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Best purchasing agent certifications
Purchasing agent certifications allow job seekers to demonstrate their competency as an purchasing agent to employers. However, not all purchasing agent certifications provide the same value for job seekers.
The best certifications for a purchasing agent are Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).
Below is a list of the best purchasing agent certifications. Obtaining an purchasing agent certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for purchasing agents
20 best purchasing agent certifications
1. Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM)
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
2. Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
Due to an overwhelming request for an entry level industry certification, the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (AST&L) now offers the Professional Designation in Logistics and Supply Chain Management (PLS) to professionals seeking an understanding of the key strategies for improving customer service and increasing the efficiency of their logistics and supply chain operations. The purpose of the PLS is to recognize individuals that have completed a course of study examining the strategies for improving logistics and supply chain operations and are seeking to apply this knowledge within their profession. This designation is granted to AST&L members who have successfully passed the comprehensive examination.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
3. Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP)
The Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP) Certification is for professionals who have demostrated the skills to successfully implement improved purchasing and supply chain practices as part of a business solution in an organization.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? No
4. International Accredited Business Accountant (IABA)
ACAT seeks to ensure that all accredited individuals possess both the theoretical knowledge and the practical knowledge necessary to be successful practitioners. For that reason, candidates for accreditation must satisfy an experience requirement before becoming fully credentialed: three years of related work experience, up to two of which may be satisfied through college credit. Related work experience includes verifiable experience in accounting, financial services, or other field requiring a practical and theoretical knowledge of the subject matter covered on the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for the International Accredited Business Accountant. Those who pass the exam but who have not met the experience requirement may market themselves as having passed the ACAT Comprehensive Examination for International Accredited Business Accountant, but are not entitled to use the IABA designation.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? No
5. Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM)
Institute for Supply Management™ (ISM) announces the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) as the title for the profession's new qualification. The Certified Professional in Supply Management is slated to be the qualification that supply management professionals strive to obtain. The CPSM will be relevant internationally and reflect the expanded education, skills and experience needed to be a successful supply management professional. The CPSM will debut in 2008.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
6. Incident Safety Officer - Fire Suppression Certification (ISO)
A fire department incident safety officer's mission is to promote safety standards and practices in the fire, rescue and emergency services community. Members of the Fire Department Safety Officers Association, applicants sponsored by the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and individuals meeting the duties and requirements of a company officer or an Incident Scene Safety Officer may apply.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
7. Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)
This credential addresses the core competencies of higher skilled, front-line material handling workers (entry-level) across the supply chain: from factories, to warehouses, to distribution centers to transporters.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
8. Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS)
A Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) primarily focuses on converting a medical procedure, diagnosis, or symptom into specific codes to submit a claim for reimbursement.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
9. Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
A technician with six or more years combined work and electronics training may be eligible for the ETA Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma) certification. The Master certification was created to showcase those technicians who are able to demonstrate proficiency in the many fields of electronics. In addition to the Associate level certification, one must successfully obtain six other certifications, with no more than two originating from the same specialized category, in order to qualify.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
10. Certified Product Safety Manager (CPSM)
The CPSM program has attracted a high caliber of hazard control leaders who serve in industry, government, and education. Earning the CPSM provides recognition and status to those meeting the education, experience, and examination requirements to be designated as a CPSM. Product safety can be most effectively achieved by using a multi-disciplinary approach that addresses engineering, systems methods, environmental science, behavioral science, ergonomics, human factors, law, economics, and management.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
11. CompTIA A+ Certification
CompTIA A+ certification validates the knowledge and skills of entry-level computer service technicians. It is an international, vendor-neutral certification recognized by major hardware and software vendors, distributors and resellers. CompTIA A+ confirms a technician's ability to perform tasks such as installation, configuration, diagnosing, preventive maintenance and basic networking.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
12. Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
A Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) performs routine administrative and clinical tasks to keep the offices and clinics of physicians running smoothly.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 2 year(s)
13. Certified Federal Contracts Manager (CFCM)
Eligibility for the CFCM requires a candidate to have: * A degree from a regionally accredited institution at the bachelor's level, with 24 hours of course work in business management topics, * Two years of experience, and 120 hours of continuing professional education, at least 40 of which are specific to federal contracts management topics. * Waivers of the degree requirement are available for those candidates who have ten years of experience and a letter from a supervisor supporting their candidacy. * Candidates lacking only the experiential and continuing education requirements may apply for the designation and take the examinations. Upon successful completion of the examinations, the candidate will be awarded the designation ONLY when both experiential and continuing education requirements are met.To earn the CFCM, a candidate must take and pass two examinations; the Business Knowledge and Federal Knowledge modules.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
14. Certified in Planning and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Resiliency and agility are what make supply chains thrive in today’s rapidly changing world. Becoming CPIM certified shows employers that you know how to effectively manage disruptions, demand variations and supply chain risk. With a CPIM certification, you will develop the competencies they need to successfully work across all functions of the supply chain. In addition, you'll have the knowledge to better respond to supply disruptions, demand variations, and manage supply chain risk. Commit yourself to a higher level of education, boost your career prospects and help any organization stay competitive in today’s economy.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
15. Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM)
Experienced medical office professionals with exceptional administrative skills are eligible to sit for the Certified Medical Office Manager (CMOM) exam. To attain CMOM certification, all candidates must demonstrate a high level of knowledge in financial management, managed care contracting, personnel, and time management. Risk management, medical record keeping and facility management issues should also be mastered.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required?
16. Certified Purchasing Card Professional (CPCP)
The CPCP credential is awarded to P-Card professionals who have demonstrated experience and understanding of the body of knowledge necessary to administer a Purchasing Card program. This credential focuses on individual skills and knowledge of specialized P-Card functions. Achieving this designation allows P-Card professionals to be recognized for their exemplary level of expertise.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 3 year(s)
17. Certified Packaging Professional (CPP)
Only current IoPP members may apply for accreditation and recognition as a Certified Packaging Professional. Currently, a candidate is qualified to begin the process if he/she has six years experience in packaging or a closely related technical discipline. The six year requirement can be made up in the following ways: Six years actual work experience, or; a four-year college degree from a packaging school plus two years work experience, or a four-year college degree from a packaging school, plus one year for Masters Degree, plus one year actual work experience.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? Yes
- Oral or written exam required? No
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
18. Senior Professional in Supply Management - 3 (SPSM3)
The SPSM3 is not a replacement for the original SPSM or SPSM2 certifications, but simply a higher level of achievement. The Senior Professional in Supply Management - 3 Program is an expertly structured purchasing training program based on best practices and designed to improve real-world results. Instead of memorizing definitions or receiving an overview of a concept, you will be given step-by-step instructions and provided interactive exercises to ensure that they know how to apply what they're learning to their job duties to achieve measureable results.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 4 year(s)
19. Industrial Electronics (IND)
Industrial journeyman-level electronics technicians are expected to obtain knowledge of industrial electronics basic concepts, which are then applicable to all the various specialty areas of industry. Industrial Electronics Technicians must be knowledgeable and have abilities in the following technical and human relations areas: Amplifiers, Optical Wiring, Block Diagrams-Schematics, Power Supplies, Test Equipment-Tools, Mathematics, Computers-Digital Concepts, Safety, Satellite-Wireless-Data, Communications, Cabling, Troubleshooting, Motors, Programmable Logic Controllers, and Software.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
20. Nationally Certified Medical Office Assistant (NCMOA)
Medical Office Assistants typically perform administrative duties for health care providers in office settings, although some may also perform basic clinical tasks (as allowed by state laws). Their responsibilities will vary by employer, but may include answering telephones, greeting patients, updating and filing medical records, completing insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, and handling billing or bookkeeping.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? No
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 1 year(s)
What is the best certification for a purchasing agent?
The best purchasing agent certification is Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM). The Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) is awarded by the Institute for Supply Management. This certification is great to have as it shows an improvement in your competency to perform your role. You can earn this certification at the beginning of your career, as it often doesn't require a minimum education level and work experience.
