Top 10 Purchasing Coordinator Certifications

Certifications are important for a purchasing coordinator in the job market because they demonstrate a commitment to excellence and a higher level of knowledge and understanding of the field. Having certifications can give potential employers confidence in your abilities, show that you are up-to-date on industry standards and trends, and prove that you have taken the time to invest in yourself and your career. Certifications also provide potential employers with an indication of the level of experience you have in the field and may help them determine whether or not you will be able to handle the responsibilities associated with a particular job.

This article reviews some of the top certifications for Purchasing Coordinators and explains how they can help advance a purchasing coordinator's career.

What are Purchasing Coordinator Certifications?

Purchasing coordinator certification is a specialized certification that certifies individuals in the field of purchasing and procurement. Individuals who are certified as purchasing coordinators have demonstrated knowledge in the areas of supply chain management, inventory control, vendor management, purchasing analytics, and contract negotiation. With this certification, purchasers can demonstrate their expertise to employers and increase their job prospects.

The certification also provides purchasers with a number of benefits such as providing them an opportunity to network with other professionals in the field and to stay up-to-date on best practices. Additionally, the certification can help purchasers gain access to professional development opportunities and exclusive discounts on products or services related to the industry. This can be especially beneficial for those who are looking to advance their career in purchasing or procurement management. Furthermore, having a purchasing coordinator certification may make it easier for purchasers to negotiate better terms with suppliers due to their knowledge of the industry and current market trends.

Pro Tip: When purchasing coordinator certification, make sure to research the provider and ensure that the program is accredited by a reputable organization. Also, look for programs that offer additional support such as mentorships or job placement services.

Related: What does a Purchasing Coordinator do?

Top 10 Purchasing Coordinator Certifications

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

1. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)

Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional certification program offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The CPP credential recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and experience in the field of purchasing and supply management.

The CPP program requires applicants to pass an exam that assesses their knowledge and skills in areas such as procurement, inventory control, logistics, contract negotiation, supplier relations, and more. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering eight different subject areas.

It typically takes about two to three months to prepare for the CPP exam. Candidates can prepare for the exam by taking courses or self-study materials provided by ISM or other organizations. Additionally, some employers offer study materials or even reimbursement for taking the exam.

The cost of the CPP examination varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For ISM members, it costs $400; for non-members it costs $600. Additional fees may apply if you need to retake the exam or if you need special accommodations due to a disability.

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). This certification is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of supply management. The CPSM program consists of three exams that cover topics such as strategic sourcing, contract management, and supplier relationship management.

It typically takes about six months to complete all three exams, although this timeframe can vary depending on an individual’s study habits and commitment. To get the CPSM certification, individuals must first register with ISM and pay the associated fees. After registering, they will receive access to study materials and practice tests which can be used to prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CPSM program varies depending on whether or not you are an ISM member. For non-members, it costs $1,250 USD for all three exams; however, members only pay $750 USD. Additionally, there is a one-time application fee of $50 USD regardless of membership status.

3. Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCM)

Certified in Supply Chain Management (CSCM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the principles and practices of supply chain management. The certification is offered by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS) and is recognized as an industry standard for supply chain professionals.

The CSCM program consists of two parts: a comprehensive exam and a series of courses. The exam covers topics such as inventory management, logistics, procurement, production planning, quality control, and customer service. To qualify for the exam, applicants must have at least three years of experience in supply chain management or related fields.

The CSCM program typically takes between six months and one year to complete. To get certified, applicants must first pass the comprehensive exam with a score of 75% or higher. After passing the exam, they must then complete three required courses: Principles of Supply Chain Management, Advanced Supply Chain Management, and Professional Practices in Supply Chain Management. Once all course requirements are met, applicants will receive their official CSCM certification from APICS.

The cost of the CSCM program varies depending on which courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. The cost for the comprehensive exam alone is $595 USD; however, discounted rates may be available if multiple exams are taken at once or if certain qualifications are met. The cost for individual courses can range from $400-$600 USD each.

4. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program administered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). The CPM program is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of purchasing and supply management.

