Top 11 Purchasing Specialist Certifications

Certifications are important for a purchasing specialist in the job market because they demonstrate an individual's knowledge, skills and abilities that are relevant to the role. Employers often look for certifications when hiring purchasing specialists as a way to ensure they have the necessary qualifications and expertise to effectively perform their duties. Having certifications can also help differentiate one candidate from another and make them more attractive to potential employers. Certifications also provide purchasers with continuing education opportunities, which can be beneficial for keeping up with industry trends and new developments.

The purpose of this article is to review the top certifications for Purchasing Specialists and explain how they can help to advance a Purchasing Specialist's career.

What are Purchasing Specialist Certifications?

Purchasing specialist certification is a professional credential offered by the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP). It is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of purchasing principles, practices, and procedures. The certification program includes educational requirements and an exam that tests candidates on their knowledge and understanding of purchasing concepts.

Purchasing specialist certification provides several benefits for those who hold it. First, it demonstrates to potential employers that the individual has a strong understanding of the field. This can be especially helpful when applying for positions in government or other public organizations where purchasing policies are strictly regulated. In addition, holding a certification shows that an individual is serious about their job and has taken the time to invest in their professional development. Finally, many organizations offer higher salaries or other incentives to employees with certifications, so having one can improve your earning potential in the long run.

Pro Tip: When purchasing specialist certification, do your research and read reviews from other professionals in the field. This can help you determine whether the certification is reputable and will be beneficial to your career.

Related: What does a Purchasing Specialist do?

Top 11 Purchasing Specialist Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Purchasing Specialists 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 professionals who have demonstrated mastery of the core knowledge and skills needed to excel in supply management.

To become certified, applicants must have a minimum of three years of full-time professional experience in supply management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Applicants must also pass a three-part exam that covers topics such as procurement, contracts, inventory control, logistics, and supplier relations.

The entire process typically takes between four and six months to complete. The cost for the CPSM program varies depending on whether you are an ISM member or nonmember. For members, it costs $1,495 for the entire program; for nonmembers it costs $2,195.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification awarded by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is the highest level of recognition for purchasing and supply management professionals. The CPM credential demonstrates that an individual has achieved a high level of knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of purchasing and supply management.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all requirements necessary to become a Certified Purchasing Manager. To earn the CPM designation, individuals must meet certain education, experience, and examination requirements. They must also agree to abide by ISM's Code of Ethics.

To get the CPM certification, individuals must first submit an application to ISM and pay a non-refundable application fee of $50 USD. If approved, they must then pass two exams: one on general purchasing principles and practices, and another on their chosen specialty area (such as logistics or contract management). After passing both exams, applicants must submit proof of their work experience in the form of job descriptions or letters from employers.

The cost for becoming a Certified Purchasing Manager varies depending on which courses are taken and how long it takes to complete them. Generally speaking, it can range anywhere from $1,000 - $3,000 USD.

3. Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO)

A Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) is a professional designation given to individuals who have completed a rigorous training program and passed an examination in public procurement. The CPPO designation recognizes the knowledge and expertise of those who are responsible for the management of the public procurement process.

The CPPO program is administered by the National Institute of Government Purchasing (NIGP). To become certified, applicants must have at least three years of full-time public procurement experience, complete a minimum of 120 hours of approved training courses, and pass a comprehensive written examination.

The cost to become certified varies depending on the number and type of courses taken. Generally, it costs approximately $1,500 to $2,000 to become certified as a CPPO. The certification process typically takes between six months and one year to complete.

To get started with the certification process, interested individuals should contact NIGP for more information about their requirements and application process.

4. Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC)

Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC) is a professional certification that demonstrates an individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to provide expert advice and guidance on purchasing activities. The CPPC designation is offered by the Institute of Supply Management (ISM).

The CPPC certification requires successful completion of a three-part exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions and case studies. The exam covers topics such as supply chain management, procurement processes, supplier selection, contract negotiation, and risk management. The exam typically takes four hours to complete.

To get the CPPC certification, applicants must have at least five years of professional purchasing experience or hold a bachelor’s degree in business or related field with three years of professional purchasing experience. Applicants must also complete an online application form and pay a fee for the exam.

