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INSTITUTE FOR SUPPLY MANAGEMENT

Organization Directory Page

• Organization description

• Source of official student records

• Titles of all evaluated learning experiences

• Descriptions and credit recommendations

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) (formerly the National Association of Purchasing Management) is a nonprofit educational organization of purchasing and materials management personnel in the United States, with membership extending to several foreign countries. The Institute sponsors a variety of programs designed for career development in the purchasing and materials management area serving industrial, educational, governmental, institutional, distribution, and service organizations. The programs include independent study courses, video programs, and seminars given at various locations across the United States. ISM maintains liaisons with colleges and universities, and sponsors grants and fellowships.

Source of official student records: Certification Program, Institute for Supply Management, 2055 East Centennial Circle, P.O. Box 22160, Tempe, Arizona 85282.

Titles of all evaluated learning experiences
Accredited Purchasing Practitioner Examination
Certified Purchasing Manager Examination

Descriptions and credit recommendations

Accredited Purchasing Practitioner Examination
Location: Proficiency examination administered from the national offices of ISM to over 130 U.S. centers and foreign sites.
Length: Self-study, variable depending on individual’s preparation needs.
Dates: January 2001 - Present.
Objectives: Module 1, Purchasing Process: Part A, Identifying Requirements: Establish procurement plans and make decisions necessary to purchase products or services in congruence with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies; review purchase requisitions in accordance with organizational requirements and/or budgetary constraints; determine appropriate methods of procurement; perform cost/benefit analyses on planned acquisitions; review supplier samples and/or demonstrations with the buying organization management and/or user departments. Part B, Preparation of Solicitations: Develop/review specifications, statements of work, performance terms, and/or acceptance criteria; locate and select potential sources of materials or services; prepare and solicit competitive bids, quotations, and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms, and conditions; manage and develop lists of recommended sources. Part C, Supplier Analysis: Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service; conduct supplier visits/evaluations to determine suitability; measure supplier performance using rating systems and/or predetermined standards. Part D, Contract Execution, Implementation, and Administration: Prepare and/or issue contracts/purchase orders; obtain legal review and approval of a contract when required; administer contracts/purchase orders from award to completion; expedite deliveries and conduct follow-up procedures when necessary; resolve contract/purchase order differences with suppliers; resolve payment problems with suppliers and user departments; review and revise purchasing practices to ensure their conformance with established laws, policies, and ethical principles; manage files of agreements, equipment records, and/or specifications.
Module 2, Supply Environment: Part A, Negotiations: Prepare for and develop strategies and tactics for negotiations; conduct negotiations with potential and/or current suppliers to obtain maximum value. Part B, Information Technology: Develop/utilize a computerized purchasing system (e.g., online buying, EDI, Web-based electronic commerce); develop/implement/maintain a database of specifications, suppliers, products, and/or services; develop/utilize a computerized inventory and/or capital equipment tracking system. Part C, Quality Issues: Resolve quality problems with suppliers and user departments; develop measurements for quality improvement and target setting (e.g., “best in class” benchmarks). Part D, Internal Relationships: Develop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departments; participate in cross-functional and/or multifunctional teams (e.g., project management, process improvement); recommend/implement changes to the organization’s purchasing, supply management, and material usage policies as needed; disseminate information and provide training related to purchasing and supply management policies and procedures. Part E, External Relationships: Develop/manage effective relationships with suppliers, utilizing such techniques as supplier partnerships, strategic alliances, supply chain management, and supplier training programs; review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers; conduct interviews with current and prospective supplier sales personnel; coordinate/review/respond to supplier inquiries, protests, and appeals; develop/implement a small business/disadvantaged supplier development program; represent the buying organization in meetings with corporations, government agencies, professional associations, media, and other organizations.
Instruction: Two-module examination developed by ISM and administered and scored by Prometric. The modules can be taken in a written or computerized format. The modules are each a maximum of 105 minutes in length and contain 95 items. The modules cover the principles, concepts, and techniques related to the following major content areas and related areas:
Module 1, Purchasing Process: Identifying requirements; preparation of solicitations; supplier analysis; contract execution, implementation, and administration.
Module 2, Supply Environment: Negotiations; information technology; quality issues; internal relationships; external relationships.
Credit recommendation: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as a first level course in Procurement, Purchasing, or Acquisitions and 1 semester hour as a general Business Administration elective (9/00) (3/07 revalidation). NOTE: A candidate must pass both modules to benefit from the credit recommendation. NOTE: The A.P.P. examination is identical to the first two modules of the C.P.M. Examination. Care should be taken to avoid awarding duplicate credit.

