Top 11 Procurement Director Certifications

Certifications are important for a procurement director in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in their role. Certifications provide potential employers with evidence that an individual is qualified for the position and can help them stand out from other candidates. Additionally, certifications offer assurance that a procurement director is up-to-date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices. They also show commitment to professional development, which can be attractive to employers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the most beneficial certifications for Procurement Directors and explain how they can lead to career advancement.

What are Procurement Director Certifications?

Procurement director certification is a credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and experience in the field of procurement. This certification is offered by various organizations, such as the National Institute of Government Purchasing and the American Purchasing Society. It is designed to help individuals who are interested in becoming a procurement director or manager to gain recognition for their skills and expertise.

The certification requires individuals to complete a course of study, which typically includes topics such as purchasing processes, contract management, supplier management, budgeting, negotiation strategies, and risk management. Individuals must also pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and receive their certification.

Having a procurement director certification can be beneficial in many ways. It provides individuals with recognition from employers as well as other industry professionals that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage procurement operations. It can also help them stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in the field of procurement, since it shows that they have the dedication and commitment to pursue this important position. In addition, having this certification may give individuals access to higher salaries or promotions within their current organization. Finally, having this certification can provide individuals with a greater sense of confidence in their ability to manage complex projects involving procurement operations.

Pro Tip: If you are considering becoming a procurement director, it is important to research and become certified in the specialty areas of your profession. Certification can help demonstrate your expertise in the field, give you an edge in job interviews, and increase your salary potential.

Related: What does a Procurement Director do?

Top 11 Procurement Director Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a 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 the field of supply management. The CPSM certification is globally recognized as the standard of excellence for supply management professionals.

The CPSM certification requires that applicants have at least three years of professional experience in supply management, or a combination of education and experience. To obtain the certification, applicants must pass three exams: Fundamentals of Supply Management, Strategic Sourcing and Category Management, and Leadership in Supply Management.

The cost to obtain the CPSM certification varies depending on which ISM membership option you choose. A basic ISM membership costs $225 per year and includes access to study materials and discounts on exam fees. Exam fees range from $250-$400 per exam depending on your membership status.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all three exams required for the CPSM certification. However, this timeline can vary based on individual circumstances and preparation time needed for each exam.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in the field of purchasing and supply chain management. It is offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

The CPM program requires successful completion of five courses, which can be completed online or in-person. The courses cover topics such as managing supplier relationships, cost analysis, negotiation strategies, and risk management. In addition to coursework, applicants must have at least three years of full-time purchasing experience and pass a comprehensive exam.

The entire process typically takes between six months and one year to complete. The cost for the program varies depending on the number of courses taken and whether they are taken online or in-person. Generally, it can range from $2,000-$4,000 USD.

3. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

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

To become certified, an individual must meet certain educational and experience requirements, pass an examination, and adhere to a code of ethics. To be eligible for the CPPO certification, an individual must have at least five years of full-time public procurement experience or equivalent part-time experience. In addition, they must possess either a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university or have completed at least 30 semester hours of coursework in public procurement from an accredited college or university.

The CPPO examination consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as public procurement law and regulations, contract management and administration, bid evaluation techniques, purchasing methods and procedures, strategic sourcing principles, supplier relations management principles, and ethical practices in public procurement. The exam takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost for the CPPO certification program varies depending on the jurisdiction where you are applying; however it typically ranges from $500 - $1,000 USD.

4. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). The CSCP certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge and skills in supply chain management. It is designed to help individuals advance their career and improve their organization’s supply chain performance.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online self-study course, a comprehensive exam, and a professional development seminar. The self-study course covers topics such as supply chain strategy, global logistics, customer service, operations management, and information technology. The comprehensive exam tests the individual’s knowledge of the material covered in the self-study course. The professional development seminar provides additional training on topics related to supply chain management.

It typically takes six months to complete all three parts of the CSCP program. To get certified, individuals must successfully complete the self-study course and pass the comprehensive exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, individuals must attend the professional development seminar within one year of passing the exam in order to receive their certification.

The cost for the CSCP program varies depending on where you take it from but generally ranges from $1,500 - $2,000 USD.

5. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a certification that demonstrates an individual’s expertise in project management. It is one of the most sought-after certifications for project management professionals, and it is recognized globally.

To be eligible to take the PMP exam, an individual must have either a four-year degree plus three years of project management experience or a high school diploma plus five years of project management experience. The applicant must also complete 35 hours of formal project management training.

The PMP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and lasts four hours. It covers topics such as initiating, planning, executing, controlling, and closing projects; managing stakeholders; and understanding the professional responsibility of a project manager.

The cost to take the PMP exam varies by country and region but typically ranges from $400 to $700 USD. The cost includes registration fees as well as any applicable taxes or other charges.

Once you have passed the PMP exam, you will receive your official Project Management Professional certificate from the Project Management Institute (PMI). This certificate is valid for three years and must be renewed every three years with 60 professional development units (PDUs).

6. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a professional body that sets standards for the procurement and supply profession. It has over 200,000 members in 150 countries, making it one of the largest procurement and supply organizations in the world.

CIPS offers qualifications to help individuals develop their skills and knowledge in the field of procurement and supply. It also provides training courses, resources, networking opportunities, and other services to support professionals working in this area.

Getting CIPS qualified takes time and commitment. Depending on your experience level, you can choose from four levels of qualifications: Professional Diploma (Level 4), Advanced Diploma (Level 5), Professional Postgraduate Diploma (Level 6) or Masters Degree (Level 7). Each qualification requires different amounts of study time – typically between 12-18 months for Level 4 up to three years for Level 7 – as well as assessment exams at the end of each stage.

You can get started with CIPS by enrolling on one of its online courses or attending a classroom-based course at an approved education provider. You can find more information about these courses on the CIPS website.

The cost of studying for a CIPS qualification varies depending on which course you choose and where you take it. Generally speaking, you should expect to pay between £2,000-£3,500 for a Level 4 qualification; £3,500-£5,000 for Level 5; £4,500-£7,500 for Level 6; and £6,500-£10,000 for Level 7. These prices do not include any additional costs such as exam fees or travel expenses.

7. Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is a professional association that provides education, certification, and research in the areas of supply chain management and purchasing. It was founded in 1915 and is headquartered in Tempe, Arizona. ISM offers several certifications to help professionals advance their careers in the field of supply chain management.

The most popular certification offered by ISM is the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM). This certification requires passing three exams: Foundations of Supply Management, Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Relationship Management, and Business Acumen & Leadership. Each exam takes approximately three hours to complete. The cost for each exam is $295 for members and $395 for non-members.

In addition to the CPSM certification, ISM also offers two other certifications: Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) and Certified Professional Logistics (CPL). Both of these certifications require passing two exams each with similar costs as the CPSM certification.

To apply for any of these certifications, you must first become a member of ISM. Membership fees range from $99 - $249 depending on your profession and experience level. Once you are a member, you can then register for an exam online or by mail using an application form provided by ISM.

8. American Purchasing Society (APS)

American Purchasing Society (APS) is a professional organization that provides certifications and training for purchasing professionals. The APS offers a Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) certification, which is designed to help purchasing professionals demonstrate their knowledge and experience in the field of procurement. The CPPM certification requires applicants to have at least three years of experience in purchasing or related fields, as well as completion of an exam.

The process for obtaining the CPPM certification typically takes about four months from start to finish. Applicants must first submit an application and pay the required fee, which varies depending on the type of membership chosen. Once the application has been approved, applicants must then complete an online assessment and pass an exam with a score of 80% or higher. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPPM certificate within two weeks.

The cost of obtaining the CPPM certification varies depending on the type of membership chosen but generally ranges from $200 to $400. Additionally, there are additional fees associated with taking the exam and any other services offered by APS such as continuing education courses or webinars.

9. National Contract Management Association (NCMA)

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is a professional association for contracts and procurement professionals. Founded in 1959, NCMA provides education, certification, networking opportunities and other resources to help its members become more successful in their profession.

Membership with NCMA is open to anyone interested in the field of contract management. There are three levels of membership: individual, corporate and student. To become an individual member, you must complete an online application form and pay the annual dues. Corporate membership is available to organizations that wish to provide their employees with access to NCMA’s services and benefits. Student membership is free for full-time students enrolled at a college or university.

