Top 11 Purchasing Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a purchasing manager in the job market because they demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to be successful in the role. A certification can show employers that a purchasing manager has the necessary expertise to handle complex tasks and can help them stand out from other applicants. Certification programs also provide training in areas such as supply chain management, contract negotiation, and risk management that are essential for success in the field. Finally, certifications indicate a level of commitment to professional development and staying up-to-date with industry trends which is highly valued by employers.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the available certifications for Purchasing Managers and their potential benefits for career advancement.

What are Purchasing Manager Certifications?

Purchasing Manager Certification is a professional accreditation program designed to recognize and validate the skills and knowledge of purchasing managers. It helps ensure that these professionals have the necessary qualifications to effectively manage purchasing activities in their organization.

The certification is based on a comprehensive assessment system, which includes an online exam, practical application of knowledge and professional development courses. Those who pass the exam are awarded with a certificate that verifies their competence in all areas of purchasing management. This certificate can be used as proof of competency when applying for jobs or promotions, or as evidence of continuing education in the field.

The certification program also provides access to a network of professionals with similar interests, allowing for discussion and collaboration on industry trends and best practices. By staying abreast of current developments, certified professionals can better serve their organization’s needs by making informed decisions about purchasing processes. In addition, those who hold the certification demonstrate their commitment to continuous learning and growth within the profession.

Pro Tip: When considering purchasing manager certification, research various certification programs to find the one that best fits your career goals. Make sure that the certification program you choose is accredited and recognized by industry professionals and employers. Also, look into any additional requirements such as continuing education or recertification to ensure that your certification remains up-to-date.

Related: What does a Purchasing Manager do?

Top 11 Purchasing Manager Certifications

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

1. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification designed to recognize the knowledge and expertise of supply management professionals. It is administered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

To become certified, an individual must have a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience in supply management and pass a three-part exam. The exam covers topics such as procurement, contract management, supplier relations, inventory control, logistics and transportation, materials planning and forecasting, quality assurance, and global sourcing.

The entire process typically takes between 6-9 months to complete. To get started on the path to becoming CPSM certified, individuals must first join ISM as a member. Membership fees vary based on the type of membership chosen. Once membership is established, individuals can register for the CPSM Certification Program which includes access to study materials and practice exams.

The cost of the CPSM Exam varies depending on whether or not an individual chooses to purchase additional study materials from ISM. The base fee for the exam is $595 USD for members and $795 USD for non-members. Additional study materials may be purchased separately at an additional cost.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification program designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of purchasing and supply management professionals. The CPM credential is administered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

To earn the CPM designation, an individual must pass a comprehensive exam that covers topics such as strategic sourcing, negotiation and contract management, global supply chain management, and risk mitigation. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately four hours to complete.

In order to be eligible to take the CPM exam, individuals must meet certain prerequisites, which include having at least five years of experience in purchasing or supply management and completing at least 60 hours of continuing education credits related to purchasing or supply management.

The cost of taking the CPM exam varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or non-member. For ISM members, the cost is $450; for non-members, it is $600.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate mastery of supply chain management best practices, including sourcing and procurement, inventory and warehouse management, transportation and logistics, customer service and technology.

The CSCP program requires candidates to complete an extensive online course that covers all aspects of supply chain management. The course consists of 12 modules which take approximately 20 hours to complete. After completing the course, candidates must pass a comprehensive exam in order to become certified.

To get the CSCP certification, you must first register for the online course. The registration fee is $995 USD. Once you have completed the course and passed the exam, you will receive your official CSCP certificate from ASCM. The entire process typically takes 3-4 months from start to finish.

4. American Purchasing Society (APS) Certification

American Purchasing Society (APS) Certification is a professional credential that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the field of purchasing and supply chain management. It is designed to help employers identify qualified professionals who are capable of managing their organization’s purchasing activities.

The APS certification process involves two parts: an online assessment and an in-person interview. The online assessment consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as procurement regulations, contract law, cost analysis, and inventory control. After completing the assessment, applicants must pass an in-person interview with a panel of experienced purchasing professionals.

To get certified by the APS, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements including having at least three years of experience in the field of purchasing or supply chain management and having a bachelor's degree or higher from an accredited university or college. Applicants must also submit proof of their work experience and educational background along with their application.

The cost for APS certification varies depending on the individual's level of experience and education. The basic certification fee is $299 USD plus any applicable taxes. Additional fees may be charged for additional certifications or specializations within the field.

Overall, it typically takes between four to six weeks to complete the entire certification process from start to finish.

