Top 10 Retail Buyer Certifications

Certifications are important for retail buyers in the job market because they demonstrate a level of knowledge and proficiency in their field. Certifications provide employers with evidence that a candidate is qualified to handle the responsibilities of a position, as well as giving them confidence in their decision to hire the applicant. With certifications, employers can be assured that their new employee has the necessary skills and experience to excel in the role. Additionally, certifications can help retail buyers stand out from other applicants by showing potential employers that they have taken extra steps to stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices.

The purpose of this article is to review some of the top certifications for Retail Buyers and explain how they can help advance a retail buyer's career.

What are Retail Buyer Certifications?

Retail buyer certification is a professional qualification that demonstrates an individual’s knowledge, skills, and abilities in the field of retail buying. This certification can be beneficial to those looking to pursue careers in retail buying or merchandising. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of buying and merchandising, as well as the ability to make sound business decisions based on market trends and customer needs. It also highlights the importance of developing relationships with vendors, negotiating contracts, managing inventory levels, ensuring product quality, and staying up-to-date on industry news and developments. With this certification, potential employers will have assurance that you have the necessary skills and qualifications to be successful in the retail buyer role. Additionally, having a certification may give you an edge over other applicants when applying for jobs or promotions.

Pro Tip: When considering a retail buyer certification, make sure to research the program thoroughly. Check to see if the program is offered through an accredited institution and whether or not it is recognized by the industry. Additionally, look into what type of coursework and/or exams are included in the program in order to ensure that you are getting a comprehensive education on retail buying and merchandising.

Related: What does a Retail Buyer do?

Top 10 Retail Buyer Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Retail Buyers today.

1. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)

Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) is a professional certification for supply chain and procurement professionals. It is administered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). This certification recognizes the knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals who are responsible for managing the acquisition of goods and services.

The CPSM program consists of three levels: Foundation, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each level requires passing an exam that tests knowledge in areas such as supply management principles, supplier relationships, contract law, ethics, and global sourcing. The exams are offered twice a year at testing centers around the world.

It typically takes two to three years to complete all three levels of the CPSM program. However, some individuals may be able to complete it faster depending on their prior experience and knowledge in supply chain management.

To get started with the CPSM program, you must first apply online through ISM's website. Once your application has been approved, you will need to purchase study materials from ISM or another provider. You will also need to register for each exam you plan to take and pay the associated fees. The cost of taking all three exams is approximately $1,500 USD plus any additional fees associated with study materials or other resources used during preparation for the exams.

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 individuals who have demonstrated expertise in the field of purchasing and supply management.

The CPM program requires applicants to have a minimum of five years of experience in purchasing and supply management, as well as a bachelor's degree or equivalent. Applicants must also pass an exam that tests their knowledge of the principles and practices of purchasing and supply management.

It typically takes about six months to complete the CPM program from start to finish. The process includes submitting an application, taking the exam, completing coursework or attending seminars, and receiving your certificate.

The cost of becoming a Certified Purchasing Manager depends on which route you choose to take. If you opt for self-study, it can cost anywhere from $1,000-$2,000 depending on the materials you purchase. If you attend ISM’s seminars or courses, it can range from $2,500-$5,000 depending on which ones you take.

3. Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC)

Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC) is a professional certification program offered by the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM). This certification is designed to recognize and validate the knowledge, skills, and abilities of purchasing professionals.

It typically takes about 12-18 months to complete the CPPC program. The program consists of three courses: Principles of Purchasing, Advanced Purchasing Practices, and Strategic Sourcing. Each course requires approximately 40-50 hours of study time. After completing all three courses, candidates must pass an exam in order to become certified.

To get started with the CPPC program, you must first become a member of NAPM. Membership fees vary depending on your profession and experience level. Once you have become a member, you can register for the CPPC program online or through mail.

The cost of the CPPC program varies depending on if you are a NAPM member or not. For non-members, it costs $1,295 for all three courses plus the exam fee of $395; for members it costs $995 plus the exam fee of $395.

4. Certified Retail Buyer (CRB)

A Certified Retail Buyer (CRB) is a professional designation that recognizes the expertise of retail buyers in the retail industry. It is awarded by the National Retail Federation (NRF), and it signifies that a buyer has achieved a high level of knowledge and understanding of the retail buying process. The CRB certification is designed to help buyers stay current on trends, best practices, and industry developments.

