Top 11 Purchasing Agent Certifications

Certifications are important for a purchasing agent in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional excellence and knowledge. They can show employers that the applicant is knowledgeable in areas such as procurement, logistics, contract management, and supply chain management. Additionally, certifications provide access to more advanced roles and higher salaries. With certifications, purchasing agents can demonstrate their expertise in certain areas and prove that they have the necessary skills to be successful in their role. Ultimately, certifications provide purchasing agents with an edge over other applicants by demonstrating their competency and commitment to the profession.

This article reviews the best certifications for Purchasing Agents and explains how they can help to advance their career.

What are Purchasing Agent Certifications?

Purchasing Agent Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and expertise in the field of purchasing. It is designed to help those in the profession stay abreast of the latest trends, regulations, and technologies related to procurement. Certification also serves to validate an individual’s skills, knowledge, and experience as a purchasing agent.

Having a Purchasing Agent Certification can help enhance job prospects by validating an individual's qualifications for positions requiring more than basic purchasing skills. It can also open up opportunities for higher-level roles such as senior buyer or procurement manager. Additionally, it may be required by some employers or used as evidence of competency when bidding for contracts.

In addition to providing recognition within the industry, having certification can give individuals an edge over other applicants who may not meet the same qualifications. It also provides employers with assurance that they have hired someone who has been tested and certified on their understanding of purchasing processes and best practices.

Pro Tip: When looking to become a purchasing agent, make sure you research the certifications and training that are available in your area. Many organizations offer certification programs that will help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in this role. Additionally, many of these programs include continuing education components so that you can stay up-to-date with industry standards and best practices.

Related: What does a Purchasing Agent do?

Top 11 Purchasing Agent Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is an internationally recognized professional certification for supply chain and procurement professionals. It is awarded by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), a non-profit organization that provides education and training in supply chain management.

The CPSM program is designed to help individuals develop and demonstrate their knowledge of the principles and practices of supply management. To become certified, individuals must pass three exams that cover topics such as global sourcing, contract law, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and risk management.

It typically takes about one year to complete all three exams. In order to take the exams, individuals must first apply for membership with ISM. The cost of membership varies depending on the type of membership chosen but can range from $100-$400 annually. After becoming a member, individuals must register for the exams which cost $399 each ($1197 total).

Once all three exams have been passed successfully, individuals are eligible to receive their CPSM certification from ISM. The cost of receiving the certification is an additional $150 fee.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It certifies that an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully manage purchasing operations in any organization. The CPM certification is designed to demonstrate a high level of expertise in all aspects of procurement, from strategic sourcing and contract negotiations to supplier relationship management and cost analysis.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPM program. To become certified, you must first pass an online exam that covers topics such as supply chain management, negotiation strategies, purchasing laws and regulations, and more. After passing the exam, you must complete an extensive case study project that demonstrates your ability to apply the concepts you have learned.

The cost of obtaining a CPM certification depends on whether or not you are already a member of ISM. Non-members pay $1,195 for the exam plus $200 for the case study project. ISM members pay $995 for the exam plus $150 for the case study project.

3. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is a professional body that sets the standard for procurement and supply chain management. It provides qualifications, guidance and resources to help professionals in the field develop their skills, knowledge and experience.

It takes approximately one year to complete the CIPS qualification. The qualification consists of five levels: Level 1 Certificate in Procurement & Supply, Level 2 Diploma in Procurement & Supply, Level 3 Advanced Diploma in Procurement & Supply, Level 4 Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply and Level 6 Professional Postgraduate Diploma in Procurement & Supply.

To get the CIPS qualification, you must first register with CIPS as a student. You will then need to choose the level of qualification you wish to pursue and complete the relevant coursework. Once you have completed your studies, you will be required to pass an exam before being awarded your certificate or diploma.

The cost of obtaining a CIPS qualification varies depending on which level you are studying for. Generally speaking, it can range from around £400 for the Level 1 Certificate up to £4200 for the Professional Postgraduate Diploma.

4. Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO)

Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification program offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). The CPPO certification is designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those working in public procurement. It is intended to ensure that public procurement professionals are knowledgeable in all aspects of public purchasing, including legal requirements, ethical standards, and best practices.

The CPPO certification requires a minimum of three years of relevant experience and completion of an approved training program. Candidates must also pass an exam to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the principles of public procurement.

To become certified as a CPPO, you must first submit an application to the UPPCC. This application will include information about your work experience and education related to public procurement. Once your application has been accepted, you can register for the exam with the UPPCC.

