Top 11 Strategic Sourcing Manager Certifications

Certifications are important for a strategic sourcing manager in the job market because they demonstrate that the individual has the knowledge and skills necessary to perform the job. As strategic sourcing involves complex processes, certifications can help employers assess a candidate’s ability to handle those processes and make informed decisions. Additionally, certifications indicate that an individual is up-to-date with industry standards, trends, and best practices, which can be invaluable for employers when making hiring decisions. Certifications also provide potential employers with assurance that their candidate has obtained the necessary training and qualifications to do their job effectively.

The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the top certifications for Strategic Sourcing Managers and explain how they can help advance a strategic sourcing manager's career.

What are Strategic Sourcing Manager Certifications?

Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes an individual's expertise in the field of strategic sourcing. This certification is designed to help individuals demonstrate their knowledge, skills, and abilities in the areas of strategic sourcing, including the development and implementation of sourcing strategies, supplier selection and negotiation, cost analysis and management, risk management and compliance, data analytics, and organizational change management. The certification also provides recognition for those who have achieved mastery in the field.

The benefits of Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification are significant. It can provide a competitive edge in job searches by demonstrating expertise; it can increase salary potential; it can open the door to new career opportunities; it can enhance credibility when working with clients or suppliers; and it can be a valuable asset to employers looking for qualified candidates. Additionally, having this certification may make an individual more attractive to potential employers or customers due to its recognition as an industry standard. Finally, Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification gives individuals access to educational resources that will help them stay up-to-date on trends and developments in the field.

Pro Tip: Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification can be a valuable asset for sourcing professionals. It can help you stay up to date on best practices and the latest trends in the industry, as well as give you an edge when competing for jobs. Additionally, having the certification will make you an attractive candidate for employers looking for experienced sourcing managers.

Related: What does a Strategic Sourcing Manager do?

Top 11 Strategic Sourcing Manager Certifications

Here’s our list of the best certifications available to Strategic Sourcing Managers 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 and validate the knowledge and skills of supply chain professionals. The CPSM certification is a globally recognized credential that demonstrates an individual’s commitment to excellence in supply chain management.

The CPSM program consists of three exams: Fundamentals, Advanced Strategies, and Leadership. Each exam has a different focus and covers various topics related to supply chain management. The exams are administered by ISM and can be taken online or at approved testing centers around the world.

It typically takes about one year to complete all three exams, depending on how much time you are able to dedicate to studying for each exam. To get started, you must first become a member of ISM and then register for the program. After registering, you will receive access to study materials, practice tests, and other resources that will help you prepare for the exams.

The cost of the CPSM program varies depending on your country of residence and whether or not you are an ISM member. In general, it costs around $1,000 USD for non-members and $800 USD for members. This fee includes registration fees as well as any additional materials needed for studying for the exams.

2. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)

Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is a professional certification offered by the Institute for Supply Management (ISM). It is designed to recognize and reward individuals who have achieved mastery in the field of purchasing and supply management. The CPM certification demonstrates a commitment to excellence in the field, as well as a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of purchasing and supply management.

In order to become certified, applicants must first meet the eligibility requirements set by ISM. These include having at least five years of experience in purchasing or supply management, having a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited institution, and passing an exam administered by ISM. The exam consists of 140 multiple choice questions covering topics such as strategic sourcing, contract law, negotiation techniques, and financial analysis.

The cost of the CPM certification process varies depending on whether you are taking the exam for the first time or if you are retaking it. For those taking it for the first time, there is an initial fee of $495 USD plus applicable taxes. This fee covers registration for the exam as well as access to study materials and resources. For those retaking the exam, there is a fee of $295 USD plus applicable taxes.

The amount of time required to complete the CPM certification process will vary from person to person depending on their individual level of preparation and study habits. Generally speaking, most people can expect to spend anywhere from three months up to one year studying for and completing their CPM certification process.

3. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)

Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) is a professional certification offered by the APICS organization. It is designed to recognize professionals who have demonstrated knowledge and understanding of supply chain management principles and practices. The CSCP certification is aimed at individuals who are working in or aspiring to work in supply chain management, logistics, purchasing, operations, inventory management, transportation, warehousing, materials management, customer service or any other related field.

The CSCP certification requires successful completion of an exam which consists of multiple-choice questions covering topics such as global supply chain strategy and design; demand planning and forecasting; procurement and supplier relationship management; production planning and scheduling; quality control; inventory control; distribution requirements planning; warehouse management; transportation management; performance measurement and continuous improvement.

It typically takes between 6 months to 1 year to prepare for the CSCP exam depending on your current level of knowledge in supply chain management. Preparation can be done through self-study using textbooks or online courses. Additionally, there are several organizations that offer classroom instruction as well as study groups that can help you prepare for the exam.

The cost of the CSCP certification varies depending on where you take it. Generally speaking, the cost ranges from $695-$1125 USD plus applicable taxes. This includes registration fees for the exam as well as access to online resources such as practice tests and study guides.

4. APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)

APICS Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM) is a professional certification program offered by the Association for Operations Management (APICS). It is designed to help individuals gain the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage production and inventory activities within their organizations. CPIM certification validates an individual’s expertise in the principles of production and inventory management, including demand planning, materials requirements planning, master scheduling, capacity requirements planning, shop floor control, supplier scheduling, quality control, continuous improvement methods and total quality management.

It takes approximately 8-12 months to complete the CPIM program. The program consists of two courses: Basics of Supply Chain Management (BSCM) and Master Planning of Resources (MPR). Both courses are available online or in a classroom setting. Upon successful completion of both courses, you will be eligible to take the CPIM exam.

The cost for the CPIM program varies depending on which format you choose. The online course costs $1,295 per course plus an additional $100 fee for each exam. The classroom course costs $2,595 per course plus an additional $100 fee for each exam. In addition to these fees, you must also pay a one-time application fee of $250 when applying for the CPIM certification.

5. Institute for Supply Management Certified Professional (ISM-CP)

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) Certified Professional (ISM-CP) is a professional certification program that recognizes individuals who demonstrate a high level of knowledge and expertise in the field of supply chain management. This certification is designed to help professionals gain recognition, credibility, and respect from their peers and employers.

The ISM-CP requires applicants to have at least two years of relevant work experience in supply chain management or related fields. Applicants must also pass an exam that covers topics such as procurement, inventory management, logistics, operations management, and more. The exam is administered by the ISM and consists of multiple choice questions.

In order to become an ISM-CP certified professional, applicants must first register with the ISM. Registration costs $150 USD and includes access to study materials and practice exams. After registering with the ISM, applicants can schedule their exam date with Pearson VUE testing centers. The cost of the exam is $395 USD.

Once an applicant has successfully passed the exam, they will receive their official certificate from the ISM within 4 weeks of completing the test. The certification is valid for three years after which time it must be renewed by taking another exam or completing continuing education courses offered by the ISM.

6. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Level 4 Diploma in Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Management

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Level 4 Diploma in Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Management is a professional qualification that provides the skills and knowledge required to manage the sourcing and supply chain activities of an organisation. It is an internationally recognised qualification and is designed for those who wish to develop their career in procurement, supply chain management or strategic sourcing.

The Level 4 Diploma takes approximately 12 months to complete, depending on your individual progress. To get the qualification, you will need to pass four modules: Introduction to Strategic Sourcing; Advanced Strategic Sourcing; Managing Supplier Relationships; and Supply Chain Management. Each module consists of multiple-choice assessments, case studies and practical assignments which must be completed successfully in order to gain the qualification.

The cost of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply Level 4 Diploma in Strategic Sourcing and Supply Chain Management varies depending on where you study it. Generally speaking, it costs around £2,000 - £3,000 for the full course (including all four modules).

7. Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification

Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification is a professional certification program designed to teach individuals the fundamentals of Lean Six Sigma, a process improvement methodology used to reduce waste and improve efficiency. The program focuses on teaching participants how to identify and eliminate non-value-added activities in their organization. It also teaches them how to use data-driven decision making tools such as statistical process control (SPC) and design of experiments (DOE).

The Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification typically takes between 8 and 16 weeks to complete, depending on the provider. Most providers offer both online and in-person instruction, allowing students to complete the program at their own pace. To get certified, participants must pass an exam administered by the provider. The cost of the certification varies depending on the provider, but most range from $500-$2,000 USD.

In addition to passing the exam, some providers may require that participants have prior experience with Lean Six Sigma or related processes before they can be certified. Additionally, some providers may require that participants attend a certain number of hours of training before they can take the exam.

8. Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification

Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification is a certification offered by the Project Management Institute (PMI) and is one of the most sought-after certifications in project management. It is designed to demonstrate a professional’s proficiency in managing projects, leading teams, and delivering results.

Getting the PMP certification involves meeting certain educational and experience requirements, passing an exam, and maintaining your certification with continuing education. The process typically takes between 6-12 months to complete depending on how much time you have available for studying.

To get the PMP certification, you must first meet certain educational and experience requirements:

• A four-year degree from an accredited college or university
• At least three years of project management experience
• 35 hours of project management education

Once these requirements are met, you can apply to take the PMP exam. The exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover topics such as project scope, planning, scheduling, cost control, quality assurance, communication management, risk management and procurement management. You must pass this exam with a score of at least 61% in order to become certified.

The cost for taking the PMP exam varies depending on where you live but generally ranges from $405-$555 USD for members of PMI and $555-$1125 USD for non-members. Additionally there are fees associated with maintaining your certification which include an annual fee of $129 USD for members or $150 USD for non-members plus additional fees if you need to retake the exam or take continuing education courses.

9. American Purchasing Society's Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification

The American Purchasing Society's Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification is a professional certification that recognizes individuals who have the knowledge and skills necessary to manage strategic sourcing activities. It is designed to help organizations gain competitive advantages by leveraging their purchasing power. The certification requires candidates to demonstrate their understanding of the principles and processes of strategic sourcing, including supplier selection, cost analysis, contract negotiation, and supplier performance management.

The Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification program consists of three courses: Introduction to Strategic Sourcing, Advanced Strategic Sourcing, and Professional Practice in Strategic Sourcing. Each course takes approximately 10 hours to complete. Candidates must pass all three courses in order to receive the certification.

The cost for the certification program is $1,195 USD. This includes access to all three courses as well as a one-year membership with the American Purchasing Society (APS). The APS membership provides additional resources such as webinars, white papers, and discounts on other APS services.

In order to obtain the certification, candidates must first register for the program through the APS website. Once registered, they will be given access to all three courses which can be completed at their own pace within one year of registration. Upon completion of all three courses and passing of the final exam with a score of 80% or higher, candidates will receive their certification from the APS.

10. International Association for Contract & Commercial Management's Advanced Certificate in Strategic Sourcing

The International Association for Contract & Commercial Management’s (IACCM) Advanced Certificate in Strategic Sourcing is a professional certification program that provides individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively manage strategic sourcing initiatives. The program focuses on the strategic aspects of sourcing, including supplier selection, negotiation, and contract management. It is designed to help organizations improve their procurement processes and reduce costs.

The program consists of three courses: Introduction to Strategic Sourcing, Advanced Negotiation Strategies, and Contract Management for Strategic Sourcing. Each course is self-paced and can be completed at your own pace. The entire program takes approximately six months to complete.

To get the certificate, you must complete all three courses within 12 months of enrolling in the program. You will also need to pass an online assessment at the end of each course in order to receive your certificate.

The cost of the entire program is $1,495 USD. This includes access to all course materials, as well as one year of membership in IACCM which provides additional resources such as webinars and networking opportunities with other professionals in the field.

11. National Contract Management Association's Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)

The Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM) is a professional credential offered by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA). The CFCM is designed to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a mastery of the knowledge and skills necessary for successful contract management in the federal government.

To obtain the CFCM, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, including at least three years of experience in federal contracts management or related fields. In addition, applicants must pass an exam that covers topics such as acquisition planning, contracting methods and strategies, source selection, contract administration, and legal aspects of federal contracting.

The exam can be taken online or in person at NCMA-approved testing centers. It takes approximately four hours to complete and consists of 150 multiple choice questions. To pass the exam, applicants must score at least 70%.

The cost to take the CFCM exam varies depending on whether you are an NCMA member or non-member. For members, the cost is $400; for non-members it is $550. Once you have passed the exam, there is an additional fee of $50 to receive your certification card and certificate.

Do You Really Need a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certificate?

The short answer to this question is no, you do not need a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certificate to be successful in your chosen career. However, obtaining a certificate can provide several benefits that may help you become more successful and effective in the role.

In general, a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certificate will equip you with the skills and knowledge necessary to manage complex sourcing projects. Typically, these certificates include courses on topics such as strategic sourcing principles, industry trends, supply chain management, negotiation techniques, and supplier relationship management. Having a comprehensive understanding of these topics can help you better assess opportunities and make sound decisions when managing projects. It also allows you to develop relationships with suppliers that can prove beneficial over time.

Additionally, having a certificate often serves as an indication of expertise in the field and provides proof of your dedication. It demonstrates to potential employers or clients that you are knowledgeable about the tasks associated with strategic sourcing and have taken the initiative to increase your understanding of the principles involved. This can give you an edge over other candidates who may not have pursued formal education in this field.

Ultimately, whether or not it is necessary for success depends largely on one’s individual goals and situation. If you feel that obtaining a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certificate would benefit your career objectives then it may be worth considering pursuing one.

Related: Strategic Sourcing Manager Resume Examples

FAQs About Strategic Sourcing Manager Certifications

Q1. What is a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification?

A1. A Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification is a professional certification that enables individuals to demonstrate their expertise in the area of strategic sourcing. This certification is offered by many different organizations and covers topics such as supplier relationship management, contract negotiation, supply chain optimization, and other related areas.

Q2. Who should consider getting a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification?

A2. Professionals who are interested in working in the field of strategic sourcing or who are already employed in this area should consider getting certified. This certification will demonstrate their knowledge and skills in the field and can be used to gain better job opportunities or higher salaries.

Q3. What are the benefits of having a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification?

A3. Having a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification can help individuals gain credibility within their organization and industry, increase their knowledge base, provide valuable networking opportunities, and give them an edge over other candidates when applying for jobs or promotions. It also demonstrates commitment to professional development and continuing education in the field of strategic sourcing.

Q4. How do I obtain a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification?

A4. Each organization offering this certification has its own set of requirements for obtaining it; however, most require applicants to pass an exam that tests their knowledge on all aspects of strategic sourcing. Additionally, some organizations may require applicants to participate in additional courses or workshops before they can be certified as well as maintain ongoing professional development activities throughout their career.

Q5. Are there any prerequisites for taking the exam for a Strategic Sourcing Manager Certification?

A5. Yes, most organizations offering this certification will have specific prerequisites that must be met before taking the exam such as having prior experience with supply chain management or procurement processes and/or holding certain degrees or certifications from accredited institutions related to these areas of expertise