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Certified Public Manager Program

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 practical application, enabling participants to create results that matter most to customers, stakeholders, and citizens.

The WCPM certification program is nationally recognized and accredited. Participants also earn 23.5 college credits 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 credential.

The WCPM program is offered in a cohort model. Regularly scheduled classes are held at the Hawks Prairie Center. The program can also be conducted in-house anywhere in the state for organization-wide management development. For more information about the WCPM program, please select one of the following options:

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

Who is it for?

While the program was originally designed for public sector employees, the competencies and skills taught meet the needs of any current and future manager and leader.

How will I benefit?

In the program, you will:

• Enhance your personal leadership strength
• Increase your personal effectiveness as a manager and a leader
• Learn new strategies for increasing organizational performance and accountability
• Network with other employees from various public and private entities

Successful graduates earn the professional credential of 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 the full spectrum of core competecies for effective leaders. They focus on self-management and personal development with topics like self-assessment, leadership style, motivation, communication, and ethics.

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

The third 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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