Top 11 Purchasing Clerk Certifications

Certifications are important for purchasing clerks in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to professional development and show potential employers that the individual is knowledgeable and qualified to perform the duties of the position. Certification programs provide an additional level of assurance that a candidate has the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to succeed in a purchasing role. Additionally, certifications can help individuals stand out from other applicants by demonstrating their dedication to their profession. In some cases, certifications may even be required for certain positions or organizations.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Purchasing Clerks and how they can help advance their career.

What are Purchasing Clerk Certifications?

Purchasing Clerk Certification is a professional certification designed to verify that an individual has the necessary knowledge and skills to work as a purchasing clerk. This certification is offered by the International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Institute (IPSCMI). The certification requires individuals to have a minimum of two years of experience in purchasing or related fields, such as inventory control, procurement, supply chain management, and logistics.

Purchasing Clerk Certification helps demonstrate that an individual has the necessary qualifications to perform the job effectively. By obtaining this certification, it allows employers to quickly identify qualified candidates for their open positions. Additionally, it can help individuals stand out from other job seekers in the field and increase their chances of getting hired. It also demonstrates potential employers that an individual is committed to maintaining up-to-date industry knowledge and staying informed on current trends in purchasing and supply chain management. Furthermore, having this certification can also help individuals advance their careers by providing them with more opportunities for promotions or higher positions within their organization.

Pro Tip: When purchasing clerk certification, make sure to research the certifying body and ensure that the certification is accredited and accepted by employers in your field. Also look into the costs associated with certification, including any additional fees or renewal requirements.

Related: What does a Purchasing Clerk do?

Top 11 Purchasing Clerk Certifications

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

1. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) 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 expertise in the field of procurement and supply chain management. The CPP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in purchasing and supply chain management roles.

The CPP certification process consists of three parts: passing an exam, completing a minimum number of years of professional experience, and meeting certain educational requirements. To be eligible for the CPP exam, applicants must have at least five years of professional purchasing or supply chain experience. In addition, applicants must have either a bachelor’s degree or 24 semester hours of college-level coursework in business or related fields.

The cost for taking the CPP exam is $350 USD for ISM members and $450 USD for non-members. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as contract law, supply chain management, procurement processes, supplier relationships, negotiation strategies, and risk management.

The exam can take up to four hours to complete and is offered twice per year at various locations throughout the United States. Once a candidate passes the exam they will become certified as a Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).

2. 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 and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of supply management professionals.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Professional, and Mastery. Each level requires passing an exam and accumulating a certain number of continuing education credits. The exams are administered by ISM at testing centers throughout the world.

To become a Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM), you must pass all three exams within a five-year period. Each exam takes approximately four hours to complete and must be taken in person at an approved testing center. The cost of each exam is $400 for members of ISM or $500 for non-members.

In addition to passing the exams, you must also accumulate 60 Continuing Education Credits (CECs) over the five-year period to maintain your CPSM certification status. CECs can be earned through attending ISM conferences or workshops, completing online courses, or participating in webinars or other educational programs related to supply management topics.

Overall, it will take approximately two years to complete all three exams and accumulate the necessary CECs required for CPSM certification status.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is an internationally recognized certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to give professionals in the field of supply chain management a comprehensive understanding of the concepts and strategies necessary to manage global supply chains.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: a course, an exam, and a certification. The course provides an overview of the principles and processes involved in managing global supply chains, including topics such as logistics, inventory management, customer service, procurement, and risk management. It typically takes around 20 hours to complete the course.

The exam is a four-hour long multiple-choice test that covers all of the material covered in the course. To pass the exam, you must score at least 70%.

Once you have passed the exam, you will be eligible for certification as a Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP). This certification demonstrates your knowledge and expertise in supply chain management and can open up new career opportunities.

The cost of taking the CSCP exam varies depending on where you take it. In most cases it costs around $695 USD plus any applicable taxes.

4. Certified Procurement Manager (CPM)

Certified Procurement Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize and promote excellence in the field of procurement management. The CPM credential demonstrates a mastery of the core competencies required to manage purchasing, sourcing, and supply chain activities.

It typically takes two to three years to complete the requirements for the CPM certification. To become certified, candidates must have at least five years of experience in procurement management, pass an exam administered by ISM, and complete a series of continuing education courses.

The cost of obtaining the CPM certification varies depending on which components are included in the program. The base fee for taking the exam is $495 USD. Additional fees may be charged for additional courses or materials needed to complete the program.

5. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

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

In order to become certified, applicants must have at least five years of experience in purchasing and supply chain management, as well as a bachelor’s degree or equivalent education. Applicants must also pass an exam administered by ISM. The exam covers topics such as procurement strategies, negotiating techniques, contract administration, risk management, and global sourcing.