Certified Purchasing Manager Examination
Location: Proficiency examination administered from the national offices of ISM to over 130 U.S. centers and foreign sites.
Length: Self-study, variable depending on individual’s preparation needs.
Dates: Version 4: May 1997 - December 2000.*Version 5: January 2001 - Present.
VERSION 4
Objectives: Version 4, Module 1, Purchasing and Sourcing: Part A, Procurement Requests: Review requests for purchases, including analyzing and determining the appropriateness of the requests in terms of organizational requirements, budget, and goals; identify and select potential sources of services and supplies, involving make or buy, privatization, or outsourcing considerations; develop/implement a minority/women/small business/disadvantaged supplier development program; participate in decisions to lease or buy equipment. Part B, Preparation/Evaluation of Solicitations (RFQ, RFI, RFP, RFB, EOI): Develop/review product specifications, performance terms and/or acceptance criteria; issue requests for bids/quotations and determine appropriate methods of procurement; solicit competitive bids, and include consideration of all pertinent specifications, requested terms and conditions; evaluate competitive offerings. Part C, Supplier Analysis: Conduct supplier visits and evaluations; analyze supplier performance using rating systems; Part D, Negotiation Process: Prepare for and develop strategies and tactics for negotiations; conduct negotiations with potential suppliers to obtain agreement on pricing, delivery, and other terms. Part E, Contract Execution, Implementation, and Administration: Prepare and/or issue purchase orders/contracts; obtain legal review and approval of a contract; administer contracts/purchase orders from award to completion; expedite deliveries and conduct follow-up procedures; resolve contract differences, quality problems, and payment problems; verify that purchasing practices comply with established laws, policies, and ethical principles.
Version 4, Module 2, Management: Part A, Administrative Aspects of the Purchasing Department: Develop goals and objectives of a purchasing department; plan and develop operating policies, guidelines, and procedures for the control of department work flow; develop/utilize criteria for evaluating purchasing department performance; ensure the maintenance of files on contracts, bids, agreements, and leases; ensure the maintenance of records on capital equipment, vehicles, tools, etc.; ensure the maintenance of files on product/service specifications, descriptions, prices, lead times, etc.; prepare a purchasing department budget; design operational forms. Part B, Personnel Issues: Supervise and delegate work to purchasing department staff; hire/promote/dismiss purchasing department personnel; evaluate purchasing staff performance; conduct/authorize formal job training; resolve employee performance problems.
Version 4, Module 3, Supply: Part A, Material Flow: Define incoming material packaging and transportation requirements; route inbound-outbound freight; trace inbound freight; supervise/monitor the activities of the receiving department; ensure that materials are distributed to user departments; resolve delivery/receiving problems. Part B, Inventory Management: Organize and control the storage of materials; determine sources of and reconcile inventory discrepancies; review inventory to verify that materials are rotating/turning; handle obsolete equipment/materials, surplus equipment/materials, and scrap. Part C, Ancillary Supply Functions: Develop a standardization program; develop a cost-reduction/cost avoidance program; implement a material requirements plan and a manufacturing resource plan.
Version 4, Module 4, Critical Issues in Supply Chain Management: This four-part module addresses current topics that present both national/international problems of concern to purchasing managers. By periodically changing the topics covered in this module, the student should be able to discuss current issues that relate to the performance of purchasing functions; discuss changing factors affecting the purchasing function and anticipate the effect of these factors on an organization’s purchasing program; keep abreast of methodological and technological innovations and apply these to the purchasing function, as appropriate; analyze situations, synthesize and define the problems presented in representative situations, and make evaluative judgments as to how best to solve the problems in the context of the environment presented. Part A, Forecasting and Strategies: Develop forecasts in light of economic trends and conditions that affect procurement; plan purchasing strategies based on forecasting data; formulate strategic plans and objectives; provide forecasted data of future market conditions to management and/or requisitioning departments; provide forecasted data of future organization buying requirements to suppliers. Part B, External/Internal Relationships: Develop/manage effective relationships with suppliers and other internal departments; represent the buying organization in meetings with corporations and other organizations; recommend/implement changes to the organization’s purchasing and materials management policies, as needed; develop new/alternate materials, equipment, and international sources of supply. Part C, Computerization: Develop/utilize a computerized purchasing system. Part D, Environmental Issues: Organize and control the storage/disposal of hazardous/regulated materials.
Instruction: Version 4: Four-module examination developed by ISM and administered and scored by Prometric. The modules can be taken in a written or computerized format. Each module is a maximum of 105 minutes in length and contains 85 items, covering the principles, concepts, and techniques related to the following major content areas and related areas:
