FAQs

NIGP Certified Procurement Professional

The NIGP Governing Board has established a NIGP Certification Commission that supports the NIGP Board in its strategic and visionary goals related to the professional NIGP certification program developed and administered by NIGP. The Commission independently makes essential certification decisions related to all NIGP certification schemes. These decisions are made without influence by any other individual or business entity within or outside of NIGP.

Purpose and Powers

The Commission is specifically empowered to:

1. Oversee and monitor the objectives, performance and results of the NIGP certification program.
2. Establish and monitor the NIGP certification schemes and scheme-related policies related to: (a) eligibility requirements for certification; (b) eligibility requirements to test; (c) requirements for re-certification; and (d) provisions and criteria for suspension or revocation
3. Provide direction and oversight to the NIGP Certification Test Development Committee, the NIGP Practice Analysis Panel and the NIGP Standard Setting Panel.
4. Address any candidate, credential holder, or volunteer ethics issues as they arise.
5. Serve as the final review board for appeals and disciplinary actions (suspensions and revocations) related to the NIGP certification program.

Independence

The NIGP Certification Commission is an independent body within the NIGP legal, non-profit structure. The Commission is empowered to take actions in accordance with the expressed authority granted by the NIGP Governing Board. The NIGP Certification Commission independently makes essential certification decisions related to all NIGP certification schemes. These decisions are made under no influence by any other individual or business entity within or outside of NIGP.

This independent structure within a single non-profit association mirrors the structure followed by APICS, ISM, NCMA, and SCMA where the educational programs are distinctly separate from the certification programs through appropriate firewalls. And this arrangement complies with ANSI standards for professional certification programs. There is a substantial benefit for placing professional certification within the overall strategic mission of NIGP.

Composition

The following individuals have been appointed to serve on the Commission:

• Don Buffum, FNIGP, NIGP-CPP, CPPO: Commission Chair. Executive Director, Procurement & Contracts for Mississippi State University
• Carl Bonitto, CSCMP: Commission Chair-Elect. Manager of Purchasing and Risk Management Services for Northumberland County, ON
• David Billingsley CPSM, C.P.M.: Member appointed by FAPPO. Chief Procurement Officer for the City of Orlando, FL
• Sean Carroll: Member appointed by NIGP. Chief Procurement Officer for the New York State Office of General Services
• Stacy Gregg, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB: Member appointed by NIGP. Procurement Manager for the University of South Carolina
• Etta Henry, CPPO, CPPB: Member appointed by NIGP. Director of Procurement Services for Old Dominion University, VA
• Barbara Johnson, NIGP-CPP, CPPO, CPPB, MPA: Member appointed by NIGP. Director of Procurement for the State of Ohio Department of Corrections (retired)
• Chris Liu, Public Stakeholder. Executive Director for the State of Washington Department of Enterprise Services, WA
• Zulay Vincenty Millan, CPPO, CPPB, FCCM: Member appointed by NIGP. Assistant Manager for the Procurement Division at Orange County, FL
• Jack Pellegrino, CPPO, CPCM: Member appointed by CAPPO. Director of Purchasing and Contracting for San Diego County, CA
• Christina Pryor, CPPO, CPPB: Member appointed by NPI. Purchasing and Materials Manager for the City of Chandler, AZ
• Annie Teav: Member appointed by NIGP. Senior Contract Specialist for Multnomah County, OR
• Dr. Adam Williams, Ph.D.: Non-Voting Academic Advisor. Director of the Master of Public Administration Program and Assistant Professor of Public Administration for the University of Illinois, Springfield
• Dr. Mohamad G. Alkadry, Ph.D.: Non-Voting Academic Advisor. Professor and Public Policy Department Head for the University of Connecticut

The Commission determined that the primary audiences for the NIGP-CPP are mid and senior level leaders in public procurement.

