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CGMS Exam

The CGMS exam reflects the latest industry standards and best practices, ensuring the CGMS certification remains a trusted and valuable credential in the grants management field.

The exam, updated in 2025, was developed using the following process:

  1. Job Task Analysis: NGMA conducted a comprehensive Job Task Analysis (JTA)  to define the role of the grants manager. The findings informed the development of a revised Exam Blueprint. The Blueprint outlines the distribution of questions across four categories: Grant Guidance, Fiscal Management, Grant Awards, and Program Management. 

  2. Exam Review: Subject matter experts (SMEs), led by psychometricians, reviewed the CGMS exam against the new Exam Blueprint and identified any areas where new questions may be needed.
  3. Item Writing: SMEs, led by psychometricians, collaborated to write new items for the CGMS exam based on the updated blueprint.
  4. Beta Test: A Beta Test/Pilot Test was conducted in February-March 2025. Data from the Beta Test informed the Standard Setting/Cut Score study.

Standard Setting/Cut Score Study: A group of SMEs, led by psychometricians, conducted a cut score study during March-April 2025. The study was necessary to determine the pass score of the new exam. It was determined that a score of 650 is required to pass the CGMS exam. CGMS exam results are presented using a scaled score with a range of 200-1000.

What to expect

Prometric, NGMA’s testing vendor, provides technical assistance to NGMA in the delivery of the computer-based testing center and remote proctored CGMS exam.

The computer-based CGMS exam is offered at proctored testing centers across the United States and as a live remote proctored assessment available 24/7.

Format

150 multiple-choice questions (130 scored and 20 pilot non-scored questions). There are two unique versions/forms of the exam.

Duration

Three (3) hours with one scheduled 10-minute break.

Pass Score

A score of 650 is required to pass the CGMS exam. CGMS exam results are presented using a scaled score, with the scoring scale ranging from 200-1000.

Apply to Take the Exam

The computer-based exam is offered in-person at testing centers or with a live-remote (virtual) proctor. See Live-remote requirements. Candidates have three (3) hours to complete the exam. Upon passing the exam, your certificate will be available for download in the Candidate Management System. Payment is required to submit application. Visa, Mastercard and American Express are accepted. For check payments, contact info@ngma.org.

Initial Certification Application/Exam Fee

(Non-refundable)

Member

$500

Non-Member 

$674*

CGMS Exam
Retake Fee**

(Non-refundable)

Member

$175

Non-Member 

$250

CGMS Recertification Fee
(3-Year Renewal)

(Non-refundable)

Member

$299

Non-Member 

$473*

*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. Read more. 

Application

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.

Apply now

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.

Candidate Statistics

Exam Pass Rate

As of January 1, 2025, there are 321 CGMS holders.

2022 2023 2024
Exam Candidates 100 114 133
Pass Rate 38% 44% 47%
Total Number of CGMS Holders 276 308 321

Tips for exam preparation

Note: GMBoK Training is not a CGMS exam prep course. The training is not required to take the CGMS exam or endorsed by the NGMA Certification Council. Taking the GMBoK Training does not guarantee a passing score on the CGMS exam.

Need to Retake the Exam?

Candidates may retake the exam 90 days after test dates and are allowed three attempts in a 365-day period (one year). Candidates will be required to pay the retesting fee for each exam retake. Retakes are initiated through NGMA and NOT the Candidate Management System (CMS). 

CGMS Non-Refundable Retesting Fee
 $175 for members | $250 for non-members

Contact cgms@ngma.org for more information on scheduling a retake exam.