Module 1, Purchasing and Sourcing: Procurement requests; solicitation/evaluation of proposals; supplier analysis; negotiation process; and contract execution, implementation, and administration.
Module 2, Management: Administrative aspects of the purchasing department; personnel issues.
Module 3, Supply: Material flow; inventory management; ancillary supply functions;
Module 4, Critical Issues in Supply Chain Management: This module is based on themes of national or international importance to purchasing and materials management. The four current themes are forecasting and strategies; external/internal relationships; computerization; and environmental issues.
Credit recommendation: Version 4 , Modules 1-4: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as a first-level course in Procurement, Purchasing, or Acquisitions and 3 semester hours as a first-level course in Materials Management, Logistics, or Inventory Control and 3 semester hours as an elective in general Business Administration (9/93 revalidation) (9/98 revalidation). NOTE: A candidate must pass all four modules to benefit from the credit recommendation.
VERSION 5
Objectives: Version 5, Module 1, Purchasing Process: Part A, Identifying Requirements: Establish procurement plans and make decisions necessary to purchase products or services in congruence with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies; review purchase requisitions in accordance with organizational requirements and/or budgetary constraints; determine appropriate methods of procurement; perform cost/benefit analyses on planned acquisitions; review supplier samples and/or demonstrations with the buying organization management and/or user departments. Part B, Preparation of Solicitations: Develop/review specifications, statements of work, performance terms, and/or acceptance criteria; locate and select potential sources of materials or services; prepare and solicit competitive bids, quotations, and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms, and conditions; manage and develop lists of recommended sources. Part C, Supplier Analysis: Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service; conduct supplier visits/evaluations to determine suitability; measure supplier performance using rating systems and/or predetermined standards. Part D, Contract Execution, Implementation, and Administration: Prepare and/or issue contracts/purchase orders; obtain legal review and approval of a contract when required; administer contracts/purchase orders from award to completion; expedite deliveries and conduct follow-up procedures when necessary; resolve contract/purchase order differences with suppliers; resolve payment problems with suppliers and user departments; review and revise purchasing practices to ensure their conformance with established laws, policies, and ethical principles; manage files of agreements, equipment records, and/or specifications.
Version 5: Module 2, Supply Environment: Part A, Negotiations: Prepare for and develop strategies and tactics for negotiations; conduct negotiations with potential and/or current suppliers to obtain maximum value. Part B, Information Technology: Develop/utilize a computerized purchasing system (e.g., online buying, EDI, Web-based electronic commerce); develop/implement/maintain a database of specifications, suppliers, products, and/or services; develop/utilize a computerized inventory and/or capital equipment tracking system. Part C, Quality Issues: Resolve quality problems with suppliers and user departments; develop measurements for quality improvement and target setting (e.g., “best in class” benchmarks). Part D, Internal Relationships: Develop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departments; participate in cross-functional and/or multifunctional teams (e.g., project management, process improvement); recommend/implement changes to the organization’s purchasing, supply management, and material usage policies as needed; disseminate information and provide training related to purchasing and supply management policies and procedures. Part E, External Relationships: Develop/manage effective relationships with suppliers, utilizing such techniques as supplier partnerships, strategic alliances, supply chain management, and supplier training programs; review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers; conduct interviews with current and prospective supplier sales personnel; coordinate/review/respond to supplier inquiries, protests, and appeals; develop/implement a small business/disadvantaged supplier development program; represent the buying organization in meetings with corporations, government agencies, professional associations, media, and other organizations.
Version 5: Module 3, Value Enhancement Strategies: Part A, Sourcing Analysis: Conduct decisions to “make or buy,” privatize, or outsource products or services; conduct decisions to lease or buy equipment; develop financing and leveraging strategies for purchases. Part B, Supply and Inventory Management: Organize, control, and minimize the storage of materials; meet with appropriate departments to discuss current material inventories, and establish restock levels or just-in-time strategies; determine sources of and reconcile inventory discrepancies; handle obsolete equipment/materials, surplus equipment/materials, and scrap. Part C, Value Enhancing Methods: Develop/implement a standardization program; develop/implement a process improvement program; develop a cost reduction, cost avoidance, cost containment program (e.g., value analysis, consolidation of orders/suppliers, lead-time reduction, activity based costing); coordinate the introduction of new and modified products and services with appropriate departments. Part D, Forecasting and Strategies: Plan purchasing, sourcing, and supply strategies based on forecast data; develop supply plans and strategies based on forecasts of future demand; provide forecasted data of future organization buying requirements to suppliers; develop and maintain market awareness through merchandise shows, trade periodicals, and other resources to secure new product and pricing information; provide data on current and future market conditions to management, sales management, and/or user departments.
Version 5: Module 4, Management: Part A, Management and Organization: Develop strategic plans and objectives (short- and long-term); develop goals and objectives of purchasing and supply department aligned to organizational goals; plan/develop/provide operating policies, guidelines, and procedures; prepare periodic reports of department activities for senior management and other areas of the organization; analyze and resolve issues raised in purchasing and supply audit reports; develop/utilize criteria for evaluating purchasing and supply department performance; prepare and/or administer a purchasing department/supply management budget; design, modify, and/or manage operational forms (paper and/or electronic). Part B, Human Resources Management: Supervise and lead purchasing and supply staff; hire, promote, and/or dismiss purchasing and supply personnel; evaluate purchasing and supply staff performance; conduct/authorize job training for the development of the professional competence of the staff; resolve employee performance problems; implement programs to prevent and respond to discrimination or harassment.
Instruction: Version 5, Examination component: Four-module examination developed by ISM and administered and scored by Prometric. The modules can be taken in a written or computerized format. The first three modules are each a maximum of 105 minutes in length and contain 95 items; the fourth module is a maximum of 130 minutes and contains 120 items. The four modules cover the principles, concepts, and techniques related to the following major content areas and related areas:
Module 1, Purchasing Process: Identifying requirements; preparation of solicitations; supplier analysis; contract execution, implementation, and administration.
Module 2, Supply Environment: Negotiations; information technology; quality issues; internal relationships; external relationships.
Module 3, Value Enhancement Strategies: Sourcing analysis; supply and inventory management; value enhancing methods; forecasting and strategies.
Module 4, Management: Management and organization; human resources management.
Version 5, Work Experience: As part of the requirements to qualify for the C.P.M. designation, applicants complete a minimum of five years of full-time professional purchasing and supply management experience or three years of similar experience if they hold a four-year degree from an accredited institution. One letter per employer is submitted, on original organization letterhead, from a supervisor or personnel department verifying and describing all job titles and dates of employment. Acceptable experience involves primary year-round purchasing/supply management employment only.
Credit recommendation: Two-part credit recommendation: 1. Version 5, Modules 1-4: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as a first-level course in Procurement, Purchasing, or Acquisitions and 3 semester hours as an Advanced Purchasing or Supply elective and 3 semester hours in general Management or Human Resource Management (9/00 revalidation) (3/07 revalidation). NOTE to credit recommendation for Modules 1-4: A candidate must pass all four modules to benefit from the credit recommendation. 2. Version 5, Work Experience: In conjunction with additional academic work, in the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as an internship or elective in Procurement, Purchasing, or Acquisitions (9/00) (3/07 revalidation). NOTE to credit recommendation for Work Experience: A candidate must receive the C.P.M. designation to benefit from the credit recommendation. In addition, it is recommended that the candidate enter into a learning contract with a faculty member at his/her enrolled college to prepare a 15-20 page reflective research paper addressing a problem or issue encountered during the work experience as it relates to the concepts, principles, and theories associated with the discipline. The research paper should be supported by a bibliography of relevant scholarly research in the field and evidence appropriate integration of all readings.
*Credit recommendation for earlier versions: Three earlier versions of the C.P.M. Examination were recommended for credit. 1. The following credit recommendation applies to the time period from January 1980 to December 1984: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Purchasing or Purchasing Management. Please refer to the 1998 edition of this Directory for further information or contact the National PONSI office. 2. The following credit recommendation applies to the period January 1985 to May 1992: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as a first-level course in Purchasing, Purchasing/Materials Management, Procurement, or Acquisitions and 3 semester hours in General Business Administration and 3 semester hours as a selected topics elective in Purchasing, Operations Management, or Materials Management. Please refer to the 1998 edition of this Directory for further information or contact the National PONSI office. 3. The following credit recommendation applies to the period June 1992 to April 1997: In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours as a first-level course in Procurement, Purchasing, or Acquisitions and 3 semester hours as a first-level course in Materials Management, Logistics, or Inventory Control and 3 semester hours as an elective in General Business Administration. Please refer to the 2000 edition of this Directory for further information or contact the National PONSI office. NOTE: For each of the earlier versions, a candidate must pass all four modules to benefit from the credit recommendation.

Updated 1/16/08

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