Introduction to Specifications Writing | NIGP
Course

Introduction to Specification Writing

Specifications are one of the most important elements of the procurement process. Specifications define precise requirements of commodities (e.g., goods and services) sought through a solicitation process. Developing well-written specifications is one of the hardest tasks in Procurement as well as one of the hardest to learn. Unfortunately, many procurement professionals learn how to develop and write specifications through failed procurements and protests on issued procurements.

This online course will introduce and review the best practices for the development and use of specifications. Completing the four modules in this course will provide a solid foundation for the procurement professional to effectively develop and manage specifications.

Course Availability:

View upcoming dates for this course.

On-Demand
Introduction to Specification Writing (Member) $150.00
Introduction to Specification Writing (Non-Member) $200.00
Instructor: Online Learning
Level: Foundation

Objectives

Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the role and importance of specifications in the procurement process
  • Differentiate between the two main types of specifications
  • Determine the best specification to use for a particular procurement
  • List and define the phases of specification development
  • Write clear, concise specifications

Intended Audience

This course is targeted to individuals who meet or exceed the following professional demographics:  

  • Entry-level public procurement and central warehouse professionals who serve as assistants, coordinators, buyers, or equivalent functions within their respective entities.   

  • Non-procurement managers and supervisors who are responsible for either the procurement function or staff who provide procurement functions under delegated authority.   

  • Professionals who are employed by governing entities and special authorities (such as K-12 and higher education, publicly-owned utilities, transportation providers, and other publicly-funded or created organizations) that either serve within or manage the procurement function.  

  • Suppliers or representatives of suppliers seeking to understand the public procurement function from a holistic level, including the policies, standards, and procedures by which public entities must function.  

Delivery Formats Available

On-Demand

Contact Hours

3.0

CEUs

0.3

Level

Foundation

Designed for public procurement professionals who are new to the profession or have 1-5 of experience.

UPPCC Domain Alignment

Domain 1, 2 & 4

Available in this learning format...

  On-Demand

This format is 100% self-paced and designed for those who want complete control of their schedule and learning timelines. Sessions are pre-recorded with lifetime access, ensuring there’s no expiration date.

Learn on your schedule

On-demand training is for professionals who prefer to develop the skills they need on their time and at their pace. Learners can start, stop and rewind the lessons at your convenience.

Completion Requirements

In order to successfully complete, learners must:

  • Complete all course modules.
  • Complete the post-course evaluation survey available in Aspire.