Here's a bit more background on how to obtain this purchasing agent certification:
- To become a certified Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), you need to pass the exam.
- This certificate requires more than two years of work experience.
- Renew certification every 5 year.
What are some of the most in-demand certifications for purchasing agents?
The most in-demand purchasing agent certification is Certified Purchasing Manager based on all active job postings. Having this purchasing agent certification will give you access to more purchasing agent jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a purchasing agent career and salary?
The Certified Purchasing Manager certification will help you to secure a purchasing manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A purchasing manager's average salary is $95,666 whereas purchasing agents make an average salary of $51,950.
The most common combination of purchasing agent certifications include: Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP).
Online courses for purchasing agents to earn certifications
1. SAP MM Materials Management (beginner to expert level)
Master SAP Materials Management module with practical implementation steps. Prepare and crack SAP MM Certification exam...
2. Fundamentals of Logistics, Supply Chain & Customer Service
Learn Logistics, Supply Chain and Customer Service. 3 Courses in 1...
3. Supply Chain Management A-Z: Operations & Logistics Basics
Supply Chain Management Basics: An MBA style course to boost your career as a business operations & logistics manager...
4. SAP Materials Management (MM) Super User Training
Complete Beginner and Intermediate Purchasing & Inventory Management Training - Perform all the task in SAP in no time...
5. RA: Data Science and Supply chain analytics.(A-Z with R)
Learn R,Supply-chain Data Science, Inventory Optimization,Big Data forecasting, Machine learning and Revenue Management...
6. Financial Accounting - Inventory Costs
Mastering Inventory Costs & Flows: An In-Depth Guide to Accounting for Inventory in Business Operations...
7. SAP MM (Materials Management) Consultant Level Course
Learn SAP Material Management module from scratch. Purchasing, Schema Determination, Material Master, Goods Receipt, etc...
8. SAP MM Purchasing Simplified for Beginners
Easy Introduction into Purchasing Processing in SAP ERP...
9. SAP S/4HANA Sourcing & Procurement (MM-Materials Management)
The course covers both configuration and end-user processes for SAP S/4HANA MM / Sourcing & Procurement...
10. Procurement & Supply Planning tools and techniques.
Learn how to Make purchasing strategies ,MRP, forecast, inventory policies and techniques to minimize supply costs...
11. SAP MM Purchasing (Procurement) Process
Business Process Explanation along with SAP Configuration and Testing of Purchasing Processes...
12. Laravel 9 - Build Complete Inventory Management System A-Z
In This Course, You Will Build Two Different Projects With Laravel 9 including Inventory Management System A-Z...
13. Strategic Cost Management: Procurement and Supply Chain 2022
How to secure long term Procurement savings without breaking relations with your suppliers (with the updates 2022)...
14. Project Schedule: Monitor & Control Specialist (Accredited)
Schedule Management: Monitor & Control Schedule, Analyze Schedule, Solve Project Schedule Problems Earn CPDs & PDUs...
15. Complete Tally ERP 9-GST Course with Live Project of Clients
Learn Tally ERP 9 with live Accounts of a Business Covering its Accounting, Payroll, GST, Banking, Inventory System...
16. RA: Data Science and Supply Chain analytics. A-Z with Python
Learn Python, Supply Chain Data Science ,Linear Programming, Forecasting, Pricing and Inventory Management...
17. Supply Chain Fundamentals: Logistic & Transportation
Learn the Fundamentals of Logistic, Warehouse, Inbound, Picking, Packing, transportation and apply it to any ERP system...
18. Project Management Fundamentals - The Art of Scheduling
Learn How To Schedule Like A Pro From A Pro...
19. SAP MM -Material Management Simplified For Beginners
Exclusively designed SAP MM Training for End-Users, MM-Super-users , SAP Beginner to become SAP MM Consultant, S4 HANA...
20. SAP: Supply Chain Logistics in R/3
Everything you need to know about SAP Supply Chain Logistics and Transportation in one easy place...