The Certified Software Manager (CSM)® is a globally recognized professional designation in IT Asset Management (ITAM). This certification equips professionals with the ability to align financial, contractual, and inventory functions to support life cycle management and strategic decision-making for IT assets.
IT assets include both hardware and software elements, and effective management ensures organizations remain compliant, cost-efficient, and productive. IT Asset Management (also known as IT Inventory Management) helps businesses eliminate unnecessary purchases, reduce risks, and maximize the legal use of software.
With the CSM® certification, candidates gain expertise in diagnosing, resolving, and managing complex software licensing issues, including piracy prevention, copyright law compliance, licensing models, and audit management. The course also emphasizes software project management, communication planning, and quality assurance — making it one of the most comprehensive SAM certifications available.
Key Benefits of CSM® Certification
Gain global recognition as a Software Asset Management professional
Master compliance with software licensing and copyright law
Learn to prevent internal & external software piracy
Improve IT cost efficiency by reducing unnecessary purchases
Develop a software management plan aligned with business strategy
Enhance career opportunities in IT Operations, Compliance, Licensing, and Procurement
Course Details
E-Course Duration: 30–35 Hours
Exam Pattern: 40 Multiple Choice Questions (80% passing – 32 out of 40 correct)
Exam Duration: 60 Minutes
Exam Format: Online, non-proctored, available anytime within 8 months
Exam Attempts: 2 attempts per voucher (additional vouchers available for purchase)
Certification Validity: Lifetime
Course Outline
Module 1 – Foundation
Introduction to Software Asset Management (SAM)
Objectives & Structure of SAM
SAM Technologies, Controls, Risks, and Drivers
Benefits of Implementing SAM
Implementation Approaches & Industry Standards
Key Success Factors (KSFs) in SAM
Module 2 – Understanding Copyright Law
Intellectual Property vs Copyrights
Rights Protected by Copyright (Economic, Translation, Adaptation)
Limitations, Exceptions, and Duration of Copyright
Ownership, Transfer, and Enforcement of Rights
Related Rights
Module 3 – Software Piracy: The Problem Defined
What is Software Piracy?
Piracy Regulations & End User License Agreements (EULA)
Types and Dangers of Software Piracy
Software License Compliance (What, Why & How)
Module 4 – Software Licensing
Importance of Software Licensing
Open-source, Public Domain, Permissive, Restrictive, and Proprietary Licenses
Subscription vs Perpetual Licensing
User, Publisher, Device, and Network Licensing Models
Metered/Consumption-based Licensing
Shareware & Freeware
Benefits of Software Management
Components of a Software License Agreement
Module 5 – Anti-Piracy Actions
Internal vs External Software Piracy
Preventive Measures for Internal & External Piracy
IT Compliance: Legal Requirements for Businesses
Module 6 – Developing a Software Management Plan
Software Project Management Overview
Building a Management Plan
Waterfall vs Agile Development Lifecycles
Benefits of Agile Development
Module 7 – Communicating the Plan
Writing & Using a Software Management Plan
Role of Intellectual Property & Governance
Policy Management Software
Importance of Project Communication
Module 8 – Audit Management & Software Quality Assurance (SQA)
Audit Management Software & Systems
Audit Solutions and Reviews
Implementing Quality Assurance in Test Management
SQA Best Practices
Target Audience
IT Infrastructure Teams & Managers
IT Asset Management (ITAM) / IT Service Management (ITSM) Teams
Software Asset Management (SAM) Professionals
IT Operations Management Teams
Software License Management Professionals
Software Procurement Specialists
Software Contract Managers & Negotiators
Software Compliance Officers
Legal & Compliance Professionals
