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 2: SUPPLY ENVIRONMENT
(95 questions) |
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| Section | Task | Description |
| A. Negotiations (13 questions) | 201 | Prepare for and develop strategies and tactics for negotiations. (7 questions) |
| 202 | Conduct negotiations with potential and/or current suppliers to obtain maximum value. (6 questions) | |
| B. Information Technology (16 questions) |
203 | Develop/utilize a computerized purchasing system (e.g., online buying, EDI, Web-based electronic commerce).(6 questions) |
| 204 | Develop/implement/maintain a database of specifications, suppliers, products, and/or services.(5 questions) | |
| 205 | Develop/utilize a computerized inventory and/or capital equipment tracking system.(5 questions) | |
| C. Quality Issues (12 questions) |
206 | Resolve quality problems with suppliers and user departments.(6 questions) |
| 207 | Develop measurements for quality improvement and target setting (e.g., "best in class" benchmarks). (6 questions) | |
| D. Internal Relationships
(22 questions) |
208 | Develop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departments.(6 questions) |
| 209 | Participate in cross-functional and/or multifunctional teams (e.g., project management, process improvement).(6 questions) | |
| 210 | Recommend/implement changes to the organization's purchasing, supply management, and material usage policies as needed. (5 questions) | |
| 211 | Disseminate information and provide training related to purchasing and supply management policies and procedures.(5 questions) | |
| E. External Relationships (27 questions) |
212 | Develop/manage effective relationships with suppliers, utilizing such techniques as supplier partnerships, strategic alliances, supply chain management, and supplier training programs.(7 questions) |
| 213 | Review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers.(6 questions) | |
| 214 | Conduct interviews with current and prospective supplier sales personnel.(3 questions) | |
| 215 | Coordinate/review/respond to supplier inquiries, protests, and appeals.(3 questions) | |
| 216 | Develop/implement a small business/disadvantaged supplier development program.(5 questions) | |
| 217 | Represent the buying organization in meetings with corporations, government agencies, professional associations, media, and other organizations.(3 questions) | |
Last Updated: 09/01/11