The IFPSM Certificate of Competence
The IFPSM Certificate of Competence was introduced in the early 1990s and has proved to be a valuable service to member associations. There are now many IFPSM Member Associations offering their own certification programmes. The IFPSM Education Committee has also noted that in some countries major pieces of work have been published which identify the essential skills and knowledge required of good practitioners in purchasing and supply at tactical, managerial and strategic levels. All of this has enabled the IFPSM Education Committee to identify common areas of competence and knowledge from a variety of sources ensuring that the IFPSM Certificate of Competence reflects current practice, learning methodologies and assessments.
PURPOSE
There are two main reasons for the IFPSM Certificate of Competence. Firstly, it provides a framework for IFPSM member associations to have their certification programmes accredited by an external international body. Secondly, associations in the process of developing for the first time their own certification programme have access to a foundation on which such work can build.
The programme continues to reflect the competences and knowledge expected of a good practitioner at the lower level, and this allows for the widest possible participation by Associations in the accreditation process. Accreditation to the Certificate of Competence is at a lower level but this does not preclude a programme which includes additional content at a higher level from being submitted.
ACCREDITATION
Certificates and other materials promoting an IFPSM accredited programme will be permitted to use the following wording:
The <insert title of certificate/diploma>
Awarded by the <insert name of IFPSM member association>
is accredited by the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply
as complying with its Certificate of Competence in Purchasing and Supply.
Important note: To qualify, only those programmes which have been individually accredited may carry this wording. It is not the association which is accredited, but named qualifications only.
Application.
Member associations will find full details of the Certificate of Competence and how to apply for assessment of a programme in the Members Only section under Education.
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