program is offered on a regular basis in various locations throughout the state. The program can also be conducted in-house for organization-wide management training. For more information about the WCPM program, please select one of the following options:

• Who is it for?
• How would I benefit?
• What topics are covered?
• WCPM Curriculum (opens new window)

Who is it for?

The WCPM program is open to anyone interested in improving existing or gaining new management skills.

How would I benefit?

In the program, you will:

• Enhance your personal leadership strength
• Increase your personal effectiveness as a public manager and leade
• Learn to implement new approaches to organizational problems and opportunities
• Make a contribution to promoting quality in public service
• Network with other government employees from various agencies and entities

Successful graduates earn a professional designation as a Certified Public Manager and become eligible for membership in the American Academy of Certified Public Managers.

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What topics are covered?

Classes in the WCPM program cover a full spectrum of management skills. They begin by focusing on self-management and personal development, covering topics like self-assessment, leadership style, motivation communication, and ethics and values

The program then expands to leading groups and individuals, with courses covering performance management, group dynamics, and project management.

The last part of the program emphasizes organizational issues such as process management, the culture of organizations, customer focus, financial management, information technology, facilitating change, and systems theory.

For a Program Description see our Electronic Brochure

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