Written by Marijn Overvest | Reviewed by Sjoerd Goedhart | Fact Checked by Ruud Emonds | Our editorial policy
14 Best Procurement Training With Certificates 2024
Key takeaways
- Procurement training is a course designed for professionals at all levels for skill improvement.
- Procurement training equips employees with the skills to negotiate better deals, streamline processes, and mitigate risks.
- Online self-paced courses are convenient, providing video lessons and unlimited access to professional development.
These procurement trainings are the 14 best for this year. We are constantly evaluating if they are indeed worth your time and money.
What is the Best Training for Procurement Professionals?
The best training for procurement professionals is subjective. You may ask, “Why is it subjective? Well, because the best courses for you are the ones where you think you need to enhance your skills. Additionally, each of them tackles different subjects or topics to cater to what you need currently.
However, there are some training courses online that you can check out! You just have to know whether the topics they cover are suitable for what you need in your job right now
We divided the list into three categories which are: Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced levels for you to know which suits your career path right now. We also included details for you to pick the right course for your career enhancement.
Beginner Level:
The courses under this level are designed for procurement professionals who are just starting their careers in procurement or who have limited knowledge in the field.
1. Annual Procurement Strategy Training Program
First and foremost, our Annual Procurement Strategy Training Program. This program will align your goals and objectives with what you want to achieve in 2024. This is a perfect investment, especially for procurement and sourcing professionals who like to stay ahead of the current trends and digitalization in procurement.
Additionally, this is a self-paced online training you can take wherever you are and whatever you do in your free time. This has video lessons, procurement templates, reading materials, and bonus content that you can access to improve your knowledge of procurement. After completing the training program, you will get a certificate that attests that you are now a master in building procurement strategies.
Price: $875 with a personal procurement plan, 18 video lessons, and unlimited access for 12 months.
Procurement Skills being Taught: The basics of procurement, external and internal analysis, supplier plotting, and creating a procurement plan.
We also have a great package deal if you want to master not just your procurement skills but also your negotiation skills which you can check by clicking here.
2. Certified International Procurement Professional (CIPP)
The Certified International Procurement Profession, or CIPP is an Online Procurement Certification Program designed for those who are entirely new to procurement or have less than 5 years of experience in procurement. This is also for those who are not entirely new to procurement, but just want a holistic approach to building procurement skills and get international certification.
Price: $2,195 for 12 Months of Unlimited Online Access
Procurement Skills being Taught: Strategic sourcing, negotiation tricks, and tips, legal aspects of procurement, fundamentals of contract management, strategy for contract terms, cost concepts for procurement, operational procurement, and finance.
3. ChatGPT and AI in Procurement Training
The ChatGPT and AI in Procurement are designed to equip procurement professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize ChatGPT, an AI-powered chatbot, in their procurement processes. The training covers a range of topics, starting with the introduction of AI and ChatGPT, providing a foundational understanding of their applications in procurement to how ChatGPT can enhance the negotiation process.
Additionally, the training offers video lessons, templates, clear examples, and tools to maximize the use of ChatGPT and AI in procurement. The program is suitable for both beginners and experienced procurement or sourcing professionals who want to adapt to AI and maximize the potential of ChatGPT.
Pricing: $875 with 4 modules, 43 video lessons, and unlimited access for 12 months.
Procurement Skills being Taught: The ability to integrate AI-powered chatbots into procurement processes, optimize workflows, and enhance negotiation capabilities using ChatGPT.
4. Junior Procurement Management Program
The Junior Procurement Management is a comprehensive program designed for aspiring junior procurement managers. This online training focuses on equipping participants with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the dynamic field of procurement management. Through engaging lessons, practical examples, and helpful tools, participants will learn the fundamental principles and techniques necessary for executing a successful procurement process.
Price: $875 with 5 modules, 52 video lessons, and unlimited access for 12 months.
Procurement Skills being Taught: Essential negotiation techniques, Setting up sourcing methodology, analyzing purchasing situations, internal processes, financials, contracts, markets, and portfolios, conducting market research, creating specifications for suppliers, selecting the right suppliers, optimize procurement processes using RFI and RFP planners, negotiation preparation, negotiation strategy, managing supplier risks, and utilize SRM tools
5. Soft Skills for Procurement
The Soft Skills for Procurement course is designed to enhance the essential soft skills needed to excel in the procurement field and contribute significantly to an organization’s success. Procurement professionals consider investing in this course to boost their interpersonal skills for impactful procurement roles, improve networking, effective communication, and emotional intelligence, and gain practical insights and real-world applications to build robust supplier relationships and make impactful decisions.
