Certification Programs
There are now five worldwide American Purchasing Society certification purchasing programs: the Certified Purchasing Professional (CPP), the Certified Professional Purchasing Manager (CPPM), the Certified Green Purchasing Professional (CGPP), the Certified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing (CPDW), and the Certified Professional Purchasing Consultant (CPPC).
The Society also offers the Essential Principles of Purchasing Certificate Program (EPP) — a non-certification program that helps those with no purchasing experience, especially younger people early in their careers, build a foundation before pursuing certification.
Recognized worldwide across purchasing, management, and distribution.
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Quick Quiz
Which certification does the American Purchasing Society award to entry-level purchasing professionals?
Choose Your Certification
From your first professional credential to a specialized track in sustainability, management, or distribution — find the certification that matches where you are in your career.
Certified Purchasing Professional
For professionals who have demonstrated the skills to successfully implement improved purchasing and supply chain practices as part of a business solution in an organization.
No prerequisite - the foundation certification
Learn MoreCertified Professional Purchasing Manager
For anyone in a managerial position, covering the added scope and responsibility of leading a purchasing function.
Requires CPP certification
Learn MoreCertified Green Purchasing Professional
Verifies training in green procurement and sustainability — a fast-growing area as more companies put sustainability plans, policies, and procedures in place.
Requires CPP certification
Learn MoreCertified Professional in Distribution and Warehousing
Stresses the functions involved in distribution, inventory, logistics, and warehousing — a fast-growing industry in the U.S. and abroad.
No CPP required - separate application
Learn MoreCertified Professional Purchasing Consultant
For Certified Purchasing Professionals who consult or teach purchasing to people outside of their own employer.
Requires CPP certification
Learn MoreNon-Certification Programs
In addition to our five certifications, the Society offers a foundational program for those just starting out — it doesn't confer certification, but builds the groundwork for it.
Essential Principles of Purchasing Certificate Program
A non-certification program for those with no purchasing experience, especially younger people early in their careers. Applicants complete the Society's foundational courses and sit for the Certified Purchasing Professional examination, earning certificates along the way. $375 for the program, courses, and examination.
No experience required - ages 17 and up
Learn MoreCode of Ethics & Professional Conduct
The American Purchasing Society advocates the following principles and standards that comprise its Code of Professional Ethics and Professional Conduct. Adherence to this Code is required for certification through the American Purchasing Society and serves to ensure public confidence in the integrity of purchasing professionals. Each purchasing agent applicant pledges to:
Code of Ethics
- Maintain loyalty to your employer. Pursue your organization's objectives consistent with this code as long as no federal, state, or local laws are violated.
- Buy without personal prejudice from suppliers who offer the optimum value when all factors are considered.
- Be honest and insist on honesty from others. Denounce all forms of unscrupulous business practices.
- Avoid all conflicts of interest which would jeopardize impartiality in your business transactions.
- Be truthful with your suppliers, potential suppliers, and all others with whom you do business.
- Maintain high standards of personal conduct.
- Refuse to accept gratuities offered by suppliers or potential suppliers.
Code of Conduct
Each purchasing agent applicant pledges to:
- Strive constantly to improve his or her knowledge of methods, materials, and processes that affect purchasing performance.
- Practice and insist on sound business principles in the conduct of all transactions.
- Be receptive to competent counsel from colleagues and demonstrate a willingness to share in support of the purchasing profession.
Ready to get certified?
For assistance applying for a certification program, or for clarification on any of the programs above, call American Purchasing Society any time during normal working hours — we're glad to help. Telephone (630) 859-0250.
Start Your Application