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~a;t9s :Behi.n..d The ~~C1YIC99? Certification When you see the initials "CMe" following a consultant's name, it means that he or she is a Certified Management Consultant and has met strict certifica- tion requirements of the Institute of Management Consultants. The Institute was founded in I 969 by the principal associations in the consulting field to establish publicly-recognized standards of competence and professional conduct for the individual management consultant. Applicants for Institute certification undergo thorough investigation of their consulting experience; they are inter- viewed by a panel of senior consultants to verify their technical competence; and they must pass a written examination evi- dencing their familiarity with the Institute's Code of Professional Conduct, which they have pledged in writing to follow. A Code of Conduct CMCs pledge in writing to abide by the Institute's Code of Professional Conduct. Their adherence to the Code signifies voluntary assumption of self-discipline above and beyond the requirements of law. Key provisions of the Code require that CMCs: . Safeguard confidential information . Render impartial, independent advice . Accept only those client engagements they are qualified to perform . Agree with the client in advance on the basis for professional charges . Develop realistic and practical solu- tions to client problems. The Institute enforces the Code by receiving and investigating complaints of violations and by taking disciplinary ac- tion, including revocation of certification, against any member who is found guilty of Code violation. Standards of Com petence Every step leading to the CMC designation has been designed to verify the candi- date's professional competence. . A Certified Management Consultant must have had at least five years of ex- perience in the full-time practice of management consulting, with major responsibility for client projects during at least one of those years. . The CMC has had to provide multiple references, most of them officers or ex- ecutives of c1 ients served. These refer- ences have been thoroughly interrogated to assure that consulting relationships were satisfactory. . The CMC has had to provide written summaries of five Clients assignments (disguised to protect client identity). . The CMC has had to pass a qualifying interview by senior CMC's, demon- strating professional competence and currency in areas of specialization, application of experience, and under- standing of the management con- sulting process. The Mark of Excellence In selecting management consultants, managers are well advised to seek indi- viduals who meet the profession's own standards of competence and ethics. 28 Institute certification is a valuable aid in this quest. It is the mark of excellence among management consultants.