Volunteer Opportunities
UPPCC encourages certified professionals to remain actively involved in the growth and integrity of the certification programs. Volunteering is a valuable way to contribute your expertise, stay connected to the public procurement community, and earn contact hours toward recertification.
Volunteer opportunities are available to current UPPCC certificants in good standing (non-lapsed). Each role offers a unique way to support exam development or candidate preparation, and all professional contributions to UPPCC are eligible for contact hours. The number of hours awarded varies based on the type and duration of the activity.
To be considered for upcoming opportunities, please complete an Application or Volunteer Interest Survey. Interested and eligible individuals will be contacted as openings become available. We welcome your continued involvement and appreciate your commitment to excellence in public procurement.
If you are interested in giving back to the certification(s) you worked so hard to achieve, consider volunteering your time with UPPCC for one of the following activities:
Current Opportunities:
UPPCC Study Group Leader
Study Group Leaders support certification candidates by facilitating virtual study groups in the weeks leading up to each UPPCC exam window. Leaders guide participants through the exam content outline, encourage discussion, share study strategies, and help build candidate confidence. Each group meets weekly for approximately 8 weeks, with time required for preparation, communication, and session facilitation. Though many of our leaders return for multiple exam cycles, this is a short-term commitment, ideal for those who enjoy mentoring and engaging with peers. Leaders must hold a current UPPCC certification and be in good standing. All study group leaders receive contact hours toward recertification for their service.
Standard Setting Panelist
Standard Setting Committee Members participate in a structured, research-based process to recommend the passing score for a newly updated UPPCC exam. Using performance-level expectations and psychometric methods, members evaluate exam questions to help define the minimum level of competency required for certification. The next standard setting will occur in June 2025 and involves two virtual meetings led by UPPCC’s testing partner. Volunteers must hold the credential being evaluated and be in good standing. This is a short-term, intensive role that offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at how certification standards are determined. Contact hours are awarded for full participation.
Content Contributor
Content Contributors support the earliest phase of exam development by identifying and drafting key concepts, terminology, and reference sources aligned to the UPPCC exam content outline. This role is ideal for professionals working in public procurement who want to shape the foundational material from which exam questions are developed. Certification is not required, but experience in the field is essential. Content Contributors collaborate with staff and subject matter experts to ensure the exam reflects current practice. This is a short-term, project-based opportunity and a great entry point into UPPCC’s exam development process.
Item Writer
Item Writers are certified professionals who develop new multiple-choice questions for the UPPCC exams. Volunteers receive training in exam item writing and are expected to submit a designated number of questions annually. Items must align with the exam content outline, include references, and follow best practices for fairness and clarity. This role offers flexibility, with most work completed independently, and occasional collaboration with UPPCC staff. Item Writers must hold a current UPPCC certification and adhere to strict confidentiality and conflict of interest guidelines. Contact hours are awarded for active participation.
Item Review Committee
Item Reviewers serve as quality control experts for UPPCC exam content. Working as part of a review committee, they evaluate drafted questions for accuracy, relevance, clarity, and alignment with the exam content outline. Reviewers provide detailed feedback to ensure all questions meet high standards and reflect real-world procurement practice. This role requires prior certification and is well-suited for individuals with strong attention to detail and familiarity with item development. Item Reviewers may serve multi-year terms and participate in periodic virtual review sessions. Contact hours are awarded based on level of involvement.
Job Analysis Task Force
Job Task Analysis (JTA) Committee Members support a critical research process that defines the scope and structure of the certification exam. Every five years, this committee reviews survey data on current job responsibilities in public procurement and recommends updates to the exam content outline. The next JTA study will begin in 2029, with volunteer recruitment starting in 2028. Committee members participate in a multi-day workshop and follow-up meetings, either virtually or in person. Volunteers must hold a current UPPCC certification and represent a range of roles, agencies, and experience levels. Service on the JTA committee is a meaningful way to shape the future of the profession and earn contact hours toward recertification.
Board of Examiners
Members of the UPPCC Board of Examiners (BoE) oversee and guide the development and maintenance of the certification exams. They review test content, recommend updates to exam policies and processes, and ensure alignment with current professional standards. BoE members are experienced, certified professionals with prior involvement in item writing, review, or exam development. Members serve multi-year terms and participate in virtual meetings throughout the year. This leadership role requires a high level of commitment and offers significant impact on the future of the certification.
Board of Directors
The UPPCC Board of Directors is the governing body responsible for strategic oversight of the organization and its certification programs. Board members represent diverse sectors of the public procurement community and provide leadership on policy, partnerships, and long-term vision. Directors typically serve multi-year terms and attend scheduled board meetings throughout the year, both virtually and in person. This high-impact volunteer role is by invitation, application or nomination and requires a demonstrated commitment to the profession, leadership experience, and alignment with UPPCC’s mission.