Unlike most other programs, the NIGP-CPP does not require any specific procurement classes or training to be eligible. This means greater flexibility for you on how best to prepare for your exam without required mandates from NIGP.
Eligibility for the NIGP-CPP has two requirements – formal education and relevant work experience. There are six eligibility pathways with differing formal education and employment requirements. The NIGP-CPP exam assesses competencies and behaviors rather than knowledge.
Follow these steps to begin your NIGP-CPP Certification journey.
NIGP offers 6 paths towards certification. Choose the one that best applies to you.
Pathway A
Pathway B
Pathway C
Pathway D
Pathway E
Pathway F
1. Read the Certification Handbook
The NIGP-CPP Certification Handbook is a “must read” by all interested individuals before beginning the online application process.
2. Participate in an informational webinar
Hosted monthly by NIGP CEO Rick Grimm and NIGP's Director of Certification, Diane Daly. Join Rick and Diane each month to learn more about the NIGP-CPP. Each Webinar will feature a guest speaker who will share their experience on why they aspired to attain their NIGP-CPP, how they prepared for the exam, and how the certification brings credibility and recognition to their entity.
3. Identify your Pathway
Identify which Pathway (A - F) applies to you. Choose your Path to the right. Education requirements Read more >
4. Are you eligible based on your formal education?
There are strict work and education requirements that participants must meet before being accepted. (Not applicable to Pathway E & F applicants) Read more >
5. Are you eligible based on relevant work experience?
In your current or past full-time procurement work experience, do you perform 20+ of the 43 technical competencies. (Not applicable to Pathway F applicants) Read more >
6. Can your current or former employer verify your experience?
You will be required to identify a boss/supervisor/HR representative who will serve as your employment verifier. (Not applicable to Pathway E & F applicants) Read more >
7. Do you need special accommodations?
For Special Accommodations, you will need the signed and completed Request Form before beginning your application.
Pathway A – E have strict work and education requirements that participants must meet before being accepted. These work and education requirements are put into place to ensure that accepted applicants have the required skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their chosen Pathway.
You may discover that you do not qualify for your desired Pathway because you do not have enough relevant full-time work experience. Keep in mind that the NIGP-CPP is intentionally geared toward mid- to senior-level professionals. If you don’t have the relevant qualifications yet, NIGP offers other recognition programs tailored to entry- to mid-level practitioners, including designations and certificates. Pathway F does not have any minimum requirements for formal education or work experience.
VERIFYING RELEVANT FULL-TIME WORK EXPERIENCE
We define “relevant full-time work experience” as professional experience that aligns with the 43 competency statements as defined by our exam content. You can qualify relevant full-time work experience across multiple job titles or positions and across multiple employers if your aggregate work experience equals or exceeds the total number of months of relevant full-time work experience your selected Pathway requires. During the application process, you will be asked to verify that you have performed, or currently perform, at least 20 of the 43 competency statements for each job title or position you wish to qualify. Please review the Handbook for the listing of the 43 technical competencies,
EMPLOYERS VERIFYING RELEVANT FULL-TIME WORK EXPERIENCE
Your information must also be independently verified either by your direct supervisor or a Human Resources representative. We understand that, in some cases, these individuals are employed elsewhere or retired from organizations that you previously worked for. However, their ability to independently verify your competencies is essential to the integrity of the application process and is a best practice for professional certification programs. You will be asked to provide an email address for each person who will verify your experience so NIGP Certification can send your self-assessment directly to these individuals. In turn, these individuals will verify your relevant work experience by signing the form and sending it directly to NIGP Certification via email.
1. Know your starting dates and ending dates of employment.
2. Identify your boss/supervisor/HR rep who will serve as your employment verifier. You must provide the individual’s name, job title, phone number, and email.
3. Communicate directly with your employment verifier(s) to ensure that he/she is aware of the employment details you will provide and that the employment verification form must be confirmed, signed, and returned electronically.