5. International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Institute (IPSCMI) Certification

The International Purchasing and Supply Chain Management Institute (IPSCMI) is a professional organization that provides certification in the fields of purchasing and supply chain management. The IPSCMI certification program is designed to recognize individuals who have achieved excellence in their respective field. It is intended to demonstrate an individual's knowledge and skills in the areas of procurement, inventory management, logistics, and supply chain management.

The IPSCMI certification process includes completing a series of courses, passing an exam, and submitting a portfolio for review. The courses cover topics such as procurement strategy, supplier selection, contract negotiation, risk management, inventory control, and transportation. Upon completion of all required coursework and passing the exam with a score of 70% or higher, candidates may submit their portfolios for review by the IPSCMI Certification Board.

The duration of the certification process can vary depending on how quickly you complete the coursework and pass the exam. Generally speaking, it should take around 6-9 months to complete all requirements for IPSCMI certification.

To get certified by IPSCMI you must first register for membership with them. Once you are registered you will be able to access all course materials as well as schedule your exams when ready. You will also need to pay a fee which covers your registration costs as well as any additional fees associated with taking exams or submitting portfolios for review. The cost of IPSCMI certification varies depending on your country but typically ranges from $500-$1000 USD.

6. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement & Supply

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Diploma in Procurement & Supply is an internationally recognised qualification. It is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of procurement and supply chain management, as well as the skills needed to be successful in this field.

The diploma typically takes around 18 months to complete, depending on the study route taken. There are three main routes: self-study, distance learning and classroom-based learning. The cost of the course will vary depending on the route chosen.

Self-study involves studying independently using CIPS’ own materials such as books, online resources and webinars. This route is suitable for those who are already working in the industry or have some experience in procurement and supply chain management.

Distance learning allows learners to study from home at their own pace with support from CIPS tutors via email or telephone. This route is ideal for those who want to fit their studies around their existing commitments or who live too far away from a classroom-based course provider.

Classroom-based learning involves attending face-to-face classes with a qualified tutor at an approved CIPS training centre. This option is best suited to those who prefer more structured learning and direct contact with tutors and other students.

The cost of studying for the CIPS Diploma in Procurement & Supply varies depending on which route you choose, but typically ranges from £2,000 - £3,500 including exam fees and course materials.

7. Association for Operations Management (APICS) Certification

The Association for Operations Management (APICS) Certification is an internationally recognized certification that demonstrates a professional’s knowledge and skills in the field of operations management. It is designed to help professionals advance their careers by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, processes, and practices used to manage resources within an organization. The certification is offered through APICS, which is a leading provider of education and training programs in supply chain and operations management.

To obtain the APICS Certification, individuals must first complete a series of courses or exams that cover topics such as inventory management, production planning, supply chain management, quality control, and strategic sourcing. Once these courses or exams are completed, individuals must then pass the APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) exam. This exam tests an individual’s knowledge of all aspects of operations management including supply chain design and optimization, customer service delivery, and global logistics.

The time it takes to get the APICS Certification varies depending on how quickly an individual completes the required coursework or exams. Generally speaking, it can take anywhere from six months to two years to obtain the certification.

Individuals interested in obtaining the APICS Certification can do so by enrolling in one of APICS’ online or in-person courses or by taking self-study courses or exams through third-party providers such as Pearson VUE or Prometric.

The cost associated with obtaining the APICS Certification depends on which route an individual chooses to pursue. Enrolling in one of APICS’ online or in-person courses typically costs between $1,000-$2,000 while taking self-study courses or exams through third-party providers typically costs around $400-$500 per exam.

8. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Professional Certificate Program

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Professional Certificate Program is a comprehensive certification program designed to help supply chain professionals enhance their knowledge and skills. It consists of four courses that cover the essential topics of supply chain management, including sourcing and procurement, inventory management, logistics, and operations. The program also includes an exam that tests your understanding of the material covered in the courses.

The program takes approximately one year to complete. To get started, you must first register for the program and pay a fee. After registering, you will have access to all four courses which can be taken at your own pace. Upon completion of the courses, you will need to take the exam which is administered online by ISM.

The cost of the ISM Professional Certificate Program varies depending on your membership status with ISM. For non-members, the cost is $1,395 USD; for members it is $995 USD; and for student members it is $495 USD.

9. Global Commerce Education (GCE) Certified Purchasing Manager

Global Commerce Education (GCE) Certified Purchasing Manager is a certification program designed to provide purchasing professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to become successful in their field. This certification program is offered through the Global Commerce Education Institute (GCEI). The GCE Certified Purchasing Manager certification is designed to help purchasing professionals increase their effectiveness and productivity, while also providing them with the necessary tools and strategies to make informed decisions when it comes to procurement processes.

