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Frequently Asked Questions About Certification

What are C.P.M. and A.P.P. certifications?
The Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) is no longer available.  It was a professional designation program administered by ISM. Established in 1974, it was the first nationally accepted standard of competence and knowledge for the purchasing and supply management field. Professional certification signified that you possess the skills and knowledge required to meet an established level of competency in the field of purchasing/supply management.

A.P.P. stands for Accredited Purchasing Practitioner. This program, established by ISM in 1995, is not longer available. It was designed to serve entry-level buyers who are primarily engaged in the tactical and operational side of purchasing. The A.P.P. was also designed to serve persons who work outside of an organization's purchasing/supply management department, but nevertheless have definite procurement responsibilities.

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