5 Best Procurement Training Providers Globally

Best procurement training providers play a huge role for anyone leading a procurement team. The job is not as simple as just buying things anymore. You have to handle suppliers, risks, cost savings, negotiations, technology, and even unexpected global issues. If you want to stay sharp, you need the right training.

Not just any training. You need programs built for real-world problems that senior procurement executives face daily. In this article, I’ll show you the five best procurement training providers that can help you lead with confidence.

1. Purchasing & Procurement Center (PPC)

The Purchasing & Procurement Center (PPC) is one of the best procurement training providers for one simple reason. They teach you how to apply what you learn right away. Many courses out there are heavy on theory but light on what actually happens in the office. PPC does the opposite. They use real-life situations, case studies, and exercises based on problems you deal with in your daily work.

Their certifications are globally recognized and approved by the International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM). They offer three main certifications:

CIPP: Certified International Procurement Professional
CIPM: Certified International Procurement Manager
CIPL: Certified International Procurement Leader

If you are just starting out in procurement management, you can begin with CIPP. As you move up, you can continue to CIPM and finally reach CIPL. This clear path makes it easy for procurement professionals to build their skills over time.

Why PPC stands out:

Scenario-based training that feels like real work
Templates, checklists, and tools you can start using right away
Certifications that employers worldwide respect
Short, practical lessons that fit into a busy schedule

If you want training that feels like it was built for people who lead procurement teams, PPC is a great choice.

2. Institute for Supply Management (ISM) – CPSM

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is one of the most recognized names in procurement. ISM has been around since 1915 and has over 50,000 members across 100 countries. Their CPSM certification (Certified Professional in Supply Management) is considered one of the top credentials for procurement leaders.

What CPSM covers:

Strategic sourcing
Supplier relationship management
Negotiations
Risk management
Leadership development

The CPSM is perfect for leaders handling large supplier bases or managing complex sourcing projects. ISM’s training is well-organized and detailed. They cover a lot of material, but it is laid out in a way that makes it easy to follow. Many top companies list CPSM as a preferred or required certification when hiring procurement managers.

Why ISM stands out:

Long history and trusted reputation
Focus on high-level strategic topics
Global recognition
Up-to-date content for today’s challenges

3. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

CIPS is based in the UK and is one of the most widely respected procurement bodies worldwide. With over 64,000 members, CIPS offers a full range of certifications from beginner to advanced levels. Their training focuses heavily on ethics, compliance, and responsible procurement.

CIPS certifications go from Level 2 (beginner) to Level 6 (advanced professional diploma). You can start with a certificate and continue progressing throughout your career. Many global companies recognize CIPS qualifications as a standard for hiring and promotions.

Why CIPS stands out:

Clear and structured certification path
Strong focus on ethics and good governance
Global recognition, especially in multinational companies
Ongoing resources like research, events, and communities

4. NASPO Procurement U

NASPO Procurement U is a free training platform focused on public sector procurement. If you work in government, education, or any regulated environment, this can be a helpful resource. NASPO offers over 120 hours of free online courses that cover laws, policies, and procedures that apply to public sector buyers.

While NASPO’s courses are mostly designed for U.S. government settings, the principles apply broadly to public procurement anywhere. After completing the free courses, many professionals go on to earn the UPPCC certification, which is widely respected in public sector procurement.

Why NASPO stands out:

Free and easy to access
Focused on public procurement needs
Covers policy, compliance, and legal topics
Great starting point for anyone in public sector buying

5. UNDP/CIPS Public Procurement Certification

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has teamed up with CIPS to offer public procurement certification designed for international organizations, NGOs, and development agencies. This certification is especially useful if you work in global development or humanitarian projects where rules and compliance are very strict.

The training includes topics like ethical procurement, managing supplier risks, conflict of interest, and working within strict funding rules. It combines the knowledge of CIPS with real-world public procurement challenges that organizations like the UN deal with every day.

Why UNDP/CIPS stands out:

Special focus on international development procurement
Built for NGOs, UN agencies, and global projects
Covers compliance, ethics, and sustainability
Combines strong academic knowledge with practical tools

Become a Certified Procurement Professional With PPC

While all these providers are excellent, Purchasing and Procurement Center (PPC) offers the most practical, leadership-focused training for procurement executives. You get: