Top 10 Purchasing Buyer Certifications

Certifications are important for a purchasing buyer in the job market because they demonstrate that a potential employee has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their job duties. Certifications provide employers with an assurance that the candidate is qualified and knowledgeable in their field of expertise. They help employers to identify qualified candidates quickly and easily, as well as provide them with a way to evaluate a candidate’s professional qualifications. Furthermore, certifications can give job seekers an edge over other applicants who lack them, helping them stand out from the competition.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Purchasing Buyers and explains how they can help to advance a Purchasing Buyer's career.

What are Purchasing Buyer Certifications?

Purchasing buyer certification is a professional credential that demonstrates a person’s knowledge and skill in purchasing. It is designed to increase the professionalism of those working in the field and help them stay up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and technologies. The certification also helps employers identify qualified buyers who can make sound decisions when it comes to purchasing products or services. The certification covers topics such as product selection, supplier management, contract law, negotiation strategies, risk management, and more. Having this certification will give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs in purchasing departments. In addition to providing evidence of your expertise in this field, having a Purchasing Buyer Certification will also demonstrate your commitment to your profession and show prospective employers that you are dedicated to staying current on industry best practices.

Pro Tip: When purchasing buyer certification, always research the company to ensure that they are reputable and that their certification will be accepted by the industry you're working in. Additionally, make sure to read all of the terms and conditions carefully before making a purchase.

Related: What does a Purchasing Buyer do?

Top 10 Purchasing Buyer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Purchasing Buyers 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 demonstrated expertise and knowledge in the field of supply chain management. The CPSM certification is a globally recognized credential that signifies an individual's proficiency in the areas of sourcing, procurement, logistics, inventory management, and other related disciplines.

To qualify for the CPSM certification, applicants must have at least three years of full-time experience in supply chain management or related fields. Applicants must also pass a three-part examination which covers topics such as strategic sourcing, contract management, global supply chain management, and more.

The cost for the CPSM exam varies depending on the country where it is taken. In the United States, it costs $495 for ISM members and $595 for non-members to take the exam.

It typically takes about six months to prepare for and complete all three parts of the CPSM exam. During this time period, applicants should review study materials provided by ISM and take practice tests to ensure they are adequately prepared for each part of the exam.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge and skills of purchasing professionals. The CPM program focuses on the development of advanced skills in areas such as strategic sourcing, supply chain management, contracts and negotiations, supplier relationship management, and cost analysis.

The CPM program consists of three parts: an online assessment, an online course, and a final exam. The online assessment tests your knowledge of purchasing principles and practices. The online course provides comprehensive training on topics related to purchasing management. Finally, the final exam is a comprehensive test that evaluates your understanding of the material covered in both the assessment and the course.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three parts of the CPM program. However, depending on your experience level and availability, it may take longer or shorter than this.

To get started with the CPM program, you must first register with ISM by completing an application form and paying a registration fee. After registering with ISM, you will be given access to the online assessment as well as instructions for how to complete it. Once you have completed all three parts of the CPM program successfully, you will receive your certification from ISM.

The cost for registering for the CPM program varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For members, it costs $450; for non-members it costs $550 plus applicable taxes.

3. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification program offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in public procurement.

The CPPO certification requires a minimum of three years of full-time public procurement experience, as well as passing an exam that covers the fundamentals of public procurement. The exam is offered twice per year and consists of 150 multiple-choice questions.

To become a CPPO, you must first complete an application form and submit it to UPPCC along with the required documentation and fee. The fee for the CPPO certification is $350 USD. Once your application has been approved, you will be eligible to take the exam.

It typically takes about six months from the time you submit your application until you receive your certification. After earning your CPPO designation, you will be able to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in public procurement and provide evidence of your commitment to professional development in this field.

4. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a professional body that sets standards, provides qualifications, and offers training in the field of procurement and supply chain management. It has over 200,000 members in 150 countries around the world.