The CPM certification requires applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of purchasing and supply management. Applicants must also have at least three years of experience in purchasing or supply chain management.

To get certified as a CPM, you must first apply to take the exam. Applications can be submitted online or through the mail. Once your application has been accepted, you will need to register for the exam and pay the applicable fee. The fee varies based on your ISM membership status but typically ranges from $400-$600 USD.

Once registered, you will need to schedule a date and time to take the exam at an approved testing center. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions that must be completed within 3 hours and 45 minutes. After completing the exam, you will receive your results immediately upon completion. If you pass, you will be awarded your CPM certification which is valid for three years before it needs to be renewed.

The cost of becoming a Certified Purchasing Manager includes registration fees for taking the exam as well as any study materials or courses used in preparation for it. Depending on where you live and what resources are available to you, this cost can range from several hundred dollars up to several thousand dollars.

5. Global Purchasing Certification (GPC)

Global Purchasing Certification (GPC) is a certification program developed by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in global purchasing and supply chain management. The GPC program is divided into three levels: Certified Global Purchasing Professional (CGPP), Advanced Certified Global Purchasing Professional (ACGPP), and Master Certified Global Purchasing Professional (MCGPP).

The CGPP certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as global sourcing, contract negotiation, supplier relationship management, and project management. This exam can be taken online or at an ISM-approved testing center. It typically takes about six months to prepare for the exam, depending on the applicant’s experience level.

The ACGPP certification requires applicants to pass two additional exams that cover topics such as global trade compliance, international logistics, and risk management. These exams must be taken at an ISM-approved testing center. It typically takes about nine months to prepare for these exams, depending on the applicant’s experience level.

The MCGPP certification requires applicants to pass three additional exams that cover topics such as strategic sourcing, supply chain optimization, and advanced analytics. These exams must also be taken at an ISM-approved testing center. It typically takes about twelve months to prepare for these exams, depending on the applicant’s experience level.

The cost of the GPC program varies based on the number of certifications sought and whether or not an applicant chooses to take advantage of any discounts offered by ISM. Generally speaking, it will cost between $1,500-$3,000 USD per level of certification sought in order to become a GPC certified professional.

6. National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Certification

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills of government purchasing professionals. It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to excellence in public procurement and to promote the highest standards of ethical conduct in the profession.

To become NIGP certified, individuals must have a minimum of two years of public sector purchasing experience and complete a comprehensive examination covering all aspects of public procurement. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to take the certification exam, individuals must first apply for certification through the NIGP website. The application fee is $250 for members or $350 for non-members. Once approved, applicants can then register for the exam at their local testing center or online.

The cost for taking the exam varies depending on location but generally ranges from $100 - $200. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their official NIGP certification credentials which are valid for three years.

7. Project Management Professional (PMP)

Project Management Professional (PMP) is a globally recognized professional certification for project managers. It is offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI), an international organization dedicated to advancing the practice of project management. The PMP certification demonstrates that an individual has the knowledge and experience necessary to lead and direct projects in any industry.

To become certified, individuals must meet certain requirements and demonstrate their proficiency in five areas of project management: initiating, planning, executing, monitoring and controlling, and closing. They must also pass a four-hour exam consisting of 200 multiple-choice questions.

It typically takes about three months for individuals to prepare for the exam, depending on their experience level. To get started, individuals should review PMI’s eligibility criteria and apply for the certification through PMI’s website. Once they are approved, they can register for the exam through Prometric or Pearson VUE testing centers.

The cost of the PMP certification varies depending on whether you are a member of PMI or not. For non-members, it costs $555 USD; members pay $405 USD.

8. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional designation awarded by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC). It is the highest level of recognition for public procurement professionals in the United States. The CPPO certification demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in public procurement, including best practices, regulations, and laws.

In order to become certified as a CPPO, an individual must have at least three years of experience in public procurement or related fields and pass a comprehensive written examination administered by the UPPCC. The exam covers topics such as contract law, ethics, financial management, and strategic sourcing. Candidates must also complete a minimum of 24 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification.

