Top 10 Procurement Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a procurement manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has a certain level of knowledge and experience in procurement. Certifications can also give employers confidence that a candidate is up to date on industry trends, regulations, and best practices. Furthermore, certifications provide proof of expertise in specific areas such as supply chain management, contract negotiation, and vendor selection. This can help employers identify suitable candidates for their hiring needs. Finally, certifications may be required by employers for certain positions or promotions within the organization.

The purpose of the article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for procurement managers and explain how they can help advance their careers.

What are Procurement Manager Certifications?

Procurement manager certification is a professional certification program designed to help procurement professionals develop and demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of procurement. The certification program focuses on providing comprehensive training in the principles and practices of successful procurement management. It covers topics such as strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier management, risk management, cost control, and performance measurement.

The certification program helps to equip individuals with the skills necessary to make sound decisions in procurement-related activities. It also teaches them how to effectively manage resources while keeping costs under control. By becoming certified, individuals can demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence in the profession of procurement management and set themselves apart from their peers. Certification also serves as an important credential for those seeking career advancement opportunities within the industry. With this credential, individuals can have access to better job opportunities and be more competitive when applying for positions within the field.

Pro Tip: When considering a procurement manager certification, make sure to check the credentials of the certifying body. Ensure they are recognized by relevant governing bodies and have an established track record in providing quality certifications. Additionally, research what type of knowledge and skills will be assessed as part of the certification process to ensure it is a good fit for your career goals.

Related: What does a Procurement Manager do?

Top 10 Procurement Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification program administered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). This certification program is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of the core competencies of supply management and have achieved a high level of professional development.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited college or university, plus three years of full-time work experience in the field of supply management. Additionally, applicants must pass three examinations: Fundamentals of Supply Management, Strategic Sourcing and Category Management, and Business Acumen.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. The cost to become certified varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For members, the cost is $1,495; for non-members it is $2,195.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of purchasing professionals. The CPM designation is awarded by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), a non-profit organization that provides education, research, and certifications to supply chain management professionals.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPM program. To get certified, you must first meet the eligibility requirements which include having a minimum of five years of full-time professional experience in purchasing or supply chain management. You must also pass an exam consisting of 120 multiple choice questions covering topics such as procurement processes, contract law, supplier relationships, and global sourcing.

The cost for the CPM program varies depending on your membership status with ISM. Non-members pay $1,395 for the exam registration fee plus $100 for each additional module taken. For members, the total cost is $1,295 plus $50 per module taken.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved mastery of the essential skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage global supply chain activities.

The CSCP program takes approximately 18 months to complete and consists of three parts: an online self-study course, an in-person exam, and a professional development workshop. The online course covers topics such as supply chain management fundamentals, inventory management, procurement, logistics, and customer service. The in-person exam tests the candidate’s knowledge of the material covered in the online course. Finally, the professional development workshop provides practical application of the concepts learned in the course.

To get certified as a CSCP, candidates must first register for the program through ASCM’s website. After registering, they must purchase access to the online self-study course and then complete it within six months. Once they have completed their online studies, they can schedule their in-person exam at a testing center near them. Upon passing this exam with a score of 70% or higher, they will receive their CSCP certification from ASCM.

The cost for becoming certified as a CSCP varies depending on whether you are an ASCM member or not. For non-members, it costs $995 for access to the online self-study course plus $695 for the in-person exam fee; for members it costs $795 for access to the online self-study course plus $495 for the in-person exam fee.

4. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a professional body for procurement and supply chain management professionals. It was founded in 1932 and has over 200,000 members worldwide. The CIPS provides qualifications, training, and resources to help professionals develop their skills in the field of procurement and supply chain management.

It takes approximately two years to complete the CIPS qualifications. To get started, you must first take an assessment to determine your current level of knowledge in the field. Depending on your score, you may be eligible for the Foundation Level qualification or may need to start with the Professional Diploma qualification. After completing either one of these levels, you will then move onto the Advanced Diploma qualification before finally taking the Professional Certificate qualification.

The cost of studying for a CIPS qualification depends on which level you are studying at and how many modules you are taking. Generally speaking, each module costs around £400-£500 per module plus an additional registration fee of £50-£100 depending on which country you live in.

In addition to studying for a CIPS qualification, there are also other ways to become certified by the institute such as through membership or attending conferences and seminars hosted by the institute.

5. American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS)

The American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) is a professional association dedicated to the advancement of production and inventory control, operations management, and supply chain management. It provides education, certification, research, publications, networking opportunities, and career development for its members.

APICS offers two primary certifications: Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) and Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). The CPIM program covers topics such as demand forecasting, purchasing strategies, production planning and control systems, inventory management systems, quality assurance methods, distribution planning strategies, supplier relationship management principles, and performance measurement techniques. The CSCP program covers topics such as global supply chain strategy design and implementation; customer relationship management; demand planning; order fulfillment; supplier relationship management; manufacturing flow control; logistics network design; transportation management; warehouse management; reverse logistics operations; international trade compliance regulations; risk mitigation strategies; strategic sourcing/procurement processes; technology solutions for supply chain operations.

It typically takes six to nine months to complete the CPIM or CSCP programs. To get certified through APICS you must first register for the exam online at apics.org or by phone at 800-444-2742. Once registered you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to access the study materials needed to prepare for the exam. After studying for the exam you can then schedule your test date with Pearson VUE at pearsonvue.com/apics/.

The cost of the CPIM program is $1125 USD plus taxes if applicable while the cost of the CSCP program is $1495 USD plus taxes if applicable.

6. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is an internationally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and demonstrates a project manager’s ability to lead and direct projects.

In order to become PMP certified, individuals must have a minimum of 4500 hours of project management experience over the past 8 years, and they must have at least 35 contact hours of formal education in project management. Additionally, applicants must pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the PMBOK Guide and other related topics.

The entire process typically takes 3-6 months, depending on how quickly you complete the application process and study for the exam. You can apply online through PMI's website or via mail with a paper application form. The cost of applying for PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not; members pay $405 while non-members pay $555.

7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt is a certification program that focuses on teaching and training individuals to become proficient in the Lean Six Sigma methodology. It is designed to help organizations improve their processes and operations by utilizing the principles of Lean Six Sigma. The Green Belt level is the second highest level of certification within the Lean Six Sigma program, and it typically requires more training than Yellow Belt certification.

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt program typically takes around four weeks to complete and includes a combination of classroom instruction, online learning, and hands-on practice. During this time, participants will learn how to identify areas for improvement within an organization’s processes, develop strategies for improvement, and measure results. Participants will also learn about the DMAIC (Define-Measure-Analyze-Improve-Control) process used in Lean Six Sigma projects.

To become certified as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, individuals must pass an exam administered by a recognized certifying body such as ASQ or IASSC. Depending on the certifying body chosen and other factors such as whether or not additional courses are taken, costs can range from $500-$2,000 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, individuals must have at least three years of work experience related to quality management or process improvement before they can be considered for certification as a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt.

8. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification for individuals who are involved in public procurement and contract management. The CPPO certification is issued by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC) and is recognized by government agencies, private industry and educational institutions throughout the United States.

To become certified, an individual must meet certain qualifications, including having at least five years of experience in public procurement or contract management. In addition, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as legal requirements, contract administration, purchasing systems and procedures, budgeting and finance, and project management.

It typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for the exam. This includes completing required coursework or self-study materials provided by UPPCC as well as studying for the exam itself.

The cost of obtaining the CPPO certification varies depending on whether you are taking a self-study program or attending a class offered by UPPCC or another organization. Generally speaking, it will cost between $400-$1000 to obtain the certification.

9. Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association of Government Accountants (AGA). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in government financial management. The CGFM credential demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and ability to manage government finances, including budgeting, accounting, auditing, financial reporting, and internal controls.

It takes approximately one year to obtain the CGFM credential. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least two years of professional-level experience in government financial management. Applicants must also complete three courses offered by the AGA: Governmental Environment and Concepts; Governmental Accounting, Auditing, and Financial Reporting; and Governmental Budgeting and Financial Management.

The cost to take the CGFM exam varies depending on whether you are an AGA member or non-member. For members it costs $225 per exam part ($675 total for all three parts); for non-members it costs $275 per exam part ($825 total for all three parts). Additionally, there is an annual renewal fee of $50 for members and $75 for non-members.

10. International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM).

The International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) is a global professional organization that provides training, resources, and certification for professionals in the field of contract and commercial management. The IACCM was founded in 1999 to advance the profession of contract and commercial management, foster collaboration among practitioners, and promote best practices.

It takes approximately six months to complete the IACCM certification process. To get certified, you must first join the IACCM as a member. Once you have become a member, you will be eligible to take the Certified Contract & Commercial Manager (CCCM) exam. The CCCM exam consists of four parts: Contract Law & Regulations; Negotiation & Dispute Resolution; Risk Management & Compliance; and Business Acumen & Leadership. Once you have passed all four parts of the exam, you will receive your CCCM certification from the IACCM.

The cost of joining the IACCM varies depending on your membership type. An individual membership costs $295 per year while a corporate membership costs $995 per year. In addition to these fees, there is an additional fee for taking the CCCM exam which is currently set at $595 USD.

Overall, becoming certified through the IACCM can be an invaluable asset for those looking to advance their careers in contract and commercial management.

Do You Really Need a Procurement Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on your individual career goals. A procurement manager certificate may be beneficial if you are looking to further your career in the field of purchasing and supply chain management. It can provide you with knowledge and skills that will help you secure a higher-level position or increase your salary potential.

However, it is important to remember that a certificate alone will not guarantee success in the field of procurement management. You must possess other qualities such as leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills in order to be successful in the profession. Additionally, having a solid understanding of financial principles, laws related to contracts and government regulations can also be helpful.

Ultimately, a procurement manager certificate can be an asset if it is paired with other qualifications such as experience in related fields or education in business or economics. It can also demonstrate your commitment to the profession and provide evidence that you have taken the time to gain additional knowledge beyond what is required for entry-level positions.

Related: Procurement Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Procurement Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Procurement Manager Certification?

A1. A Procurement Manager Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a mastery of the principles and practices of procurement management. This certification can help professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities related to managing the procurement process, from identifying potential vendors to negotiating contracts.

Q2. Who should pursue a Procurement Manager Certification?

A2. The Procurement Manager Certification is ideal for professionals who are responsible for overseeing the procurement process in their organization or company, including those working in purchasing, supply chain, and operations management roles.

Q3. What topics are covered in a Procurement Manager Certification program?

A3. Typical topics covered in a Procurement Manager Certification program include contract negotiation and management, supplier selection and evaluation, cost analysis and budgeting, risk management, ethical considerations in procurement management, and more.

Q4. Is there an exam required for certification?

A4. Yes, most certifications require candidates to pass an exam that covers material from the certification program curriculum.

Q5: How long does it take to get certified as a Procurement Manager?

A5: It typically takes about 18 months to complete all requirements for the certification program which includes studying materials provided by the certifying organization as well as taking an exam at the end of the program.