Professional recognition for the individual and for the profession requires some process for determination of a person’s status within that profession. The Institute has developed a credentialing mechanism that validates the knowledge, skills, and abilities. Credentials will be issued at three levels:

• Associate of Service Management (ASM) – entry level professionals

• Professional of Service Management (PSM) – mid-grade, experienced ITSM professionals

• Distinguished Professional of Service Management (DSM) – senior, well experienced ITSM professionals and leaders

A fourth level of credential exists for those participants of the Institute that have be recognized for making a significant contribution to the profession and it’s body of knowledge. The status of Fellow of Service Management (FSM) may be bestowed on a participant of the Institute based on nomination by current Fellows of the Institute.

Process of Credentialing

This is the mechanism through which a person’s levels of knowledge, skills, and abilities are evaluated and ranked according to a set of criteria. An applicant submits verification of their qualification and these are validated by the Institute. The criteria are based on a combination of three areas:

Knowledge

Levels of knowledge are evaluated by assessing the education a person has received through academic programs as well as exposure to the practice of ITSM over time.

Skills

Certifications received through training and testing are an important measure of the understanding of the specific methodologies involved in ITSM. This provides a common basis for communication between ITSM professionals.

Abilities

Successful experiences in the exercise of ITSM methodologies are what testify to a professional’s ability. Confirmation of these experiences throughout a career by others is the reason references are part of the application process.

Mandatory Criteria	Associate	Professional	Distinguished Professional
Currently active in Service Management	N/A
Initial Certification in ITSM (see below)		N/A	N/A
Certification in ITSM (see below)	N/A		N/A
Advanced Certification in ITSM (see below)	N/A	N/A
Education (Associates degree or higher)	N/A	N/A
Experience and education	2 years or Associates degree	6 yrs or 4 yrs & AD or 2 yrs & BA	10 yrs & AD or 08 yrs & BA or 06 yrs & MA

Level	Description of Requirements
Associate	One initial level certificate 2 years of experience or Associated degree
Professional	One certificate One ITSM-related activity 6 years experience/education
Distinguished Professional	One certificate and two ITSM-related activities or two certificates and one ITSM-related activity College degree 12 years experience/education

Details are listed on the certifications page, but the table above outlines the broad requirements. If you feel that your experience and involvement in ITSM prepares you for participation in the ICSM USA at a level where you do not directly and precisely meet these requirements, then complete this application to the best of your ability and submit it with a letter outlining your request for an exemption.

Code of Ethics

At present, ICSM does not set forth its own Code of Professional Ethics. Applicants are expected to adhere to the professional and personal conduct code of closely-associated industry groups (i.e., itSMF, PMI, ISACA, etc.).

Registry

A registry of credentialed participants will be maintained.