The Commission adopted the following principles to guide the program development:

• The NIGP-CPP must be perceived as valuable by public procurement professionals, their supervisors and their employing organizations (e.g., district superintendents, finance officers, etc.). Employers should be able to use the NIGP-CPP as a benchmark for finding qualified employees.
• The NIGP-CPP must value competency over years of experience.
• The NIGP-CPP must serve a significant portion of NIGP members and the public procurement community.
• The NIGP-CPP must be flexible and adaptable to remain current and relevant. It must also be rigorous and meaningful.
• The NIGP-CPP must be comprehensive to include enabling competencies (i.e., soft skills) - not just technical competencies.
• The NIGP-CPP must advance the NIGP mission and strategic priorities.
• The NIGP-CPP must follow credentialing best practices and be legally defensible.

The Institute has prioritized accreditation by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) as a key objective for its professional certification program. ANSI accreditation requires that the program meet stringent global standards of ISO 17024 – an international standard which specifies criteria for personnel certification bodies. To this end, the standards and credentialing best practices of ANSI and ISO 17024 require research and ensuing data to inform the decision-making body on the certification scheme to include eligibility and exam content.

The Institute appointed a Practice Analysis Panel of 12 senior practitioners and stakeholders to spearhead the development of a comprehensive Practice Analysis Survey. The Commission released the Panel’s survey in August/September 2019 and received over 1,200 responses. A survey methodology was used to assess the frequency with which mid and senior level leaders in public procurement perform a range of responsibilities and the perceived importance of those responsibilities; in essence, validating what tasks professionals should be able to perform and the knowledge they need to accomplish those tasks. The data gleaned from this research informed the Commission on decisions related to eligibility (initial certification and re-certification) and exam content. Key conclusions from the survey include the following:

• Most of the responsibilities listed in the survey are performed by at least 75% of the public procurement professionals who responded.
• Professionals who have fewer years of experience in the profession, and those who have not attained a formal degree or certification, are less likely to perform many of the outlined responsibilities than their more experienced or educated peers.
• Many highly experienced and highly performing public procurement professionals reported that they do not have a bachelor’s degree.
• Only 19% of surveyed public procurement professionals believe that a bachelor’s degree or higher formal qualification is critically important as an eligibility requirement for the NIGP-CPP certification.

The Practice Analysis research study concluded that relevant work experience was of equal importance to formal education. Therefore, the Commission has established six different pathways for eligibility based on a combination of formal education and relevant work experience:

Pathway A

• Graduate degree specifically related to, or a concentration in, public administration, public policy, supply chain, procurement, or economics
• Plus 2 years (24 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years

Pathway B

• Bachelors or higher degree (any discipline) and a graduate level certificate specifically in public administration, public policy, supply chain, or procurement
• Plus 3 years (36 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years

Pathway C

• Bachelors or higher degree (any discipline)
• Plus 4 years (48 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years

Pathway D

• Two-year post-secondary diploma (or) associate degree (any discipline) (or) a NIGP Designated Public Procurement Associate (see the FAQs for NIGP’s Certificate Program for more details)
• Plus 6 years (72 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years

Pathway E

• No Post-Secondary Diploma
• Plus 8 years (96 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years

Pathway F

• Current holder of the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designation; or recently lapsed within one year of the expiration date of the certification
• Proof of formal education or relevant work experience is not required for candidates seeking the NIGP-CPP via Pathway F

For all education standards, global equivalents are acceptable.

“Relevant work experience" is defined as experience that aligns with one or more of the competency statements contained in the NIGP-CPP exam. This is explained further under Exam Content and Application Fees.

Education and relevant work experience are the only two requisites for the NIGP-CPP. There are no requirements for procurement coursework/training. Candidates will have the flexibility to sharpen their skills and competencies without any mandate; including NIGP’s learning program which aligns with the Public Procurement Competency Framework. 

The NIGP-CPP is a two-part, modular exam. A modular exam provides the flexibility for a candidate to either take both modules or just one of the modules in a single setting. It also means that a candidate’s test scores are based on each module; if the candidate passes Module A but is not successful in Module B, she/he only needs to retake the Module B exam.

