Become Certified

Eligibility

The UPPCC programs are designed specifically for the public procurement professionals. Only those individuals who have public purchasing experience are eligible. The programs include three essential components for eligibility:

• Work experience
• Coursework in procurement
• Formal education

Unlike most purchasing-related certification programs, the Council requires substantial work experience in purchasing which must include years of public purchasing experience. This work experience must be complemented by formal training courses specifically in procurement as well as formal education; with some college work preferred for a CPPB designation and a college degree required for CPPO candidates who do not hold a CPPB designation.

The requirements for work experience and formal coursework are dependent upon the amount of formal college education achieved by the candidate at the time of application. For example, a four-year or advanced college degree will reduce the coursework and experience requirements.

UPPCC Eligibility Schedules

Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB)

Schedule A

• High School Diploma or GED

• 96 contact hours in purchasing seminars/courses

• 5 years total purchasing experience which must include 3 years of public purchasing experience

Schedule B

• Associate's degree

• 96 contact hours in purchasing seminars/courses

• 4 years total purchasing experience which must include 3 years of public purchasing experience

Schedule C

• Bachelor's degree

• 48 contact hours in purchasing seminars/courses

• 2 years of public purchasing experience

Schedule D

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.)

• 24 contact hours in purchasing seminars/courses

• 2 years of public purchasing experience

Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO)

Schedule A

• Holder of CPPB Designation

• 144 contact hours in purchasing seminars/courses

• 8 years total purchasing experience which must include 6 years of public purchasing experience, 3 of which are in a public purchasing management function

Schedule B

• Bachelor's degree

• 48 contact hours in purchasing seminars/courses

• 3 years total purchasing experience which must include 2 years in a public purchasing management function

Schedule C

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.)

• 24 contact hours in purchasing seminars/courses

• 3 years total purchasing experience which must include 2 years in a public purchasing management function