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Discover Grants Management
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Certification
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Members
Learn more about the CGMS Certified Grants Management Specialist program
NGMA developed the CGMS Certified Grants Management Specialist certification program to provide an industry credential that elevates professional standards, enhances individual performance, and designates professionals who demonstrate the knowledge essential to the practice of grants management. Having the CGMS credential confers formal recognition of professional competency in the full lifecycle of grants management. Individuals who earn the CGMS have demonstrated knowledge of the professional domains that encompass the tasks and knowledge required of a grants management professional in various practice settings.
The CGMS program is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) through September 30, 2030. It is intended for grants management professionals from a wide variety of sectors, including federal, state and local governments; nonprofits; higher education; K-12 education; tribal governments; and private industries; primarily in the United States, but also in international settings.
NGMA membership is not a requirement to take the CGMS exam. Although the exam is administered by NGMA, the CGMS designation stands on its own.
Effective as of January 1, 2024
Use the Candidate Handbook to understand the CGMS application, testing, and recertifying processes.
This document articulates ideas, values and expectations of Certified Grants Management Specialists.
Pricing for initial exam, retake and recertification
(Non-refundable)
Member
Non-Member
(Non-refundable)
Member
Non-Member
(Non-refundable)
Member
Non-Member
*Includes optional one-year NGMA membership; price does not change if you opt out of membership
** This exam is for those who do not pass the exam on the first try and wish to retest after a 90-day period.
Complete your application for the CGMS Certified Grants Management Specialist exam in our Candidate Management System.
IMPORTANT:
Before you apply to take the exam, please read the instructions on setting up your account.
Payment must be completed at the time you complete your application. Visa, Mastercard and American Express payments are accepted. If paying by check, contact info@ngma.org for check payment procedures.
After you complete and pass the CGMS exam, your certificate will be available for download in the Candidate Management System.
A division of NGMA formed to independently govern, oversee, and manage the certification program.
Rebecca Silva, CGMS
Certification Council Chair
Director
Falcon Sanchez & Associates, PSC
Leia Morgan, CGMS
Certification Council Vice-Chair
System Director Grants Development & Management
CommonSpirit Health
Kasie Nichols, CGMS
Council Member
Director, Office of Self-Governance
Citizen Potawatomi Nation
Becky Heisinger, CGMS
Council Member
Director of Quality Integration
South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations
Shayna Thompson, CGMS
Council Member
Director, Defense & Security Segment
Guidehouse
Lindsey Ewing
Council Member-Board Appointed Member
Grants Manager
ADAMH Board of Franklin County
Joyce Hager, MPH
Council Member-Public Member
The Certification Council is solely responsible for essential decisions related to the development, administration, and ongoing maintenance of the CGMS certification program.
This includes:
The Certification Council consists of nine (9) voting members, including seven (7) active CGMS holders, one (1) voting member appointed by the NGMA Board, and one (1) voting public member. Except for the Public Member and the NGMA Board-appointed member, all Certification Council members must be CGMS certified. All Certification Council members shall be qualified for their positions with relevant experience and education; not be employees of NGMA; and not have conflict(s) of interest that would prevent them from serving in the best interests of the certification program. Certification Council members serve a three-year term and may serve two consecutive terms. The terms of the Certification Council members are staggered so that approximately one-third of the Council is elected each year.
NGMA posts a call for volunteers at the end of each year in which there are openings for applications for terms to start the following May 1. For more information contact cgms@ngma.org.
The Certification Council may appoint panels of subject matter experts (SMEs) as it deems necessary to support certification and examination development activities. These include, but are not limited to, ongoing exam review, exam item writing, conducting a jobs task analysis, standard setting, and seating an appeals committee. NGMA will send out SME calls for volunteers throughout the year as needed. You may also email your interest to cgms@ngma.org.