Organizations and Certifications

Carolinas Association of Governmental Purchasing (CAGP)

Originally established as a chapter of the National Institute of Governmental Purchasing (NIGP), Carolinas Association of Governmental Purchasing (CAGP) was organized in 1953. Its members are employees of state or local governments in North and South Carolina whose duties consist of purchasing materials, supplies, apparatus, equipment, or contractual services. CAGP is an affiliate of the North Carolina League of Municipalities and a chapter of NIGP.

For information about becoming a member of CAGP, go to http://www.cagponline.org/insidepages/members.cfm.

CAGP co-sponsors School of Government programs offered throughout the year on topics of interest to state and local government employees involved in purchasing and contracting.  Visit the Courses link to learn more about these programs.

Other Governmental Purchasing Organizations

• National Institute of Governmental Purchasing, Inc. (NIGP)
• Institute for Supply Management (ISM) (NAPM--Carolinas-Virginia, Inc. has merged with ISM)
• National Purchasing Institute (NPI), Inc.
• National Association of Educational Procurement (NAEP)
• South Carolina Association of Governmental Purchasing Officials

Certifications

CAGP offers a certification called the Certified Local Government Purchasing Officer (CLGPO). To be eligible for certification, an applicant must have at least 3 years' experience as a governmental purchasing professional, be a member of CAGP, complete 4 core courses offered by the School of Government, earn 22 points through activities such as training, conference attendance, service to CAGP, and higher education, and pass a certification examination administered by the School of Government.  Once certified, purchasers are eligible for recertification every 5 years, and may also seek lifetime certification.  More information about certification requirements and application forms are available below.  Certification applications are to be submitted in pdf form via email to Norma Houston at nhouston@sog.unc.edu. 

• CLGPO application requirements (PDF) (updated 11/1/2011)
• NOTE: New Requirements for CLGPO Certification (effective 8/1/2010)
• Application forms :
  • Certification (fillable PDF)
  • Recertification (fillable PDF)
  • Lifetime certification (fillable PDF)

NEXT CLGPO EXAM:  The CLGPO examination will be offered on Sunday, February 26, 2012, beginning at 8:30am, at the site of the CAGP Spring Conference at Sea Trails.

The NIGP, through the Universal Public Purchasing Certification Council (UPPCC), offers the Certified Public Purchasing Officer (CPPO) certification and the Certified Professional Public Buyer (CPPB) certification.  To learn more about these certifications, visit the NIGP's certification webpage and the UPPCC's website.