CPPO & CPPB Exam Prep Tool

CPPB Online Assessment Tool

Topic:

Certification

Description

The CPPB Online Assessment Tool consists of 175 multiple choice questions that are aligned to the UPPCC's Body of Knowledge and Competency (BoK-C). Detailed feedback is provided for each question. At the end of the assessment, the user receives a score and suggestions for resources to help learners gain the knowledge and competence needed.

Intended Audience

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

Mid-level public procurement and central warehouse professionals who serve as senior buyers, managers, directors, or equivalent functions within their respective entities.  
Non-procurement managers and supervisors who either provide procurement functions that support entity programs under delegated authority,or who already have a good understanding of basic procurement principles but wish to get more in-depth, hands-on training.  
Professionals who are employed by local governing entities and special authorities (such as K-12 and higher education, publicly owned utilities, transportation providers, and other publicly funded or created entities) who either serve within or manage the procurement function. 
Supplier managers and supervisors seeking to understand the public procurement function from a more in-depth holistic level, including the policies, standards, and procedures by which public entities must function.

Delivery Formats Available

On-Demand

Contact Hours/CEUs

0

Price

$98

Level

Advanced

Designed for public procurement professionals who have at least five years’ experience.

Domain I. Legal Framework 14%

The legal framework of public procurement defines the boundaries practitioners are required to adhere to in performance of their duties. It is a structure of laws, rules, and regulations which govern public procurement.

Interpret and apply procurement policies, guidelines, and procedures
Identify professional and legislative trends and laws
Apply concepts of fair, open, and transparent competition
Detect and report fraud and antitrust activities (e.g., collusion, bid rigging)
Review procurements for compliance with laws, policies, and procedures
Recognize and apply requirements of supplier diversity programs
Recognize and apply requirements of sustainable procurement initiatives
Demonstrate compliance with confidential or proprietary restrictions (e.g., communications, public records requests)

Domain II. Procurement Planning & Analysis 18%

Planning and analysis is a broad area of knowledge and competencies which encompasses the use of tools and data to successfully execute the various activities associated with any procurement. Procurement planning, although occurring principally prior to solicitation, can occur throughout the life cycle of any procurement. Procurement analysis refers to the collection, collation, and application of analytical techniques of data in support of business decisions. Both planning and analysis are used to maximize the success of procurement functions within the public entity.

Integrate established goals and objectives for procurement function
Recognize and apply metrics and measurements to track procurement performance
Conduct a spend analysis and recommend a purchasing strategy
Operate under the established procurement contingency/continuity of operations plan (e.g., disaster preparedness, supply chain)
Assess and utilize external procurement information resources (e.g., professional network, periodicals, associations)
Recognize the impact of budget cycle (e.g., lead times, receipt of goods, payment of goods)
Apply standardization programs and practices
Interpret the application of procurement trends (e.g., job order contracting, unavailable commodity)
Recognize and apply risk mitigation strategies (e.g., terms and conditions, bonding, insurance)
Conduct sourcing analyses (e.g., make, lease or buy, market research, outsourcing)
Conduct a financial impact analysis (e.g., total cost of ownership, return on investment, cost benefit)
Conduct market analysis (e.g., forecasting, historical, economic conditions)
Evaluate small dollar purchases for compliance

Domain III. Sourcing & Solicitation 23%

Sourcing is the selection of the best supplier to fulfill a need. Sourcing includes market analysis, determination of procurement method, determination of contract type, selection of delivery methods, and related functions associated with a successful procurement action. Solicitation is the process of requesting offers from the marketplace prior to selection of an offeror to fulfill the need of the public entity.