The cost for taking the CPPO exam varies depending on location and other factors. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 USD to take the exam.

5. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of purchasing and supply chain management. The CPP certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in the field.

In order to obtain the CPP, applicants must first meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least five years of experience in purchasing or supply chain management. They must also pass a comprehensive examination that covers topics such as procurement processes, supplier selection and evaluation, inventory control, and contract law.

The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete. The cost of taking the exam varies depending on whether you take it online or in person; however, it typically costs around $450 USD.

Once you have passed the exam, you will receive your CPP certification from ISM. This certification is valid for three years, after which time you will need to renew it by completing continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

6. Global Purchasing Certification (GPC)

Global Purchasing Certification (GPC) is a certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to provide supply chain professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage global purchasing operations. The GPC certification is intended to help those in the field of global purchasing demonstrate their expertise and commitment to excellence.

The GPC program consists of four courses: Global Sourcing, Global Logistics, Global Negotiations, and Global Risk Management. Each course must be completed within one year of starting the program. Upon successful completion of all four courses, participants will receive their GPC certification.

To get the GPC certification, individuals must first become members of ISM and then register for the program. Once registered, they can begin taking the four required courses at their own pace. After completing all four courses, they will be eligible to take the final exam which must be passed in order to receive their GPC certificate.

The cost of obtaining a GPC certification varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For ISM members, it costs $1,495 for all four courses plus a $100 exam fee; for non-members, it costs $2,095 for all four courses plus a $100 exam fee.

7. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP)

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of public procurement. It provides training and certification programs for public procurement professionals. NIGP's mission is to provide education, research, and resources to the public procurement profession.

NIGP offers two certifications: Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) and Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO). The CPPB certification requires completion of an online course, while the CPPO certification requires completion of both an online course and an in-person exam. Both certifications require applicants to have a minimum of three years' experience in public procurement.

It takes approximately six months to complete the CPPB or CPPO certification process. To get started, applicants must first register with NIGP by submitting an application form and paying a registration fee. Once registered, applicants can access the online course materials and begin studying for their exams. Upon successful completion of the course material and passing the exams, applicants will receive their certification from NIGP.

The cost of obtaining either certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of NIGP. For non-members, the cost is $495 for the CPPB certification and $795 for the CPPO certification; for members, it is $395 for the CPPB certification and $695 for the CPPO certification.

8. American Purchasing Society’s Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP-APSP)

The Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP-APSP) is a certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society (APS). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of purchasing professionals. The CPP-APSP certification is awarded to those who demonstrate their expertise in the field of purchasing and supply management.

To obtain the CPP-APSP certification, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with their resume, transcripts, and other supporting documents. Once approved, applicants must then pass an exam that covers topics such as procurement processes, sourcing strategies, contract management, supplier relationships, and more. The exam consists of multiple choice questions as well as essay questions.

The CPP-APSP certification process typically takes about three months from start to finish. During this time applicants will be required to complete a series of self-study modules that cover all aspects of purchasing and supply management. After completing the modules, applicants can take the exam at any APS testing center or online through ProctorU.

The cost for the CPP-APSP certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. The fee for taking the exam online is $300 while taking it in person costs $400. This fee does not include any additional fees associated with self-study modules or other materials needed for preparation for the exam.

9. Association for Operations Management’s Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM-AOM)

The Association for Operations Management (AOM) Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM-AOM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who possess the expertise, knowledge, and skills necessary to effectively manage supply chain operations. The certification is offered by AOM, an international organization that promotes excellence in operations management.

The CPSM-AOM program consists of three levels: Level 1 – Foundation Knowledge; Level 2 – Advanced Knowledge; and Level 3 – Expert Knowledge. Each level requires successful completion of a series of exams. The exams cover topics such as supply chain fundamentals, global sourcing and procurement, logistics and transportation, inventory management, supplier relationship management, and more.

To become certified at each level, applicants must pass all required exams within a two-year period. The cost of the program varies depending on the number of exams taken. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 per exam for members of AOM or its affiliated organizations. Non-members pay slightly higher fees for each exam.

In addition to passing the exams, applicants must also meet certain experience requirements to be eligible for certification at each level. For example, applicants seeking Level 1 certification must have at least one year of relevant work experience in supply chain operations or related fields; those seeking Level 2 certification must have at least three years of relevant work experience; and those seeking Level 3 certification must have at least five years of relevant work experience.

