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How to Become a CMC by December – Step-by-Step

Jul 17, 2025

If you're ready to earn the only internationally recognized consulting certification, the Certified Management Consultant (CMC) designation, there's still time to achieve it before the end of the year. Whether you're an experienced consultant or a senior executive, CMC‑Canada offers a structured, efficient path tailored to your background.

Here’s your step-by-step guide to becoming a CMC by December 2025:

Step 1: Take our certification program quiz and be placed into a certification stream

Once you submit the quiz, CMC‑Canada reviews your education and consulting experience to place you into one of four certification streams:

MBA Stream – Graduate from a recognized Academic Partner Program with less than 8 years of consulting experience.
Entry Stream – For individuals with a degree or professional designation (CPA, P.Eng.) and fewer than 8 years of consulting experience.
Experienced Stream – For professionals with a degree or professional designation (CPA, P.Eng.) and at least 8 years of consulting experience.
Executive Stream
1. Executive 1 – Candidates with 3+ years in consulting and 15+ years in senior executive roles; or,
2. Executive 2 – Leaders with 10+ years of experience running a consulting firm.

Candidates do not choose their stream; placement is determined by the Certifying Institute.

Step 2: Enroll in the appropriate certification program

To complete certification by December, enroll in a packaged program. These bundles save time and money.

Foundations Program – For candidates in the Entry and MBA Streams who have already met the minimum three years of consulting experience. Covers consulting fundamentals, ethics, and prepares you for the CMC Oral Assessment.
Executive Program – For candidates in the Experienced and Executive Streams. Focuses on advanced consulting competencies, ethics, and includes a workshop to help prepare you for the CMC Oral Assessment.

Details: Foundations | Executive

Step 3: Complete Required Coursework and Documentation

Based on your stream, you’ll complete:

Courses on consulting, ethics, project delivery, and personal/interpersonal skills
Engagement summaries
Provide Client References

These components validate your skills and adherence to the CMC Competency Framework.

Step 4: Book and Complete the Oral Assessment

After coursework and document submission, schedule your Oral Assessment—a structured interview with two CMC Assessors evaluating your consulting experience, ethics, and best practices application.

To ensure availability, we recommend scheduling your assessment early.

Step 5: Celebrate and Promote Your CMC Designation

Upon passing, you’ll receive your official CMC designation and join a respected community of certified consultants.

You can:

Use “CMC” after your name
Highlight your designation on LinkedIn and proposals
Be listed in CMC-Canada’s national directory

Your Detailed Timeline to CMC by December

Register by August 31 and Save $100!

Get an additional $100 off the already discounted price if you register for either program by August 31, 2025.

Foundations Program Timeline

For Entry and MBA Streams (minimum 3 years consulting experience required)

Date	Milestone
Now – August 31	Apply, receive stream selection, and register early to save $100
September 1 – October 27	Apply, receive stream selection, and register at regular price
Ethics Course Options:	August 27, September 25, or October 29 — choose the date that best fits your schedule.
November 5–22	Attend the full Essential of Management Consulting with live sessions and assignments
November 26	Attend the Oral Assessment Preparation
Late November / Early December	Submit documentation and schedule Oral Assessment
By mid-December	Complete your Oral Assessment

Details: Foundations Program

Executive Program Timeline

For Experienced and Executive Streams

Date	Milestone
Now – August 31	Apply, receive stream selection, and register early to save $100
September 1 – October 21	Apply, receive stream selection, and register at regular price
Ethics Course Options:	August 27, September 25, or October 29 — choose the date that best fits your schedule.
October 23–25	Attend the Executive Program - Executive Essentials of Management Consulting Course and OA Preparation Session
Late October – Early November	Submit documentation and prepare for Oral Assessment
By mid-December	Complete your Oral Assessment

Details: Executive Program

Summary: Your Path to Certification by Year-End

Register before August 31 to maximize savings
Choose the Ethics course date that fits your schedule: August 27, September 25, or October 29
Complete your coursework and documentation on time
Book and complete your Oral Assessment before mid-December

Start Today to Become a Certified Management Consultant by December 2025

Earning the CMC designation signals your professional expertise, ethical commitment, and consulting excellence. With this structured plan, you can achieve this milestone before year-end and confidently advance your consulting career.

Apply now and take the next step toward becoming a Certified Management Consultant.