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Best purchasing manager certifications
The best certifications for a purchasing manager are Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).
Purchasing manager certifications demonstrate your competency as a purchasing manager to employers. However, not all purchasing manager certifications provide the same value.
Below is a list of the best purchasing manager certifications. Obtaining a purchasing manager certification will give you a leg up when you apply for jobs and increase your potential salary.
20 best certifications for purchasing managers
20 best purchasing manager 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 in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM)
Thousands of employers worldwide look for the CPIM designation when making critical hiring decisions. These companies know that CPIM designees have the proven knowledge and skills to strategically streamline operations.
- More than two years of education or training after high school required? Yes
- More than two years of work experience required? No
- Oral or written exam required? Yes
- Renewal required? Every 5 year(s)
4. Six Sigma Green Belt
The IASSC Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt (ICGB) is a professional who is well versed in the Lean Six Sigma Methodology who both leads or supports improvement projects, typically as a part-time role. A Lean Six Sigma Green Belt possesses a thorough understanding of all aspects within the phases of D-M-A-I-C. They understand how to perform and interpret Six Sigma tools and how to use standard principles of Lean.
- 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?
5. Certified Practice Manager (CPM)
Becoming a Certified Practice Manager (CPM) demonstrates your ability to effectively and efficiently run a medical practice.
- 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. Certified Manager Certification (CM)
The Certified Manager Animal Resources (CMAR) certification program is designed to raise competency and professionalism in the field of Animal Resources Management. The CMAR designation involves a series of four examinations: three exams arranged via an organization called the Institute for Certified Professional Managers (ICPM), and the Animal Resources Exam offered by AALAS. Obtaining the CMAR designation is a sign of professionalism in the field of animal resources management.
- 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?
7. 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)
8. 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
9. Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
The CMA (Certified Management Accountant) is the advanced professional certification specifically designed to measure the accounting and financial management skills that drive business performance.
- 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 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?
11. Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP designation following your name tells current and potential employers that you have demonstrated a solid foundation of knowledge from which you can competently practice project management.To be eligible for a PMP Credential, you must first meet specific educational and project management experience requirements and agree to adhere to a code of professional conduct. The final step to becoming a PMP is passing a rigorous multiple-choice examination designed to objectively assess and measure your ability to apply project management knowledge in the following six domains: initiating the project, planning the project, executing the project, monitoring and controlling the project, closing the project, and professional and social responsibility. This computer-based examination is administered globally with translation aids in 10 languages.
- 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 3 year(s)
12. Certified Professional Contracts Manager (CPCM)
A certified professional contracts manager (CPCM) shows that you are knowledgeable about all facets of contracts management, both within the government and the commercial arenas.
- 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)
13. Master Project Manager (MPM)
If you have 3+ years of Project Management Experience, you may apply for MPM™ Master Project Manager Board Certification.
- 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)
14. 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
15. Certified Sales Professional (CSP)
The Certified Sales Professional (CSP) program gives a thorough understanding of consultative selling. From business creation to improved time and territory management; goal-setting to prospecting, and everything in between, attendees return to the territory with a renewed enthusiasm for selling.
- 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)
16. Certified Security Supervision & Management (CSS)
The program candidate must have six months previous security supervisory/management experience or equivalent. Remit the certification fee to IFPO to receive the CSSM application. Candidates accepted into this portion of the program are required to address 10 simulated workplace scenarios demanding supervisory/management action.
- 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)
17. Program Management Professional (PgMP)
Project Management Institute's newest credential is specifically developed to acknowledge the qualifications of the professional who leads the coordinated management of multiple projects and ensures the ultimate success of a program. You will benefit from the many advantages of this new designation. Candidates earning this credential will be internationally recognized as professionals with the knowledge and experience to make and implement the important decisions and accomplish the strategic objectives that enhance business results.
- 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)
18. 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)
19. Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)
- 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)
20. Master Quality Manager (MQM)
- 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)
What is the best certification for a purchasing manager?
