CPDM3 is the final module in IEA’s Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) certification. It covers the hard cases: mental and behavioural health, complex case management, stay-at-work and return-to-work design, and the advanced FMLA and ADA judgment calls that carry real legal risk. The course is 18 hours across 10 self-paced lessons and carries 17.75 SHRM and HRCI recertification credits.
Taking all three modules? The full CPDM certification is $1,480, which is $167 less than buying the three modules separately.
Average of verified CPDM3 student surveys
10 lessons, built around a full-time job
Approved for recertification
Third of the three CPDM modules
The CPDM certification is earned by completing three modules in order: Foundations (CPDM1), Applied Practice (CPDM2), then Advanced Compliance (CPDM3). There are no prerequisites to begin — CPDM1 is the starting point. Each module is 18 hours and carries 17.75 SHRM and HRCI credits, for 54 hours and 53.25 credits across the full certification.
How the industry works, who the players are, and the federal laws that govern leave.
Building and running an integrated absence and disability program day to day.
Complex cases, organizational risk, and leading the function.
All three modules complete. 54 hours, 53.25 SHRM and HRCI credits, $1,480.
| Format | Online and self-paced. Interactive reading, video, and assessments. |
|---|---|
| Length | 18 hours across 10 lessons |
| Typical pace | About six weeks at three hours a week |
| Access | 3 months from enrollment |
| Assessment | An assessment after every lesson, plus a final exam |
| Credits | 17.75 SHRM professional development credits and 17.75 HRCI recertification credits |
| Certificate | Completing CPDM3 earns the full Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) certification |
| Sequence | CPDM3 is the last of the three CPDM modules. They are taken in order. |
| Price | $549 for CPDM3, or $1,480 for the full three-module CPDM certification |
Leave and disability professionals who already run a program and now handle the cases nobody else wants: contested accommodations, long or repeat absences, and the ones with legal exposure attached.
CPDM3 gives you benchmarks, audit methods, and the judgment to defend hard decisions.
Mental health, complex claims, and contested accommodations get direct treatment.
This is the last module. Completing it earns the CPDM certification.
Three things worth being clear about before you enroll.
The three modules are taken in order. CPDM3 assumes everything the first two cover.
The course teaches how to apply FMLA and ADA in practice. It does not replace counsel on a specific case.
The curriculum covers federal law and multi-state programs. IEA’s California-specific offering is the DMCS micro-credential.
“It is well-organized and up to date, with an emphasis on compliance, risk management, and good stakeholder communication, making it ideal for day-to-day disability and leave management.”
Ebony Hodge Ebony Hodge
“This is a very insightful class and anyone wanting to work in this field should definitely take this course.”
Bianca O Isis Montesino
“I really like the different types of learning with the reading, videos, and knowledge testing.”
Rita B. Megan Christiani
Ann Kuzee and Drew Barthel have been IEA’s principal subject-matter experts on the CPDM program for the past several years, and carried out its most recent revisions and updates.
JD, MA, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, CPDM, CHPSE
Vice President Legal, U.S. Absence and Disability Management at TELUS Health
MBA, CPDM
Principal – Global Benefits, Time Off & Accommodations at Nike
Yes. The three CPDM modules are taken in order, so CPDM3 comes after Foundations and Applied Practice. It assumes the legal grounding and program knowledge those two build.
Yes. CPDM3 is the final module. Completing all three earns the Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) certification.
It deals with judgment rather than rules: mental and behavioral health cases, contested accommodations, complex case management, and the advanced FMLA and ADA calls where the right answer is not obvious.
Yes. The three modules bought individually cost $1,647. The full CPDM certification is $1,480, which is $167 less.
You have 3 months of access from the date you enroll. CPDM3 is about 18 hours of work, which most students spread over roughly six weeks at three hours a week.
Yes. CPDM3 is approved for 17.75 SHRM professional development credits and 17.75 HRCI recertification credits. Across all three modules the certification carries 53.25 credits.
No. CPDM is a national certification covering federal law and multi-state programs. IEA’s California-specific offering in leave and accommodation is the DMCS micro-credential.
They are separate credentials issued by separate organizations. CDMS comes from CCMC and CLMS from DMEC; CPDM is IEA’s certification. Check which one your employer asks for.
Yes. CPDM holders maintain the certification with continuing education. Contact IEA for current renewal requirements before your cycle ends.
Enroll in Advanced Compliance for $549, or get all three modules as the full CPDM certification for $1,480 and save $167.
Not started yet? Begin with Module 1 · Foundations, or read the CPDM certification overview.
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