The application process
The online NIGP-CPP application verifies the eligibility of the applicant through minimal but critical documentation. Supporting documents (such as copies of diplomas, certificates, certifications, and/or transcripts conferring a degree) are uploaded by the candidate as PDF attachments.
To test on Exam Modules A and B, all applications submitted on or before September 30, 2025, must be approved on or before September 30, 2025. This includes the receipt of all required documentation including signed and verified employment verification forms. Any application that cannot be approved on September 30, 2025, will be closed and denied.
To test on Exam Modules C and D, all applications must be submitted and approved on or after October 1, 2025.
ELIGIBILITY PATHWAYS A – E
- Pathway A – D applicants must upload diplomas, certificates, or related documents that affirm the level of formal education based on their selected Pathway.
- These applicants also affirm their years/months of related work experience based on their selected Pathway.
- The Commission believes that years in a position do not necessarily prove the expertise of the individual; and that competency-based work experience is a better measure of one's ability and future success.
- Therefore, these candidates demonstrate their relevant work experience via an Experience Verification Form. The amount of work experience (measured in months) is determined by the Pathway selected by the candidate.
- For example, those candidates who have earned a master’s degree in public administration, public policy, supply chain, procurement, or economics (Pathway A) need to demonstrate relevant work experience over a 24-month period within the last ten years.
- All applications submitted on or after October 1, 2025, require that work experience must require a minimum of 25 of the 54 competency statements identified in the NIGP-CPP exam content.
- And the fulltime procurement experience must be within the past ten years. Using the Experience Verification Form, the candidate self-attests which competency statements within the total of 54 that she/he performed (or is currently performing) within each work position.
- This information must also be independently verified by your current or former supervisor, manager, director, or someone with similar authority on behalf of the employer who is/was familiar with your relevant work experience or a Human Resources (HR) representative. On the application, applicants must identify the specific individual who will serve as the third-party employment verifiers, including the individual’s name, job title at the agency/organization, email, and phone number. Generic information cannot be provided.
- There are no minimum percentages of time that must be dedicated to the competency statement for it to qualify as relevant work experience. This activity takes the guesswork out of the application process since a candidate performs his/her self-assessment, obtains verification by a specified third-party, and instills confidence in her/his eligibility before applying and paying fees. In fact, the candidate does not submit official or working position descriptions with her/his application; but may be required to do so during the assessment process via a trigger audit.
NIGP-CPP FEES
- The non-refundable application fee is $175.
- The testing fee is $150 per Exam Module.
- The retest fee is $150 per Exam Module.
- The transfer fee is $75 per Exam Module.
Please review the NIGP-CPP Requirements Manual for more detailed information. All fees and policies are subject to change.