Contract management, project management, category management, strategy, negotiation… a procurement officer needs to be skilled in many areas to adequately perform their role. With the rise of digital applications within the industry, such as AI and machine learning, the skill base is only getting broader.
It goes without saying that highly-skilled procurement officers are in high demand. McKinsey reports that 87% of companies are either facing skill gaps now or will in the next few years. The worth of employees or candidates with internationally-recognised training is only going up, and nothing impresses more than an IFPSM (the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management) certification.
Why should I get certified?
Certification is education, and education gives you the ability to speak intelligently about your role. Employers find that job candidates with relevant certifications, such as those with the IFPSM Global Standard tick of approval, have more confidence regarding their knowledge and can often demonstrate more capability than other candidates with similar experience but no certification.
While most employers would agree that they generally don’t hire on certification alone, it certainly makes a difference when it comes down to two candidates with similar experience. And the same goes when a company is laying off staff; the more educated and capable an employee is, the more likely they are to retain their position when an organisation decides to slim down.
Certification also affects pay. Numerous studies depict those with certifications to have, on average, higher pay than their non-certified peers, with the gap ranging between 3% and 13%. This makes sense; a certification demonstrates dedication and effort. Employees who show this kind of commitment to their work (and, by extension, their employer) are going to be more highly valued by their organisation.
An internationally-recognised certification also gives a greater chance of success when applying for jobs overseas.
In short, the advantages of having a certification include:
- An up-to-date knowledge of best practice within the procurement industry.
- A higher value among employers and peers.
- Higher likelihood of being considered for an international role.
- A higher salary than non-certified peers.
- Greater ability to network within your industry.
Why should I get the IFPSM certification?
The procurement industry is looking for officers with greater capability, and that’s why the IFPSM’s Global Standard was created. It has established a clear and balanced set of guidelines that can be used to assess education programs within the procurement and supply chain industries.
At Academy of Procurement, we’ve worked with the IFPSM to develop two learning plans for procurement professionals. While each caters to different experience levels, they are both practical, scenario-based programs that are relevant to the industry.
Certified International Procurement Professional (CIPP)
Designed for those just starting out in the procurement industry, this program focuses on the development of tactical skills and other fundamentals that form a vital base for junior buyers. Make yourself more attractive to employers by becoming well-versed in the competencies they’re looking for.
Certified International Advanced Procurement Professional (CIAPP)
This program builds on the foundations of CIPP and delves further into the strategic aspects of the procurement function, such as category management and supplier relationship management. This course aims to build and hone those skillsets necessary for roles that come with greater responsibility.
Get certification that’s recognised
We all want the education that means something to the industry. The IFPSM-approved CIPP and CIAPP programs offered by Academy of Procurement are exactly that. Develop the skill base that the industry demands through an education endorsed by the largest global representative of the procurement and supply chain industry. For more information, get in touch with the team at Academy of Procurement.
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