Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) Examination Specifications
General Format For C.P.M. Examination
Note: C.P.M. candidates take all four modules of the exam
Note: Modules 1 and 2 of the C.P.M. exam may be substituted for modules 1 and 2 of the new A.P.P. exam and vice versa
| MODULE 1: PURCHASING PROCESS
(95 questions) |
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| Section | Task | Description |
| A. Identifying Requirements (23 questions) | 101 | Establish procurement plans and make decisions necessary to purchase products or services in congruence with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies. (6 questions) |
| 102 | Review purchase requisitions in accordance with organizational requirements and/or budgetary constraints. (3 questions) | |
| 103 | Determine appropriate methods of procurement.(6 questions) | |
| 104 | Perform cost/benefit analyses on planned acquisitions. (5 questions) | |
| 105 | Review supplier samples and/or demonstrations with the buying organization management and/or user departments.(3 questions) | |
| B. Preparation of Solicitations (22 questions) | 106 | Develop/review specifications, statements of work, performance terms, and/or acceptance criteria. (7 questions) |
| 107 | Locate and select potential sources of materials or services. (6 questions) | |
| 108 | Prepare and solicit competitive bids, quotations, and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms, and conditions. (6 questions) | |
| 109 | Manage and develop lists of recommended sources.(3 questions) | |
| C. Supplier Analysis (19 questions) |
110 | Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service.(8 questions) |
| 111 | Conduct supplier visits/evaluations to determine suitability. (6 questions) | |
| 112 | Measure supplier performance using rating systems and/or predetermined standards.(5 questions) | |
| D. Contract Execution, Implementation, |
113 | Prepare and/or issue contracts/purchase orders.(4 questions) |
| and Administration |
114 | Obtain legal review and approval of a contract when required. (5 questions) |
| (26 questions) | 115 | Administer contracts/purchase orders from award to completion. (3 questions) |
| 116 | Expedite deliveries and conduct follow-up procedures when necessary.(2 questions) | |
| 117 | Resolve contract/purchase order differences with suppliers. (4 questions) | |
| 118 | Resolve payment problems with suppliers and user departments.(2 questions) | |
| 119 | Review and revise purchasing practices to ensure their conformance with established laws, policies, and ethical principles.(19 questions) | |
| 120 | Manage files of agreements, equipment records, and/or specifications.(2 questions) | |
Last Updated: 09/01/11