The cost for the CPPC certification is $450 USD for ISM members and $550 USD for non-members.

5. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a certification program developed by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to provide professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage global supply chain activities.

The CSCP certification requires that applicants have at least three years of professional experience in supply chain management, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The program consists of a three-day course and exam, which covers topics such as supply chain strategy, design, compliance, operations, technology, and more.

It typically takes between six months and one year to complete the CSCP certification process. During this time, applicants must complete the required coursework and pass the exam. The cost of the program varies depending on whether you choose to take an online or in-person course. In general, it costs between $1,500-$2,000 USD for the entire program.

6. Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP)

Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (APP) is a professional certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated mastery of the core competencies and skills necessary for successful purchasing and procurement. The APP certification is offered by the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC).

The APP certification program consists of two parts: an online exam and a practical experience requirement. The online exam covers topics such as contract management, purchasing procedures, legal requirements, supply chain management, and public procurement regulations. The practical experience requirement involves completing at least one year of verifiable purchasing or procurement experience with a minimum of 500 hours in the field.

To become certified as an Accredited Purchasing Practitioner, applicants must first pass the online exam and then submit documentation verifying their work experience. Once approved, they will be issued an APP certificate valid for three years. After three years, recertification is required in order to maintain the credential.

The cost of becoming certified as an Accredited Purchasing Practitioner varies depending on the country in which you are located. Generally speaking, it costs around $400 USD to take the online exam and $200 USD for the application fee for recertification.

7. 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 professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate expertise in supplier diversity and the ability to effectively manage supplier diversity programs. The certification is designed to provide recognition of professionals who have achieved a level of knowledge, experience and expertise in the field of supplier diversity.

In order to obtain the ISM-CPSD certification, candidates must meet certain eligibility requirements, including having at least three years of full-time work experience in supplier diversity management or related fields. Candidates must also pass an exam that covers topics such as supplier diversity strategies, policies and procedures, measuring performance, managing relationships with diverse suppliers, and developing effective supplier diversity programs. The exam consists of 100 multiple choice questions and takes approximately two hours to complete.

The cost for the ISM-CPSD certification program is $495 USD for members of the Institute for Supply Management (ISM), or $595 USD for non-members. This fee includes access to online study materials, one attempt at the certification exam, and a one-year membership with ISM upon successful completion of the exam.

Candidates can register for the ISM-CPSD program through their website or by calling their customer service department at 1-800-888-6276. Upon successful registration, candidates will receive an email containing instructions on how to access their online study materials and schedule their examination appointment.

8. APICS – Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program designed to help professionals develop the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within an organization. CPIM certification requires successful completion of five exams, which cover topics such as demand management, procurement and supplier planning, material requirements planning, capacity requirements planning, master scheduling, sales and operations planning, performance measurements, quality control and continuous improvement.

It typically takes between 6-12 months to prepare for the CPIM exams. Preparation can include self-study using APICS materials or attending a local APICS chapter training session. The cost of the exam varies depending on the region but typically ranges from $400-$600 per exam. To become certified you must pass all five exams within three years of starting the program.

9. American Purchasing Society – Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP)

The American Purchasing Society Certified Professional Purchaser (CPP) is a professional designation for purchasing professionals. It is designed to recognize the knowledge and skills of experienced purchasing professionals in the field of supply chain management. The CPP is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates a mastery of the principles and practices of effective procurement.

To become certified, an individual must pass the CPP exam, which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as sourcing, pricing, negotiation, contracts, and supplier relationships. The exam typically takes two hours to complete and is offered at testing sites throughout the United States.

In order to qualify to take the CPP exam, applicants must have a minimum of three years’ experience in purchasing or supply chain management. They must also have completed at least 30 hours of approved continuing education credits within the past three years.

The cost of taking the CPP exam varies depending on where you take it and how many times you need to retake it if necessary. Generally speaking, it costs around $300-$400 for one attempt at the exam. There may be additional fees for retakes or other services associated with taking the exam.

Once an individual has passed their CPP exam, they will receive their certificate from the American Purchasing Society within four weeks after successfully completing all requirements associated with certification.

