Tony Lopes

Many South African marketers have an IMM degree or diploma tucked away in their resumes. Now the Institute of Marketing Management, after years of effort together with the Marketing Federation of South Africa (now defunct) and the Services Sector Education and Training Authority, gives marketers the opportunity to take their professional status to the next level by adding the letters CM (SA) behind their names.

In their words:

The Chartered Marketer (SA) sets an industry standard for the recognition of professional competence of individuals who have followed a career in marketing and have gained their knowledge through formal and non-formal learning processes.  They have also demonstrated their competence through the practical application of the knowledge thus gained.

There are currently 254 Chartered Marketers in South Africa.

Here’s what you need to become a CM:

• MBA in Marketing or Honours in Marketing
• Certain qualifications will stand in your stead towards Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
• 5 years of marketing management experience
• A record of ethical and professional conduct

You will then need to:

• Apply
• Perform a self-evaluation
• Develop a portfolio of evidence (including an examination)
• Be reviewed by a panel of peers
• Subscribe to an established code of conduct
• Attend workshops

The entire process takes approximately 6 weeks, depending on the eagerness of the candidate.

Find out more about becoming a Chartered Marketer.