The Practice Analysis research study concluded that relevant work experience was of equal importance to formal education. Therefore, the Commission has established six different pathways for eligibility based on a combination of formal education and relevant work experience:
Pathway A
- Graduate degree specifically related to, or a concentration in, public administration, public policy, supply chain, procurement, or economics from an accredited college/university
- Plus 2 years (24 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years
Pathway B
- Bachelors or higher degree (any discipline) from an accredited college/university AND a graduate level certificate from an accredited college/university specifically in public administration, public policy, supply chain, or procurement
- Plus 3 years (36 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years
Pathway C
- Bachelors or higher degree (any discipline) from an accredited college/university
- Plus 4 years (48 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years
Pathway D
- Two-year post-secondary diploma (or) an associate degree (any discipline) from an accredited college/university OR a NIGP Public Procurement Associate Designation. (See the FAQs for NIGP’s Certificate Program for more details.)
- Plus 6 years (72 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years
Pathway E
- No Post-Secondary Diploma
- Plus 8 years (96 months) of relevant work experience involved with procurement (public or private, purchaser or seller) within the past 10 years
Pathway F
- Current holder of the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) or Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) designation; or recently lapsed within one year of the expiration date of the certification
- Proof of formal education or relevant work experience is not required for candidates seeking the NIGP-CPP via Pathway F
For all education standards, global equivalents are acceptable.
“Relevant work experience" is defined as experience that aligns with one or more of the competency statements contained in the NIGP-CPP exam. This is explained further under Exam Content and Application Fees.
Education and relevant work experience are the only two requisites for the NIGP-CPP. There are no requirements for procurement coursework/training. Candidates have the flexibility to sharpen their skills and competencies without any mandate; including NIGP’s learning program which aligns with the Public Procurement Competency Framework.