NIGP-CPP study guide
NIGP-CPP · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.
The NIGP Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) is a professional credential for people who manage public procurement work - buying goods and services with taxpayer money under formal rules. Candidates typically come from state and local government, school districts, transit and utility authorities, and higher education, and often already hold a foundational certification or several years of buying experience. The NIGP-CPP study guide has 6 sections and about 1,754 words.
01Procurement Strategy and Governance
This domain tests whether you can connect procurement decisions to organizational mission, legal authority, and a defensible control framework. Expect questions on delegation of authority, competitive thresholds, policy hierarchy, procurement planning, spend and category analysis, and risk-based controls.
322 words, about 2 min02Sourcing and Solicitation Management
This domain covers market research through award: defining requirements, selecting the solicitation method, designing evaluation criteria, issuing addenda, receiving offers, evaluating, negotiating, and handling protests. Invitation for Bid (IFB) fits clear, complete specifications where price is the only award factor; award to the responsive, responsible low bidder.
342 words, about 2 min03Contract Development and Administration
This domain tests contract type selection, drafting, change control, performance monitoring, acceptance, payment, termination, disputes, and closeout. Fixed-price contracts place cost risk on the seller and fit clear scope.
293 words, about 1 min04Supplier and Relationship Management
This domain covers supplier qualification, outreach, performance management, development, risk, communication, and ethical treatment across the contract life cycle. Qualify suppliers for responsibility: capability, capacity, financial health, compliance, and past performance.
266 words, about 1 min05Public Sector Financial and Budget Management
This domain tests how procurement commitments interact with appropriations, encumbrances, fund accounting, cost analysis, and internal controls. Appropriations authorize spending for a fiscal period; an encumbrance reserves budget when a commitment is made.
261 words, about 1 min06Leadership, Ethics, and Professional Development
This domain tests integrity, conflict handling, ethical decision-making, team leadership, change management, and continuous professional growth. Act in the public interest with fairness, transparency, accountability, and impartiality.
270 words, about 1 min