Applicants who are not certified as CPPO/CPPB

Apply for the NIGP-CPP
Comprehensive Exam

The NIGP-CPP Comprehensive is a two-part modular exam with a Module A and a Module B. There is one application process for both modules.​

I could not be more excited and proud to be one of the first to achieve the NIGP-CPP certification, a monumental step towards moving Procurement Professionals from the back office to a seat at the table.

Angela Lay, NIGP-CPP, CPPO
Agency Procurement Officer
Fiscal Services Procurement
TN Department of Commerce & Insurance

APPLY NOW​

November 2020 and February 2021 Testing Periods​

​Apply

Registration for the May 2021 Testing Period begins January 4, 2021

NIGP-CPP Fees for Approved Comprehensive Candidates​


Application Fee
$150

Exam Fee per Module
$100

Online Assessment Tool (Optional)
$99

Prep Guide (Optional)
$150

Prep Course (Optional)
$395 members | $495 non-member

Search for a Prep Course

Checklist before you apply...

Determine eligibility based on formal education

Determine eligibility based on relevant work experience in alignment with the exam competencies and independently verified by a third party

Determine your testing period

Apply for the NIGP-CPP

View the Application Steps below

 

Questions about the NIGP-CPP?

Contact the NIGP Certification Team​
certification@nigp.org

 

Here are all the steps you need to take to apply for the NIGP-CPP under Pathways A - E:

1. Read the Handbook

2. Determine Eligibility

3. Apply for the NIGP-CPP​

  • Complete the online application form, this must be done a minimum of 30 days prior to when you intend to take the exam​

  • Select the appropriate Pathway

  • Upload applicable diplomas or certificates

  • Input work experience and identify the person(s) who can independently verify your work experience​

  • Register for exam module(s) and testing window

  • Remit all required fees

  • Once your application has been approved, you will receive an email from the NIGP Certification Team

4. Schedule Your Exam

  • After your approval email from the NIGP Certification Team is received, you will receive an authorization-to-test email from Pearson VUE approximately 3 – 5 business days later. This will include instructions for how to schedule your testing appointment at a Pearson testing center.
     

  • You will have the flexibility to take both Module A and Module B on the same date, or on separate dates within the same testing periods, or during different testing periods.​

  • You will have three (3) opportunities within a two-year period to pass each module of the exam​

5. Prepare for the Exam​

  • Test Your Procurement Expertise using the Personalized NIGP-CPP Assessment Tool - Purchase Today

  • Once your application is approved, you will receive an email alerting you to contact NIGP Customer Care at customercare@nigp.org to request  details and links for the following: ​

    • Registration for NIGP-CPP Online Bridge Exam Prep Course​

    • NIGP-CPP Prep Guide​

  • Make sure you read the NIGP-CPP Handbook and you understand the Comprehensive Exam content and format​

  • Preparation will be crucial to your success

6. Complete the Online Tutorial​

  • Before going to your scheduled testing appointment you must complete an online tutorial from Pearson VUE, our testing partner​

  • This tutorial will walk you through the mechanics and functionality of the exam and provide you with an overview of what to expect on the day of the exam​

  • This tutorial WILL NOT be available at your testing appointment​

  • You MUST REVIEW the tutorial information BEFORE you arrive at the Pearson VUE testing center

COMPLETING THE APPLICATION

What you need to know...

Pathway A – E have strict work and education requirements that participants must meet before being accepted. These work and education requirements are put into place to ensure that accepted applicants have the required skills and knowledge needed to be successful in their chosen Pathway. 

You may discover that you do not qualify for your desired Pathway because you do not have enough relevant full-time work experience. Keep in mind that the NIGP-CPP is intentionally geared toward mid- to senior-level professionals. If you don’t have the relevant qualifications yet, NIGP offers other recognition programs tailored to entry- to mid-level practitioners, including designations and certificates. Pathway F does not have any minimum requirements for formal education or work experience.

We define “relevant full-time work experience” as professional experience that aligns with the 43 competency statements as defined by our exam content. You can qualify relevant full-time work experience across multiple job titles or positions and across multiple employers if your aggregate work experience equals or exceeds the total number of months of relevant full-time work experience your selected Pathway requires.

During the application process, you will be asked to verify that you have performed, or currently perform, at least 20 of the 43 competency statements for each job title or position you wish to qualify. Do not submit a job title or position that does not meet the minimum threshold, as that work experience will not count. 

Your information must also be independently verified either by your direct supervisor or a Human Resources representative. We understand that, in some cases, these individuals are employed or retired from organizations that you previously worked for. However, their ability to verify your competencies is essential.

You will be asked to provide an email address for each person who will verify your experience so NIGP can send your self-assessment directly to these individuals. In turn, these individuals will verify your relevant work experience by signing and the form directly to NIGP via email.

PLEASE NOTE
 

  • Qualifying work experience must align with a minimum of 20 of the 43 competency statements identified in the NIGP-CPP exam content.   
  • Contact your employment verifiers prior to submitting your application to ensure contact information is accurate.     
  • Each employer listed will automatically receive an email to verify employment experience.       
  • Experience must be earned within the last 10 years.      

Pathway A – D

To verify your formal education, upload a PDF version of your diploma or your transcript who shows degree conferred and date conference to your application.  All formal education must be obtained from an accredited college or university. 

In the United States, you can verify that your educational institution is accredited by checking with the United States Department of Education. 

In Canada, you can verify that your educational institution is accredited by the related provincial or territorial government by visiting the Canadian Information Centre for International Credentials (CICIC).

Pathway B

In addition to uploading your transcript or diploma, you will also need to upload a PDF version of your graduate certificate. 

Make sure the document identifies the type of degree or certificate, the date it was conferred, and the name of the educational institution that conferred the degree or certificate.

Pathway E

No documents are required to upload.

More Information about the Comprehensive Exam

NIGP-CPP Eligibility Paths

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Comprehensive Exam Content

View

Prepare for the Comprehensive Exam

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