The bridge exam for Pathway F applicants (CPPO or CPPB certificants) is Module B. Pathway F applicants do not take Module A.

The NIGP-CPP is administered through Pearson-Vue’s extensive network of local testing centers.

The NIGP-CPP is offered during four (4) testing windows:  February, May, August, and November.

The NIGP-CPP exam is a competency-based exam that aligns with the competencies embedded within the seven major focus areas from the Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF). The research produced through the Practice Analysis determined the percentage of the exam that corresponds to each of the seven focus areas.

Note: Professionals who have earned their CPPO and/or CPPB credential through the UPPCC are eligible to also earn their NIGP-CPP credential via an abbreviated process through Pathway F. The application process is condensed and Pathway F candidates only take Module B which only covers the test content within the NIGP-CPP that was not assessed in the CPPO and/or CPPB. Refer to a separate FAQ section for current or aspiring CPPO and CPPB holders for details.

Within each focus area, the Commission has defined specific competency statements to be assessed through each module of the exam:

MODULE A

Strategy (8%)

• Create procurement’s strategic goals, objectives, and policies in alignment with the entity-wide strategic plan
• Manage efficiency and effectiveness in achievement of procurement’s mission

Policy, Legislation and Program Oversight (13%)

• Engage the legislative process to further procurement interests
• Ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations from the various branches and levels of government
• Create, implement, and maintain fair, accessible, and transparent policies and procedures that align organizational behaviors, priorities, and professional procurement values

Planning and Analysis (17%)

• Analyze information from multiple sources to create a procurement plan to meet the overall entity’s goals
• Analyze current market trends and the impact on procurement planning
• Use procurement priorities and best value considerations in addition to cost, price, and spend analysis methods to inform decisions
• Assess risk and implement appropriate risk management approaches

Sourcing and Solicitation (27%)

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

Contract Administration (17%)

• Establish policies and procedures for contract administration
• Establish policies and procedures to promote acceptable contract performance
• Establish policies and procedures to address contract performance issues

Leadership (11%)

• Create and foster a professional, ethical culture
• Recruit, hire, develop, retain, and promote procurement professionals

Business Principles and Operations (7%)

• Select and implement technology to further procurement goals

MODULE B

Strategy (12%)

• Choose and implement strategic improvements for the procurement function
• Identify, evaluate, and implement social and environmentally sustainable procurement policies and other procurement priorities

Policy, Legislation and Program Oversight (17%)

• Advise the entity on how to resolve procurement-related issues
• Manage stakeholder expectations by communicating requirements, responsibilities, and outcomes
• Create, lead, and provide holistic procurement program oversight

Planning and Analysis (5%)

Identify opportunities for strategic contracting initiatives

Sourcing and Solicitation (1%)

• Manage the issues distinct to international business

Contract Administration (5%)

• Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of asset management, warehousing, and logistics programs
• Recommend options to dispose of assets to maximize residual value

Leadership (38%)

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

Business Principles and Operations (22%)

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

The application process

The Commission is provided a single, simplified online application process that verifies the eligibility of the candidate through minimal but critical documentation. Supporting documents (such as copies of diplomas, certificates, certifications, and/or transcripts conferring a degree) are uploaded by the candidate as PDF attachments.

There are no deadlines for applying and no late application fees.  However, it is highly recommended that candidates apply at least thirty (30) days prior to the desired testing window.

The application process for Pathway F

Pathway F candidates who are eligible for the bridge exam as CPPO or CPPB certificants simply submit proof of their current certification status during the application process by uploading either their UPPCC certificate or their certification record from the UPPCC which displays the effective dates of the certification.  They do not verify formal education or relevant work experience.

Pathway F candidates are required to register for a specific testing window during the application process.  There are four (4) testing windows (February, May, August and November) and testing windows are opened approximately five (5) months prior to the testing period.