NCMA also offers several certifications that demonstrate a high level of knowledge and proficiency in the field of contract management. To qualify for any of these certifications, you must meet certain educational requirements, have at least two years of experience in the field, pass an exam and pay a fee. The fees vary depending on the certification you are seeking but typically range from $350-$500 USD per certification.

Overall, NCMA provides valuable resources and training opportunities for those looking to advance their careers as contract managers or procurement professionals.

10. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM)

The International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) is a global organization dedicated to the advancement of purchasing and supply management. It was founded in 1988 and has since grown to include over 50 national associations representing more than 100,000 professionals in over 90 countries. The IFPSM promotes best practices in purchasing and supply management through education, research, and advocacy.

It takes approximately 6-9 months to become an IFPSM member. To get started, you must first join one of the national associations affiliated with the IFPSM. Once you have joined a national association, you can then apply for membership with the IFPSM itself. This process typically involves filling out an application form, providing proof of your qualifications, and paying a membership fee. The fee varies depending on the type of membership you are applying for; however, it usually ranges from $100-$500 USD per year.

Once your application has been approved by the IFPSM board of directors, you will receive an official certificate confirming your membership status as well as access to all benefits associated with being an IFPSM member. These benefits include discounts on educational materials, access to international conferences and events related to purchasing and supply management, networking opportunities with other members around the world, and much more.

11. Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM).

Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) is a professional certification program offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated advanced knowledge and experience in the field of contract management. The CPCM certification requires applicants to demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the areas of contract law, pricing, negotiation, risk management, and compliance.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPCM certification process. The first step is to submit an application for the exam which includes providing proof of education, professional experience, and references. Once approved, applicants must then pass a two-hour multiple-choice exam that covers topics such as contract law, pricing strategies, negotiation techniques, risk management principles, and compliance requirements.

The cost of obtaining the CPCM certification varies depending on the applicant's location and NCMA membership status. In general, it costs $450 for non-members or $350 for members to take the exam. Additional fees may apply for study materials or other services related to taking the exam.

Overall, obtaining the CPCM certification can be a valuable asset for those looking to advance their career in contract management. It provides recognition from peers and employers that you have achieved a high level of expertise in this field.

Do You Really Need a Procurement Director Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your current job position and the type of procurement you need to do. For instance, if you are a procurement manager or director, then having a Procurement Director Certificate can be beneficial in helping you stay up-to-date on best practices and industry standards. Additionally, it can provide evidence that you have the necessary knowledge to lead an effective procurement team.

On the other hand, if you are a beginner in the field of procurement or are just starting out as a contractor or freelancer, then obtaining a Procurement Director Certificate may not be necessary. Depending on the scale and complexity of your projects, it may be more beneficial for you to focus on learning the basics of procurement and understanding how to effectively manage and purchase goods and services.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a Procurement Director Certificate is dependent upon your particular situation and career goals. It can certainly be helpful for those already in leadership roles, but it is not always necessary for everyone involved in procurement.

Related: Procurement Director Resume Examples

FAQs About Procurement Director Certifications

1. What is a Procurement Director Certification?

A Procurement Director Certification is a professional certification that provides validation of an individual’s knowledge and skills in the area of procurement operations and management. It demonstrates that the holder has the necessary understanding and experience to successfully lead, manage, and oversee all aspects of an organization’s procurement activities.

2. What are the requirements for obtaining a Procurement Director Certification?

In order to obtain a Procurement Director Certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in procurement or related fields, demonstrate mastery of core principles and practices through successful completion of an exam, and complete continuing education requirements every two years.

3. How long does it take to obtain a Procurement Director Certification?

The time frame for obtaining a Procurement Director Certification varies depending on the individual's prior knowledge and experience. On average, it takes approximately three to six months to complete all the requirements for certification.

4. Can I transfer my certification if I change jobs?

Yes, your certification can be transferred if you change jobs or relocate to another country as long as you maintain your continuing education requirements and remain in good standing with your certifying body.

5. Are there any online courses available to help me prepare for the exam?

Yes, there are several online courses available that provide comprehensive preparation for the exam including practice tests and study materials. These courses are offered by accredited institutions such as universities or professional organizations like The Institute of Supply Management (ISM).