NIGP-CPP Exam Content | NIGP-CPP Certification
NIGP-CPP Certification

Understand the NIGP-CPP Exam

NIGP-CPP EXAM SPECIFICS

Modular exam

The NIGP-CPP is a two-part, modular exam - Module A & B. The modular format gives candidates flexibility to take both exam modules in a single sitting or to take each module one at a time within the same or separate testing windows.  Additionally, candidates can choose which module exam to take first.  Finally, test results are scored independently for each module. For example. a candidate who passes Module A but is not successful in Module B will only need to retake and pay exam fees for the Module B exam during the two-year application period.

Exam day specifics

Each module exam consists of 80 questions that need to be completed within two hours. Both exam modules are administered at third-party, designated testing centers throughout North America. Exam modules are offered four times each year during the months of February, May, August, and November.

Test retakes

Candidates who do not achieve a passing score may apply to retest during a later testing period by remitting the testing fee.  Each candidate has three opportunities to pass each module during the two-year application period. 

Exam Format & Delivery


Flexibility to take both modules or just one module in a single sitting

Pass score for each module is independent

Each module is 80 multiple-choice questions
 

PATHWAY F CANDIDATES

IMPORTANT NOTE: Beginning with August 2024 testing all candidates – regardless of eligibility pathway or application approval date – must successfully complete both Module A and Module B to earn the NIGP-CPP certification.

  • All candidates will be required to pass both Exam Module A and Exam Module B after May 31.  NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE GRANTED.

IF YOU ARE REGISTERED FOR MAY 2024 TESTING, APPOINTMENT SCHEDULING IS CRITICAL! SCHEDULE YOUR MAY TESTING APPOINTMENT ON OR BEFORE MAY 24.

  • If an issue arises and you cannot test – regardless of the reason – the testing window cannot be extended, and you will be required to pass both Module A and Module B after May 31, 2024.

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Read the Handbook

NIGP-CPP EXAM CONTENT

The NIGP-CPP exam is a competency-based exam that aligns with the competencies embedded within the seven focus areas from the Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF). 

The NIGP-CPP Exam is a two-part Modular Exam based on 43 Technical Competency Statements.

Within each area, the exam assesses the following competency statements:

Technical Competency Statements

 

Strategy

(Module A - 8% | Module B - 12%)

  • Create procurement’s strategic goals, objectives, and policies in alignment with the entity-wide strategic plan - Module A
  • Choose and implement strategic improvements for the procurement function - Module B
  • Manage efficiency and effectiveness in achievement of procurement’s mission - Module A
  • Identify, evaluate, and implement socially and environmentally sustainable procurement policies and other procurement priorities - Module B

Policy, Legislation, and Program Oversight

(Module A - 13% | Module B - 17%)

  • Engage the legislative process to further procurement interests - Module A
  • Ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations from various branches and levels of government - Module A
  • Create, implement, and maintain fair, accessible, and transparent policies and procedures that align organizational behaviors, priorities, and professional procurement values - Module A
  • Advise the entity on how to resolve procurement-related issues - Module B
  • Manage stakeholder expectations by communicating requirements, responsibilities, and outcomes - Module B
  • Create, lead, and provide holistic procurement program oversight - Module B

Planning and Analysis

(Module A - 17% | Module B - 5%)

  • Analyze information from multiple sources to create a procurement plan to meet the entity’s goals - Module A
  • Analyze current market trends and the impact they have on procurement planning - Module A
  • Identify opportunities for strategic contracting initiatives - Module B
  • Use procurement priorities and best value considerations in addition to cost, price, and spend analysis methods to inform decisions - Module A
  • Assess risk and implement appropriate risk management approaches - Module A

Sourcing and Solicitation

(Module A - 27% | Module B - 1%)

  • Determine most advantageous sourcing, solicitation, and award method - Module A
  • Determine the most favorable contract structure and content - Module A
  • Manage all stages of the selection process (from receipt to award) - Module A
  • Develop a negotiation strategy that maximizes advantages for all involved - Module A
  • Manage a protest consistent with the law and the entity’s policy - Module A
  • Manage the issues distinct to international business - Module B

Contract Administration

(Module A - 17% | Module B - 5%)

  • Establish policies and procedures for contract administration - Module A
  • Establish policies and procedures to promote acceptable contract performance - Module A
  • Establish policies and procedures to address contract performance issues - Module A
  • Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of asset management, warehousing, and logistics programs - Module B
  • Recommend options to dispose of assets to maximize residual value - Module B

Leadership

(Module A - 11% | Module B - 38%)

  • Create and foster a professional, ethical culture - Module A
  • Create policies and procedures to support an ethical workplace - Module B
  • Create a culture and system to foster continuous improvement - Module B
  • Provide procurement professional development opportunities - Module B
  • Provide educational opportunities related to procurement best practices to all, including non-procurement professionals - Module B
  • Engage stakeholders in development of entity key performance indicators to achieve change implementation - Module B
  • Communicate programs, policies, and procedures in support of entity’s continuous advancement - Module B
  • Develop criteria for evaluation of internal and external relationships as well as procurement’s performance - Module B
  • Align procurement change with entity goals
  • Recruit, hire, develop, retain, and promote procurement professionals - Module A
  • Identify and address challenges and conflicts - Module B

Business Principles and Operations

(Module A - 7% | Module B - 22%)

  • Establish a continuous improvement plan - Module B
  • Identify how changes in global, national, and regional economies will affect operations - Module B
  • Develop and manage a thriving and resilient workplace - Module B
  • Select and implement technology to further procurement goals - Module A
  • Obtain and manage budgetary resources to further procurement goals - Module B
  • Develop and implement a communication plan to enhance the image of the procurement function - Module B

The comprehensive exam covers all 43 competency statements within two modules Module A and Module B.  Each module aligns to the seven focus areas of the Public Procurement Framework (PPCF) as follows:

NIGP-CPP Focus Area

# of Technical Statements

# Statements in Module A

# Statements in Module B

Strategy

 4 2 2

Policy Legislation 

 6 3 3

Planning and Analysis 

 5 4 1

Sourcing & Solicitation 

 6 5 1

Contract Administration

 5 3 2

Leadership

 11 2 9

Business Principles & Operations

 6 1 5

TOTAL

 43 20 23