It offers a comprehensive learning experience, and upon completion, you can emerge as a well-rounded procurement professional expert in skills crucial for thriving in the sector
Price: $875 with 11 video lessons, assignments, templates, coaching, self-paced learning, and unlimited access for 12 months.
Procurement Skills being Taught: Essential negotiation techniques, setting up sourcing methodology, analyzing purchasing situations, internal processes, financials, contracts, markets, and portfolios, conducting market research, creating specifications for suppliers, selecting the right suppliers, optimizing procurement processes using RFI and RFP planners, negotiation preparation, negotiation strategy, managing supplier risks, and utilizing SRM tools.
Intermediate Level:
Intermediate courses are intended for individuals who have some experience in procurement but want to deepen their knowledge and skills. So, if you think that you need to further your basic knowledge in procurement, these are the ones that you must take.
6. From Tactical to World Class Procurement Class Training
This procurement class training is perfect for more seasoned procurement executives who are working together in a business or organization. While not a good option for the most basic procurement beginner, the training includes basic procurement topics as a refresher course. This aims to help the learner become a World-class talent in procurement and sourcing.
Price: $397 for 3 Hours of Online Learning, 6 E-Courses, with 2 months of Unlimited Access.
Procurement Skills being Taught: Scenario Based E-Learning, Real-life simulations, micro-learning, Introduction to the Procurement Process, Basic Negotiation Tactics, Basic Contract Negotiation, Ethics in the Procurement Process.
7. Strategic Sourcing Fundamentals Online Training
This online training program is especially aimed at sourcing professionals. It’s still applicable to procurement managers though, and is a good training program to start if you’re trying to improve your knowledge about procurement but through a limited budget.
The program promises “No Fluff, No-Nonsense, No Academic Learning”. So basically this training is all about practical knowledge and actual real-life simulations.
Price: $397 for 2 Months of Unlimited Online Access.
Procurement Skills being Taught: Introduction to Procurement Process, How to write a RFQ and RFI, Basic Negotiation Tactics, Basic Contract Negotiation, Improving Specifications, Ethics in the Procurement Process
8. Cost Management Online Training
This Cost Management Online Training is another specialized training program dedicated to procurement managers and beginners who want to take a more advanced program on cost management. The training also comes with other great procurement subjects, such as negotiation training and the procurement process too.
Pricing: $497 for 4 Hours of Online Training and 2 months of Unlimited Access
Procurement Skills being Taught: Cost management, Value Engineering, Supplier Performance Index, Value Analysis, Developing a Cost Breakdown, Cost Avoidance, Total cost of ownership
9. Negotiation Training for Procurement Professionals
Negotiation Training for Procurement Professionals is a self-paced online training composed of three modules that will teach you how to create a powerful supplier negotiation strategy and improved your negotiation skills with the use of ChatGPT to get better deals.
Additionally, this training has video lessons, templates, reading materials, and bonus content that you can access to improve your procurement negotiations. It is designed for ambitious procurement and sourcing professionals who like to stay ahead of the current trends and digitalization in procurement. After completing this, you will get a certificate that attests that you are now a master negotiator.
Price: $875 with 3 modules, 27 video lessons, and unlimited access for 12 months.
Procurement Skills being Taught: BATNA, ZOPA, power balance, creating negotation strategy, getting into your counterpart’s mind, questioning, and listening skills.
We also have a great package deal if you want to master not just your procurement skills but also your negotiation skills which you can check by clicking here.
10. Sustainable Procurement Training Program
The Sustainable Procurement Training Program is a comprehensive program that equips learners with the knowledge and skills to develop and implement sustainable procurement strategies within their organizations. This is divided into four modules, that cover various aspects of sustainable procurement.
It is a great investment, especially for procurement and sourcing professionals who want to source sustainability while maintaining high profitability. In addition, it is also a self-paced online training with video lessons, templates, reading materials, and bonus content that you can access anytime, anywhere for 12 months.
Price: $875 with 4 modules, 46 video lessons, and unlimited access for 12 months.
Procurement Skills being Taught: Sustainability, circular economy, balancing sustainability and profitability, managing challenges, sustainability changes, and procurement contracts, creating sustainable procurement strategies, setting sustainable goals as a manager, identifying and assessing suppliers, understanding Kotter’s theory of change, organizing for sustainability, delivering sustainable procurement change, applying Lencioni’s theory of team change.
We also have a great package deal if you want to master not just your procurement skills but also your negotiation skills which you can check by clicking here.