The CRB certification requires applicants to pass an exam that covers topics such as product selection, negotiation, pricing strategies, customer service, inventory management, and more. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

To be eligible for the CRB certification, applicants must have at least two years of experience in retail buying or related fields. Additionally, applicants must submit proof of their work experience as well as references from their employers or peers in the industry.

The cost to apply for the CRB certification varies depending on whether you are an NRF member or not. For non-members, the fee is $495; members pay $395. If you need to retake the exam, there is a fee of $150 for both members and non-members.

5. Certified Inventory Manager (CIM)

Certified Inventory Manager (CIM) is a professional certification awarded by the American Production and Inventory Control Society (APICS). It is designed to demonstrate an individual’s knowledge of inventory management principles and best practices.

To become certified, individuals must pass the CIM exam, which covers topics such as inventory control systems, supply chain management, purchasing and production planning. The exam consists of 150 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost of the CIM exam varies depending on the country in which it is taken. In the United States, it costs $395 for members of APICS or $495 for non-members. The exam fee includes a study guide and practice tests.

Individuals can register for the CIM exam online through APICS or at any authorized testing center. Once registered, they will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their test date. After passing the exam, individuals will be eligible to receive their Certified Inventory Manager certificate within 4-6 weeks.

6. Certified Retail Merchandiser (CRM)

A Certified Retail Merchandiser (CRM) is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have demonstrated the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in retail merchandising. This certification is offered by the National Retail Federation (NRF) and provides an industry-recognized credential for those working in retail merchandising.

The CRM certification program consists of two parts: a written examination and a practical assessment. The written exam covers topics such as product assortment, pricing strategies, inventory management, visual merchandising, customer service, and store operations. The practical assessment requires applicants to demonstrate their ability to apply their knowledge of retail merchandising in a real-world setting.

The process of becoming certified typically takes about 4-6 weeks from start to finish. To get started, applicants must first complete an online application form and submit it along with payment for the exam fee ($250). Once the application is approved, applicants will receive an email with instructions on how to schedule their written exam and practical assessment.

After completing both components of the certification program successfully, applicants will be awarded their CRM credential and will receive a certificate of completion from NRF.

The cost of obtaining the CRM certification is $250 for the written exam fee plus any applicable taxes or fees associated with scheduling the practical assessment portion of the program.

7. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM). It is designed to recognize professionals who demonstrate advanced knowledge and expertise in supply chain management.

The CSCP program consists of three parts: an online learning system, an exam, and a professional development program. The online learning system includes more than 20 hours of interactive study materials covering the fundamentals of supply chain management. The exam is a 3-hour, computer-based test that covers topics such as global supply chain strategies, customer relations management, inventory management, and logistics.

It typically takes about 6 months to complete the CSCP program. To get certified, you must first complete the online learning system and pass the exam with a score of 70% or higher. After passing the exam, you must also complete a professional development program consisting of at least 40 hours of continuing education activities over two years.

The cost of the CSCP program varies depending on your membership status with ASCM. Non-members pay $995 for access to the online learning system and exam registration fees; members pay $795 for access to the same materials and discounts on registration fees.

8. American Purchasing Society's Senior Professional in Supply Management (SPSM)

The Senior Professional in Supply Management (SPSM) is a certification program offered by the American Purchasing Society. It is designed to recognize and validate the professional knowledge, skills, and abilities of individuals in the field of supply management. The SPSM certification is designed to demonstrate an individual’s commitment to their profession and to enhance their career opportunities.

To obtain the SPSM certification, individuals must complete a series of courses that cover topics such as procurement, contract management, supplier relationship management, logistics and transportation, inventory management, and more. Once the courses are completed, individuals must pass an exam that tests their knowledge on these topics. The exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions and takes approximately three hours to complete.

The cost for obtaining the SPSM certification varies depending on whether or not you are a member of the American Purchasing Society. For non-members, the cost is $495 for all five courses plus the exam fee. For members of the society, there is a discounted rate of $395 for all five courses plus the exam fee.

In order to maintain your SPSM certification status, you must complete at least 20 hours of continuing education every two years in order to renew your certification status.

9. National Association of Purchasing Management's CPIM Certification

The Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) certification is a professional credential offered by the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM). This certification is designed to help professionals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in production and inventory management.

