Purchasing Agents

Certification or Licensing

There are no specific licenses or certification requirements imposed by law for purchasing agents. There are, however, several professional organizations to which many purchasing agents belong, including the Institute for Supply Management, NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, and the American Purchasing Society. These organizations offer certification to applicants who meet educational and other requirements and who pass the necessary examinations.

The Institute for Supply Management offers the certified professional in supply management and certified professional in supplier diversity designations. NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement and the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council offer the certified public purchasing officer and the certified professional public buyer designations. The American Purchasing Society offers the certified purchasing professional (CPP), the certified professional purchasing manager (CPPM), the certified green purchasing professional (CGPP), the certified professional in distribution and warehousing (CPDW), and the certified professional purchasing consultant (CPPC) designations. Although certification is not essential, it is a recognized mark of professional competence that enhances a purchasing agent's opportunities for promotion to top management positions.