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Training / OCPM
Ohio Certified Public Manager Program
Frequently asked questions about the OCPM Program
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
How much time will I need to commit to the program?
How much does the OCPM Program cost?
How can I cover the cost of the program?
Where are OCPM classes held in Ohio?
How do I apply for the OCPM Program?
How many courses or credit hours must I take?
What if I miss a required course — How can I make it up?
I have already taken some of the courses offered through the program. Can I receive credit for these courses?
Can I receive academic credit for completing the OCPM Program?
How can I receive more information on the program?
Who is eligible to participate in the program?
The OCPM Program is open to managers and leaders within state, county and local government and non-profit agencies that assist the state. State employees must be exempt from bargaining units and must either supervise employees or manage a program or project that significantly impacts their agency.
How much time will I need to commit to the program?
The 300-hour OCPM Program is a part-time program that takes place over two years, each of which is divided into four quarters. Since required courses are offered every quarter, you should count on being available to take courses every quarter. Program participants typically spend two to three workdays per month in classroom instruction. You also will need some additional time to prepare for course meetings and to complete the two required work-related projects. This is why it is critical to negotiate adequate work-release time with your supervisors.
How much does the OCPM Program cost?
The program’s cost depends on courses taken and substitution eligibility. Each credit hour costs $20. On average, you can expect the program to cost $750 per quarter or $6000 over the two years.
How can I cover the cost of the program?
There are several options available:
Where are OCPM classes held in Ohio?
The OCPM Program in Southeast Ohio offers courses in Chillicothe, Athens and Zanesville.
How do I apply for the OCPM Program?
You can obtain an application form from the state OCPM Web site. Please note that the application must be accompanied by an application package including a resume, two letters of recommendation and a two-page written essay. Details about the required content of this application package are on page two of the application.
How many courses or credit hours must I take?
To earn the professional Certified Public Manager designation, you must complete a total of 300 hours. The curriculum and classes are scheduled to be completed in two years. Most courses are six hours (full-day courses; each hour of instruction is equivalent to a credit hour), although some are three hours (half-day courses) and others 12 hours (two-day courses).
What if I miss a required course — How can I make it up?
Once participants receive the year’s schedule, they are encouraged to plan carefully to avoid any conflicts with course offerings. However, if you miss a course due to an unavoidable circumstance, it may be possible to take the course at another site in Ohio. You will need to discuss this and other options with your OCPM site manager.
I have already taken some of the courses offered through the program. Can I receive credit for these courses?
If you have taken a course similar to an OCPM course through an approved training program, you may possibly be granted credit for the course. Contact your OCPM site manager to learn the procedure for getting credit for the course. The OCPM Program cannot grant credit for courses taken in colleges and universities.
Can I receive academic credit for completing the OCPM Program?
Several universities in the state will grant graduate credit for individuals who have graduated from the OCPM Program. Ohio University’s Department of Political Science will grant OCPM graduates credit toward its Masters of Public Administration (MPA) program. OCPM graduates earn nine credit hours towards an MBA at Capital University School of Management, Columbus, Ohio. Cleveland State University and Wright University also grant credit toward undergraduate and graduate programs.
How can I receive more information on the program?
Call 1–877–321–OCPM (6276) or email
ocpm@ohio.edu.
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