The process of becoming certified can take anywhere from six months to two years depending on the applicant’s experience level and preparation. Applicants should plan to spend at least three months studying for the exam and preparing their application materials.

The cost of becoming certified varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For members, the cost is $795 for both the exam fee and application fee combined; for non-members, it is $995 for both fees combined. Additionally, there may be additional costs associated with taking practice exams or attending review courses prior to taking the exam.

6. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in public procurement. The CPPO certification is recognized by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) as an industry standard for procurement professionals.

The CPPO certification program consists of two parts: the NIGP Certification Exam and the NIGP Professional Development Program. The exam is a comprehensive assessment of an individual’s knowledge and understanding of public procurement principles, practices, and procedures. It covers topics such as legal requirements, contract administration, purchasing methods, and ethical considerations.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPPO certification process. To be eligible for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of public procurement experience or equivalent education and training. They must also complete a minimum number of hours in approved continuing education courses related to public procurement within the past three years.

The cost to take the CPPO Certification Exam varies depending on whether you are taking it online or in person at a test center. The online version costs $350 while the in-person version costs $450 plus any applicable taxes and fees.

Once you pass the exam, you will receive your official CPPO certificate from NIGP along with access to additional resources such as webinars, podcasts, and other materials designed to help you stay up-to-date on developments in public procurement.

7. Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO)

Certified Government Contracting Officer (CGCO) is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to perform their duties as a government contracting officer. This certification is offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA).

The CGCO program consists of four courses: Introduction to Government Contracting, Federal Acquisition Regulations, Source Selection, and Contract Administration. The program also includes an examination which must be passed in order to receive the certification.

It typically takes about three months to complete all four courses and pass the exam. The cost for the entire program is $2,000, which includes course materials and exam fees.

To get certified, you must first apply for admission to the NCMA's CGCO Program. You will need to submit an application form along with proof of your educational background, professional experience, and training in government contracting. Once accepted into the program, you will then have access to all four courses and can begin studying for the exam.

Once you have completed all four courses and passed the exam, you will receive your CGCO certification from NCMA. This certification is valid for three years before renewal is required.

8. Institute for Supply Management – Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (ISM-CPSD)

The Institute for Supply Management – Certified Professional in Supplier Diversity (ISM-CPSD) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of supplier diversity. The certification program is designed to provide recognition and professional development opportunities for professionals working in the field of supplier diversity.

To become certified, an individual must complete a two-day training course and pass an exam with a score of at least 70%. The cost of the training course varies depending on the location and provider, but typically ranges from $500-$1,000. After successful completion of the training course, individuals must then submit an application to ISM for review and approval. Once approved, applicants are awarded the ISM-CPSD certification.

The ISM-CPSD certification is valid for three years before renewal is required. Renewal requires that individuals maintain their knowledge and skills through continuing education activities such as attending conferences or workshops related to supplier diversity or taking additional courses or seminars. Renewal also requires that individuals submit documentation demonstrating their continued involvement in supplier diversity initiatives. The cost to renew the ISM-CPSD certification is typically $150-$200 per year.

9. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing – Certified Public Purchasing Officer (NIGP-CPPO)

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) is a professional certification program that recognizes the knowledge and skills of public purchasing professionals. The CPPO certification is designed to help government purchasing officers demonstrate their commitment to excellence in public procurement and provide assurance that they have the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform their jobs effectively.

To be eligible for the NIGP-CPPO certification, applicants must meet certain educational and experience requirements. Applicants must have at least a bachelor’s degree in business or public administration from an accredited college or university, or a related field; plus at least five years of full-time professional experience in governmental purchasing or procurement management. Additionally, applicants must pass an examination that covers topics such as legal issues, procurement processes, technical aspects of purchasing, and ethical considerations.

The NIGP-CPPO certification is valid for three years from the date of issue. To maintain certification status, holders are required to complete continuing education activities every three years to demonstrate ongoing professional development.

The cost of obtaining the NIGP-CPPO certification varies depending on whether you are an NIGP member or nonmember. For members, the cost is $250 for the initial application fee plus $100 for each recertification cycle; for nonmembers it is $350 for the initial application fee plus $200 for each recertification cycle.

To obtain your CPPO certification, you should first review all eligibility requirements and then submit an application packet including your resume/CV and supporting documents such as transcripts and proof of experience. Once your packet has been reviewed by NIGP staff and approved by the Certification Board, you will be notified when you can take the exam which is administered online through Prometric Testing Centers located throughout the US. Upon successful completion of the exam with a passing score of 70%, you will receive your CPPO certificate within 4-6 weeks after testing.

