Top 10 Procurement Agent Certifications

Certifications are important for procurement agents in the job market because they demonstrate a level of expertise and knowledge in the field. Certifications also provide recognition to employers that an individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in their chosen profession. Employers often use certifications as a way to assess potential candidates’ qualifications, so having them can improve the chances of being hired or promoted. Additionally, certifications can open up opportunities for career advancement and higher salaries. Having certifications can also make an individual more attractive to potential employers and give them an edge over other applicants who do not have any certifications.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the available certifications for Procurement Agents and to explain how they can contribute to a successful career in the field.

What are Procurement Agent Certifications?

Procurement agent certification is a form of professional certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of professionals who are involved in the procurement process. It is designed to ensure that those working in the procurement field have the necessary qualifications, expertise and experience to perform their duties effectively. This certification can help organizations by providing assurance that they are employing qualified individuals to manage their procurement processes. It also ensures that these individuals have been trained on current industry standards and practices, as well as best practices for sourcing materials, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships. With this certification, businesses can be confident that their procurement agents are knowledgeable about all aspects of the procurement process and able to identify cost-saving opportunities and risks associated with purchasing decisions. Additionally, it can help businesses build trust with suppliers by demonstrating that their staff has been properly trained in ethical procurement practices.

Pro Tip: When considering a procurement agent certification, look for programs that offer hands-on experience and real-world application. This will help ensure that you are getting the most comprehensive training and education in the field. Additionally, certifications from an accredited institution can provide additional credibility to your qualifications.

Related: What does a Procurement Agent do?

Top 10 Procurement Agent Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Procurement Agents today.

1. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise and knowledge in supply chain management. The CPSM program is based on ISM's body of knowledge, which includes topics such as strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, procurement operations, and contract management.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation Level, Professional Level, and Executive Level. Each level requires successful completion of an exam that tests the individual's knowledge and understanding of the ISM body of knowledge. To become certified at each level, individuals must pass all three exams within five years.

To get the CPSM certification, you must first register with ISM and pay the registration fee ($250 USD). You will then need to complete an online application form which will assess your qualifications and experience in supply chain management. Once your application has been accepted, you can begin studying for the exams. Each exam costs $225 USD to take.

It typically takes about two years to complete all three levels of the CPSM program if you are studying full-time. However, it may take longer depending on how much time you have available for study and how quickly you can absorb the material.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification for purchasing and supply chain professionals. It is offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), an internationally recognized professional association for supply management. The CPM certification is designed to demonstrate a mastery of the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in the field of purchasing and supply chain management.

To obtain the CPM certification, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as procurement processes, contract law, supplier selection and evaluation, inventory management, logistics, quality assurance, risk management, and cost analysis. The exam consists of 170 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CPM exam, applicants must meet certain requirements. These include having at least three years of full-time experience in purchasing or supply chain management; completing 30 hours of approved study; and passing a pre-qualification assessment.

The cost of obtaining the CPM certification varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For members, the cost is $595 USD; for non-members it is $795 USD. This fee includes access to online study materials as well as the exam itself.

3. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a professional body that was established in 1932 to promote best practice, continuous improvement and excellence in the procurement and supply profession. It is the world’s leading professional body for those involved in buying, selling and managing goods and services.

It takes approximately 4-6 months to become a full member of CIPS. To become a full member of CIPS, you must have at least three years’ experience in procurement or related areas such as supply chain management, logistics or purchasing. You must also pass four examinations which cover topics such as procurement law, business strategy, contract management and supplier relationship management.

The cost of becoming a full member of CIPS depends on your qualifications and experience. Generally speaking, it costs around £500-£600 to become a full member. This includes the cost of the four examinations plus an annual subscription fee.

Once you are a full member of CIPS, you can access exclusive resources such as research papers, industry news and events as well as networking opportunities with other members. You will also be able to use the post nominal “MCIPS” after your name which demonstrates your commitment to professional development within the procurement and supply profession.

4. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional designation given to individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in public procurement. The CPPO certification is administered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).

The CPPO certification requires applicants to pass a comprehensive exam that covers the principles, practices, and procedures of public procurement. This exam covers topics such as contract law, negotiation, ethics, and financial management. Applicants must also demonstrate their experience in public procurement through an extensive application process.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPPO certification process. During this time, applicants must complete the application process and take the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their official CPPO certificate from the UPPCC.

The cost of obtaining the CPPO certification varies depending on where you take the exam and how many study materials you purchase for preparation. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to $2,000 USD to become certified as a CPPO.

5. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional designation offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in purchasing and supply management. The CPP program is based on ISM’s Body of Knowledge, which covers topics such as strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, and global supply chain management.

To become a Certified Purchasing Professional, you must pass an exam administered by ISM. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that cover all aspects of the purchasing and supply management profession. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and is offered twice each year at various locations around the world.

In order to take the CPP exam, you must first apply for membership with ISM and pay an application fee. After your application has been approved, you will be able to register for the exam. You should also purchase study materials from ISM or other sources in order to prepare for the exam.

The cost of becoming a Certified Purchasing Professional depends on whether or not you are already an ISM member. If you are not an ISM member, it will cost $395 to become certified; if you are already an ISM member, it will cost $295.

6. Global Sourcing Certification Program (GSCP)

The Global Sourcing Certification Program (GSCP) is an internationally recognized certification program that provides a comprehensive understanding of the sourcing process and best practices for global sourcing. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage global sourcing initiatives.

It consists of two levels: GSCP Foundation and GSCP Professional. The GSCP Foundation level is designed for those who are new to global sourcing, while the GSCP Professional level is more advanced and focuses on developing strategic competencies in global sourcing.

The GSCP Foundation course takes approximately 40 hours to complete, while the GSCP Professional course takes approximately 80 hours to complete. Both courses must be completed within a year of registering for them.

To get certified, you will need to register for the program online at the Global Sourcing Council website and pay the applicable fees. The cost of registration varies depending on whether you are taking the Foundation or Professional level course, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000 USD per course.

Once you have successfully completed both courses, you will be eligible to take an online exam which will test your knowledge of global sourcing principles and best practices. Upon passing this exam, you will receive your official GSCP certification from the Global Sourcing Council.

7. Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is a professional association that provides education, training, and certification to supply chain professionals. It is the world’s largest not-for-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of supply chain management. ISM offers certifications in various areas of supply chain management, including Purchasing and Supply Management (PSM), Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), and Certified Professional Logistics (CPL).

It typically takes around six months to complete the necessary coursework and exams required to become certified by ISM. The certification process involves completing an online application, passing a series of exams, attending an in-person or virtual workshop, and submitting proof of work experience.

The cost for becoming certified varies depending on the type of certification you are seeking. The cost for PSM certification is $1,495 USD; CPSM certification is $2,295 USD; and CPL certification is $3,295 USD. All fees include access to study materials and exam fees.

In addition to certifications, ISM also provides educational resources such as webinars, conferences, publications, research studies, and networking opportunities.

8. National Contract Management Association (NCMA)

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is a professional membership association dedicated to the practice of contract management. It was founded in 1959 and has more than 40,000 members. The NCMA provides education and resources to help members advance their knowledge and skills in contract management. It also offers certifications, conferences, publications, online courses, and other resources to its members.

Membership in the NCMA is open to anyone interested in contract management. To become a member, you must fill out an online application form and pay an annual fee. The cost of membership varies depending on your profession and other factors such as whether or not you are a student or retired military personnel.

The NCMA offers several certifications for those who wish to demonstrate their expertise in the field of contract management. These include the Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM), Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM), Certified Commercial Contracts Manager (CCCM), and Certified International Contracts Manager (CICM). Each certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as legal aspects of contracts, negotiation techniques, dispute resolution, risk management, and ethics.

