Public Purchasing Certification Programs

Government Purchasing professionals have a couple of different certification programs available that will help you expand your knowledge and help your organization on strategic purchasing thus reducing costs and negotiating better terms and conditions.

The National Institute of Government Purchasing has two programs available such as Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) and Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB). The certifications are administered through the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council.

The Certified Public Purchasing Officer eligibility criteria consist of the following three schedules:

Schedule A

Person must be a holder of CPPB certification and have a minimum of 144 contact hours in purchasing courses or related seminars. You must also have 8 years of experience with at least 6 years of public purchasing experience.

Schedule B

Person must have a Bachelor's Degree along with 48 hours in purchasing courses or related seminars. You must have 3 years of purchasing experience with at least 2 years in a public purchasing management role.

Schedule C

Person must have an advanced degree of a Master's or higher along with 24 hours in purchasing courses or related seminars. You must have 3 years of purchasing experience with at least 2 years in a public purchasing management role.

A person taking the CPPO exam must take a multiple choice test that consists of over 175 questions related to the role of a manager in public purchasing. The fees for the exam are $650 for non NIGP members and $450 for members of NIGP.

The Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) eligibility criteria consist of the following schedules where you can use to be eligible to sit for an exam:

Schedule A

Person must have a high school diploma or GED with a minimum of 96 hours in purchasing courses or related purchasing seminars. You must have 5 years of experience with at least 3 years of public purchasing experience.

Schedule B

Person must have at least an Associate's Degree with a minimum of 96 hours in purchasing courses or related purchasing seminars. You must have a minimum of 4 years of experience with at least 3 years in a public purchasing role.

Schedule C

Person must have at least a Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 48 hours in purchasing courses or related seminars with at least 2 years of public purchasing experience.

Schedule D

Person must have a Master's Degree or higher with a minimum of 24 hours in purchasing courses or related seminars. You must have at least 2 years of public purchasing experience.

The exam consists of passing a 175 question multiple choice test that is made up of questions around government purchasing. The costs for the exam are $450 for non members of NIGP and $350 for members of NIGP.

These certifications can help you advance your purchasing careers in the public sector as well as show your colleagues that you're dedicated in your profession and have the expertise.

source: http://www.uppcc.org/page.cfm?name=home