As an adjunct to today’s Talent Attraction & Retention posting I thought it would be worthwhile to share with you the following Procurement Insights Question and Answer segment.
Network Member Question:
I’d like to get information about Supply Chain Management Certificate/Course in USA/CANADA. Preferred top Universities.
Andre Caliman, Sales and Marketing Executive, Brazil
My Answer:
The question regarding the real-world viability of the various programs being offered by institutions and associations at times conjurs up images of Nero playing the fiddle while Rome was burning.The greatest challenge that is faced is how the business community views these designations. And in this regard, many programs continue to overlook some critical facts.
A 2007 survey of CFOs produced these startling results:
73% of the total average annual savings claimed by an organization’s purchasing department, are rejected by CFOs as being invalid. They do not impact the bottom line, and as a result minimize the perceived value of purchasing to the organization. (Note: cost avoidance is one of the many savings myths that continue to be championed in course materials as a viable objective that is worthy of pursuit.)
This “absence of value” was further emphasized in the same study, which found that more than 80% of all CFOs interviewed do not believe that the CPO and his/her department make any meaningful contribution to the organization as a whole.
Finally, in a CPO Agenda Roundtable, senior executives expressed the opinion that purchasing departments are best run by individuals who do not have (or come from) a purchasing background.
As an international speaker these as well as other findings continue to resonate with my audiences as purchasing professionals strive to carve out their place in the emerging global marketplace.
With the focus of most association certification programs just now beginning to shift to a platform that will eventually (and hopefully) elevate the professional designation to a level that is seen as being on a par with that of a CA or CPA, the real issues we face is not how we view the programs as a profession, but how other professions within the corporate heirarchy view us and the corresponding value we bring to the table.
Once again, and given the growing recognition of the importance of looking outside of the realm of traditional “educational thinking”, it is through this filter of real-world understanding that you should evaluate the veracity of any curriculum.
Specifically, take prospective course materials to individuals from other departments within your own organization, such as finance and IT. Ask them their thougths concerning the value of the curriculum and how it meshes with their objectives from both an individual department and enterprise wide standpoint.
Procurement Insights 
nairooz
January 17, 2011
Hi,
I’m interested in hospital supply chain courses pz. if you know about a short course (3-6) months in USA send me an E-mail
Thank you
procureinsights
January 17, 2011
Thank you for your question, I will check and get back to you.
Debbie
November 9, 2011
If a person has been in a position for over 5 years as a purchaser/buyer …are they able to get a certification without taking the course?? (experience in lieu of)
piblogger
November 9, 2011
Interesting question Debbie, and one that I will pass onto Kelly Barner at Buyers Meeting Point.
Kelly B. & Cindy A.M (@BuyersMeetPoint)
November 10, 2011
Hi Debbie,
Thank you for raising a question that I am sure many other people are thinking.
I look a look at information on some of the more popular purchasing/procurement certification programs for information specific to your question about experience in lieu of courses. It probably doesn’t come as a total surprise that experience is considered a prerequisite rather than a substitute for certification coursework. A related question seems to be whether or not you need to have a college degree in order to participate in a certification program, and the answer varies by association and certification. Here is some information that you may find helpful, and of course, if you would like to continue the conversation, I encourage you to contact us at Buyers Meeting Point directly:
http://buyersmeetingpoint.com/about-us/contact-buyers-meeting-point
American Purchasing Society (APS): offers the CPP, CPPM and CPPC certifications. A prerequisite for eligibility for certification is a minimum of three years purchasing related experience OR a degree from a recognized college plus two years of purchasing related experience.
http://www.american-purchasing.com/default.asp
Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS): offers the XXX certification. CIPS has 6 award levels (2-7), and while levels 2 and 3 have no educational or experience requirement, level 4 and above require either a level 3 award or two years experience in a business environment.
http://www.cips.org/en/
Institute for Supply Management (ISM): offers the Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) and Certified in Supply Management (CSM) as well as other specialized certifications. The qualifications for the CPSM program include 3 years full-time, professional supply management experience (nonclerical, nonsupport) and a Bachelors’ degree from a regionally accredited institution or international equivalent. The CSM certification is for professionals with a degree and 3 years experience or no degree by 5 years experience. One interesting trend that may be observed from changes in ISM’s certifications is that they are phasing out the Certified Purchasing Manager (CPM) and Accredited Purchasing Manager (APM) programs – traditionally those were appropriate for more traditional/operational buying professionals – in favor of their more strategic supply management offerings.
http://www.ism.ws/certification/?navItemNumber=4891
Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA): offers the SPSM and SPSM2 certifications. They have minimal qualification requirements beyond the program itself: no college degree is required and there is no requirement that you document your work experience.
http://www.nextlevelpurchasing.com/index.html
All the best,
Kelly Barner
Co-owner, Buyers Meeting Point
http://www.buyersmeetingpoint.com
Rosemarie Loyer
July 10, 2012
I work for a school board in Canada and would like to obtain certification in purchasing.
What would you suggest I take on-line.
piblogger
July 11, 2012
I will pass you name along to a couple of great people Rosemarie and they will be in touch with you regarding the various options that are available for on-line certification courses.
Charles Dominick, SPSM, SPSM2
July 11, 2012
Hi Rosemarie,
Jon advised me of your comment, so I will reply here.
I invite you to consider earning your SPSM Certification from the Next Level Purchasing Association (http://www.NextLevelPurchasing.com/spsm.html). The certification program is entirely online and Canada has the 3rd most SPSM-certified purchasing professionals of all countries throughout the world, ensuring that you will have a certification that is recognized in your homeland as well as around the world.
