The times are a changin’

Both the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC) and the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) are rolling out program changes in 2008 that will have a positive impact on the profession.
CPPO and CPPB changes

The UPPCC offers two certification programs that are tailored specifically for the government sector. The certified public purchasing officer (CPPO) is a high-level designation for management staff, while the certified professional public buyer (CPPB) is the premier certification for those within the buyer ranks.

Beginning next year, the CPPO and CPPB examinations will be computer-based. The traditionally paper-based exams will be offered through Thomson Prometric’s national network of computerized testing centers. Exams will be offered in May and October.

No longer will candidates need to locate a local proctor for their exam. Instead, they will be able to sit for the exam at one of more than 300 locations through the United States and Canada. Computerized exams can be scheduled by the candidate via telephone or Web site.

The current paper-based exams will be offered through July 2008. After that, applicants will be able to take only the computerized tests.

Another noteworthy change: Beginning in 2008, CPPO applicants will not be required to take an oral exam.

Key program dates

• Application deadline for current CPPO and CPPB exams—March 31, 2008
  
• Application deadline for October 2008 new exam—July 21, 2008
• Last day to take current CPPO and CPPB exams—July 31, 2008
• Registration deadline for October 2008 new exam—Sept. 15, 2008

CPSM: A new qualification

Since 1974, the certified purchasing manager (CPM) has been offered through the ISM (formerly the National Association of Purchasing Management). While the ISM will continue to support and re-certify holders of the CPM, beginning next year a new qualification will be offered: the certified professional in supply management (CPSM). The program will focus on a broader spectrum of knowledge that better addresses the many aspects of supply management.

Key program dates

• Deadline to register for CPM exam—Dec. 31, 2008
  
• Deadline to apply for CPM designation—Dec. 31, 2013
  
• CPSM pilot exam available—February 2008

Bridge exams

Both the UPPCC and the ISM programs offer an abbreviated bridge exam for holders of the CPM. In recognizing the value of the CPM designation, the following options are offered:

• Candidates holding a CPM are not required to take the CPPO written exam, and are allowed to sit only for the 33-question oral assessment.
  
• Candidates holding a CPM can earn their CPPB by passing a 50-question written examination.
  
• Candidates holding a CPM can earn the CPSM by passing one written exam consisting of 180 questions.

College degree

The issue of requiring a college degree is a long-standing debate. Proponents feel that in order to be comparable to other professions (such as accounting and legal), purchasing-certification programs should require a bachelor’s degree. Others feel that the requirement is restrictive, as many qualified professionals in the field do not hold degrees.

Currently, the UPPCC requires either an accredited bachelor’s degree or a current CPPB certification of all CPPO candidates. The ISM has determined that in addition to professional experience, a degree is mandatory for all CPSM candidates. The CPM program currently allows for additional work experience in lieu degree.

About the author

Darin Matthews is the immediate past president of the NIGP and serves as the chief procurement officer for Metro, the regional government of Portland, Ore. He speaks throughout North America on a variety of procurement topics and has been published in numerous books, magazines and technical journals. Reach him at matthewsd@metro.dst.or.us.