By Mae Cornes
Ridgefield, Connecticut— World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC) and the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) have announced the release of the Contract Management Standard™ (CMS™) Fourth Edition, a milestone that establishes a unified global benchmark for contract management.
Developed through the Commerce & Contract Management Institute (CCM Institute), the Fourth Edition reflects years of collaboration among contract and commercial professionals worldwide. Thousands of practitioners contributed to this edition through job task analysis, expert drafting, peer review, and a global public comment period.
The CMS™ Fourth Edition delivers a harmonized framework applicable across global markets, incorporating international terminology and guidance that aligns with today’s legal, commercial, and technological environments. The standard is designed to provide a common language for professionals, enabling consistency and clarity in contract management practices worldwide.
Tim Cummins, Founder and President of World Commerce & Contracting, and Executive Director of the CCM Institute, said:
“The publication of the CMS™ Fourth Edition brings together over two decades of work to create a common framework for the contracting profession. It provides an essential tool for organizations around the world to improve the way they manage contracts and relationships.”
The CMS™ Fourth Edition is voluntary and aims to serve as a resource for organizations in both public and private sectors. It provides structured guidance to improve contract management processes, performance, and outcomes across industries and jurisdictions.
The new standard reflects the contributions and perspectives of professionals from every continent, ensuring it is relevant and applicable to a wide range of contracting environments. It is grounded in a transparent, consensus-based process, ensuring inclusivity and integrity.
The CCM Institute will formally introduce the CMS™ Fourth Edition at global events throughout September, providing an opportunity for professionals worldwide to learn more about the standard and its application.
Sally Guyer, CEO of World Commerce & Contracting, said:
“The CMS™ Fourth Edition reflects the combined expertise of our global community. It offers organizations a practical framework to help manage contracts more effectively and support better performance and relationships.”
The CCM Institute, established by WorldCC and NCMA, will promote the use of the standard globally and help ensure its broad adoption. The CMS™ Fourth Edition will also serve as a foundation for education and certification programs that build the skills and knowledge of contract management professionals.
About World Commerce & Contracting (WorldCC)
World Commerce & Contracting is a global, not-for-profit association dedicated to advancing commercial and contract management practices. With more than 80,000 members in over 180 countries, WorldCC provides standards, certifications, research, and education to help organizations and professionals achieve better commercial outcomes.
About the National Contract Management Association (NCMA)
NCMA is a global community of over 100,000 contract management professionals, serving both the public and private sectors. NCMA promotes innovation and excellence in contract management, supporting connections between acquisition and contract professionals worldwide.
About the Commerce & Contract Management Institute (CCM Institute)
The CCM Institute, founded and supported by WorldCC and NCMA, works to improve contract management standards globally. Through research, standards development, and education, the Institute seeks to improve outcomes in buying and selling and promote ethical, transparent contract management practices worldwide.
Media Contacts: Kate Hodgins, Head of Marketing, WorldCC: khodgins@worldcc.com Holly DeHesa, Director of Marketing and Communications, NCMA: holly.dehesa@ncmahq.org