The GCE Certified Purchasing Manager certification requires applicants to complete a series of online courses, which cover topics such as contract management, supplier selection, negotiation strategies, and supply chain management. The courses are self-paced and can be completed at your own convenience. Once all of the courses have been completed, applicants must pass an exam in order to receive their certification.

The entire process typically takes around 6 months from start to finish. However, this timeline may vary depending on how quickly you complete the courses and pass the exam.

To get started on your GCE Certified Purchasing Manager certification journey, you will need to register for the program through the GCEI website. You will then be provided with access to all of the course material needed for completion.

The cost of obtaining a GCE Certified Purchasing Manager certification varies depending on which package you choose. There are three packages available: Basic ($499), Professional ($999), and Elite ($1,499). Each package includes different levels of access to course materials as well as additional support services such as one-on-one coaching sessions with industry experts.

10. National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) Certified Purchasing Professional

The National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM) Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of expertise in the field of purchasing. The CPP certification is designed to demonstrate the knowledge and skills required for successful purchasing management.

It typically takes about 6-12 months to prepare for the CPP exam, depending on individual experience and knowledge. To become certified, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements and pass an exam administered by NAPM. The exam covers topics such as supply chain management, contract law, pricing strategies, and ethics in purchasing.

To get started with the CPP program, applicants must first register with NAPM and pay an application fee of $200 USD. Once registered, applicants will receive access to study materials and practice tests which can be used to prepare for the exam. After passing the exam, applicants will receive their CPP certificate from NAPM.

The cost of becoming a Certified Purchasing Professional varies depending on individual circumstances but typically ranges between $500-$1000 USD including application fees, study materials and examination fees.

11. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) Certified Professional in Procurement and Supply

The International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) Certified Professional in Procurement and Supply (CPPS) is an internationally recognized certification program that verifies the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals working in the procurement and supply chain management fields. It is designed to recognize those who have achieved a high level of expertise in their profession.

To become a CPPS, you must complete an accredited training program and pass the IFPSM Certification Exam. The training program typically takes three to six months to complete, depending on the provider. The exam consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as strategic sourcing, contract management, supplier relationship management, logistics, risk management, and more.

Once you have completed the training program and passed the exam, you will receive your CPPS certification from IFPSM. This certification is valid for three years and can be renewed by completing additional continuing education credits or retaking the exam.

The cost of becoming a CPPS varies depending on the training provider you choose. Generally speaking, it can range from $1,000 - $3,000 USD for both the training program and exam fees combined.

Do You Really Need a Purchasing Manager Certificate?

The answer to this question depends on the individual and their career aspirations. For some individuals, a Purchasing Manager Certificate may be beneficial to help them advance in their current career or pursue higher-level positions in purchasing management. It can also be helpful for those who are starting out in the field and want to learn more about the industry and gain a better understanding of the job responsibilities.

At its core, a Purchasing Manager Certificate is a way for an individual to demonstrate their knowledge and experience in purchasing management. It can give employers an indication of an applicant’s qualifications and skillset, which may be necessary for certain positions. The certificate also shows that the individual has taken courses related to purchasing management and has a fundamental understanding of the subject matter.

Ultimately, whether or not someone needs a Purchasing Manager Certificate is dependent on their goals and desired job roles. If they are looking to move up quickly in their current organization or pursue new opportunities, having the certification may provide them with a competitive edge over other applicants. However, if they are just starting out or do not plan to pursue higher-level roles, it may not be necessary.

Related: Purchasing Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Purchasing Manager Certifications

1. What is a Purchasing Manager Certification?

Answer: A Purchasing Manager Certification is a qualification awarded to those who have successfully completed a program of study in the field of purchasing management. The program typically includes coursework in topics such as supply chain management, procurement and contract law, cost analysis, and inventory control.

2. How do I become certified?

Answer: To become certified, you must complete an accredited certification program offered by a recognized educational institution or professional organization. You may also need to pass an exam to demonstrate your knowledge and skills in purchasing management.

3. How long does it take to get certified?

Answer: The length of time it takes to get certified depends on the specific requirements of the certification program you choose. Generally, most programs take anywhere from six months to two years to complete.

4. What are the benefits of becoming certified?

Answer: Becoming certified can open up many job opportunities in the field of purchasing management and help you earn higher salaries due to your increased knowledge and expertise in the area. It also enhances your credibility with potential employers as well as colleagues within your industry.

5. Is there any way to maintain my certification?

Answer: Yes, most certifying organizations require that you stay up-to-date with industry trends and practices through continuing education credits or other activities in order to maintain your certification status.