The best purchasing manager 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 manager 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 managers?
The most in-demand purchasing manager certification is Certified Purchasing Manager based on all active job postings. Having this purchasing manager certification will give you access to more purchasing manager jobs with higher salaries.
What certifications can impact a purchasing manager career and salary?
The Project Management Professional certification will help you to secure a project manager position, which will increase your pay and career trajectory. A project manager's average salary is $85,365 whereas purchasing managers make an average salary of $98,118.
The most common combination of purchasing manager certifications include: Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM), Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP), and Certified in Production and Inventory Management (CPIM).
Online courses for purchasing managers to earn certifications
1. Supply Chain Logistics
Have you ever wondered how goods get delivered to us so quickly as soon as we order them? One word: Logistics! In this introductory Supply Chain Logistics course, I will take you on a journey to this fascinating backbone of global trade. We cover the three major building blocks of logistics networks: transportation, warehousing, and inventory. After completing this course, you will be able to differentiate the advantages and disadvantages of different modes of transportation. You will...
2. Navigating Healthcare Supply Chain Operations
This course is the continuation of "Introduction to Healthcare Supply Chain Operations". If you have not visited the first part yet, please check it out before starting this course. If you have finished the first part of this series: Introduction to Healthcare Supply Chain Operations, you will be able to apply what you learned to your own career. The foundational knowledge and project plan from the introduction are carried through in this deeper dive into healthcare supply chain operations. In...
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. 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)...
5. The Fundamentals of end-to-end Supply Chain Management
Supply Chain Management - Level 1: Introducing all the Key Components of a Supply Chain...
6. Fundamentals of Logistics, Supply Chain & Customer Service
Learn Logistics, Supply Chain and Customer Service. 3 Courses in 1...
7. Procurement & Supply Planning tools and techniques.
Learn how to Make purchasing strategies ,MRP, forecast, inventory policies and techniques to minimize supply costs...
8. SAP MM Materials Management (beginner to expert level)
Master SAP Materials Management module with practical implementation steps. Prepare and crack SAP MM Certification exam...
9. RISK MANAGEMENT for Supply Chain and Procurement specialists
Tools and methods used by the world class procurement companies and supply chain managers (with the updates 2022)...
10. 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...
11. Procurement Management
An Ultimate Guide to Procurement / Purchase Management for Managers, Engineers, Entrepreneurs and Students...
12. Practical Pharmaceutical Supply Management: LMIC Focus
Pharmaceutical Supply Mastery: From Procurement to Efficient Distribution...
13. RA: Data Science and Supply Chain analytics. A-Z with Python
Learn Python, Supply Chain Data Science ,Linear Programming, Forecasting, Pricing and Inventory Management...
14. SAP: Supply Chain Logistics in R/3
Everything you need to know about SAP Supply Chain Logistics and Transportation in one easy place...
15. Supply Chain Fundamentals: Logistic & Transportation
Learn the Fundamentals of Logistic, Warehouse, Inbound, Picking, Packing, transportation and apply it to any ERP system...
16. SAP Materials Management (MM) Super User Training
Complete Beginner and Intermediate Purchasing & Inventory Management Training - Perform all the task in SAP in no time...
17. SAP MM Purchasing (Procurement) Process
Business Process Explanation along with SAP Configuration and Testing of Purchasing Processes...
18. SAP MM (Materials Management) Consultant Level Course
Learn SAP Material Management module from scratch. Purchasing, Schema Determination, Material Master, Goods Receipt, etc...
19. SAP: Supply Chain Logistics & Transportation in S/4 HANA
Everything you need to know about SAP S/4 HANA Supply Chain Logistics and Transportation Management in one place...
20. SAP S/4HANA Sourcing & Procurement (MM-Materials Management)
The course covers both configuration and end-user processes for SAP S/4HANA MM / Sourcing & Procurement...