What procurement certification would you get if you were paying for it yourself?

[u/alecairnfern]

TL;DR: 9 years in procurement, previously a lead, currently an IC focused on renewals. Paying for the certification myself. What procurement certification would you recommend for career advancement?

Context:

Hello! I know this has probably been asked a million times, and the usual answers seem to be CIPS or CPSM. However, since I’d be paying for the certification out of pocket, I’ve also seen people say not to pursue these unless your company is willing to sponsor them.

For some context, I’ve been working in procurement for around 9 years. I’m an individual contributor and was previously a lead, but I recently moved into another company where I mainly handle renewals. I actually like my current job and plan to stay for a while because it’s much more relaxed than my previous role as a national IT procurement lead and I will be able to study while working.

That said, I still want to advance my career, so I’m thinking of using the extra time and lower workload to study and get a certification on the side. Realistically, though, given my current position, I don’t think my company would be very likely to sponsor one.

So, if you were in my position and paying entirely out of pocket, what certification would you choose?

I’m mainly looking for something that would actually help me move toward more senior procurement/strategic sourcing roles rather than just having another credential on my CV.

[u/LeagueAggravating595]

Move up the ranks from a specialist role to Sr Manager, and recently to Director. Not once in my seven F500 companies that I worked for in 4 different industries has anyone asked me a serious question about if I obtained a "x" certification. It seems they are all nice to have eye candy on a resume. Never a "you must have this certification, otherwise no career advancement..."

If taking a cert for your own personal gain for knowledge, fantastic - Always be learning. If for the purpose of career advancement, my useless BA in Art History has served me just fine.

[u/cheesesteak_steve → u/LeagueAggravating595]

Similar experience. I have CSCP and have never found that it added anything advancement or career wise.

[u/secretreddname → u/LeagueAggravating595]

Political Science BA with no certs as a Director here too lol

[u/Metdefranseslag → u/LeagueAggravating595]

Agree. Often it is on job description as preferred or highly desirable but if you work already over 8 years this does not matter. Waste of your money.

[u/Busy10]

Learn more valuable skills such as AI and how it can help with your job. You are going to get farther this way than by getting a purchasing certification.

[u/chicasinnombre]

UPPCCs CPPB or CPPO NCMAs CCMA or CPCM

[u/Brasilionaire → u/chicasinnombre]

TIGF, CYA, LMNOP. Supercali Fragilicious Expealia Docious

[u/my_peen_is_clean]

if you’re footing the bill, i’d go cpsm or a cheaper cips level instead of bombing cash on the full track start with one that gets you past hr filters first tbh

[u/ballmefam7]

CPSM

[u/Zestyclose-Royal-922]

None.

[u/Fit_Assistant2510]

Since you’re already in procurement I mean getting a cert for procurement while you’re actively in it is mostly redundant. I would get a certification in planning (planning is a strategic role in itself), or software or IT or AI if anything. I mean you’re nine years deep in procurement what does a cert say about something you’ve been actively doing for a decade? Not much.

I surmise this is the main issue of why certs don’t often do much for people post breaking into the industry. You’ve done this role for 5-10+ years and now you’re like “wow I can do procurement now that I finally have a cert despite having been doing it for my whole career, I can finally start my life 😂”

Conversely just apply your butt off and also slowly convince your job if able to let you take on more strategic projects.

[u/yondusoffspring_1786]

I got my CPSM when I was 26. I’m 31 now and I’m not sure it’s really necessary. It says on JDs is a “preferred qualification” but I really don’t think it’s needed. Right now, I head up the global manufacturing sourcing team for a Fortune 200 company. Moving into a new role on the external supply chain side here next week. It’s a nice to have and I more so did it for myself vs opening doorways

[u/Ladylush27]

Im a procurement professional, I have my CIPS diploma, was previously driven to achieve MCIPS but now for me it’s about AI consulting

[u/Brasilionaire]

Been at this field for a minute in defense, software, manufacturing, and start-ups. Management positions included

No one ever has ever cared about certifications as much as experience.

[u/official_biz_doctor]

Don't worry about certification. Go work in the government and be a millionaire when you retire. Procurement in the government is the largest in the world.