If you have any questions about the SPSM Certification and how it can help you perform better in the workplace and have a more rewarding career, feel free to contact us at help@nextlevelpurchasing.com.
Linda Craig, CSCMP, CHRP, CPIM, CITT, CAE, MBA
July 11, 2012
I suggest that if you are looking for a course, that you look through the list of programs that have been accredited through the Canadian Supply Chain Sector Council (CSCSC).
Click to access CSCSCarticleNAP2010.pdf
There is a wide variety of course offerings, both in class and on line, in both English and French. Each of the programs or courses have been reviewed and vetted through a committee of subject matter experts and seasoned educational professionals.
I can not speak for the program above, but you may want to look to the list on the CSCSC site.
http://www.supplychaincanada.org/en/accreditations
piblogger
July 11, 2012
Thank you, Linda. I appreciate your taking the time to comment.
Arleen Chenoll
July 12, 2012
The Purchasing Management Association of Canada (www.pmac.ca) has the highest achievement in professional supply chain management education in Canada. It does require completion of a number of courses, a university degree and some work experience in the field so to achieve the designation “Supply Chain Management Professional” or “SCMP” requires a significant commitment, however many employers in Canada require an SCMP as a minimum to enter the organization at the management level. In addition, for those who do not aspire to achieve the SCMP designation, there is the SMT program. Both are described on the website. It is worthwhile knowing that PMAC has reciprocal agreements with the CIPS (UK) program and the CPM (ISM) programs, a real bonus for anyone needing to work cross-border or internationally as all 3 of these designations are highly valued. I have been a member of PMAC since 1976 and can attest to receiving great value from having my SCMP designation. Arleen Chenoll, Vice President, British Columbia Institute of the Purchasing Management Association of Canada, http://www.bcipmac.ca.
Faraz Hussain Shah
April 16, 2013
I did my master in Supply chain Managemnt & now i am intrested in Diploma of 1 Year or 2 Year in supply chain Managment courses to enhance my knowledge.Can you please guide on it about Diploma in SCM.I am waiting for your prompt response.
Farazshah@faysalbank.com & faraz.shah970@gmail.com
piblogger
April 16, 2013
Thank you for your inquiry Faraz. I have passed your name on to an association who will contact you directly.
Patricia Abel
August 19, 2013
I am Patricia. I am CIPS qualified. I have 9 years of procurement practice. I want to pusue an MBA in Supply Chain Management but I need a school that provide schorlarships. Can I find any since my employer will not sponsor this career development. my email adress is paabel2009@gmail.com.
Alex
November 5, 2013
Hello,
I am having hard time making decision on which certification to approach – the one from American Purchasing Society (CPP) or from Next Level Purchasing (SPSM, more expensive, not sure if better). I have Bcs in Science and almost 3 years of Buyer’s experience (working for the cruise industry but mostly just processing orders). Any recommendations?
Thank you!
Sincerely,
Alex
piblogger
November 5, 2013
Hello Alex . . . I will put you in touch with Charles Dominick from Next Level Purchasing.
shital
June 9, 2014
Hi im from India and wish to enter into procurement, will this course give me national and international job opportunities? My current profile is ex procurement…
piblogger
June 9, 2014
Shital, please contact Charles Dominick from Next Level Purchasing @ cdominick@nextlevelpurchasing.com
Charles Dominick, SPSM, SPSM2
June 10, 2014
Hello, Shital. Yes, please contact the NLPA offices – we’d love to help you earn your SPSM Certification. India is the country with the second-most SPSM’s in the world (behind the USA).
Contact details:
help@nextlevelpurchasing.com
+1-412-294-1990
http://www.NextLevelPurchasing.com
Jawaid Ibrahim
January 17, 2016
im a certified professional from American Purchasing society, CPP, CPPM, CICCM, want to do any other certification in USA for 2-3 months.
Charles Dominick, SPSM, SPSM2, SPSM3
January 18, 2016
Hello Jawaid Ibrahim. All of us at the Next Level Purchasing Association would happily welcome you into the SPSM Certification Program. You can complete it 100% online and, because it is self-paced, you could certainly complete the program in your 2-3 month timeframe. You can get more information at http://www.NextLevelPurchasing.com or contact us at +1-412-294-1990.
Rajendra
May 20, 2016
Hi I am from India & having a 5 years experience and wish to enter into CANADA for a job , will you guide me? or I have to study in canada if yes then which university is good for Procurement course in short period ( 3 to 6 Months)
piblogger
May 23, 2016
You will want to contact Charles Dominick at Next Level Purchasing.
Here is the link: http://www.nextlevelpurchasing.com/
Charles Dominick, SPSM, SPSM2, SPSM3
May 24, 2016
Hi Rajendra,
I am CEO of the Next Level Purchasing Association, based in the United States. You can earn our SPSM Certification online from India (or anywhere else). The SPSM Certification Program is a self-paced program. The average SPSM earns it in about 7 months, though many have earned it in 3 months or less. It all depends on the time you have available for study. Contact us at help@nextlevelpurchasing.com if we can be of any service or visit our website at http://www.NextLevelPurchasing.com/procurement-certification/spsm for complete info. We hope to welcome you into the program!
rashad zeynal
March 3, 2017
Hi,i am from Azerbaijan. me and my workmate have more 5 years experience in procurement and logistics and we want improve our knowlegde so we need to join supply chain courses in the USA for 2-3 months in April or May. If you have suitable offers please send quotation to my email.
your soonest feedback is highly appreciated.
rasad.zeynal@gmail.com