The NIGP-CPP exam is a competency-based exam that aligns with the competencies embedded within the seven major focus areas from the Public Procurement Competency Framework (PPCF). The research produced through the Practice Analysis determined the percentage of the exam that corresponds to each of the seven focus areas.
Note: Candidates who are current CPPO/CPPB certificants may apply through Pathway F. Through May 2024 only, Pathway F candidates may attain the NIGP-CPP via an abbreviated process by successfully completing only Module B which covers test content that was not assessed within the CPPB/CPPO exams. However, AFTER May 2024 testing, ALL NIGP-CPP candidates – regardless of eligibility pathway – must successfully complete BOTH Module A AND Module B to earn the NIGP-CPP. No exceptions will be granted to this requirement and deadline.
Within each focus area, the Commission has defined specific competency statements to will be assessed through each module of the exam:
Module A
Strategy (8%)
- Create procurement’s strategic goals, objectives, and policies in alignment with the entity-wide strategic plan
- Manage efficiency and effectiveness in achievement of procurement’s mission
Policy, Legislation and Program Oversight (13%)
- Engage the legislative process to further procurement interests
- Ensure compliance with applicable rules and regulations from the various branches and levels of government
- Create, implement, and maintain fair, accessible, and transparent policies and procedures that align organizational behaviors, priorities, and professional procurement values
Planning and Analysis (17%)
- Analyze information from multiple sources to create a procurement plan to meet the overall entity’s goals
- Analyze current market trends and the impact on procurement planning
- Use procurement priorities and best value considerations in addition to cost, price, and spend analysis methods to inform decisions
- Assess risk and implement appropriate risk management approaches
Sourcing and Solicitation (27%)
- Determine most advantageous sourcing, solicitation, and award method
- Determine the most favorable contract structure and content
- Manage all stages of the selection process (from receipt to award)
- Develop a negotiation strategy that maximizes advantages for all involved
- Manage a protest consistent with the law and the entity’s policy
Contract Administration (17%)
- Establish policies and procedures for contract administration
- Establish policies and procedures to promote acceptable contract performance
- Establish policies and procedures to address contract performance issues
Leadership (11%)
- Create and foster a professional, ethical culture
- Recruit, hire, develop, retain, and promote procurement professionals
Business Principles and Operations (7%)
- Select and implement technology to further procurement goals
Module B
Strategy (12%)
- Choose and implement strategic improvements for the procurement function
- Identify, evaluate, and implement social and environmentally sustainable procurement policies and other procurement priorities
Policy, Legislation and Program Oversight (17%)
- Advise the entity on how to resolve procurement-related issues
- Manage stakeholder expectations by communicating requirements, responsibilities, and outcomes
- Create, lead, and provide holistic procurement program oversight
Planning and Analysis (5%)
- Identify opportunities for strategic contracting initiatives
Sourcing and Solicitation (1%)
- Manage the issues distinct to international business
Contract Administration (5%)
- Ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of asset management, warehousing, and logistics programs
- Recommend options to dispose of assets to maximize residual value
Leadership (38%)
- Create policies and procedures to support an ethical workplace
- Create a culture and system to foster continuous improvement
- Provide procurement professional development opportunities
- Provide educational opportunities related to procurement best practices to all (non-procurement)
- Engage stakeholders in development of entity key performance indicators to achieve change implementation
- Communicate programs, policies, and procedures in support of entity’s continuous advancement
- Develop criteria for evaluation of internal and external relationships and procurement’s performance
- Align procurement change with entity goals
- Identify and address challenges and conflicts
Business Principles and Operations (22%)
- Establish a continuous improvement plan
- Identify how changes in global, national and regional economies will affect operations
- Develop and manage a thriving and resilient workplace
- Obtain and manage budgetary resources to further procurement goals
- Develop and implement a communication plan to enhance the image of the procurement function