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CMDSM/CMDSS Study Guide

CMDSM/CMDSS Study Guide Now Available!!

Have you wanted to become CMDSM or CMDSS certified but were unsure of where to find material to study or even intimidated by taking the exam for fear of failing?  Well the time has come where you can now have a resource which will not only help you through the learning process, but will also provide in depth knowledge on every technical area contained within the CMDSM or CMDSS exam.

MSMA is pleased to announce the availability of the new combined CMDSM/CMDSS Study Guide!  This comprehensive study guide has been condensed with information regarding accounting & finance, budgeting, mail center management, mail center design, postal information, shipping & distribution systems, security, negotiation skills, business ethics, time management, human resources, and essay writing plus much, much more!

The CMDSMCMDSS Study Guide is available in two easy to use formats.  The hard copy version is contained within a professional looking binder which has each section of resources individually tabbed in an easy to read format.  Each section of learning contains valuable information with multiple choice review questions at the end of each section.  Great practice for the CMDSM or CMDSS exam!  Also available is the CD version (read only).  This CD contains everything the hard copy version does only in an electronic format.

While the CMDSM/CMDSS Study Guide may be used as the sole resource for your CMDSM or CMDSS exam preparation the following information may also provide valuable insight into your learning process.

CMDSM/CMDSS Topics and Resource Publications

Topic

General Description

Resource Publications

USPS Mail Knowledge

Both CMDSM & CMDSS

Knowledge of the following sections in the Domestic Mail Manual (DMM)

A Addressing
C Characteristics and Content
E Eligibility
M Mail Preparation and Sortation
P Postage & Payment Methods (PO30-Postage Meters and Meter Stamps)
S Special Services

You are not responsible for the specific rate values, but must understand the basic differences in services, mail preparation, eligibility, postage and payment methods and special services.

The Quick Service Guide and Postal Explorer are excellent sources of information. After you become familiar with these, we suggest you research specific sections of the DMM to get additional explanations.

You are required to know the basic layout and organization content of the IMM. Review the instructions concerning addressing formats for international mail. Also, notice the tables that indicate prohibited items restricted by countries.

DMM (current edition), United States Government Printing Office

DMM Utilities: The Decision Trees, Quick Service Guide and Publication List

Order forms are available at your local USPS office.

Postal Explorer CD ROM can be downloaded from the web: www.usps.com

The following USPS publications are free and can be obtained from your local USPS Account Manager or downloaded from the web at www.usps.com.

Pub. 25: Designing Letter and Reply Mail

Pub. 28: Postal Addressing Standards

Pub. 49: Getting Started with Standard Mail

Pub. 51: International Postal Rates & Fees

Pub. 63: Designing Flat Mail

Pub. 95: Quick Service Guide

Pub. 542: Understanding the Private Express Statutes

International Mail Manual (current edition), United States Government Printing Office

Financial Management

CMDSM Only

  • Budget theory
  • Preparation and planning specifics required for creating a budget
  • Various types of budgets to include capital, fixed, operating and budget variance and budget actual

Financial Management or Budget Planning books, Budget planning tools used by your company.
Books we have found useful:

  • “Accounting for Dummies” by John Tracy
  • “Essentials of Business Budgeting” by Robert Finney
  • “Budgeting Basics and Beyond” by Jae K. Shim & Joel Siegel

Human Resources

CMDSM Only

General approach to Human Resources. Be familiar with:

  • Affirmative Action
  • American Disabilities Act
  • Interviewing skills (legal pre-employment questions)
  • Family Medical Leave Act
  • Age Discrimination Act
  • Equal Employment Opportunity Commission

Review your company guidelines concerning these programs or access the web at:
www.shrm.org
www.dol.gov
www.workforcre.com
www.worldatwork.org
Books we have found useful:

  • “96 Great Interview Questions to Ask Before You Hire” by Paul Falcone
  • “The Employers Legal Handbook” by Fred S. Steingold
  • “Fair, Square & Legal” by Donald H. Weiss
  • “Age Discrimination in the Workplace” by Michael R. Losey

Mail Center Design


CMDSM Only

 

  • Workflow
  • Layout
  • Design issues

Furniture manufacturer brochures such as Charnstrom, Kwik File and Hamilton Sorter.

Mail & Distribution Systems Knowledge

Both CMDSM & CMDSS

 

  • Differences in carrier service levels
  • Know requirements for domestic and international shipping
  • Consolidation and drop shipping opportunities

Service guides from USPS, Airborne, DHL, Federal Express, UPS, RMX, Drop Ship, Smart Mail and Quick Pak

General Management Practices

CMDSM Only

  • Management theory
  • Performance measurement
  • Writing job descriptions
  • Motivational techniques

Books we have found useful:

  • “Action Tools for Effective Managers” by Margaret Mary Gootnick & David Gootnick
  • “Egos & Eggshells” by Margot Robinson, M.A.
  • “Truth, Trust, and the Bottom Line” by Diane Tracy & William J. Morin

These resources should be available through your local public library or a major bookstore.

If you are affiliated with a local chapter of MSMA, there may be a study group to prepare for the CMDSM or CMDSS Certification Examination. Go to the national MSMA website for a list of the Chapters: www.msmanational.org

So become a leader within the mailing industry by taking and passing the CMDSM or CMDSS exam. Study well and learn with confidence with the new CMDSM/CMDSS Study Guide!