For these candidates, there are no application fees and no initial testing fees through June 2021. However, if the candidate re-takes the exam, fees will apply. Additionally, these candidates take advantage of complimentary NIGP-CPP online prep courses through June 2021.
 

The application process for all other candidates

These candidates upload diplomas, certificates, or related documents that affirm the level of formal education based on their selected Pathway (A through E).

These candidates also affirm their years/months of related work experience based on their selected Pathway.  

• The Commission believes that years in a position do not necessarily prove the expertise of the individual; and that competency-based work experience is a better measure of one's ability and future success. Therefore, these candidates demonstrate their relevant work experience via an Experience Verification Form. The amount of work experience (measured in months) is determined by the Pathway selected by the candidate. For example, those candidates who have earned a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, supply chain, procurement, or economics (Pathway A) need to demonstrate relevant work experience over a 24-month period within the last ten years.
   
• For work experience to be ‘relevant’ for eligibility, each work experience must align with a minimum of 20 of the 43 competency statements identified in the NIGP-CPP exam content. And the experience must be earned within the past ten years. Using the Experience Verification Form, the candidate self-attests which competency statements within the total of 43 that she/he performed (or is currently performing) within each work position
   
• This information must also be independently verified by the direct supervisor or Human Resources representative via the Form. During the application process, these candidates provide contact information for these third-party verifiers.
   
• There are no minimum percentages of time that must be dedicated to the competency statement for it to qualify as relevant work experience. This activity takes the guesswork out of the application process since a candidate performs his/her self-assessment, obtains verification by a specified third-party, and instills confidence in her/his eligibility before applying and paying fees. In fact, the candidate does not submit official or working position descriptions with her/his application; but may be required to do so during the assessment process via a trigger audit.

These candidates are required to register for a specific exam module and for a specific testing window during the application process.  There are four (4) testing windows (February, May, August and November) and testing windows are opened approximately five (5) months prior to the testing dates. The candidate has the flexibility to register for only one exam module at a time and also has the flexibility to choose which module (A or B) to take first.

These candidates are also required to submit fees during the application process. The application fee for these candidates is currently $150 and is subject to change.  The candidate must also submit $100 per testing module and this fee is subject to change.  If the candidate chooses to only take one module during the registered testing window, he/she only submits $250: the $150 application fee and the $100 testing fee.  If the candidate chooses to take both modules during the registered testing window, he/she submits $350: the $150 application fee and $200 for the two exam modules.

Absolutely! The NIGP Certification Commission and its testing administrator comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and related Canadian and international laws and shall ensure no individual is deprived of the opportunity to take the certification examination solely by reason of a disability as defined under the ADA and similar laws. These rights extend to all NIGP-CPP applicants regardless of their residency. NIGP is also committed to ensuring that the validity, security, and integrity of the exams cannot be compromised by any approved accommodations.

Special accommodations are individualized and considered on a case-by-case basis. Accommodations depend on the nature of the disability or medical or learning condition and the documentation provided. Only NIGP-CPP certification staff have the authority to approve requests for special accommodations. No special accommodations will be considered or granted unless a completed Special Accommodations Form is uploaded with the candidate’s application.

On the Special Accommodations section within the online application, candidates must mark “Yes” to the question regarding the need for special accommodations.

The candidate requesting special accommodations must present the form to his/her licensed health care professional, who must be qualified to diagnose and treat the condition. The licensed health care professional is required to:

• Provide the diagnosis
   
• The recommended accommodation that explains how this diagnosis affects the candidate’s ability to sit for the NIGP-CPP exam(s) under standard conditions
   
• The date the candidate was  last seen by this licensed health care professional – this date must be within one (1) year prior of your application date

There are four (4) testing windows (February, May, August and November) and testing windows are opened approximately five (5) months prior to the testing dates.

While there are no application deadlines, applicants should submit their online application at least thirty days before the desired testing window. All applicants are required to register for a testing window during the application process.

