1. A Practical Learning Experience

 

Many certification training programs out there use professors with little or no experience in sourcing and procurement.  IPSCMI instructors and facilitators are first and foremost experienced practitioners with the secondary ability to impart their knowledge and experience to students who themselves come to the training program with significant practitioner experience.  All IPSCMI instructors are certified in the program they are teaching.  This is not always the case for competitors.

 

Because IPSCMI is a professional certification institute with operations world-wide, it prides itself on its global instructor cadres.  These instructors are chosen not only for their practitioner and teaching ability, but also for their deep knowledge and experience in the specific country and region they reside within.  This is a major competitive advantage for IPSCMI and a major asset for its world-wide students.

 

 

2. Expert After-Market Service

 

IPSCMI instructors are available not only during formal and/or online training programs, but also after students have graduated and received their certifications.  IPSCMI and its partners have “after-market” service which is second to none.  Many IPSCMI partners conduct periodic conferences for certified students.  These conferences typically provide presentations by industry leaders and previous instructors which are free to the students.  In addition, IPSCMI instructors are available for on-line consulting long after course and certification completion.  This is virtually “free consulting” and is a hallmark of IPSCMI certification programs.

 

 

3.  Multi-Level Programs

 

Most IPSCMI certification programs are multi-level.  The first (Practitioner) level is for professionals just beginning their career or within 3 years of that beginning.  The second (Manager) level is for those currently in management positions or aspiring to such a position. The third (Consultant or Executive) level is for the practitioner who aspires to top management or consulting.  Each level has appropriate training materials and examinations.  Many IPSCMI graduates have progressed through all three levels as they proceed through their careers.

 

 

4. Competitively Priced Training, Examination, and Certification

 

Many institutes and certification-granting bodies require extensive training as part of the certification program.  Although IPSCMI frequently provides certification-specific training, IPSCMI does not REQUIRE such training in order for candidates to sit for an examination.  Candidates who have a strong grasp of the BODY OF KNOWLEDGE are encouraged to proceed directly to the examination.

 

Conventional certification preparation training courses are priced according to local market conditions.  Four week IPSCMI online certification preparation courses are typically $260 with 8 week online courses priced at $400.  IPSCMI knows no competitors that meet or beat these prices.

 

Although the competition charges as much as $329 per examination, IPSCMI charges a nominal $60 per examination.  Some competitors require multiple examinations, so the cost is very high.  IPSCMI requires only one examination per certification.  For online students the IPSCMI examination fee is included in the online training course tuition.

 

Whereas some certification bodies charge from $75 to $329 for an examination retake, IPSCMI only charges $60.

 

IPSCMI certifications are priced according to the market where training is provided.  “Standard” (US-based) IPSCMI prices are $200 for Level 1, $250 for Level 2, and $300 for Level 3.  IPSCMI prices have been determined to be lower than competitor prices in all markets where IPSCMI conducts programs.

 

 

5.  Recertification

 

Like other certification bodies, IPSCMI requires “recertification” – a process that involves documenting continuing education to remain on top of the ever-evolving procurement field. Several certification bodies require recertification every 3 or 4 years.  IPSCMI requires recertification every 5 years.

 

Most certification bodies award points for college courses and continuing education courses and the requirements for total points are similar.  IPSCMI charges $100 for recertification while a competitor charges $89 every four years and still another charges $99 every 3 years.  The annualized cost for IPSCMI is thus $20, while the annualized cost for the 4 year required certification is $22.25 and the annualized cost for the 3 year required certification is $33.

 

 

6. Bodies of Knowledge Constantly Updated to Reflect Changes in the Profession

 

Some competitors claim their Body of Knowledge is contained in textbooks.  Most textbooks are updated every 5 to 10 years.  The IPSCMI Bodies of Knowledge (in digital form) are continually updated based on recommendations and advice from Instructors and members of the Board of Advisors.

 

 

7. Convenient Testing

 

Most competitors have contracted with testing organizations which require candidates to take exams at their locations; IPSCMI conducts testing either online at candidate convenience or conducts testing at the end of conventional training for all candidates.

 

 

8. No Requirement for Association Membership

 

Most competitors charge a fee for required Association Membership.  IPSCMI has no such requirement and affords all potential candidates and students equal and unlimited access to training, testing, and certification.

 

 

9. A Fun Learning Experience

 

Our World-wide cadre of conventional instructors know that students expect instructors to be “entertaining” as well as knowledgeable and enthusiastic.  This must be the case, because many of our students come back again and again for follow-on training and secondary certifications.