The NIGP-CPP certification program is the only certification managed and administered through NIGP. The NIGP-CPP is for leaders in procurement and is based on the 2024 Updated Job Task Analysis, the Public Procurement Competency Framework and research funded by the Volker Alliance. Additionally, the NIGP-CPP is integrated within NIGP’s Pathways Program for Learning and Credentialing, providing the candidate with a seamless connection between learning and earning credentials.
The NIGP-CPP exam is a competency-based exam. There are two candidate groups working towards the NIGP-CPP.
- Candidates who are approved on or before September 30, 2025, must successfully complete Exam Modules A and B to attain the NIGP-CPP.
- Exam Modules A and B focus on 43 technical competency statements across seven focus areas.
- These exam modules are scenario-based and assess the technical competencies, skills, behaviors, and abilities required of a procurement leader on the job today.
- Module A and Module B have 80 questions with a two-hour time limit. Of the 80 questions, 75 are scored while 5 are being tested/piloted and are not included in the score results.
- The final testing window for Modules A and B is November 2026. No further testing on Modules A and B will be available after November 30, 2026.
- Please read the NIGP-CPP Requirements Manual for detailed information.
- Candidates who apply and are approved on or after October 4, 2025, must successfully complete new Exam Modules C and D to attain the NIGP-CPP.
- The changes to policies, testing, and exam content have resulted from the Updated Job Task Analysis which informs all NIGP-CPP policies, requirements, testing, etc.
- Exam Modules C and D focus on 54 technical competencies across seven focus areas.
- These exam modules are scenario-based and assess the technical competencies, skills, behaviors, and abilities, required of a procurement leader on the job today.
- Exam Module C will have 80 questions and a 130-minute time limit. Exam Module D will have 85 questions with a 130-minute time limit.
- The first testing window for new Exam Modules C and D is February 2026.
- Please read the NIGP-CPP Requirements Manual BEFORE beginning the online application processes.
The Guiding Principles of the NIGP-CPP include assessing competencies and behaviors vs years of experience. The certification exam is rigorous and meaningful, and the NIGP-CPP is flexible and adaptable to remain current and relevant. Also, the NIGP-CPP was developed to follow credentialing best practices of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) ISO 17024 Standards established for certification programs.
The NIGP-CPP program has attained accreditation from the world-renowned ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB). It is one of only two procurement and contracting certifications that have attained ANAB accreditation – NCMA is the other.
The NIGP-CPP promotes critical thinking, leadership, and business strategies which are essential for all procurement leaders in the workforce today. The NIGP-CPP is valued by public procurement professionals, their supervisors, and their employing agencies because of its rigor and its focus on competencies, skills, and abilities, instead of strictly knowledge.