Once the application is approved, the candidate receives an Authorization To Test email from Pearson-Vue (NIGP’s testing center provider) with instructions on how to schedule a specific venue and date/time within the test window to sit for the exam. Pearson-Vue is the global leader in computer-based testing and has a considerable list of testing centers throughout North America and globally.

Not currently.  While the NIGP Certification Commission may consider the option for remote testing in the future, there are currently no recognized standards for delivering remote testing via online proctoring and monitoring: 

• There is no scholarly research to demonstrate the validity and equivalence of online proctoring and monitoring to other modes of delivery.
   
• There is no standardization in online proctoring and monitoring environments thus possibility impacting fairness to candidates.
   
• There are security risks for cheating and loss of intellectual property (test items, test forms, etc.) with online proctoring and monitoring.
   
• There are no standards for delivering exams in compliance with Americans with Disabilities (ADA) candidates
   
• There are issues associated with the security of personal information (PI) and personally identifiable information (PII) and the laws and regulations surrounding personal privacy when using online proctoring and monitoring.
   
• There are issues associated with the technology for online proctoring and monitoring.

Yes, just as the Institute has helped countless professionals with their UPPCC certification journey, we have developed the same tools to help you be successful in earning your NIGP-CPP.  However, keep in mind that there is a strict firewall between NIGP’s Certification program and NIGP’ Content program that develops preparatory materials.  NIGP’s Content team is aware of the exam content (which is publicly available on the NIGP website) but does not know specific exam questions.  Therefore, all preparatory materials are based on the specific competency statements contained in Module A and Module B.

NIGP offers the following options:

• Fee-based preparatory online study guides are available for both modules. (Pathway F approved candidates can obtain a complimentary Module B prep guide through June 30, 2021)
   
• Fee-based preparatory courses (virtual, instructor-led and in-person) are available for both modules. (Pathway F approved candidates can register for the virtual, instructor-led prep course free of charge through June 30, 2021)
   
• A fee-based online self-assessment tool is available that provides personalized insight into your procurement expertise before you test by delivering immediate feedback on every question (instantly knowing if your answer is right or wrong and why) and providing a customized report on strengths and weaknesses that recommends courses for developing the competencies.  The self-assessment fee converts into a credit that can be applied to  a recommended NIGP Pathways course.
   
• Online NSite communities to facilitate group studying for the NIGP-CPP (available to NIGP members only).

Remember, if you currently have an exam appointment with Pearson Vue and you need to revise that appointment to another date, time or venue within the same testing window, you must cancel your appointment via your Pearson Vue record at least 24 hours in advance in order to avoid a penalty imposed by Pearson Vue.

Due to the difficulties created by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Certification Commission has decided to waive the transfer fee for the February and May testing windows. A transfer fee is common when candidates wish to move (transfer) from one registered testing window to another. This fee was slated to go into effect as of January 1, 2021. However, due to COVID and the important responsibilities and priorities of procurement professionals as key responders during this pandemic, the Commission wishes to provide candidates with additional flexibility and has waived the transfer fee to move to February or May 2021 testing windows. 

If you would like to transfer your current testing window to February 2021 testing, please contact the NIGP-CPP Team at certification@nigp.org.  If you would like to transfer your current testing window to May 2021 testing, please contact the NIGP-CPP Team on or after January 4, 2021, when registration opens for May 2021.

For any professional certification program, there is a delay when a new exam is developed because Subject Matter Experts serving as a Standards Setting Panel must assess each question and recommend a pass score.  For the NIGP-CPP, the NIGP Standards Setting Panel recommends a pass score for each module to the NIGP Certification Commission which makes the final determination.  This is typically a 4-6-week process.  Once the pass scores are determined, the candidate receives an email communication regarding his/her status.

Once the pass score is established, NIGP provides automatic test results at the testing center; although the certificate will not be conferred, and official notification provided until the end of the testing window.  The effective date of the certification coincides with the official notification (typically, the first date of the month following the testing window).  

