Top 10 Contract Administrator Certifications

Certifications are essential for contract administrators in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and specialization. Certifications provide assurance to employers that the candidate has the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle complex contracts, understand applicable laws and regulations, and manage contractual relationships. They also lend credibility to potential employers, as they show that the individual is qualified and knowledgeable in their field. Finally, certifications can open doors to new career opportunities and increase earning potential by allowing professionals to access higher-level positions with more responsibility.

The purpose of the article is to review some of the top certifications for Contract Administrators and explain how they can help advance a contract administrator's career.

What are Contract Administrator Certifications?

Contract Administrator Certification (CAC) is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of contract management. It is awarded by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), the leading professional membership organization for contract professionals. The CAC program provides individuals with training on best practices for managing contracts, including topics such as legal principles, risk assessment and mitigation, negotiation strategies, dispute resolution, and more.

The certification can be particularly useful for those looking to advance their careers in contract administration or become more knowledgeable about the field. By having a CAC certification, individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and their ability to navigate complex contractual agreements. Employers may also value applicants who have this certification as they are seen as having a higher level of competency in the field of contract management. Furthermore, having a CAC certification often makes individuals eligible for higher paying positions within their field.

Pro Tip: When considering a contract administrator certification, look for one that is recognized by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). This will ensure that your certification meets the highest standards and will give you access to exclusive benefits and resources.

Related: What does a Contract Administrator do?

Top 10 Contract Administrator Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Contract Administrators today.

1. Certified Contract Manager (CCM)

Certified Contract Manager (CCM) is a certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of contract management. The CCM credential demonstrates an individual’s commitment to professional excellence and provides them with an advantage in the competitive job market.

The CCM certification process consists of two parts: passing an exam and meeting experience requirements. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must meet certain education and/or experience requirements set forth by NCMA. Once these criteria are met, applicants can register for the exam which is administered twice a year at various locations throughout the United States. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as contract law, negotiation, risk management, pricing, and other related topics.

To receive their CCM credential, candidates must pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Candidates must also have three years of full-time contract management experience within the past ten years or five years of part-time contract management experience within the past ten years.

The cost to take the CCM exam is $550 for members of NCMA and $650 for non-members. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for the exam such as purchasing study materials or attending review courses offered by NCMA or other organizations.

Once certified, individuals must maintain their credential through continuing education credits every two years in order to keep their certification active.

2. Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge, skills and abilities to effectively manage contracts. It is offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

The CPCM program consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course covers topics such as contract law, negotiation strategies, risk management, and performance evaluation. The exam is designed to test the candidate's understanding of contract management principles and practices.

To get certified as a CPCM, you must complete the online course and pass the exam with a score of at least 70%. The online course typically takes about 40 hours to complete and costs around $800 USD. The exam fee is $400 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be awarded the Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) certificate from NCMA. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

3. Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO)

A Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO) is an individual who has been certified by the U.S. Federal Acquisition Institute (FAI) as having the knowledge and skills necessary to perform government contract management functions. The CGCO certification is a voluntary program that allows individuals to demonstrate their competency in the field of government contracting.

The CGCO certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as federal acquisition regulations, contract law, and source selection procedures. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be taken at an approved testing center. It typically takes about three hours to complete the exam.

To become a CGCO, applicants must have at least two years of experience in government contracting or related fields and must have completed at least 40 hours of specialized training in government contracting within the last five years. Applicants must also submit a signed statement from their current supervisor attesting to their work experience and training completion.

The cost for taking the CGCO exam varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $200-$400 USD.

4. Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)

Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) is a professional certification offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed for professionals who manage contracts and grants within the federal government. The CFCM credential demonstrates mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to manage contracts and grants in accordance with federal regulations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CFCM program. To be eligible for the certification, applicants must have at least three years of experience in contract management or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as contract law, negotiation techniques, and cost analysis.

The cost of obtaining the CFCM certification varies depending on whether you are a member of NCMA or not. For members, it costs $499; non-members pay $899. Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 for members and $100 for non-members.

5. Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM)

Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage commercial contracts. The program is offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), an internationally recognized leader in contract management training and education.

The CCCM certification is designed for professionals who are responsible for developing, negotiating, administering, and managing complex commercial contracts. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal, financial, and operational aspects of commercial contracting.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to complete the CCCM certification program. The program consists of three components: self-study, online learning modules, and a final exam. To qualify for the CCCM certification, applicants must have at least five years of relevant experience in contract management or related fields.

The cost of the CCCM certification program varies depending on whether you are an NCMA member or non-member. For members, it costs $1,195; for non-members it costs $1,395. This fee includes access to all study materials as well as registration fees for the final exam.

6. Certified Cost and Pricing Analyst (CCPA)

A Certified Cost and Pricing Analyst (CCPA) is a professional designation that certifies individuals to perform cost and pricing analysis for government contracts. The CCPA certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of the principles, concepts, and techniques of cost and price analysis. It also provides evidence of an individual’s ability to apply these principles in a practical setting.

The CCPA certification requires successful completion of a course offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). The course is typically completed over five days, but can be taken in shorter segments depending on the student's schedule. The course covers topics such as cost and pricing fundamentals, contract negotiation strategies, cost estimating, proposal preparation, and more.

The cost of the CCPA certification varies depending on whether or not you are an NCMA member. For non-members, the total cost for the course is $2,295 USD; for members the total cost is $1,995 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with travel if you are attending an in-person class.

