Applying for Certification
Certification tells employers, suppliers, and colleagues that you've been vetted — your ethics, experience, and expertise reviewed and confirmed by an independent professional society. It's the credential that separates career purchasing professionals from the rest of the field.
average earnings increase reported by CPP-certified professionals in an APS member survey
Why Get Certified
A purchasing certification is a career investment — here's what it buys you.
Higher Earning Potential
Certified professionals consistently report stronger salaries and better negotiating position than uncertified peers.
Employer Confidence
Certification gives management assurance that you're trained, reliable, and dedicated to the profession — just as it does in law, accounting, and engineering.
Recognized Credibility
A credential backed by reference checks, ethics review, and exam performance — not just a certificate of attendance.
Six Programs, One Application Flow
APS offers five worldwide certifications — CPP, CPPM, CGPP, CPDW, and CPPC — plus the Essential Principles of Purchasing (EPP) program for those just starting out with no purchasing experience required.
Most certifications require at least two years of purchasing-related experience; EPP and CPDW have no experience prerequisite. Exact requirements vary by program.
View all Certification ProgramsHow to Apply
The online application takes most applicants under 30 minutes to complete.
Choose your program
Compare the five certifications and the EPP foundational program to find the right fit.
Complete the application
Our guided online application walks you through employment history, references, and education.
Submit for review
APS reviews your references and qualifications, then confirms your certification.
Ready to apply?
Have questions before you start? Call American Purchasing Society any time during normal working hours at (630) 859-0250 — we're glad to help.
Apply Now