Top 10 Procurement Officer Certifications

Certifications are important for a procurement officer in the job market because they demonstrate to employers that the candidate has the necessary skills and knowledge to perform well in the role. Certification programs provide a way for people to obtain and demonstrate specialized knowledge, as well as build their professional networks. Certifications also help procurement officers stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can make them more attractive candidates for jobs. Finally, certifications can help procurement officers stand out from other applicants and be seen as more qualified for positions.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Procurement Officers and explains how they can help to advance a procurement officer's career.

What are Procurement Officer Certifications?

Procurement officer certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates a procurement officer's knowledge and proficiency in the field of public procurement. It is typically awarded by a professional organization or trade association, such as the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). This certification helps individuals demonstrate their expertise and commitment to best practices in the field of public procurement. By having this certification, procurement officers are able to provide assurance to employers and clients that they possess the necessary skills to perform their job properly. Furthermore, it can help employers identify qualified candidates for positions within their organization.

The certification also provides important recognition for those working in public procurement, which can help advance their careers. Having this certification can open up more opportunities for career growth, as employers will recognize the individual’s qualifications and expertise. Furthermore, it allows individuals to stay abreast of new developments and trends in the field of public procurement. Finally, having a certification can also help an individual gain access to exclusive resources such as training programs and networks with other professionals in the industry.

Pro Tip: To become a certified procurement officer, you should consider taking courses related to procurement and supply chain management. Additionally, it's important to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices to ensure you are well-prepared for the certification exam.

Related: What does a Procurement Officer do?

Top 10 Procurement Officer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Procurement Officers 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 knowledge and experience in the field of supply management. The CPSM program consists of three exams, each focusing on different aspects of supply chain management.

The three exams are:

1. Fundamentals of Supply Management

2. Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Relationship Management

3. Leadership in Supply Management

It typically takes about two years to complete all three exams and become certified as a CPSM. To get started, you must first submit an application to ISM and pay the applicable fees ($250 for members, $350 for non-members). You will then be able to register for the exams, which cost $250 each for members and $350 each for non-members. Once you have passed all three exams, you will receive your official CPSM certification from ISM.

In total, it costs around $1000-$1200 to become a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM).

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved an advanced level of expertise in purchasing and supply chain management. The CPM credential signifies that the holder has the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to manage the entire purchasing process from start to finish.

It typically takes about two years of study and practice to prepare for the CPM exam. Candidates must complete a series of courses, including topics such as procurement strategy, contract law, supplier selection and evaluation, negotiation techniques, and risk management. They must also demonstrate their ability to apply these concepts in real-world scenarios through case studies and simulations.

To become certified, candidates must pass a comprehensive three-hour exam that covers all aspects of purchasing management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as cost analysis, supplier selection criteria, legal issues related to contracts, inventory control systems, international sourcing strategies, and more.

The cost of obtaining a Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) credential varies depending on which educational institution you choose to pursue your certification through. Generally speaking, the total cost can range anywhere from $1,000-$2,500 USD depending on the program you select. This fee includes tuition for coursework as well as registration fees for taking the CPM exam itself.

3. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of public procurement principles and practices. The CPPO designation is awarded by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC), a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence in public procurement.

The CPPO certification process consists of four steps: completing an online application, passing an exam, submitting verification of experience and education, and paying the applicable fees. The online application must be completed before taking the exam. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as public procurement law, ethics, and best practices. After passing the exam, applicants must submit verification of their experience and education to UPPCC for review. Once approved, applicants will receive their CPPO certification.

The cost of obtaining the CPPO certification varies depending on whether or not you are already a member of UPPCC. For non-members, the total cost is $395 which includes a $95 application fee and a $300 examination fee. For current members, the total cost is $295 which includes a $95 application fee and a $200 examination fee. It typically takes 4-6 weeks for applicants to receive their CPPO certification after submitting all required materials to UPPCC.

4. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and skill in the field of supply chain management. This certification is aimed at professionals who are involved in the planning, procurement, and management of materials, services, and resources.