Once you have successfully completed the course and passed all applicable exams/assessments with a score of 80% or higher, you will receive your CCPA certification from NCMA.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification program offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) to recognize individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and experience in project management. The PMP certification is a globally recognized standard of excellence in project management and is one of the most sought-after certifications for professionals in the field.

To qualify for the PMP, you must meet certain educational and professional experience requirements. To become certified, you must pass an exam that covers five process groups: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring & controlling, and closing. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes up to four hours to complete.

The cost of taking the PMP exam varies depending on your country or region. In the United States, it typically costs around $555 for PMI members and $405 for non-members. Additionally, there are fees associated with applying for the certification and maintaining your certification status.

It can take anywhere from six months to one year to prepare for the PMP exam depending on your level of experience and how much time you dedicate to studying each day. It is important to create a study plan that fits into your schedule so that you can adequately prepare yourself for the test.

8. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification for public procurement professionals. The CPPO certification is issued by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), which is an independent, non-profit organization that provides public procurement certifications and training.

To become a CPPO, candidates must pass an exam administered by the UPPCC. This exam covers topics such as contract law, procurement regulations, financial management, and ethics in public procurement. Candidates must also have at least two years of experience in public procurement or related fields.

The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and costs $395 USD. Once the exam has been passed, candidates will be awarded the CPPO certification, which is valid for three years before needing to be renewed.

In order to maintain their CPPO certification, individuals must complete at least 24 hours of continuing education every three years. Continuing education courses can be taken online or in person and are offered by the UPPCC or other accredited organizations.

9. American Purchasing Society's Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)

The Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) is a certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). The CPPM is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of purchasing management. It is intended to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the field.

To become certified as a CPPM, an individual must meet certain criteria and pass an exam administered by APS. The criteria include: having at least three years of professional experience in purchasing management; completing at least 60 hours of approved training or education related to purchasing management; and passing the CPPM exam.

The CPPM exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as procurement processes, contract law, supplier relationships, cost analysis, inventory control, and logistics. The exam typically takes four hours to complete.

In order to take the CPPM exam, individuals must first submit an application to APS along with a fee of $325 USD. Once the application is approved, they will be given access to study materials and can register for the exam.

Once an individual has passed the CPPM exam, they will receive their certification from APS which is valid for three years. During this time they must complete 30 hours of continuing education credits in order to maintain their certification status.

10. National Contract Management Association's Foundation Level Certification in Contract Management

The National Contract Management Association's Foundation Level Certification in Contract Management (NCMA FCM) is a professional certification program designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage contracts. The certification is intended for those who are new to contract management or those who need a refresher on the fundamentals of contract management.

The NCMA FCM consists of two parts: an online course and an exam. The online course is self-paced and takes approximately eight hours to complete. It covers topics such as the fundamentals of contract management, types of contracts, negotiation strategies, risk management, and legal considerations. After completing the online course, individuals must pass the exam in order to earn the certification.

The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes up to three hours to complete. It tests knowledge in areas such as contract formation, performance requirements, dispute resolution, and termination provisions. Individuals must score at least 70% on the exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the NCMA FCM is $295 USD for members of NCMA and $395 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to the online course material as well as one attempt at taking the exam. If an individual does not pass on their first attempt, they can retake the exam for an additional fee of $95 USD.

Do You Really Need a Contract Administrator Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you are looking to advance within the field of contract administration, then a certificate in contract administration could be beneficial. It could also provide you with additional knowledge and skills that would make you more marketable in the job market.

However, it is important to keep in mind that there is no single path to success in the field of contract administration. Employers will often look for candidates who have a combination of experience, education, and certifications that demonstrate their knowledge and expertise in the field. While having a certificate in contract administration may help you stand out from other applicants, it isn't always necessary for success.

Ultimately, the decision whether or not to pursue a certificate in contract administration should be based on your individual goals and career aspirations. If you feel that having such a certification would benefit your career prospects then it may be worth pursuing; however, if you already have sufficient experience and education related to the field then it may not be necessary.

Related: Contract Administrator Resume Examples

FAQs About Contract Administrator Certifications

1. What is a Contract Administrator Certification?

Answer: A Contract Administrator Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates the ability to understand and manage contracts in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and best practices. It is an indicator of expertise in contract administration and management.

2. Who should pursue a Contract Administrator Certification?

Answer: Professionals who work with contracts on a daily basis such as procurement officers, contract managers, compliance officers, legal advisors, or project managers would benefit from pursuing a Contract Administrator Certification. This certification can also be beneficial for anyone interested in deepening their knowledge of contract law and management.

3. What are the prerequisites for obtaining a Contract Administrator Certification?

Answer: The exact prerequisites depend on the certifying organization but generally include having at least three years of experience in contract management or related fields and passing an exam that tests knowledge of various aspects of contract administration including negotiation, compliance, risk management, etc..

4. How long does it take to obtain a Contract Administrator Certification?

Answer: The time required to obtain a Contract Administrator Certification varies depending on the certifying organization and individual circumstances; however it usually takes between six months and two years to complete the necessary coursework and exams.

5. What are the benefits of obtaining a Contract Administrator Certification?

Answer: Obtaining a Contract Administrator Certification allows professionals to demonstrate their expertise in contract administration and management as well as increase their earning potential by becoming more marketable in the job market. In addition, having this certification can open up opportunities for career advancement within organizations that require specialized knowledge of contract law and management.