It takes between 12 to 18 months to become a CIPS-qualified professional. To get CIPS qualification, you need to complete three levels of study: Foundation Level (Level 2), Professional Level (Level 4), and Advanced Level (Level 6). Each level consists of modules that cover topics such as procurement processes, contract law, supplier relationships, risk management, and sustainability.

To become a member of CIPS you must have achieved either the Foundation or Professional Level qualification. You can also apply for membership if you have relevant work experience or other qualifications in procurement and supply chain management.

The cost of studying for the CIPS qualification varies depending on your location and the type of study program you choose. The cost typically ranges from £2,000 - £4,000 for each level.

5. Global Purchasing Certification (GPC)

Global Purchasing Certification (GPC) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of competency in the field of global purchasing. The GPC program is administered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), and it is designed to provide recognition to those who have achieved a high level of proficiency in the areas of global sourcing, procurement, and supply chain management.

To become certified, applicants must complete an online application and pass an exam that covers topics such as global sourcing, supplier selection, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and risk management. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions and takes approximately 3 hours to complete. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience in the field.

The cost for the GPC certification program is $595 USD for ISM members or $695 USD for non-members. It typically takes 4-6 weeks from the time that you submit your application until you receive your results. Successful applicants will receive their GPC certificate within 4-6 weeks after passing the exam.

6. American Purchasing Society (APS)

American Purchasing Society (APS) is a professional membership organization that provides education, certification, and networking opportunities for purchasing professionals. It was founded in 1947 and is headquartered in Chicago, IL.

To become an APS member, one must first register online or by mail. After registering, the applicant will need to submit a completed application form with all required documents. Once the application is approved, the prospective member can choose to join as a Regular Member or as a Professional Member. The Regular Membership fee is $75 per year and the Professional Membership fee is $150 per year.

In addition to membership fees, there are also costs associated with taking APS certification exams. The cost of each exam varies depending on the type of certification being sought. For example, the Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) exam costs $325 while the Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM) exam costs $425.

Once an applicant has been accepted as an APS member and taken any necessary exams, they will receive their official APS certificate within 4-6 weeks of completing their registration process. This certificate serves as proof that they have met all requirements for becoming an APS certified professional purchasing manager or specialist.

7. Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP)

Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP) is a certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize professionals who have achieved a high level of proficiency in purchasing and supply management. The CPP designation is recognized worldwide as a mark of excellence in the field.

To become a Certified Professional Purchaser, you must meet certain criteria and pass an exam. To qualify, you must have at least five years of professional purchasing experience, or three years with a college degree, and demonstrate knowledge in areas such as contract law, cost analysis, negotiations, and logistics.

The CPP exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as procurement processes, supplier selection and management, inventory control systems, strategic sourcing techniques, and global supply chain management. The exam takes four hours to complete and is administered twice per year at various locations around the world.

The cost to take the CPP exam is $550 for ISM members and $700 for non-members. You must also pay an annual renewal fee of $50 to maintain your certification status.

8. 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. It was established in 1944 to promote the highest standards of excellence in public procurement. NIGP offers a variety of programs, services and resources to help members develop their knowledge and skills.

It takes approximately 6-12 months to complete the NIGP certification program. The process begins with an online application, which is followed by an assessment exam. Once the exam has been passed, applicants must complete a series of courses and workshops before taking the final certification exam.

To get certified through NIGP, applicants must be current members of the organization and meet certain eligibility requirements. These include having at least three years of experience in public procurement or related fields, as well as completing specific coursework. Applicants must also submit proof of their professional experience and educational background.

The cost of becoming certified through NIGP varies depending on the program chosen by the applicant. Generally speaking, it costs between $400-$600 for the entire certification process including exams, courses and workshops.

9. Association for Operations Management – Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (APICS-CPSCM)

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) Certified Professional in Supply Chain Management (CPSCM) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage supply chain operations. The certification is designed to provide professionals with the skills and knowledge needed to lead their organization in today’s global economy.

The APICS-CPSCM certification is a three-level program, which consists of an introductory course, a core course, and an elective course. The introductory course provides an overview of the supply chain management process, while the core course focuses on the fundamentals of supply chain management. The elective courses allow participants to specialize in areas such as logistics, inventory control, or customer service.