Advanced Level:
These are suitable for seasoned professionals who aim to reach the highest levels of proficiency in the field. Here, you delve into the more advanced procurement principles, strategies, and practices that will enable them to be a master in the field of procurement.
11. Certified International Advanced Procurement Professional
A special edition training program, the Certified International Advanced Procurement Professional training is, as the name suggests, the advanced learning session for CIPS. Those who manage to finish this program are awarded an Accredited International Procurement Certification. The certification itself is extra difficult to obtain without the use of books or vast experience through traveling all over the world.
The program adds that anyone who manages to finish this has managed to get high-paying procurement jobs or has been promoted to good positions. So for anyone who wants to get more knowledge in procurement or simply wants to take a shot at the certification itself, then try this online training.
Pricing: $2,195 for 12 Months of Unlimited Online Access
Procurement Skills being Taught: Advanced procurement, negotiation styles, legal aspects of procurement, fundamentals of contract management, strategy for contract terms, cost concepts for procurement, operational procurement, and finance.
12. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply is a global membership organization in procurement education and training. CIPS is a not-for-profit organization that offers procurement and supply management qualifications, education, and training services.
It has 6 different types of CIPS qualifications which are levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 7 that you can qualify for. The CIPS is widely regarded by employers as a leading authority on procurement and supply. Thus, the reasons why its qualifications are sought-after and well-respected.
Price:
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Level 2 certificate cost between $1,100 and $1,600
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Level 3 certificate cost between $1,300 and $1,700
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Level 4 certificate cost between $1,500 and $2,500
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Level 5 certificate cost between $1,200 and $2,600
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Level 6 and 7 certificate cost between $1,800 and $2,700
Procurement Skills being Taught: The level of qualification determines what procurement skills you can learn. If you are going to try level 2, then it is useful if you are entering the procurement industry for the first time. The advanced level, like the level 6 and 7 qualifications, will teach you everything you need to know in procurement as it is the most comprehensive CIPS qualification that you can take.
13. Mini-MBA for Procurement Managers Course
The Mini-MBA course is an advanced-level course that will enable you to master two of the most important skills in procurement: Strategic thinking and analysis. This is specially made for procurement professionals who want to pursue a full master’s degree with only a limited time.
Here, you will go beyond the surface-level knowledge and delve into the complex principles, strategies, best practices, and emerging trends in procurement.
It provides you with a comprehensive understanding of the procurement process that will allow you to become a master in the field.
Price: $875 with 11 video lessons, assignments, templates, coaching, self-paced learning, and unlimited access for 12 months!
Procurement Skills being Taught: Foundational understanding of procurement strategy, internal analysis of the procurement organization, external analysis of the business environment, competitiveness outside the organization, strategic planning vs. emergent strategies, utilizing scorecards, corporate governance, stakeholder engagement, business ethics, competition in the context of international business in procurement, and developments that can impact strategic management.
14. Strategic Procurement Leadership Program
The Strategic Procurement Leadership Program is designed for managers, senior managers, and procurement professionals aspiring to become chief procurement officers. It aims to enhance expertise, develop strategic leadership skills, and address real-world challenges. Procurement professionals consider investing in this program to future-proof their careers, gain a deeper understanding of supply management, earn an official certificate, and stay ahead in the field. The program covers topics such as setting professional direction in procurement, innovative procurement strategies, the role of a chief procurement officer, driving cultural change, tackling complex challenges, and managing dispersed procurement processes. This program is highly recommended for those seeking to sharpen procurement skills and advance into leadership rolesPrice: $875 with 30 video lessons, assignments, templates, coaching, self-paced learning, and unlimited access for 12 months!
Procurement Skills being Taught: Procurement and supply chain management, leadership development, strategic planning and execution, risk management, negotiation techniques, supplier relationship management, and digital procurement and supply chain transformation.
Learn More, Know More: Boot Camps and Crash Courses
Aside from our beginner to advanced courses to guide you in your journey in procurement, whether as a beginner or as a professional, we also offer several boot camps and crash courses which are shorter and more compact, if you don’t want something heavy right away. You can try these courses to tread the waters, and learn something quickly!
1. AI Crash Course for Procurement
In this 4-hour crash course, you’ll gain an understanding of how AI models work, apply these AI models and practices to your daily tasks, and learn practical examples and tricks to set you up for success.
2. Category Management Boot Camp
For this boot camp, you’ll be able to gain a comprehensive understanding of category management. Not only that, but you’ll also learn how to maximize your ROI, and identify cost-saving opportunities.
3. ChatGPT in Procurement Boot Camp
In this course, you’ll learn how AI models work, and apply these learnings to your daily work, overall boosting your skills in AI and paving more opportunities in the dynamic world of procurement.
