Become Certified

The Process

• Review the Eligibility Requirements. Applicants must meet all prescribed eligibility requirements at the time of application.

• Obtain a UPPCC Handbook and Application.

• Review the Handbook from cover to cover.

• Complete the Application form.

• Gather required documentation (official position descriptions, request official, sealed college transcripts, certificates of completion for coursework, etc.).

• Submit the completed application with the appropriate fees and documentation to the UPPCC via mail or courier service by the published application deadline date.

• Allow four (4) to six (6) weeks for the UPPCC to complete the review of the application and notify all applicants of status.

• Only approved candidates are permitted to take the examination. Candidates are required to schedule a testing appointment during a testing window directly with the testing agency, Prometric. Candidates have 1 year to successfully complete the examination upon receipt of the application by the UPPCC.

• CPPO Candidates: Are required to successfully complete a 190 multiple choice question examination (175 scored questions and 15 pre-test or unscored questions) via computer at one of 400 available Prometric testing centers in North America. Exam questions are derived from 10 essential topic areas covering public procurement as identified in the UPPCC Body of Knowledge.

• CPPB Candidates: Are required to successfully complete a 190 multiple choice question (175 scored questions and 15 pre-test or unscored questions) examination via computer at one of 400 available Prometric testing centers in North America. Exam questions are derived from 10 essential topic areas covering public procurement as identified in the UPPCC Body of Knowledge.

• Candidates will be notified by mail within four (4) to six (6) weeks of their exam results following the close of the testing window.

• Candidates who are successful in both meeting eligibility requirements via the application process and demonstrating competency via the examination earn the CPPO/CPPB certification.

• Certified individuals receive a high-quality certificate and lapel pin, sample press release to publically announce their accomplishment and their names are also released to the trade press.

• Certificants are required to recertify every five (5) years in order to maintain certified status.