To become an ISM Certified Professional, you must have at least five years of professional experience in the field of supply chain management or related areas. You must also pass an exam that covers topics such as contract law, purchasing principles, cost analysis and negotiation techniques. The exam is offered twice a year and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to apply for the certification, you must submit an application form along with your resume and a copy of your professional experience. After submitting your application, you will be required to pay a fee which varies depending on whether you are applying for the initial certification or recertification. The fee can range from $275 - $400 USD depending on your status.

Once you have passed the exam and paid all applicable fees, you will receive an official ISM Certified Professional certificate which is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed. Renewal requires passing another exam as well as paying additional fees.

5. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Qualifications

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a professional body that provides qualifications for procurement and supply chain professionals. The qualifications are designed to equip individuals with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to be successful in their roles.

The CIPS qualifications range from Level 2 Certificate in Purchasing and Supply through to the Level 6 Diploma in Procurement and Supply. Each qualification is tailored to the specific needs of the individual, depending on their current level of expertise and experience.

It typically takes between six months and two years to complete a CIPS qualification, depending on the level of study undertaken. To get started, individuals must first register as a student with CIPS by completing an online application form. Once registered, students can then select which course they wish to pursue.

The cost of a CIPS qualification varies depending on the level of study undertaken. For example, the Level 2 Certificate in Purchasing and Supply costs £320 while the Level 6 Diploma in Procurement and Supply costs £1,995. Additional fees may also be applicable for examination entry or course materials.

6. American Purchasing Society’s Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP)

The Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP) is a certification offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in purchasing, procurement and supply chain management. The CPP certification is awarded to individuals who demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the principles of purchasing and supply chain management.

To become certified, applicants must have at least two years of full-time professional experience in purchasing or related fields, such as supply chain management or logistics. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as contract law, supplier selection and evaluation, cost analysis and negotiation strategies. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to apply for the CPP certification, applicants must submit a completed application form along with their resume and proof of professional experience. Once the application is approved, applicants will be sent an invitation to take the exam.

The cost of the CPP certification varies depending on the country in which you are applying from. In the United States, it costs $395 USD for members of APS or $495 USD for non-members. This fee includes the cost of taking the exam as well as any additional materials needed for study purposes.

Once all requirements have been met and you have successfully passed your exam, you will receive your CPP certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing your exam.

7. National Association of Purchasing Management’s Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD)

The National Association of Purchasing Management’s Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in supplier diversity and inclusion. The CPSD certification is intended for professionals who are involved in the development, implementation, and/or management of supplier diversity programs. The program focuses on the core competencies required to effectively manage supplier diversity initiatives such as understanding legal requirements, developing policies and procedures, conducting outreach activities, and evaluating results.

In order to become certified as a CPSD, individuals must meet the following requirements:

• Have at least three years of experience in supplier diversity or related fields;
• Successfully complete an online application;
• Submit two letters of recommendation from current or former employers;
• Pass a comprehensive written exam covering topics such as legal requirements, policy and procedure development, outreach activities, evaluation techniques, and more;
• Pay a $195 fee for the exam.

Once all requirements have been met, individuals will receive their CPSD certification within four weeks. The certification is valid for three years before recertification is required.

8. American Production and Inventory Control Society’s Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

The Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to provide individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. The CPIM program consists of five courses that cover topics such as supply chain management, demand planning, inventory management, master scheduling, and materials requirements planning.

In order to become certified, individuals must first pass all five courses. Each course requires approximately 40 hours of study time, so it typically takes about 200 hours to complete the entire program. After completing the courses, individuals must then pass two exams: the Basic Exam and the Advanced Exam. The Basic Exam covers topics from the first three courses while the Advanced Exam covers topics from all five courses.

To get started on your journey to becoming CPIM certified, you will need to purchase a CPIM Learning System which includes study materials for each of the five courses. This system can be purchased through APICS or through one of their authorized providers. The cost of this system varies depending on where you purchase it but typically ranges between $800-$1,200 USD.

Once you have passed both exams successfully, you will receive your CPIM certification which is valid for three years. To maintain your certification status after three years, you must complete at least 75 continuing education points during that period or retake both exams again.

