The CORe exam leads to the ISM CPSM certification, a Professional-level credential from ISM. It validates the skills measured by the ISM Supply Management Core syllabus and is a recognized step for IT professionals building their careers, and it sits alongside related credentials such as CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management).

The ISM Supply Management Core exam includes 165 questions and gives you 165 minutes to complete them. That works out to a fairly tight pace, so reading each question carefully but decisively matters more than perfectionism. If a question stalls you, flag it and move on; banking the easier points first keeps time pressure from snowballing near the end. Before test day, run at least one full timed session with the PrepAwayTest practice test so the rhythm feels familiar rather than rushed.

You need 400 (on a scale of 200-800) to pass the CORe exam, and the official registration fee is USD 399 (ISM Members), USD 499 (Non-Members). Keep in mind that a failed attempt means paying the full fee again to retake the exam, so it pays to be honest with yourself before booking a seat. A practical benchmark: work through the 316 practice questions at PrepAwayTest until you can score comfortably above the passing line in timed mode, then schedule your exam.

Candidates must have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college/university (or international equivalent) and 3 years of full-time, professional supply management experience (non-clerical, non-support). OR Candidates without a bachelor's degree must have 5 years of full-time, professional supply management experience. Because ISM may adjust its policies over time, we recommend confirming the latest requirements on the official exam page (official exam page) before you register.

Yes. PrepAwayTest offers a free PDF demo of the ISM Supply Management Core material, so you can review the question style and answer quality before making a decision. Every purchase also includes 365 days of free updates, and after that period you can extend your updates at a 50% discount, which keeps your preparation current through 2026 and beyond.

If you take the ISM Supply Management Core exam within 60 days of your purchase and do not pass, PrepAwayTest offers a full refund under its Money Back Guarantee. To apply, send a scanned copy of your exam enrollment slip together with your official Score Report in PDF format within 2 days of the exam date, and your claim will be processed within 7 days. The guarantee applies only to the corresponding exam: attempts made within 3 days of purchase, exams downloaded but never actually taken, free materials, and expired orders are not eligible, and the candidate name must match the purchaser name. If you would rather not take a refund, you can exchange your product for two additional exam preparation products of equal value and keep the update service on your original purchase. Delivery itself is instant: your product is available for download right after payment and is also sent to your email within one minute, and if it has not arrived within 2 hours, contact our support team. There is no limit on how many computers you can install it on.

The ISM Supply Management Core syllabus is divided into 5 main domains, including Negotiation (15%), Sourcing (30%), Category Management (25%). Each domain carries a different share of the total score, so knowing where the weight sits helps you allocate your study time wisely. You will find the complete, up-to-date outline in the Exam Topics section above.