10. American Purchasing Society – Certified Purchasing Practitioner (APS-CPP)

The American Purchasing Society’s Certified Purchasing Practitioner (APS-CPP) is a professional certification program for purchasing professionals. It is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of those who work in the field of purchasing. The APS-CPP certification demonstrates an individual’s commitment to their profession, as well as their dedication to staying current with industry trends and best practices.

The APS-CPP certification requires that individuals pass an exam which tests their knowledge of purchasing principles, processes, and practices. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions covering topics such as procurement methods, contract management, supplier selection and evaluation, cost analysis and negotiation techniques. The exam must be taken at a certified testing center and takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the APS-CPP certification exam, applicants must have at least two years of experience in a purchasing or related field. Additionally, applicants must be members of the American Purchasing Society or have completed an approved course in purchasing from an accredited institution.

The cost for the APS-CPP certification exam is $495 USD for non-members of the American Purchasing Society or $395 USD for members. This fee includes all study materials needed to prepare for the exam as well as access to practice exams prior to taking the actual test.

Once individuals have successfully passed the APS-CPP certification exam they will receive their official certificate from the American Purchasing Society along with a digital badge that can be displayed on their website or social media profiles. This badge serves as proof that they are officially recognized by the American Purchasing Society as a Certified Purchasing Practitioner (APS-CPP).

11. Association for Operations Management – Certified Supply Chain Professional (APICS-CSCP).

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program designed to provide supply chain professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively manage global supply chains. The CSCP program is recognized as the industry standard for supply chain excellence and provides individuals with the opportunity to demonstrate their expertise in supply chain management.

The CSCP program takes approximately 18 months to complete, depending on individual study habits and availability of resources. The program consists of three components: self-study, an online exam, and a workshop.

To get the CSCP certification, you must first purchase a learning system from APICS which includes textbooks, online materials, and access to the CSCP exam. After studying the material, you must then take an online exam that tests your knowledge of supply chain management concepts. Finally, you must attend a two-day workshop that covers topics such as customer service strategies and inventory control techniques. Upon completion of all three components, you will receive your CSCP certification.

The cost of obtaining the CSCP certification varies depending on whether or not you are an APICS member. Non-members can expect to pay around $1,400 for the learning system plus another $695 for the exam fee; members pay slightly less at around $1,100 for the learning system plus $595 for the exam fee.

Do You Really Need a Purchasing Clerk Certificate?

Whether or not you need a purchasing clerk certificate depends on the job you are applying for. Some employers may require that you have a purchasing clerk certificate to be considered for the position, while others may not require it.

The main purpose of having a purchasing clerk certificate is to demonstrate that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to work as a purchasing clerk. It also shows potential employers that you are serious about pursuing a career in this field.

If you are applying for a job as a purchasing clerk, it is highly recommended that you get the proper certification. This will give your resume an edge over other candidates and make it easier for employers to decide whether or not they want to hire you.

Additionally, having a purchasing clerk certificate can help open up more opportunities in the future. It will show potential employers that you are well-versed in various aspects of the job, such as product sourcing, price negotiation, and problem-solving. This could lead to higher salaries and more advancement opportunities down the road.

In conclusion, whether or not you need a purchasing clerk certificate depends on the job requirements of each employer. If the employer does require it, then it is highly recommended that you get one in order to stand out from other applicants and increase your chances of getting hired.

Related: Purchasing Clerk Resume Examples

FAQs About Purchasing Clerk Certifications

1. What is a Purchasing Clerk Certification?

Answer: A Purchasing Clerk Certification is a professional certification that demonstrates knowledge and proficiency in the purchasing field. It is earned after completing a certification program or passing an exam that tests the individual’s understanding of the principles, techniques, and regulations related to purchasing.

2. What are the benefits of having a Purchasing Clerk Certification?

Answer: Having a Purchasing Clerk Certification can help individuals demonstrate their commitment to the profession and open up job opportunities in this field. It also shows employers that candidates have the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in purchasing roles. Additionally, it can provide recognition for individuals who take initiative to further their professional development.

3. How long does it take to get a Purchasing Clerk Certification?

Answer: The time required to obtain a Purchasing Clerk Certification will depend on which type of certification program or exam you choose. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several weeks up to several months depending on the individual’s commitment level and availability of study materials.

4. Is there an age requirement for obtaining a Purchasing Clerk Certification?

Answer: No, there is no age requirement for obtaining a Purchasing Clerk Certification; however, some programs or exams may require applicants to be at least 18 years old or older in order to apply.

5. Are there any prerequisites for taking a Purchasing Clerk Certification exam?

Answer: Yes, most certifying bodies require applicants to have some prior experience or knowledge of purchasing practices before taking an exam for certification purposes. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to complete preparatory courses before taking their exams as well as meet certain educational requirements depending on the specific organization's standards.