C.P.M. Certification

The C.P.M. (Certified Purchasing Manager) Program was originated by ISM in 1974, and is the first nationally accepted standard of competence and knowledge for the purchasing and supply management field. Those who earn the title of C.P.M. join a select but fast growing professional group, widely recognized by management and colleagues to be among the most knowledgeable in today's competitive world of purchasing and materials management.

All candidates must complete and submit an application for certification. View Certification Information.

Applicants for C.P.M. certification must pass all four modules of the C.P.M. exam. In addition, the applicant must (a) have five years of full-time professional purchasing and supply management experience, or (b) have a four-year degree from an accredited institution and three years of full-time professional purchasing and supply management experience.

* Modules 1 and 2 of the new A.P.P exam (introduced 1/1/01) may be substituted for Modules 1 and 2 of the updated C.P.M. exam (introduced 1/1/01) and vice versa.

A.P.P. Certification

The Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) program was established in 1996 for (a) entry-level buyers who are primarily engaged in the tactical and operational side of purchasing, and (b) persons who work outside the organization's purchasing/supply management department, but nevertheless have definite procurement responsibilities. Both the A.P.P. and the C.P.M. are designed for individuals working in any of the major private, public, or non-profit work sectors.

Applicants for Original Accreditation must pass modules 1 and 2 of the new A.P.P. examination, Module 1 - Purchasing Process, Module 2-supply environment. In addition, an applicant must (a) have two years of professional work experience, or (b) have an associate's degree from an accredited institution and one year of professional experience. Purchasing and supply management experience can be a secondary component of the applicant's job.

All candidates must complete and submit an application for certification. View Certification Information.

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) administers the A.P.P. program for the profession and the public. Membership in ISM is NOT a requirement to earn or retain the A.P.P.

* Modules 1 and 2 of the new A.P.P exam (introduced 1/1/01) may be substituted for Modules 1 and 2 of the updated C.P.M. exam (introduced 1/1/01) and vice versa.

NAPM-New York offers a host of certification training classes. For further details on how you can begin on the road to becoming certified, please email us. View the calendar of Professional Development Classes.