The CPIM program consists of five courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management, Master Planning of Resources, Detailed Scheduling and Planning, Execution and Control of Operations, and Strategic Management of Resources. Each course must be completed in order to earn the CPIM designation.

It typically takes between six months to two years to complete all five courses. The length of time depends on how quickly you can complete the coursework. You can take each course at your own pace or attend a classroom-based training program.

In order to get your CPIM certification, you must pass an exam for each course with a score of 70% or higher. The exams are administered by NAPM and are available online or at select testing centers around the world.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on whether you take the courses online or in person. Online courses typically cost between $500-$1000 per course while classroom-based programs range from $1500-$3000 per course. Additionally, there is an exam fee for each exam that ranges from $125-$200 depending on where you take it.

Overall, earning your CPIM certification can be a great way to demonstrate your expertise in production and inventory management as well as give you an edge over other job applicants when applying for positions related to this field.

10. International Institute for Procurement and Supply's Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Level 4 Diploma

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Level 4 Diploma is a professional qualification designed to equip procurement and supply professionals with the skills, knowledge, and experience needed to succeed in their roles. It is the highest level of qualification offered by the International Institute for Procurement and Supply (IIPS).

The diploma typically takes 18-24 months to complete depending on the student’s prior qualifications and experience. The diploma consists of 10 modules which cover topics such as procurement strategy, supplier relationship management, contract law, ethical sourcing, risk management and more.

To get the diploma, students must first complete an online application form which will be assessed by IIPS. If successful, they will then be enrolled onto the course.

The cost of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply Level 4 Diploma varies depending on where you are studying from but typically ranges from £3,000 - £4,500.

Do You Really Need a Retail Buyer Certificate?

Whether or not you need a retail buyer certificate depends on your individual goals and the specific requirements of the job. Generally, a retail buyer certificate is not required to become a retail buyer, but it can help demonstrate your knowledge and commitment to the field.

If you are looking for entry-level positions in the retail industry, having a retail buyer certificate may give you an edge over other applicants. The certificate is designed to provide an overview of the skills and knowledge needed to be successful in this role, such as product selection, pricing strategies, inventory management, negotiation skills, and market analysis. You may also learn about legal aspects of buying and selling products as well as customer service. This knowledge can help you stand out when seeking employment in this field.

On the other hand, if you are already employed in the retail industry or have extensive experience in buying and selling products, then a retail buyer certificate may not be necessary. Your existing experience may be enough to demonstrate that you possess the requisite knowledge and skills for the job. However, if you’re looking to move up in your career or transition into a more advanced role within retail buying, then obtaining a certificate could give you an advantage over other applicants who don’t have similar credentials. It could also open up new opportunities for career advancement or help boost your salary expectations.

Ultimately, whether or not you need a retail buyer certificate depends on where you currently stand in terms of experience and what kind of position you’re interested in pursuing. If it’s something that would benefit your career path or increase your chances of getting hired for certain roles then it may be worth considering obtaining one.

Related: Retail Buyer Resume Examples

FAQs About Retail Buyer Certifications

1. What is a Retail Buyer Certification?

Answer: A Retail Buyer Certification is a credential that recognizes the knowledge and skills required to successfully purchase goods and services for retail businesses. It is offered by professional associations and organizations, such as the National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM).

2. How do I become a Certified Retail Buyer?

Answer: To become a Certified Retail Buyer, you must complete an accredited program in retail buying or management and pass a certification exam administered by the NAPM or other certifying body. You may also need to complete continuing education courses to maintain your certification.

3. What are the benefits of becoming a Certified Retail Buyer?

Answer: Becoming certified as a retail buyer can provide you with greater credibility in the industry, as well as access to higher-level positions. Additionally, it can help you stay up-to-date on industry trends and best practices, which can give you an edge when negotiating contracts or making purchasing decisions.

4. How long does it take to earn a Retail Buyer Certification?

Answer: The exact amount of time it takes to earn your certification will vary depending on the specific program and requirements of each certifying organization. Generally speaking, most programs require between one and two years of study before you are eligible to take the certification exam.

5. Are there any prerequisites for earning a Retail Buyer Certification?

Answer: Most certifying bodies require applicants to have at least two years of full-time work experience in retail buying or management prior to taking the certification exam. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to have completed certain educational courses related to retail buying prior to being eligible for certification.