Candidates have three opportunities to pass each module within the two (2) year application period. Candidates simply reach out to the NIGP Certification team, register for a future testing window, and pay the re-examination fee.

Absolutely, with pride!   Jane Doe NIGP-CPP

Yes, successful candidates receive a mailed certificate and a lapel pin. Additionally, successful candidates can obtain a digital copy of their certificate as well as the NIGP-CPP digital badge via the individual’s profile in Aspire (NIGP’s Learning Management System).

Once a candidate achieves his/her NIGP-CPP certification, he/she needs to recertify the credential every three (3) years.

During the re-certification period, the individual must earn a minimum of 36 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). Individuals may optionally earn up to 25% of their CEHs via teaching, instructing or developing public procurement content. While the Commission values volunteer leadership and service to the profession, the purpose of NIGP-CPP re-certification is to ensure that certificants remain current on best practices and trends and are committed to continuous learning. Therefore, CEHs are limited to continuing education only.

NIGP automatically uploads all CEHs earned through NIGP’s Learning Management System (Aspire) into the NIGP-CPP certificant’ s record. The candidate can enter additional CEHs at any time by accessing her/his online NIGP-CPP portal.

The candidate is not required to remain employed in the procurement profession at the time of re-certification but must confirm adherence to the NIGP-CPP Code of Ethics.

The current fee for re-certification is $125 but is subject to change.   The Commission offers a NIGP-CPP Retired status for those who earn the NIGP-CPP and then retire from public service. A lifetime NIGP-CPP Certification is not available because the Commission believes that continuous education is critical for those still practicing in procurement.

The Differentiators

There are differences that distinguish the NIGP-CPP from the current CPPO and CPPB programs and these differentiators should guide potential candidates as they consider their pathway to attaining the NIGP certification:

A certificate program is traditionally developed to educate individuals in achieving specific learning objectives. Educational institutions (colleges and universities), trade schools, for-profit training organizations, and non-profit professional societies have long been excellent providers of certificate programs based on stakeholder needs.

NIGP offers core certificates to reflect the achievement of specific learning objectives anchored in the competency modules.

Depending on your pathway, a certificate may earn you sufficient contact hours when applying for certification. And if you cannot meet the specific eligibility requirements for certification, a certificate provides you public recognition.

A Core Certificate is recognition you earn once you achieve all the pre-determined competencies that are stacked into the certificate. The core certificate is an instant, public recognition for achieving specific competencies.

The NIGP Content Management Committee

The NIGP Content Management Committee makes these decisions. The Committee is comprised of NIGP members who are either currently employed by a public sector agency or retired from public service. The Committee may also include industry leaders who have expertise in the discipline that is being considered for a certificate program. 

Purpose of the Committee

The key purpose of the NIGP Content Management Committee is to establish policies and practices for NIGP’s certificate and designation programs. This Committee creates new certificates based on recommendations from the NIGP staff, validates topics and related courses to be bundled into a certificate, and issues all NIGP certificates.

The power of stacking competencies

Since there are 33 competencies within the Public Procurement Competency Framework, the Content Management Committee can stack individual competencies in almost an infinite number of ways to create certificates. However, it makes most sense to create certificates based on market demand.

None. There are no pre-requisites… no educational requirements… no work experience requirements. And there is no application or screening process. You simply complete all the learning activities and pass the assessment for all pre-determined competency modules that have been stacked by the NIGP Content Management Committee.

No. Each competency module includes an assessment; so successfully earning the competency badges satisfies any need to pass further assessments.

Yes, if you plan to earn a core certificate. ANSI standards require that an individual take all the related coursework and assessments in order to earn the certificate. Remember… the certificate is an option; not a requisite.

The Certificate is displayed as a digital badge that is issued by Content Management Committee directly to your profile in Aspire – NIGP’s Learning Management System.

Nothing. The certificate is complimentary for anyone who earns all the pre-determined competency modules.

Yes, you are able to print certificates directly from your profile on Aspire – NIGP’s Learning Management System.

