NIGP has chosen to align itself with the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC) program of professional certification which is applicable to all public and/or governmental organizations and agencies. The program offers two designations, a Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) and a Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB).
Certification is the process by which the public purchaser demonstrates a standard of competency for the benefit of the public. Certification reflects achievement of established professional standards and a competency for those engaged in governmental purchasing, and attests to the purchaser’s ability to obtain maximum value for the taxpayer's dollar. The trend in governmental purchasing is for mandatory certification of procurement professionals. This designation communicates to the taxpayer that the public employee who manages tax dollars has reached a specific level of education and experience and is knowledgeable about government purchasing.
The National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) is recognized by the UPPCC as a provider of quality education for public procurement professionals. The UPPCC recommends the many NIGP textbooks as suggested reading for exam preparation. NIGP also offers intensive two and three day face to face courses aligned with many of the textbooks. Similar resources are also available:
Although NIGP coursework is not required to achieve certification, it is one opportunity to review and/or re-enforce an individual’s understanding of the Body of Knowledge.
The Utah Chapter offers to help organize study groups and with sufficient interest may sponsor a webinar for national classes designed to aid in the preparation for taking the required examinations. Contact the Education Chairperson listed under Officers. Text and review books are available for purchase through the NIGP Store / Publications