Top 11 Procurement clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for a procurement clerk in the job market because they demonstrate a certain level of knowledge and expertise in their field. Certifications can help a procurement clerk stand out from other applicants and show potential employers that they have the skills necessary to succeed in the role. Additionally, certifications provide evidence of the procurement clerk's commitment to staying current on trends and best practices within their industry. As such, certification can be an invaluable asset when it comes to obtaining employment or advancing within a career.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Procurement clerks and explain how they can help enhance a procurement clerk's career.

What are Procurement clerk Certifications?

Procurement clerk certification is a formal program that provides training on the principles and practices of procurement. It is designed to help those who work in procurement and related fields develop the skills needed to be successful in their roles. Certification can help individuals to improve their knowledge, demonstrate their commitment to their profession, and increase their chances of career advancement.

The program typically covers topics such as understanding supply chain management, developing best practices for purchasing and negotiation, preparing purchase orders, monitoring supplier performance, and evaluating vendor contracts. It also covers important concepts such as risk management, cost analysis, budgeting, and customer service. Participants learn how to use industry-specific software tools to streamline the procurement process and make more informed decisions. By completing the certification program, individuals are better equipped to handle the complexities of modern procurement processes while ensuring compliance with laws and regulations applicable to the industry.

Pro Tip: When pursuing a procurement clerk certification, make sure to research the requirements and qualifications for each available certification. Some certifications may require additional education or work experience, so it is important to understand what is needed before committing to any particular path. Additionally, it can be beneficial to look into organizations that offer support and resources related to procurement clerk certification.

Related: What does a Procurement clerk do?

Top 11 Procurement clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) 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 knowledge and proficiency in the field of purchasing and supply chain management.

The CPP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as procurement, supply chain management, contract negotiation, supplier selection, and cost analysis. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and must be taken within a three-hour time limit.

To get certified, applicants must first become members of ISM and then register for the CPP exam. The fee for the exam is $450 USD for ISM members and $550 USD for non-members. Once registered, applicants can take the exam at any Pearson VUE testing center around the world.

In order to maintain their certification status, CPPs must earn continuing education credits every three years. These credits are earned by attending conferences or taking courses related to purchasing or supply chain management.

Overall, it takes about two months from start to finish to become a Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).

2. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of supply chain management. It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and experience in the areas of procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supplier relations.

The CPSM certification requires applicants to pass three exams: Fundamentals of Supply Management, Strategic Supply Management, and Leadership in Supply Management. Each exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To become certified as a CPSM, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least two years of full-time professional experience in supply management or related fields; completing at least 60 hours of continuing education courses; and passing all three exams with a score of 70% or higher.

The cost for the CPSM certification varies depending on the country you are located in. In the United States, it costs $1,200 USD for all three exams plus an annual maintenance fee of $100 USD after your first year as a certified professional.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have a comprehensive understanding of supply chain management concepts and best practices. The certification is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years to maintain its validity.

To become certified, an individual must pass an exam that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design, planning and execution, customer relationship management, global logistics, inventory and warehouse management, transportation management, and performance measurement. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes three hours to complete.

The cost of the CSCP certification varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, the cost is $695 USD for members of ASCM or $995 USD for non-members. In Canada, the cost is $795 CAD for members or $1125 CAD for non-members. In Europe and other parts of the world, the cost may vary depending on local currency exchange rates.

In addition to passing the exam, applicants must also meet certain educational requirements in order to be eligible for certification. These include a minimum of five years' experience in supply chain management or related field; completion of at least one college-level course in supply chain management; completion of at least two professional development courses related to supply chain management; or completion of at least four professional development courses related to any area within supply chain management.

Overall, obtaining CSCP certification requires significant effort but can open up new career opportunities in the field of supply chain management.

4. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is an international professional body that sets standards and provides qualifications and training in the procurement and supply chain management profession. It was founded in 1932, and today has over 100,000 members in 150 countries.

CIPS offers a range of qualifications, including diplomas, advanced diplomas, certificates and Masters degrees. The most popular qualification is the CIPS Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply. This diploma requires students to complete six modules over 18 months, covering topics such as procurement strategy, contract law and risk management.

To get the CIPS Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply, you need to have a minimum of two years’ experience working in procurement or supply chain management. You must also pass an online assessment test before enrolling on the course.