No, badges stay on your member record. However, they are no longer relevant; simply because the certificate includes those competencies. Like the competency badges, the certificates are digitized – meaning that anyone can view the digital certificate to see what rigor of competencies are included in the certificate.

No

No, these programs stand-alone with no requisites or entry. Anyone can take any of the competency learning modules and can opt to earn stacked competencies and attain a core certificate. Take only what you need. Similarly, there are no prerequisites for specializations; so, you don’t have to earn a core certificate before enrolling in a specialization.

No, this is the authority of the NIGP Content Management Committee; consistent with standard policies and practices they establish. However, you can recommend new core certificates to them for consideration.

No, this is the authority of the NIGP Content Management Committee. However, the Committee will definitely engage with public agencies who wish to create agency-based recognition of learning pathways for their employees; using the very flexible series of competency modules within the Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF). Imagine credentialing where a core certificate is co-branded by NIGP and the public entity to reflect the achievement of competencies.

A designation distinguishes you as having demonstrated a strong grasp of learning or competencies in multiple functional areas (often referred to as macro learning). Because designations require extensive coursework, only an elite number of professionals will likely achieve a designation. By doing so, a designation is intended to identify and distinguish the culmination of an achievement.

A designation also enhances credibility of those professionals engaged in specific roles within public procurement. Additionally, a designation may be a suitable pathway for individuals who cannot earn a certification due to eligibility requirements.

A designation is automatically earned once you earn all the pre-determined certificates that are stacked into the designation. The designation is an instant, public recognition for achieving specific competencies.

The NIGP Content Management Committee establishes policies and practices for NIGP’s certificate and designation programs. This Committee creates new designations based on recommendations from the NIGP staff, validates topics and related certificates to be stacked into a designation, and issues all NIGP designations.

None. There are no pre-requisites… no educational requirements… no work experience requirements. And there is no application or screening process. You simply earn all the pre-determined certificates stacked by the NIGP Content Management Committee.

No. Since you successfully complete assessments for each competency badge that is stacked into a certificate and further stacked into a designation, you have already demonstrated assessment at the micro-level.

Nothing. The designation is conferred for anyone who earns all the pre-determined certificates.

The designation is displayed as a digital badge that is issued by Content Management Committee directly to your profile in Aspire – NIGP’s Learning Management System.

Yes, you are able to print a designation (in the form of a certificate) directly from your profile on Aspire – NIGP’s Learning Management System.

The first designation is the Designated Public Procurement Associate and is currently available. This designation represents a stack of three certificates:

• Core Certificate: Foundations of Strategy and Policy
• Core Certificate: Foundations of Planning and Analysis
• Core Certificate: Foundations of Sourcing and Contracting

The Designated Public Procurement Associate qualifies under Pathway D for the NIGP-CPP certification; translating into 24 fewer months of relevant work experience for candidates who do not have a two-year post-secondary diploma or an associate degree.

Yes, we may offer an on-line designation program for suppliers based on demand.  There have also been preliminary discussions on a potential designation for contract officers and/or for warehouse and inventory control personnel.

No, however you should use the title of the designation next to your name on official letters and business cards:

Jane Doe
Designated Public Procurement Associate

No, badges and certificates stay on your member record. However, they are no longer relevant; simply because the designation includes those related certificates and competencies. Like the competency badges and certificates, the designations are digitized – meaning that anyone can view the digital certificate to see what rigor of competencies and certificates are included in the designation.

No.

No, this is the authority of the NIGP Content Management Committee; consistent with standard policies and practices they establish. However, you can recommend new designations to them for consideration.

No, this is the authority of the NIGP Content Management Committee. However, the Committee will definitely engage with public agencies who wish to create agency-based recognition of learning pathways and unique designations for their employees based on the competency modules within the Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF). Imagine credentialing where a designation such as the “Designated City of ___ Professional Contract Officer” is co-branded by NIGP and the public entity.