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NIGP-CPP Certification

Understand the NIGP-CPP Exam

Why the NIGP-CPP Where to Start How to Prepare Testing Recertification Your NIGP-CPP

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 by the end of the November 2026 testing window or the end of the two (2) year application period; whichever comes first. Testing on Exam Modules A and B ends with November 2026 testing.

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 by the end of the November 2026 testing window or by the end of their two (2) year application period; whichever comes first.

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

All candidates - regardless of eligibility pathway or application approval date - must successfully complete both Exam Module A and Exam Module B by the November 2026 testing window or by the end of their two (2) year application period; whichever comes first.

Read the Requirements Manual

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