To obtain the APICS-CPSCM certification, individuals must pass all three levels of the program and have at least two years of hands-on experience in supply chain management. Candidates must also meet certain educational requirements and pass an exam administered by APICS.

The cost of obtaining the APICS-CPSCM certification varies depending on what level you are taking and whether or not you are a member of APICS. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500-$2,000 USD to complete all three levels of the program.

In addition to passing all three levels of the program and meeting certain educational requirements, candidates must also agree to abide by a code of ethics set forth by APICS when they become certified professionals in Supply Chain Management.

10. International Association for Contract and Commercial Management – Certified Professional Contracts Manager (IACCM-CPCM).

The International Association for Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who manage contracts and commercial relationships. The CPCM is the highest level of certification offered by IACCM, and is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in contract management.

To become certified as a CPCM, individuals must demonstrate their experience, knowledge, and proficiency in contract management principles through passing a comprehensive exam. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as legal foundations of contracts, risk analysis and mitigation strategies, negotiation techniques, dispute resolution processes, contract administration best practices, performance measurement systems, and more.

The entire process typically takes between six months to one year to complete. To get started on the path towards becoming certified as a CPCM, individuals must first join IACCM as members. Once they have joined IACCM they can then register for the CPCM program which requires them to submit documentation demonstrating their experience in contract management.

Once accepted into the program they will be given access to study materials which includes an online course with video lectures and practice exams. After studying these materials candidates may then register for their CPCM exam which costs $595 USD per attempt. Candidates will receive their results within two weeks after taking the exam. Those who pass will be awarded their CPCM certification from IACCM and will be eligible to use the official “CPCM” designation after their name on all professional documents such as resumes or business cards.

Do You Really Need a Purchasing Buyer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a purchasing buyer certificate depends on what type of job you are looking for. Generally speaking, a purchasing buyer certificate is a credential that demonstrates the holder has the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the field of purchasing. The certificate may be offered through an accredited institution or organization, or it may be self-taught.

In most cases, employers prefer to hire individuals who have at least some formal education in this area. Having this type of credential can help demonstrate your commitment to learning and provide employers with evidence that you have the necessary skills to succeed in this field. Additionally, having a certificate can help you stand out from other applicants who do not have one.

However, it is important to note that having a purchasing buyer certificate does not guarantee success in this field. A great deal of experience and skill is also required to excel in this profession. It is also important to keep up with industry trends and stay informed about new developments in the field so that you can remain competitive.

Overall, whether or not you need a purchasing buyer certificate will depend on your goals and ambitions in the field of purchasing. If you are looking for more highly-specialized positions such as those requiring specific certifications, then having one may be beneficial for your career prospects. However, if you are just starting out or are looking for an entry-level position then it may not be necessary for success in the profession.

Related: Purchasing Buyer Resume Examples

FAQs About Purchasing Buyer Certifications

Q1. What is a Buyer Certification?

A1. A Buyer Certification is a professional designation that recognizes individuals who have achieved a certain level of knowledge and experience in the field of purchasing and procurement. It validates the individual’s expertise in areas such as contract management, supplier selection, negotiation, and cost analysis.

Q2. How do I obtain a Buyer Certification?

A2. To obtain a Buyer Certification, you must pass an exam administered by an accredited organization or association. You will also need to meet other requirements such as having several years of relevant work experience or completing approved courses.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a Buyer Certification?

A3. Having a Buyer Certification can help you stand out from other job applicants when applying for positions in the purchasing and procurement field. It can also give you an edge when negotiating contracts with suppliers and vendors, since it shows that you have the necessary skills to be successful in this area.

Q4. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam?

A4: Yes – some organizations may require applicants to have several years of work experience or to complete approved courses before they are eligible to take the exam. It is important to check with your chosen certifying organization to find out what their specific requirements are before registering for the exam.

Q5: How long does it take to receive my certification after passing the exam?

A5: The length of time depends on the organization administering the exam; however, most organizations will issue your certification within two weeks after passing the exam.