The cost of the CIPS Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply varies depending on your country of residence, but typically ranges from £1,500 to £2,500 for the full 18-month course.

5. Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM)

Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of purchasing management. This certification is highly sought after by employers as it demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession and provides them with a competitive edge when applying for jobs.

In order to obtain the CPPM, an individual must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by ISM. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as contract law, ethics, supply chain management, pricing strategies, and more. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete and can be taken at any one of ISM’s testing centers located throughout the United States.

The cost for taking the CPPM exam varies depending on whether or not you are a member of ISM. For non-members, the fee is $450, while members pay only $350. Once you have successfully passed the exam, you will receive your official certification from ISM which will be valid for five years before needing to be renewed.

Overall, obtaining the CPPM certification can take several months depending on how quickly you can prepare for and pass the exam. However, it is well worth it in terms of career advancement opportunities that come with being certified in this field.

6. Certified Green Purchasing Professional (CGPP)

Certified Green Purchasing Professional (CGPP) is a certification program that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated expertise in green purchasing. It is designed to help professionals identify, select and implement sustainable procurement strategies that reduce environmental impacts while meeting organizational goals.

The CGPP certification requires the completion of an online course and passing a comprehensive exam. The course consists of five modules covering topics such as green purchasing principles, environmental regulations, product lifecycle assessment, and supplier selection criteria. The course takes approximately 10-12 hours to complete and can be completed at your own pace.

The cost of the CGPP certification is $495 USD for members of the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM). Non-members pay $695 USD. After completing the course and passing the exam, you will receive your CGPP certificate from NAPM.

The CGPP certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain your certification, you must complete 15 continuing education credits every three years or retake the exam every three years.

7. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional designation earned by individuals who have demonstrated their knowledge and expertise in public procurement. This certification is offered through the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).

The CPPO certification requires applicants to have at least three years of full-time public procurement experience, or two years of full-time public procurement experience and an accredited degree in business, engineering, law, or public administration. Applicants must also pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as ethics, regulations and laws, contracts and agreements, purchasing methods, sourcing strategies, and more.

The UPPCC offers two levels of CPPO certification: Certified Public Procurement Officer I (CPPO-I) and Certified Public Procurement Officer II (CPPO-II). The CPPO-I is designed for those with less than five years of experience in the field while the CPPO-II is intended for those with more than five years of experience.

To obtain the CPPO certification, applicants must complete an online application form on the UPPCC website. Once approved by the UPPCC, applicants will be required to take and pass the CPPO exam within one year from their approval date.

The cost for obtaining the CPPO certification varies depending on whether you are applying for the CPPO-I or CPPO-II level. Generally speaking, it costs $250 to apply for either level of certification plus an additional $150 fee for each exam taken.

8. Certified Government Contracting Specialist (CGCS)

Certified Government Contracting Specialist (CGCS) is a professional certification program that provides specialized training and education in the field of government contracting. It is designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage and administer government contracts. The CGCS program is administered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

The CGCS certification requires completion of an online course, which typically takes between 8-12 weeks to complete. The course covers topics such as contract law, principles of contract management, negotiation strategies, cost analysis, risk management, and more. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals must pass a comprehensive exam to earn their CGCS certification.

The cost for the online course varies depending on the provider but typically ranges from $1,000-$2,000 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking the exam such as registration fees or study materials.

Overall, obtaining a Certified Government Contracting Specialist (CGCS) certification can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage government contracts and help them stand out in a competitive job market.

9. International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM)

The International Association for Contract & Commercial Management (IACCM) is a global professional association that provides education, resources, and networking opportunities to contract and commercial management professionals. It was founded in 1999 with the mission of helping organizations improve their performance through better contract and commercial management.

To become an IACCM member, you must have at least three years of experience in contract and/or commercial management. You can apply online or contact the IACCM directly for more information. The application process takes around two weeks to complete.

The cost of membership depends on the type of membership you choose. For individual memberships, there are three levels: Basic ($195/year), Professional ($295/year), and Executive ($495/year). For corporate memberships, there are four levels: Starter ($995/year), Standard ($2,995/year), Premium ($4,995/year), and Elite ($9,995/year). All memberships come with access to exclusive resources such as webinars, online courses, research reports, and discounts on events.

In addition to membership fees, IACCM also offers certification programs for those who wish to demonstrate their expertise in contract and commercial management. These certifications require additional fees but offer valuable recognition from peers in the industry.

10. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP)

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) is a professional organization that provides education, training, and certification for public procurement professionals. NIGP offers a variety of programs and services to help government purchasing personnel achieve excellence in their field.

NIGP's Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) program is the most popular and widely recognized credential in the public procurement industry. To become certified as a CPPB, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as public procurement law, ethics, contracts, and best practices. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete and requires a fee of $250.

In order to take the CPPB exam, individuals must first complete an application through the NIGP website. After submitting the application form, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the exam. Once registered, applicants will be able to select an available date and time to take the exam at one of NIGP's testing centers across the United States.

The cost of taking the CPPB exam is $250 per attempt. This fee includes access to study materials such as practice exams and tutorials provided by NIGP. Additionally, those who wish to renew their certification every three years can do so for a fee of $125 per renewal period.

11. Association for Operations Management - Supply Chain Certification Program (SCOR-P).

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) Supply Chain Certification Program (SCOR-P) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of supply chain professionals. The SCOR-P certification is based on the Supply Chain Operations Reference (SCOR) model, which provides a common language and framework to measure, analyze, and improve supply chain performance.

The SCOR-P certification program consists of a two-day course that covers the fundamentals of the SCOR model. The course includes lectures, case studies, and interactive activities to help participants understand how to apply the SCOR model in their own organizations. After completing the course, participants must pass an exam to receive their certification.

The cost of the course varies depending on where it is taken, but typically ranges from $1,000-$1,500 USD. The exam fee is an additional $400 USD. It usually takes about 4-6 weeks after completion of the course to receive your official certification from APICS.

In order to get certified as a SCOR-P practitioner you must first complete the two-day course and then pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. Once you have passed the exam you will be awarded your official APICS Supply Chain Certification Program (SCOR-P) certificate.

Do You Really Need a Procurement clerk Certificate?

When it comes to obtaining a procurement clerk certificate, there is no single answer that applies to everyone. It depends on a variety of factors including the type of job you are seeking, the level of experience and knowledge you already have, and the industry you plan to enter.

If you are looking for a job as a procurement clerk, having a procurement clerk certificate may give you an edge over other applicants who lack certification in this field. This certificate can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in the area of procurement, which can be very beneficial in helping you secure a position. Additionally, having this certificate may make it easier for employers to identify qualified applicants for positions within their company.

On the other hand, if you already have several years’ experience working as a procurement clerk or if your current job involves some degree of purchasing or supply chain management responsibilities, then obtaining certification may not be necessary. In these cases, employers may be more interested in your actual experiences than any formal certification that you have obtained. It is also important to note that some industries do not require any specific certifications in order to qualify for certain positions; instead they look at qualifications such as educational background or professional experience when making hiring decisions.

Overall, whether or not obtaining a procurement clerk certificate is necessary depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you feel like certification could help give you an edge when applying for jobs or provide evidence of your knowledge and skills in this area, then it might be worth considering investing in one. However, if your current job already provides sufficient training and experience related to purchasing and supply chain management tasks then obtaining certification may not be necessary.

Related: Procurement clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Procurement clerk Certifications

1. What is a Procurement Clerk Certification?

A: A Procurement Clerk Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s competence and knowledge in the field of procurement and purchasing. The certification provides employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary skills to effectively manage all aspects of procurement, including budgeting, negotiating, and managing suppliers.

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

A: To become certified as a Procurement Clerk, you must complete a training program or course approved by the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM). Upon completion of the program, you must pass an exam to receive your certification.

3. What are the benefits of having a Procurement Clerk Certification?

A: Having a Procurement Clerk Certification provides employers with assurance that their employees have the necessary skills to effectively manage all aspects of procurement. It also demonstrates to potential employers that you have the knowledge and experience required to work in the field. Additionally, it can lead to higher salaries and better job opportunities.

4. How long does it take to obtain my Procurement Clerk Certification?

A: The length of time it takes to obtain your certification will depend on how quickly you complete your training and exams. Generally, it can take anywhere from 2-6 months depending on how quickly you progress through your studies and exams.

5. Is there any way I can renew my Procurement Clerk Certification?

A: Yes, you can renew your certification every two years by taking continuing education courses or attending seminars related to procurement management topics. This will help ensure that your skills remain up-to-date and relevant in today’s competitive market environment.