Meet the lion on the road to ISM Supply Management Core: a hard exam guarding a valuable ISM credential. TestPassed hands CORe candidates 316 verified practice questions, the practical way past the beast.
ISM CORe Exam Overview:
| Certification Vendor: | ISM (Institute for Supply Management) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name: | Supply Management Core Exam |
| Exam Number: | CORE |
| Exam Format: | Multiple Choice, Multiple Response |
| Real Exam Qty: | 165 |
| Certificate Validity Period: | 5 years (requires recertification) |
| Exam Duration: | 165 minutes |
| Passing Score: | 400 (on a scale of 200-800) |
| Related Certifications: | CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management) |
| Available Languages: | Spanish, English |
| Exam Price: | USD 399 (ISM Members), USD 499 (Non-Members) |
| Sample Questions: |  |
| Exam Way: | Computer-based testing at Pearson VUE testing centers worldwide. Remote proctoring option may be available. |
| Pre Condition: | 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. |
| Official Syllabus URL: | https://www.ismworld.org/certification-and-training/certification/cpsm/ |
ISM CORe Exam Syllabus Topics:
| Section | Weight | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Topic 1: Negotiation | 15% | - Negotiation Execution
|
| Topic 2: Category Management | 25% | - Category Strategy Development
|
| Topic 3: Contract Management | 15% | - Contract Administration
|
| Topic 4: Supply Chain Management | 15% | - Supply Chain Operations
|
| Topic 5: Sourcing | 30% | - Strategic Sourcing
|
ISM CORe Exam FAQ: Worry-Free Answers
ISM Supply Management Core is an official ISM (Institute for Supply Management) certification exam, listed under the code CORe. Passing it earns you the ISM CPSM certification, positioned at the Professional level. It also connects to CPSM (Certified Professional in Supply Management). For anyone aiming at a leadership track in IT, this credential is one of the clearest markers of verified skill.
Passing ISM Supply Management Core takes 400 (on a scale of 200-800), and the official registration fee is USD 399 (ISM Members), USD 499 (Non-Members). Retakes charge the full USD 399 (ISM Members), USD 499 (Non-Members) again, which is why accuracy in preparation matters more than volume. Validate your readiness with repeated TestPassed practice scores above the requirement before committing to a date.
The ISM Supply Management Core exam contains 165 questions to answer within 165 minutes. The SOFT engine from TestPassed imitates the real test scene on your computer and uses special methods to help you master questions and answers, so the official time limit becomes a practiced routine rather than a surprise.
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.
Vendor requirements are revised periodically, so confirm the current conditions before registering via the official exam page.
Three versions share the same verified content: the PDF prints unlimited copies for paper study, the SOFT engine imitates the real test scene on Windows PCs, and the APP version runs on all electronic products, which is why the majority of examinees choose it. A free demo lets you try before deciding, and after purchase updates are free for 365 days, extendable afterward at a 50% discount.
Worry-free shopping means a 100% money-back guarantee with stated conditions. Take the ISM Supply Management Core exam within 60 days of purchase; if you fail, you may claim a full refund, provided the exam matches your product. Attempts within 3 days of purchase are ineligible, as are downloaded-but-unused products, free materials, and expired orders; the candidate name must match the payer name. Submit a scanned enrollment slip and the official Score Report PDF within 2 days of the exam, and claims are processed within 7 days. Alternatively, exchange for two other exam products of equal value, free, keeping the update service on your original purchase.
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ISM Supply Management Core is structured into 5 official domains. The leading ones are Sourcing (30%), Supply Chain Management (15%), and Contract Management (15%). The full topic breakdown appears above; accurate preparation starts with an accurate map.
ISM Supply Management Core Sample Questions:
MNO, Inc. purchases benchmarking data services from Supplier X, which is the sole source for data relevant to MNO's industry. In recent months, Supplier X's pricing has increased and its technical support has worsened. MNO's supply manager is preparing to negotiate for contract renewal with Supplier X and needs to resolve these concerns. Which of the following is the BEST course action for the supply manager to take before conducting negotiations?
- A. Revise the Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Supplier X, with penalties for non-performance
- B. Develop win-win scenarios to add long-term value in a collaborative relationship
- C. Compare Supplier X's rates against similar services to establish reasonable costs
- D. Determine whether data can be collected from other sources, to bring the services in-house
Correct Answer: B 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestPassed members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
Smith agrees to work for Acme Company for 12 months on a time and materials contract, with right of termination for convenience. Under the terms of the contract, Smith's fee is payable quarterly. After six months, Smith provides notice of termination. Smith was only paid for the first three months of the contract, and Acme Company is withholding payment of the outstanding balance. If Smith files a lawsuit to recover damages, Smith is MOST likely to be compensated for which of the following types of damages?
- A. Restitution
- B. Incidental
- C. Consequential
- D. Punitive
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestPassed members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
A supply manager identifies an overseas source for parts used by the organization. The supplier's capacity, performance, reputation and sample quality are all acceptable. During final price negotiations, the supplier requests that the contract be based on its local currency. Which of the following is the FIRST course of action the supply manager should take in order to address the possible impact of this request?
- A. Perform exchange rate due diligence with the help of a financial advisor
- B. Reject the request based on the uncertainty of future pricing
- C. Propose a limit on the range of fluctuations allowed
- D. Re-focus the discussion on other issues before addressing the request
Correct Answer: A 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestPassed members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
A company recognizes a need for new and improved product offerings but does not have the necessary personnel or resources to accomplish this task. Which of the following is the MOST effective way for the firm to approach this problem?
- A. Establish a competitive environment between suppliers to encourage the development of new products
- B. Seek opportunities for supplier collaboration and product innovation
- C. Implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) throughout the organization
- D. Promote internal collaboration to find a solution
Correct Answer: B 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestPassed members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
DEF, Inc. is a multinational oil company expanding into a new geographic region. The firm's policy is to purchase locally for its operations whenever possible. Thus, DEF needs to find sources of materials, basic equipment, and standard bulk items within the new region. Which of the following should DEF do FIRST?
- A. Issue a Request for Proposal (RFP)
- B. Issue a Request for Information (RFI)
- C. Issue a Request for Quotation (RFQ)
- D. Conduct a suppliers' conference
Correct Answer: B 🗳️
Explanation: Only visible for TestPassed members. You can sign-up / login (it's free).
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