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CATS CM® Foundation

FOUNDATION certified by

About the best practice

IP owner:CATS CM®
Accreditation institute:Van Haren Certify
Examination institute:certN

The CATS CM® methodology has been recognized as the de facto standard contract management method for more than ten years. CATS is short for Contract Administration and Tracking Scenarios. CATS CM® a complete approach to contract management. With the flexibility and scalability to tailor the application to the organization’s specific needs. The methodology recognizes a clear relationship with the three factors for contract management success: contracts, policy & processes, and people and systems.

The definition of contract management is as follows: Contract management is the realization of intended contract objectives by proactively monitoring the fulfillment of all contractually established responsibilities, obligations, procedures, agreements, conditions, and rates, resolving all ambiguities, contradictions, and white spaces, managing all contract-related risks, and implementing all desired changes to the contract, during the execution phase.

Contract management is therefore aimed at achieving the intended contract objectives. These can be qualitative and quantitative. Contract objectives may change during the execution of a contract. CATS CM® enables organizations on both demand and supply sides to manage contracts, focusing on agility proactively.

Certification definition

The CATS CM® Foundation certificate demonstrates that a candidate understands contract management based on CATS CM® and is capable of applying the terminology and models used. A certified candidate can quickly and effectively integrate into an organization that has chosen CATS CM® as the foundation for contract management. Furthermore, a certified candidate can independently achieve better returns for the contracts under their responsibility. The CATS CM® Foundation certificate is also valuable for professionals who closely collaborate with contract managers in their daily activities.

Certification requirements

Candidates can become certified by passing the CATS CM® Foundation certification exam.

Vouchers for the certification exam are available through accredited trainers and Van Haren Group.

Certificate renewal

The CATS CM® Foundation certificate is valid for life.

Exam format

The general exam regulations apply to this exam.
Attempts per voucher:3
Number of questions:60
Passing score:80%
Time:60 minutes
Open-book:Yes
Language:

English

Dutch

Invigilation:

None

Question type:Multiple choice

Exam Syllabus

The following table is an overview of the topics examined in the certification exam.
#questions Level(s) of Cognition Category
1 2 3
12 ✓ ✓ General
9 ✓ ✓ Pillars
12 ✓ ✓ Process
27 ✓ ✓ Essentials
More information about the levels of cognition
  • Level 1 - Knowledge: This level requires candidates to recall specific information or facts. They should demonstrate the ability to remember and recognize details, terms, or concepts from their learning materials.
  • Level 2 - Comprehension: At this level, candidates are expected to show their understanding of the acquired information. They should be able to interpret, explain, and summarize. Candidates must go beyond mere memorization and demonstrate that they can grasp the meaning and implications of the information they have learned.
  • Level 3 - Application: The focus at this level is on candidates’ ability to apply their acquired knowledge in practical situations. They should be able to use what they have learned to solve problems, apply principles, or implement strategies in real-world scenarios.
  • Level 4 - Analysis: Analysis involves candidates breaking down complex concepts into smaller parts and comprehending the relationships between them. Candidates must display the ability to analyze information, identify components, and understand the underlying connections between them.
  • Level 5 - Synthesis: At this level, candidates are expected to exhibit the ability to create something new by combining different ideas, concepts, or elements. Candidates must demonstrate their capacity to generate hypotheses, design experiments, or develop original solutions to problems. Synthesis involves creativity and the integration of different elements to form a novel whole.
  • Level 6 - Evaluation: This level requires candidates to use judgments or assessments based on criteria and evidence. Candidates must critically analyze information, compare and contrast different perspectives, and make informed decisions. They should demonstrate the ability to evaluate the quality, validity, and reliability of information, arguments, or solutions.

During the exam, the candidates’ global knowledge of the following subjects will be tested:

  • Definitions used in CATS CM®
  • Factors that affect successful contract management
  • The CATS Contract Life Cycle
  • The Pillars of CATS CM®
    • The difference between Work To Be Done (WTBD) and All Other Contract Matter (AOCM)
    • The roles that emerge due to the contract and which must be established to ensure successful contract performance
    • The Contract Management Essentials, the subjects on which the contract manager should focus
    • The contract management process, consisting of six steps, and its implementation through the use of contract management scenarios

Reference Material

The reference material for the CATS CM® Foundation exam is:

Contract management with CATS CM® version 4: From working on contracts to contracts that work.

The CATS CM® Foundation exam will test parts I, II, and III of the book.

Trainer accreditation

CATS CM® organizes the trainer accreditation for this certification program. More information on the accreditation process can be found on their website.