4. Negotiation Boot Camp
Learn how to combine your teamwork to optimize each team member’s skills, as well as several negotiation tactics, and tips on how to leverage data in times of inflation.
1st Procurement Expert’s Advice on Procurement Training
Before you continue reading, check these insights from a seasoned procurement professional regarding procurement training.
Sjoerd Goedhart
Owner, Goedhart Interim Management & Consultancy
LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjoerdgoedhart/
1. Can you share a personal example of procurement training? What can readers learn from this?
“A good buyer can empathize well with the challenges of his/her counterpart. That is why it is very valuable if you have the same experience as your counterpart. E.g. a buyer at a food retailer who has also experience as a key account manager at the manufacturer. This allows the buyer to understand the dynamics in organizations like one of his counterparts in his current role and possible targets his counterpart has.”
Follow-up Question: How can buyers, who may lack direct experience in their counterpart’s role, develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the other party?
“To develop empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by the other party, I recommend engaging in conversations with individuals in similar roles or networks. By seeking out these conversations and conducting interviews, you can gain valuable insights and perspectives directly from those who have firsthand experience. This approach allows you to learn from their experiences and better understand the intricacies of the job. It’s a proactive strategy that can help bridge the gap in understanding and foster empathy towards the challenges encountered by the other party.”
2. What should readers know about procurement training?
“Determine the course you need in line with your ambition (which position do I want to have in x years) and personal development in your current role. Agree on development goals with the manager and ensure that the course contributes to these.”
3. What is the biggest misconception about procurement training? What do most people get wrong about it?
“Doing too many courses for the sake of doing courses. The question should be, “What really contributes and can I apply any new knowledge and skills in my current role to develop faster and/or achieve better results?”
Follow-up Question: In your experience, how do you recommend individuals evaluate the relevance and applicability of a course or training program for their current role and long-term career goals before enrolling?
“In my experience, there are two key approaches to evaluating the relevance and applicability of a course or training program before enrolling. Firstly, it’s essential to develop a structured development plan in alignment with your manager. A supportive manager will prioritize the growth and development of their team members. Additionally, seeking advice from experienced colleagues and mentors can provide valuable insights into which courses or programs align best with your career goals. Secondly, it’s crucial to take a proactive approach to personal career planning. This involves reflecting on long-term career aspirations and setting clear goals for where you want to be in the future. Engaging in discussions with individuals who currently hold positions you aspire to can also offer valuable guidance on the steps they took to reach their current roles and which educational paths they pursued. By combining both approaches, individuals can make informed decisions about investing their time and resources in courses or training programs that will benefit their current role and future career prospects.”
4. What skills or knowledge areas are most often overlooked in procurement training but are crucial for success?
“Emphatic skills. Is the person able to build a relationship with his/her counterpart? You can follow so many training and courses, but these skills are always very important and must be well developed first.”
5. How does procurement training differ across industries, and what are some universal best practices?
“The training courses between the different industries do not differ much from each other in principle. Methodologies amount to the same thing. The dynamics are of course different and this is specific to each industry. Good training courses are adapted to this and I always prefer specific procurement training for a specific industry/sector than generic training courses. The advantage is also that if you do the training in a group, you are together with professionals from the same industry and can also apply more depth to the content.”
6. How were you trained as a (junior) procurement manager? what did you like and dislike?
“Mainly trained through on-the-job training ensure that you have professionals around you with whom you can consult and discuss. I mainly had a lot of experience from the other side of the table as a key account manager and sales director on the supplier side before I moved to a procurement role. For a Jr. Procurement Officer, I would recommend having a mentor within the company.”
Follow-up Question: In your opinion, what qualities make for an effective mentor in the procurement field, and how can a junior procurement officer go about finding a suitable mentor within the company?
“In my opinion, several qualities make for an effective mentor in the procurement field. Firstly, a mentor should possess a genuine motivation to help others develop and grow. Secondly, transparency is key; a mentor should be open and honest without fearing competition or rivalry. Additionally, having a mentor from a different discipline or position can offer diverse perspectives and valuable expertise. From my own experience mentoring juniors, I’ve learned the importance of constructive confrontation, allowing mentees to recognize and rectify their mistakes. Mentors must grant mentees the freedom to make their own mistakes while offering guidance and support along the way.”
7. What is good training and what is not?
“I don’t want to judge good and less good training without having experienced it substantively. Several aspects are important when choosing a good training course:
- Does the content of the training contribute to my development and/or short-term performance/company results?
- Does the training contribute to my ambition (where do I want to be in 5 years)?