Overall, obtaining the CPSM-AOM designation requires significant dedication and commitment from applicants due to the rigorous testing process and extensive experience requirements involved in achieving this prestigious certification.

10. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management’s Certified International Professional in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (CIPLSCM-IFPSM)

The Certified International Professional in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (CIPLSCM-IFPSM) is an international certification offered by the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in logistics and supply chain management. The CIPLSCM-IFPSM certification provides assurance that a professional has the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage global supply chains.

The CIPLSCM-IFPSM certification requires applicants to pass an exam and complete a series of courses. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as logistics, supply chain management, operations management, procurement, information technology, customer service, and business strategy. The courses cover topics such as global sourcing, inventory management, transportation management, warehousing operations, risk management, and sustainability.

In order to be eligible for the CIPLSCM-IFPSM certification program, applicants must have at least two years of experience working in logistics or supply chain management. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of their educational background in logistics or supply chain management.

The cost of the CIPLSCM-IFPSM certification program varies depending on the number of courses taken and the type of membership chosen. Generally speaking, it costs around $1,000 USD for the full certification program.

Once all requirements are met and payment is received by IFPSM, applicants will receive their CIPLSCM-IFPSM certificate within four weeks after passing their exam. This certificate is valid for three years from the date it was issued. After three years have passed since receiving your certificate you will need to renew it through IFPSM’s recertification process in order to maintain your status as a certified professional in logistics and supply chain management.

11. Institute for Supply Management's Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD-ISM).

The Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (CPSD-ISM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in supplier diversity. The certification is intended to provide employers with assurance that they are hiring qualified individuals who understand the complexities of managing and developing diverse supplier relationships.

The CPSD-ISM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as supplier diversity principles, best practices, legal requirements, and strategies for creating successful supplier diversity programs. Applicants must also demonstrate their knowledge through a combination of education and experience.

To obtain the CPSD-ISM certification, applicants must first complete an application form and submit it along with the required documents. Once approved, applicants will be assigned an ISM account number and will be able to register for the exam. Upon passing the exam, applicants will receive their official certificate from ISM.

The cost of obtaining the CPSD-ISM certification varies depending on whether you are taking the exam online or in person. The fee for taking the exam online is $495 USD while the fee for taking it in person is $595 USD. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with preparing for and studying for the exam such as course materials or tutoring services.

Do You Really Need a Purchasing Agent Certificate?

Yes, you do need a Purchasing Agent Certificate to become a purchasing agent. A Purchasing Agent Certificate is an official document that certifies you have the necessary qualifications and knowledge to become a purchasing agent. It is required by many employers in order for them to hire you as a purchasing agent.

The Purchasing Agent Certificate covers topics such as contract negotiation, procurement processes, obtaining quotes, placing orders, and managing supplier relationships. It also provides information about the laws and regulations related to purchasing agents and how to handle difficult situations like disputes or fraud prevention. This knowledge is essential for any successful purchasing agent who wants to stay on top of the latest trends and technologies in their field.

A Purchasing Agent Certificate also demonstrates your commitment to professional development and shows potential employers that you are serious about your career in the industry. In addition, it can help you stand out from other candidates when applying for jobs since employers are looking for qualified professionals who possess advanced knowledge in their field.

In conclusion, it is important to get a Purchasing Agent Certificate if you want to work as a purchasing agent because it provides invaluable knowledge about the profession and proves that you are serious about advancing your career.

Related: Purchasing Agent Resume Examples

FAQs About Purchasing Agent Certifications

Q1. What is a Purchasing Agent Certification?

A1. A Purchasing Agent Certification is a professional designation that recognizes an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of purchasing and procurement. It demonstrates to employers, clients and customers that the individual has achieved a certain level of proficiency in this area.

Q2. What are the benefits of obtaining a Purchasing Agent Certification?

A2. Benefits include increased job opportunities, higher salaries, more respect from employers and peers, improved job satisfaction and greater career advancement potential.

Q3. Who can become certified as a Purchasing Agent?

A3. Generally speaking, anyone with at least two years of experience in the purchasing profession is eligible to obtain certification as a Purchasing Agent.

Q4. What is required for certification?

A4. Depending on the certifying organization, requirements may vary; however, most require applicants to pass an exam covering topics such as contract law, purchasing processes and procedures, logistics and supply chain management, ethical principles in business dealings and other related areas of expertise.

Q5. How long does it take to become certified?

A5. The length of time varies depending on the certifying organization; however, most organizations require applicants to complete their exams within 6-12 months after enrollment in their program or coursework.