9. Project Management Institute’s Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a globally recognized credential for project managers offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI). PMP certification is designed to demonstrate that an individual has the knowledge and skills required to successfully manage projects. The PMP certification process includes an exam, which tests a candidate’s understanding of project management principles, processes, and techniques.

The PMP certification process takes approximately three months from start to finish. To get started, you must complete an application with PMI and provide proof of your education and professional experience. Once approved, you will be able to register for the exam. After passing the exam, you will receive your official PMP certificate in the mail.

The cost to become certified depends on whether or not you are a member of PMI. If you are not a member of PMI, then it will cost $555 USD for the application fee plus $405 USD for the exam fee. If you are a member of PMI, then it will cost $405 USD for the application fee plus $375 USD for the exam fee. Additionally, there may be other fees associated with studying materials or taking courses related to project management prior to taking the exam.

10. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Professionals' Global Procurement Certification

The International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Professionals' Global Procurement Certification is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of procurement. The certification is awarded by the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Professionals (IFPSCMP) after successful completion of an exam.

The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as procurement principles, processes, procedures, and best practices. It also includes questions related to legal aspects, ethical considerations, and supply chain management. The exam is offered twice a year in both English and Spanish.

In order to be eligible for the Global Procurement Certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in procurement or supply chain management. They must also submit proof of education or training related to procurement or supply chain management.

It typically takes three months to complete the application process and receive the certification. Once certified, individuals are required to renew their certification every three years by taking continuing education courses or attending conferences related to procurement or supply chain management.

The cost for taking the Global Procurement Certification exam is $450 for IFPSCMP members and $600 for non-members.

Do You Really Need a Procurement Officer Certificate?

The short answer is no, you do not need a procurement officer certificate to become a successful procurement officer. However, having a procurement officer certificate can be beneficial for those who are seeking to advance their career in the field.

For starters, a certification can demonstrate your knowledge and expertise in the area of procurement. It will help employers understand that you have taken the time to learn about the industry and understand best practices when it comes to purchasing goods and services. Additionally, a certification can make you stand out among other applicants during an interview or job search. It shows potential employers that you are serious about your career and have put in the extra effort to get certified.

In addition to helping you stand out from other job seekers, having a procurement officer certificate can also open doors for more advanced positions within the field. Employers look for candidates with this type of specialized knowledge and experience; having a certification can give you an edge over other applicants who lack such credentials. In some cases, having this type of certification may even qualify you for higher pay than those without one.

Finally, obtaining a procurement officer certificate is an excellent way to gain additional knowledge about the profession so that you can better serve your organization’s needs. This type of training will provide insight into topics such as contract law, supplier management, purchasing processes and procedures, negotiation techniques, cost analysis methods and much more – all of which will help ensure that your organization is getting the most value from its purchases.

In conclusion, while it is not necessary to obtain a procurement officer certificate in order to become successful in this profession, doing so may prove beneficial in terms of career advancement opportunities as well as providing additional knowledge on how to effectively manage purchasing operations within an organization.

Related: Procurement Officer Resume Examples

FAQs About Procurement Officer Certifications

1. What is a Procurement Officer Certification?

Answer: A Procurement Officer Certification is a certification that recognizes the knowledge and skills of an individual in the area of purchasing and procurement. It demonstrates to employers that the individual has an understanding of the fundamentals of supply chain management, contract law, negotiation techniques, and other related topics.

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

Answer: To become certified as a Procurement Officer, you must complete an accredited procurement officer certification program. These programs typically require applicants to have at least a bachelor's degree in business or related field, as well as pass an exam covering topics such as contracts, purchasing laws, and supply chain management principles.

3. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified as a Procurement Officer can open up new career opportunities, provide recognition for your skills and expertise in the industry, increase your salary potential, and demonstrate your commitment to professional development.

4. How long is my certification valid for?

Answer: The length of time your certification is valid depends on the certifying organization; some certifications are valid for two years while others may be valid for up to five years. Most organizations require recertification every two to five years in order to maintain their validity.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam?

Answer: Yes – most organizations require applicants to have at least a bachelor’s degree in business or related field prior to taking their exam. Additionally, some certifying organizations may also require applicants to have one or more years of professional purchasing experience before taking their exams.