Is NIGP separating from the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council (UPPCC)?
The introduction of the NIGP-CPP program does not alter NIGP’s long-standing relationship with the Universal Public Procurement Certification Council; and this has been communicated to the UPPCC and our colleagues at NASPO.
NIGP will continue to appoint three professionals to the UPPCC Board of Directors. NIGP will continue to offer foundational content that aligns with the UPPCC Body of Knowledge. It will continue to develop and offer new content that guides the professional in life-long learning which qualifies for re- certification points, and NIGP will continue to offer a wide range of certification preparation tools – from study guides to flashcards – from self-assessments to the prep courses available online and in-person.
The UPPCC certifications provide an optional pathway to attain the NIGP-CPP; and the NIGP-CPP offers public procurement practitioners choice – not a mandate - in the marketplace.
What happens to the CPPO and CPPB designations?
It is our hope that the UPPCC will continue to support the certification and re-certification process for current CPPOs and CPPBs in the foreseeable future. Professionals who endured the rigors of the CPPO and/or CPPB examination deserve to continue to maintain the credential with pride and honor. NIGP’s intent is to offer choices for all professionals; including those with a current professional certification. This is what our members have requested. It is important to understand, however, that the UPPCC holds the intellectual property rights to the CPPO and CPPB brands as an asset; so, while NIGP is hopeful that the Council will continue to certify and recertify CPPOs and CPPBs, this is a decision to be made by the UPPCC Board of Directors.