In order to more effectively promote and ensure professionalism in public sector procurement, the National Institute for Governmental Purchasing (NIGP) and the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO), jointly established the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council as an independent entity in 1978. The organization later changed its name to Universal Public Procurement Certification Council in 2010.
The functions of the Council are as follows:
To establish, monitor, and revise requirements for certification
To continue research efforts relating to the certification of public buyers and procurement officers
To coordinate with other NIGP and NASPO programs in order to further the certification of public procurement officers
To do all things necessary and proper to promote and insure professionalism in public procurement
The UPPCC offers two distinct levels of professional certification for the public procurement professional;
the Certified Public Procurement Officer (CPPO) 
and the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB). 
The CPPO level applies to individuals holding supervisory and/or management positions while the CPPB level applies to buyers at the non-management level. UPPCC programs are applicable to all public procurement personnel in federal, state and local government organizations and agencies.
Today, the CPPO and CPPB programs are the most highly regarded and well-respected certifications among procurement professionals and their employers in the public sector. To date, the UPPCC has certified well over 10,000 professionals primarily within the US and Canada, but in other nations around the globe.
The UPPCC is composed of two volunteer-led Boards; a governing body known as the Board of Directors and the Board of Examiners whose primary responsibility is exam development and administration. Both bodies are supported by a professional Staff with offices in both Lexington, KY and Herndon, VA.
[ Articles of Incorporation ] – last updated 7/28/2017
[ Bylaws ] – last updated 5/9/2018
[ Code Of Ethics ]
Mission
In support of the public trust, our mission is to recognize professionalism in public procurement through the identification of a common body of knowledge and the certification of individuals against established standards of competency.
Vision
Driving Excellence in the Global Public Procurement Profession.
Values
Integrity - We do the right things for the right reasons.
Excellence - We are the standard to which others aspire.
Service - We act in support of the public trust.
Collaboration - We foster relationships to accomplish our missions.
[ UPPCC Strategic Planning Report ] - last updated 2017