It usually takes between six months and one year to complete the requirements for each certification exam. Applicants must submit proof of experience or education related to contract management before they can take the exam. Once they have passed the exam, they will receive their certification from the NCMA which is valid for three years.

The cost of taking each certification exam varies depending on whether you are a member or non-member of the NCMA. Exam fees range from $150-$400 for members and $250-$500 for non-members.

9. American Purchasing Society (APS)

American Purchasing Society (APS) is a professional organization for purchasing and supply management professionals. It provides education, certification, networking, and career development opportunities to its members.

Membership to APS is open to anyone interested in the field of purchasing and supply management. To become a member, applicants must fill out an online application form and pay a one-time membership fee of $95. Membership benefits include access to exclusive discounts on products and services related to purchasing and supply management, access to online courses, webinars, conferences, networking events, job postings, and more.

Once you have submitted your application form and paid the membership fee, it usually takes up to two weeks for your membership to be processed. Once approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to access your member account. From there you can start taking advantage of all the benefits that come with being an APS member.

10. Project Management Institute - PMI-ACP

The Project Management Institute (PMI) Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) is a certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of professionals who use agile practices in their projects. PMI-ACP is one of the most popular certifications in the project management field. It emphasizes real-world experience, as well as knowledge and understanding of agile principles, tools, and techniques.

To become a PMI-ACP, you need to have a minimum of 2,000 hours of general project experience within the last five years and 1,500 hours of agile project experience. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as agile principles, values, and frameworks; team dynamics; stakeholder engagement; product delivery; and more. The exam consists of 120 multiple choice questions that must be completed within three hours.

In order to take the exam, you must first apply for it through the PMI website. Once your application has been approved, you will receive an authorization to test (ATT) letter which will allow you to schedule your exam at an authorized testing center.

The cost for taking the PMI-ACP exam is $435 for non-members and $395 for members. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 regardless of membership status.

Do You Really Need a Procurement Agent Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual's goals and objectives. A procurement agent certificate can be beneficial for those who are looking to enter the field of procurement or who are already working in the field but want to increase their knowledge and skills. It can also be a great way for an individual to demonstrate their expertise in the industry.

However, it is important to note that obtaining a procurement agent certificate is not always necessary. In many cases, employers will accept applicants with experience and/or education related to procurement rather than requiring a specific certification. Additionally, some employers may prefer candidates who have obtained other types of certifications or degrees related to business, finance, or management instead of a certificate specifically related to procurement. Therefore, it is important for individuals considering pursuing a certificate in this field to thoroughly research the requirements and expectations of potential employers before making any commitments.

Ultimately, whether an individual needs a procurement agent certificate depends on their specific goals and objectives as well as the requirements of potential employers. It is important for individuals interested in this field to carefully evaluate their options and make an informed decision about whether obtaining such certification would be beneficial for them both professionally and personally.

Related: Procurement Agent Resume Examples

FAQs About Procurement Agent Certifications

1. What is a Procurement Agent Certification?

A Procurement Agent Certification is a professional certification that certifies individuals to work in the procurement field. It demonstrates knowledge of procurement processes, contract law, and purchasing regulations.

2. How do I become certified as a Procurement Agent?

In order to become certified as a Procurement Agent, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited institution or organization. Generally, this involves completing an approved training program, obtaining on-the-job experience and passing the exam with a passing grade.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a certified Procurement Agent?

Certified procurement agents benefit from enhanced job opportunities and higher wages due to their specialized skillset and expertise. Additionally, they may also have access to additional resources such as industry news, networking events and more.

4. What type of job opportunities are available for certified Procurement Agents?

Certified procurement agents can find employment in government agencies, non-profit organizations and private businesses alike. They may be responsible for purchasing supplies and materials for their organization or negotiating contracts with vendors.

5. How often does my certification need to be renewed?

Most certifications need to be renewed every two years in order to remain valid. Renewal typically involves completing continuing education courses or re-taking the certification exam in some cases.