There are better, multiple ways to deliver learning and competency development to professionals. And we are equally convinced that there are better, multiple ways to recognize the achievement of skills and competencies of those professionals through credentialing options.
Benefits to our NIGP Members and the Public Procurement Profession
Members have told us they want learning that is:
- Accessible (delivered in the classroom and online/on demand)
- Flexible (available 24/7 and whenever the learner has the time to dedicate to education)
- Customized to the role they play in public procurement so it is applicable and offers relevant learning
- Affordable
- Multiple options for recognition – especially for a substantial number of professionals who don’t qualify for professional certification due to formal education requirements or time on the job.
Members also want pathways that guide them on their current career path and prepare them for their aspirational career goals.
Members have also told us that they want similar choices in the way their achievements are publicly recognized through a variety of credentialing options. They want:
- Connections between learning and recognition so they are recognized for each major learning milestone
- Credentials without barriers
- Credentials that are integrated and laddered so there are intentional steps to move from one credential to the next
We believe that offering a choice of new credentials… digital badges, certificates, designations, specializations… in addition to professional certification provides maximum flexibility and access to professionals who are hungry for recognition.
Benefits to Public Agency Managers
We have also spoken with CPOs, CFOs, senior administrators, and elected officials. Here’s what we heard:
- They desire a highly educated, highly prepared, and highly skilled public procurement workforce that has both the technical knowledge of public procurement and the competencies to perform in the workplace.
- They are deeply concerned by the lack of intentional career development that provides pathways to promotion and, ultimately, to executive leadership.
- They are looking for an educational partner who can deliver a customized learning platform that…
- Provides standardized coursework on public procurement practices;
- Provides options for customized coursework that addresses their public entity’s specific regulatory or unique circumstances; and
- Provides choices for recognition.
The Articulation of “Why”
By listening to the critical voices of our members and their bosses, we have constructed new, innovative ways to deliver learning and new, publicly-facing ways to recognize those professionals who have demonstrated their knowledge, skill, and competency. Members and public agency managers have spoken. They want:
- Choice and flexibility in selecting learning pathways; taking only what they need to be successful
- Cutting-edge learning that is forward thinking and aligned with the needs of the modern public procurement workforce
- Focus on skill development and competencies that drive results for the agency and the community they serve
- Learning and credentialing that is integrated and holistic
- Instant recognition for the achievement of learning outcomes
We heard you!