UPPCC Announces Certification Bridge: New One of a Kind Link for the Public Sector

March 1, 2006 - The UPPCC (Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council) announced today that it has developed a certification bridge opportunity for current C.P.M.s into the CPPB and CPPO designations. The Council has become increasingly aware of the need to extend a hand of support to those individuals who are interested in carrying a designation that is truly reflective of their work in the public procurement community. Both UPPCC offerings and the C.P.M. test a candidate's knowledge of general procurement processes. The new bridge opportunity will acknowledge a candidate's previous test experience though the C.P.M., but requires the individual to pass an abbreviated examination to test on public sector application in order to successfully bridge. Public sector application of the procurement cycle is unique to UPPCC certifications, an element absent from the C.P.M.. The UPPCC will begin accepting applications from current C.P.M.s that meet CPPO or CPPB eligibility requirements on April 15, 2006. Bridge examinations will be offered from August 1, 2006 through December 31, 2008.

C.P.M. to CPPB

Individuals wishing to achieve the CPPB (Certified Professional Public Buyer) designation through the UPPCC bridge must hold a valid and current C.P.M. designation. The candidate will be required to complete the UPPCC application in its entirety, including proof of position responsibilities, years of experience, employment history and public purchasing experience. Applicable application fees and documentation will be required. Each applicant must meet the current experience and education criteria under Schedules A, B, C, or D of the UPPCC Certification Application. Once the application is submitted, reviewed and accepted, the applicant will then schedule the examination. C.P.M.s will be required to successfully pass an abbreviated written bridge examination consisting of 50 multiple-choice questions within a 60-minute time frame. The intention of the exam is to measure competency in components important to the public sector practice that is not covered in the C.P.M. Upon successful completion of the bridge examination, the CPPB designation will be conferred.

C.P.M. to CPPO

Individuals wishing to achieve the CPPO (Certified Public Purchasing Officer) designation through the UPPCC bridge must hold a valid and current C.P.M. designation. The candidate will be required to complete the UPPCC application in its entirety, including proof of position responsibilities, years of experience, employment history and public purchasing experience. Applicable application fees and documentation will be required. Each applicant must meet the experience and education criteria under Schedules A, B, or C of the UPPCC Certification Application. Once the application is submitted, reviewed and accepted, the applicant will then schedule the examination. Applicants will not be required to take the written portion of the CPPO, but will be required to sit for an oral examination. This oral examination will focus on public sector practice and application. Once the individual successfully completes the oral examination, the CPPO designation will be conferred.

The UPPCC has been awarding the CPPO and CPPB designations since 1978. Certificants can be found in all U.S. states and 9 of the 13 Canadian provinces.