The cost of obtaining a CPPO certification varies depending on the candidate’s experience and the type of training they receive. Generally speaking, it can cost anywhere from $500 to several thousand dollars to become certified as a CPPO. The total cost includes application fees, exam fees, and any necessary training courses or materials.

In terms of time commitment, it typically takes between six months to one year to prepare for and pass the CPPO exam. During this time period, candidates should plan on studying for several hours each week in order to adequately prepare for the exam.

9. Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA)

Certified Supply Chain Analyst (CSCA) is a professional certification offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to demonstrate a mastery of supply chain management principles and practices. The certification is aimed at professionals who have at least three years of experience in the field, or those who have completed an undergraduate degree in supply chain management.

To receive the CSCA certification, applicants must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as supply chain strategy, logistics, operations and performance management. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

The cost of the CSCA exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, it costs $395 USD to take the exam. In other countries, the cost may be higher or lower depending on local taxes and fees.

In order to prepare for the CSCA exam, ASCM offers a variety of study materials including books, online courses and practice exams. These materials can help candidates become familiar with concepts covered on the test and increase their chances of passing it successfully.

10. Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Certification

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a professional body that offers qualifications, training, and membership services to those working in the procurement and supply chain industry. CIPS certification is an internationally recognized qualification that demonstrates expertise in procurement and supply chain management.

It takes around 3-4 months to complete the CIPS certification process. To begin the process, you must first register with CIPS and select your chosen level of qualification. Once registered, you will be required to complete a series of modules which cover topics such as procurement strategy, contract law, risk management, supplier relationships and more. After completing each module, you will need to pass a multiple-choice assessment before progressing to the next level.

Once all modules have been completed successfully, you will be awarded your CIPS certification. This can take up to 4 weeks after completion of your final module.

The cost of obtaining a CIPS certification depends on which level of qualification you choose. The fees range from £400 for Level 2 (Foundation) up to £2,200 for Level 6 (Advanced Diploma). You may also be eligible for discounts if you are a student or part of an organization that has an agreement with CIPS.

Do You Really Need a Purchasing Coordinator Certificate?

The decision to pursue a purchasing coordinator certificate depends on the individual's career goals and experience level. A certificate can help someone break into the field, as it provides an entry-level credential that employers may look for. It may also be beneficial for someone with some experience in the field who wants to increase their knowledge and possibly advance their career.

On the other hand, if someone already has significant experience in procurement or purchasing, a certificate may not be necessary. Instead, they could focus their efforts on gaining additional skills or expanding their network of contacts in the field. This could provide them with better job opportunities and higher wages than they would gain from earning a certificate.

Ultimately, whether or not someone should pursue a purchasing coordinator certificate is up to them. They should consider all factors related to their situation before deciding which path is right for them.

Related: Purchasing Coordinator Resume Examples

FAQs About Purchasing Coordinator Certifications

Q1: What is a Purchasing Coordinator Certification?

A1: A Purchasing Coordinator Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and skills in the procurement field. It verifies that the holder has the necessary qualifications to effectively manage purchasing processes, from identifying and sourcing suppliers to negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.

Q2: How do I get a Purchasing Coordinator Certification?

A2: In order to obtain a Purchasing Coordinator Certification, you must pass an exam administered by a recognized certification body. The exam typically covers topics such as supplier management, contract negotiation, inventory control, and supply chain management.

Q3: How long does it take to get a Purchasing Coordinator Certification?

A3: This varies depending on the specific certification program you are pursuing. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from several months up to two years or more to complete all of the required coursework and exams.

Q4: What is the cost of a Purchasing Coordinator Certification?

A4: The cost of obtaining a Purchasing Coordinator Certification will depend on the specific certification program you choose. Costs may include registration fees, course materials, and testing fees.

Q5: Are there any prerequisites for obtaining a Purchasing Coordinator Certification?

A5: Most certification programs require applicants to have at least one year of experience in purchasing or related fields before they can apply for certification. Some programs may also require applicants to have completed college-level courses in business administration or related fields prior to applying for certification.