- Support from manager/HR to follow this training.
- Is the training sufficiently applied to/does it have sufficient knowledge of the specific dynamics of the industry I’m working?”
Follow-up Question: How do you evaluate if a training program aligns with your short-term performance goals and contributes to immediate company results?
“When evaluating whether a training program aligns with short-term performance goals and contributes to immediate company results, it’s essential to focus on development and performance metrics. This can be achieved by setting specific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) or developing a structured development plan with clear goals. Additionally, conducting skill assessments can help determine the current skill set of employees, enabling tailored recommendations for relevant training programs. Ultimately, the training program should be aligned with the individual employee’s plan, ensuring that it directly addresses their development needs and contributes to achieving both short-term performance targets and immediate company objectives.”
2nd Procurement Experts’ Advice on Procurement Training
We asked another experienced procurement expert to share her insights to help answer common questions about procurement training.
Miriam Fuchs
Founder/Owner, M. Fuchs Consulting GmbH
LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/miriam-fuchs
1. Can you give an example of how you have been trained in the past?
“Certainly, my training has been a combination of on-the-job experience and formal sessions. My initial exposure was under a seasoned procurement professional who exemplified networking skills.
I firmly believe that being a successful procurement professional requires an inherent passion for the field. A crucial aspect was finding the right mentor, someone with true expertise. I highly recommend specialized training in negotiation, strategic sourcing, and category management.
Personally, I had a unique experience with negotiation training conducted by American military professionals, which provided valuable insights into tactics and achieving win-win outcomes.“
2. If you speak with procurement directors now or with procurement teams now, what would you name as important skills next to negotiating that they would like to improve?
“Apart from negotiating skills, two crucial skills are emphasized by procurement directors and teams. First is relationship management, which extends beyond networking. Many professionals overlook the importance of managing internal and external relationships effectively.
The second key skill is strategic thinking, particularly in the context of strategic sourcing training. This involves creating a comprehensive strategy by understanding the entire market, external influences, and the overall circumstances impacting the specific category. However, it’s essential to avoid generic and overly bureaucratic training and focus on practical, market-oriented approaches.”
Follow-up Question: Can you help our readers on how to prepare for job interviews?
“Preparing for procurement job interviews involves tailoring your approach based on the position and the person on the other side. For high-ranking positions, delve into geopolitical situations and market knowledge rather than just day-to-day procurement details. Understand the market, a crucial aspect often overlooked by candidates. Expect questions about handling difficult situations, negotiation approaches, and how you navigate challenges at the frontline of procurement.
It’s not a one-size-fits-all preparation; roles can vary from commodity trading to strategic sourcing. Emphasize your ability to handle difficult situations, and consider the team dynamics and the unique strengths each individual brings.”
Follow-up Question: What makes a good networking person in procurement, and can you share an example from your experience?
“A good networker in procurement goes beyond traditional stereotypes. One outstanding example from my experience is a person I hired who wasn’t initially from procurement but excelled in networking.
She demonstrated a deep focus on her market, internal smartness in navigating politics, and exceptional networking skills. Her strength lies in being friendly, dedicating private time, and establishing personal connections beyond professional boundaries.
A successful procurement professional should be willing to go beyond the 9-5 routine, share personal aspects of their life, and engage in social activities. The misconception of procurement professionals as mere fighters is dispelled; effective negotiation includes the ability to shake hands, share a laugh, and discuss hobbies after a tough negotiation.”
Conclusion
This article presents a curated list of 14 top procurement training courses for 2024, catering to professionals at various career stages.
They are categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels, ensuring that individuals can choose programs aligning with their current knowledge and skills.
Notably, the article emphasizes the subjective nature of selecting the best training, highlighting the need for alignment with individual career goals.
They cover a range of procurement skills, from basics and negotiation tactics to strategic sourcing and sustainable procurement strategies. The inclusion of self-paced online training options with video lessons, templates, and bonus content provides flexibility for learners.
Ultimately, investing in these courses is positioned as a strategic move for professionals aiming to stay ahead in the dynamic landscape of procurement.
Frequentlyasked questions
What is the best procurement training?
The best procurement training always involves hands-on courses and practical procurement knowledge.
Are there any online procurement training?
Yes, there are. There are probably hundreds of procurement training available online.
Are there any procurement certificates in online training?
Most procurement training comes with certificates too. It’s one way to attract potential students.
About the author
My name is Marijn Overvest, I’m the founder of Procurement Tactics. I have a deep passion for procurement, and I’ve upskilled over 200 procurement teams from all over the world. When I’m not working, I love running and cycling.