10. International Association of Contract and Commercial Management – Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM)

The International Association of Contract and Commercial Management (IACCM) Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) is a certification program designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of commercial contract management. The CCCM certification is based on the IACCM body of knowledge, which covers best practices in contract management, legal principles, negotiation techniques, and risk management.

To obtain the CCCM certification, you must complete an online application and pass an exam with a score of 70% or higher. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions that cover topics such as contract law, negotiation strategies, risk management, and dispute resolution. The exam takes approximately three hours to complete.

In order to be eligible for the CCCM certification, applicants must have at least five years of experience in commercial contracts or related fields. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the IACCM body of knowledge by passing an online assessment prior to taking the exam.

The cost for the CCCM certification is $1,500 USD. This includes access to all required materials and resources as well as registration fees for both the online assessment and exam.

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

The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) Certified Public Procurement Officer (NIGP-CPPO) is a certification program designed to recognize public procurement professionals who have achieved a high level of knowledge and expertise in their field. This certification is intended to ensure that public procurement officers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively manage public purchasing processes.

To become certified, applicants must meet certain criteria including having at least three years of professional experience in the field, passing an exam, and completing continuing education requirements. The exam consists of 200 multiple-choice questions covering topics such as contract law, purchasing principles, and procurement regulations. It takes approximately four hours to complete the exam.

The cost for the NIGP-CPPO certification varies depending on the applicant’s state or local jurisdiction. Generally, it costs around $500-$1000 for the application fee, exam fee, and any additional fees required by your jurisdiction.

Once certified, NIGP-CPPOs must complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain their certification status.

Do You Really Need a Purchasing Specialist Certificate?

The answer to this question really depends on the individual. For some people, obtaining a purchasing specialist certificate could be beneficial in advancing their career and expanding their knowledge base. For others, it may not be necessary at all.

For those who are already working in the field of purchasing, a purchasing specialist certificate can provide them with a greater understanding of the industry and more specific skills that they can use on the job. This certification may also give them an edge when applying for higher-level positions or promotions within their current organization. It can also open up new job opportunities as employers often look favorably upon candidates who have earned such credentials.

On the other hand, if you are just starting out in the field of purchasing, you may not need to pursue a certification right away. Generally speaking, most entry-level positions do not require any level of certification or special training. Instead, employers are typically more interested in your experience and knowledge. As you gain more experience and become more knowledgeable about the industry, then you can consider pursuing further education if desired.

In conclusion, whether or not you should pursue a purchasing specialist certificate really depends on your individual circumstances and goals. If you feel that obtaining such certification would be beneficial to your career and give you an edge over other applicants, then it might be worth considering. However, if you do not feel that this type of credential is necessary for your current career path then it might be best to focus on gaining experience instead.

Related: Purchasing Specialist Resume Examples

FAQs About Purchasing Specialist Certifications

Q1: What is a Purchasing Specialist Certification?

A1: A Purchasing Specialist Certification is a professional credential that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge and expertise in the field of purchasing. It is awarded to individuals who have demonstrated their understanding of the principles, practices, and regulations related to purchasing.

Q2: What are the benefits of a Purchasing Specialist Certification?

A2: Benefits of having a Purchasing Specialist Certification include increased earning potential, recognition as an industry expert, and improved job opportunities. Additionally, having a certification can help demonstrate your commitment to the profession and give employers confidence in your abilities.

Q3: How do I become certified as a Purchasing Specialist?

A3: To become certified as a Purchasing Specialist, you must typically complete an approved course or program related to purchasing and then pass an exam administered by a certifying body such as the Institute for Supply Management (ISM).

Q4: How long does it take to get certified as a Purchasing Specialist?

A4: The amount of time it takes to get certified varies depending on the type of program and course you choose. Generally speaking, most programs will take around 6-12 months to complete.

Q5: Is there any continuing education required for maintaining my Purchasing Specialist Certification?

A5: Yes, many certifying bodies require continuing education credits (CECs) in order to maintain your certification status. The amount of CECs required varies depending on the certifying body but typically ranges from 15-30 hours per year.