NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP): A Comprehensive Guide to Certification

Overview of NIGP-CPP Certification

The NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) certification is a prestigious credential offered by the NIGP Certification Commission in partnership with Professional Testing, Inc. (PTI). This competency-based certification is designed for mid to senior-level procurement leaders and emphasizes the practical application of procurement skills and leadership capabilities.

Why Pursue the NIGP-CPP Certification?

The NIGP-CPP certification distinguishes professionals by evaluating their ability to drive organizational success through procurement. Unlike many certification programs that require specific training or coursework, the NIGP-CPP focuses on assessing competencies and behaviors rather than knowledge alone. This approach offers flexibility, allowing candidates to enhance their skills through customized learning modules.

Key Benefits:

• Career Advancement: Demonstrates your leadership and strategic capabilities, which are crucial for career growth in procurement.
• Holistic View: Covers a broad range of procurement activities, including strategic planning, business operations, and leadership, providing a comprehensive view of effective procurement practices.
• Flexible Preparation: Allows for tailored learning through the Pathways program, aligning with the Public Procurement Competency Framework.

Core Competencies Assessed

The NIGP-CPP exam covers critical areas essential for procurement leaders:

• Strategy (10%): Focuses on the development and implementation of procurement strategies.
• Business Principles and Operations (14%): Evaluates understanding of business operations and principles relevant to procurement.
• Leadership (26%): Assesses leadership skills necessary for effective management and decision-making in procurement roles.

The remaining portion of the exam covers various procurement techniques such as planning, solicitation, and contract administration.

Application and Registration Process

Steps to Apply:

1. Complete the Online Application: Submit your application form and pay the application fee.
2. Register for the Exam Module: Choose your exam module and testing window, then pay the applicable testing fees.
3. Receive Authorization: After registration, you will receive an email notification authorizing you to schedule your exam.

Resources:

• NIGP-CPP Program Information: For detailed information on the certification, visit the NIGP-CPP official website.
• CPP Handbook: Access the handbook for comprehensive details on policies, procedures, and program requirements.

For any queries, you can contact the NIGP-CPP Team via email at certification@nigp.org or call 1-800-FOR-NIGP (1-800-367-6447).

Scheduling Your Exam

How to Schedule:

1. Receive Authorization-to-Test: After registration, you will receive an email with a 20-character candidate ID and a date range for your exam.
2. Schedule Appointment: Use your candidate ID to book your exam appointment.

Scheduling Options:

• Phone: Contact Pearson VUE customer service and provide your candidate ID.
• Online: Create a Pearson VUE web account using the same details provided to NIGP. Enter your candidate ID during account setup. For online issues, use Pearson VUE’s ONLINE CHAT.

Important Notes:

• Availability: Exam appointments are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so schedule as early as possible.
• Confirmation: After scheduling, you will receive a confirmation email with your exam details and test center address. This confirmation will be sent for every scheduling, rescheduling, or cancellation.

Preparing for the Exam

To maximize your success:

• Review the Content Areas: Focus on the competencies outlined in the certification.
• Utilize Pathways Program: Engage with the modular learning offered by NIGP, which aligns with the Public Procurement Competency Framework.
• Practice Tests: Consider using practice exams to familiarize yourself with the format and question types.