What should I look for in a certification program or designation?

1. Does this program/designation require participants to pass a written exam?

   The CMPS Institute requires each member to complete a 100 question exam and obtain at least an 80%. The CMPS® designation requires a certain level of proficiency in order to use the designation. Without being tested, anyone can call themselves “certified.” The test incorporates the five essential skill categories related to integrating a mortgage into a consumer’s overall financial plan.

2. Does this program/designation require members to follow a Code of Ethics?

   Without a Code of Ethics, you have no assurance that the person you are working with is being held accountable for the way they treat you. CMPS® professionals have pledged to follow a code of ethics. The CMPS Institute has the authority to terminate membership and the privilege to use the CMPS® designation for any marketing purposes if a member were to violate the Code of Ethics.

3. Does this program/designation require members to complete Continuing Education and renew an ongoing membership?

   CMPS® members are required to complete four hours of continuing education (available on the members-only web site) and remain a member in good standing.

4. Does this designation/program hold any federally registered mark?

   The CMPS Institute has received the Certificate of Registrations for the marks referenced below.

   • CMPS®
   • CMPS Situation Room™
   • CMPS Learning Gallery™
   • CMPS Board Room™
   • CMPS Gateway of Achievement™
   • CMPS Exchange™
   • CMPS Inner Chamber™
   • CMPS Trading Floor™
   • CMPS Hall of Wisdom™

   The CMPS designation takes a great deal of time and effort. Members must pass the examination and show a certain level of proficiency in order to obtain the certification. If the Institute did not register the CMPS® mark, unscrupulous persons might use the mark to try and gain an advantage in the marketplace without actually becoming CMPS members. The CMPS Institute has registered the mark to protect you and your investment.

   The mark should be used with the ® symbol: Gibran Nicholas, CMPS®

5. Does this designation/program monitor the use of its acronym ensuring only the people who have passed the exam and qualify use it?

   Yes, the Institute monitors the use of the mark and enforces proper usage of it.

6. If an organization has a designation with a registered trademark, can I trust they have actually applied for and received a Certificate of Registration?

   Unfortunately, no. Upon request, organizations should be able to show the Certification of Registration as proof of their registration.