Recognize the impact of funding sources to the procurement process (e.g. operating, capital grant, federal)
Differentiate and apply competitive solicitation methods (e.g., request for proposals, invitation for bid, qualification-based selection)
Recognize and apply non-competitive/alternative procurement methods (e.g., emergency, single source, sole source, pilot programs, unsolicited offer)
Recognize elements of specialized procurement (e.g., human services, professional services)
Develop specifications and/or scope of work for solicitations
Determine sources of services and/or supplies
Recognize and select contract types (e.g., blanket order, term contracts)
Recognize construction delivery methods (e.g., design-build, construction manager at risk, public private partnership)
Recognize unique terminology, attributes, and risk of technology commodities and services
Recommend methods of payment (e.g., progress, advance, incentive)
Differentiate and select terms and conditions for sourcing and contract documents
Identify cooperative procurement options (e.g., lead agency, government contracts, aggregate requirements)
Recognize special considerations for hazardous and/or controlled goods and services
Apply the established procurement workflow approval process (e.g., requisitions, contracts, solicitations, purchase orders)
Construct solicitation documents
Determine evaluation methodology and criteria
Manage the solicitation process from issue to award
Review solicitation and contract documents for completeness and accuracy
Evaluate Offer/Offeror (e.g., responsiveness, responsibility, price analysis, cost analysis)
Facilitate review of supplier samples and/or demonstrations
Recognize challenges unique to regional, national, and international procurements (e.g., trade agreements, customs, tariffs, documentation)
Recommend award of contract
Conduct post-award respondent debrief
Prepare for supplier disputes and protests
Recognize and apply negotiation strategies and techniques (e.g., best and final offer)
Conduct and document the negotiation process
Organize and review solicitation file content

Domain IV. Contract Development & Management 21%

Contract development and management are the final stages of a successful procurement event. Evaluation of offers leads to determination of best value to the requesting entity and award of a contract or contracts to the most advantageous offeror(s). Contract management is a comprehensive phrase which includes programming, planning, budgeting, sourcing, and contract execution, followed by contract administration. Contract administration is a function of overseeing supplier performance and guiding a contract to full and successful completion and closeout.

Identify elements of a contract
Prepare contract documents
Organize and review contract file contents
Manage the contract approval process (e.g., legal, risk management, health and safety)
Manage the contract management process including:
- Post-award start-up/kick-off meeting
- Performance deficiencies and resolutions (e.g., notice to cure, liquidated damages)
- Modifications (e.g., change orders, amendments, escalation)
- Contractor/supplier performance (e.g., quality control/quality assurance, KPI reporting)
- Contractor/supplier compliance (e.g., insurance requirements, licensing requirements, prevailing wage)
- Disputes
- Renewal process
- Termination (e.g., default, convenience, non-appropriation)
- Close-out (e.g., substantial completion, transfer of warranty, release of liens)
Manage the ordering process from order to receipt

Domain V. Leadership 11%

Leadership in public procurement is the process of applying knowledge and competencies to achieve organizational success. Leadership includes the ability to be aware of and manage interpersonal relationships judiciously and empathetically. Procurement organizations serve the needs of the public entity, including: delivering the tools required to provide service to citizens, providing leadership in the procurement function focusing on the overall planning, policy development and execution, hiring and retaining qualified staff, fostering positive interaction with support and oversight bodies, and continuous monitoring and improvement.
Advocate and demonstrate the value of public procurement
Demonstrate professional values and ethics (e.g., accountability, impartiality)
Integrate the mission, vision, and values of the procurement department into practice
Prepare and deliver information for a target audience (e.g., business cases, presentations, reports)
Determine and leverage outreach methods for internal and external stakeholders
Create a plan for professional development and continuing education
Provide cross training and mentorship for procurement department personnel
Provide guidance and training for internal and external stakeholders (e.g., suppliers, end users, leadership)
Recognize the impact of socio-political factors on procurement
Identify conflicts and challenges and employ strategies for resolution

Domain VI. Business Principles 13%

Business principles provide the foundation for operational efficiencies to maximize the success of the procurement function. These principles are relevant in all phases of the procurement cycle including planning, budgeting, management of inventories, internal and external audits and reconciliations. These principles guide decisions and actions which impact operations and compliance.

Utilize operational forms and templates
Identify noncompliance with procurement processes
Propose and employ continuous process improvements (e.g., stakeholder satisfaction, remediation, eProcurement)
Recommend when to use procurement cards
Recognize and comply with asset management policies
Recognize the impact of inventory management and logistics, techniques, and principles
Recognize the roles and responsibilities in the procurement process
Apply policy for disposition of obsolete and surplus equipment and materials
Utilize established procurement strategies and objectives

Questions in the Assessment Tool are not from UPPCC Certification Exams. Using this tool does not guarantee a passing grade on the UPPCC Certification Exam.