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Nonprofit

Issued by NGMA

Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS is a professional certification issued by NGMA. CGMS validates federal grants compliance expertise — required for grants managers at nonprofits, universities, and government agencies managing federal funding.

→ Stable Demand 📊 Advanced Updated 17 hours ago
At a Glance
Exam Cost$395 (member)
Renewal3 years
Experience3 years grants management experience
Exam FormatMultiple choice exam
Job Postings26
Avg Salary$81K

📈 Employer Demand

26
Active Job Postings
$81K
Avg Salary
$50K – $168K
Salary Range

Top Employers Requesting This Certification

#EmployerOpen RolesDemand
1 JGM 3
2 Sanford Health 2
3 DCMC Partners 2
4 Saipan 2
5 Hively 2
6 Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board 2
7 Ohana Pacific Management Company 1
8 Town of Fort Myers Beach Florida 1
9 University of St. Thomas 1
10 HonorHealth 1

Source: Adzuna job postings · Updated 17 hours ago

Regional Demand

📍 Union County 3 postings
📍 Franklin County 2 postings
📍 Alameda County 2 postings
📍 Multnomah County 2 postings
📍 Maui 1 postings
📍 Cass County 1 postings
📍 Minnehaha County 1 postings
📍 Lee County 1 postings

💼 Common Job Titles Requiring This Certification

Grants Manager Grants Administrator Grant Compliance Specialist Grants Management Specialist (Mid-Level) - US CNMI Grant Compliance Specialist (Union) Director, Grants Administration Public Assistance Generalist Pre-Awards Grant Administrator

💰 Salary Insights

Salary Distribution from Job Postings Source: Adzuna

Based on job postings that include salary data. Figures represent posted ranges, not guaranteed compensation.

📊 Return on Investment

$395
Estimated Exam Cost
+$8K/yr
Est. Salary Uplift (10%)
1 mo
Estimated ROI Period
$40K
5-Year Net Value

* ROI estimates assume a 10% salary uplift from certification attainment. Actual results vary by role, employer, and experience level.

ℹ️ About This Certification

Our Take: The Certified Grants Management Specialist credential, issued by the National Grants Management Association, represents a valuable qualification for nonprofit professionals seeking to advance their expertise in securing and administering grant funding. Nonprofit grant managers, development officers, and administrative professionals pursue this certification to strengthen their competitive positioning and demonstrate mastery of compliance, reporting, and fiscal management standards. The certification maintains genuine market relevance, with approximately 18 active U.S. job postings currently requiring or preferring this credential and professionals in these roles earning an average salary of $107,000. Candidates invest $395 to sit for the examination as NGMA members, and the credential requires renewal every three years, ensuring holders maintain current knowledge of evolving grant management practices and regulations.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS worth it? +
Based on current job posting data, the Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS appears in 26 active job postings with an average salary of $81K. Demand signals suggest this certification has strong employer recognition.
Which employers request Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS? +
Top employers currently listing Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS in job postings include: JGM, Sanford Health, DCMC Partners, Saipan, Hively.
How much does the Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS exam cost? +
The Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS exam costs approximately $395 (member). Costs may vary based on location, membership status, and retake fees. Always check the official issuer website for current pricing.
How often does Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS need to be renewed? +
The Certified Grants Management Specialist CGMS requires renewal every 3 years. Renewal typically involves earning continuing education units (CEUs) or professional development hours. Check with NGMA for specific requirements.

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