CPDM2 is the second of three modules in IEA’s Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) certification. It moves from knowing the rules to running the program: managing different types of absence, coordinating leave across departments, and using data to show what the program is worth. 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 CPDM2 student surveys
10 lessons, built around a full-time job
Approved for recertification
Second 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 | Certificate of completion, plus CPDM2 credit toward the CPDM certification |
| Sequence | CPDM2 is the second of the three CPDM modules. They are taken in order. |
| Price | $549 for CPDM2, or $1,480 for the full three-module CPDM certification |
HR professionals, leave and benefits administrators, claims managers, and occupational health and risk specialists who have the fundamentals and now own how the program actually runs.
CPDM2 turns scattered practice into a program you can describe, measure, and defend.
The module maps who does what across HR, legal, risk, and operations.
You build the numbers and the argument that get an absence program funded.
Three things worth being clear about before you enroll.
Finishing it earns a certificate of completion and credit toward CPDM. The certification requires all three modules.
The three modules are taken in order. CPDM2 assumes the groundwork from Foundations.
The curriculum covers federal law and multi-state programs. IEA’s California-specific offering is the DMCS micro-credential.
“I definitely recommend this course to anyone who wants to learn more about absence management. The training thoroughly covers fundamental ideas in integrated disability and absence management, offering a solid basis for both new and experienced professionals.”
Ebony Hodge Ebony Hodge
“The structure of the program made it easy to follow, and the insights provided were both valuable and applicable to my work.”
Bianca O Rita B.
“This section had a lot of information that I believe I can use in my current role.”
Rita B. Richelle Boissiere Price
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 CPDM1 Foundations comes before CPDM2. There are no prerequisites to begin the certification itself, but the sequence matters because each module builds on the one before it.
No. CPDM2 earns a certificate of completion and credit toward the certification. The Certified Professional in Disability Management (CPDM) certification is awarded after all three modules.
CPDM1 teaches the landscape: the laws, the stakeholders, and the programs. CPDM2 is about running one, covering absence strategy, leave coordination, cost control, and the data you need to prove the program works.
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. CPDM2 is about 18 hours of work, which most students spread over roughly six weeks at three hours a week.
Yes. CPDM2 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 before enrolling.
Yes. IEA runs a free CPDM demo course so you can see the platform and a sample lesson first.
Enroll in Applied Practice for $549, or get all three modules as the full CPDM certification for $1,480 and save $167.
Already finished Module 2? Module 3 · Advanced Compliance is next. Or read the CPDM certification overview.
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