Principles Certificate Program

Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program

A Modern Foundation for Public Procurement Professionals

The Principles Certificate Program is a recognized, industry-standard foundation for public procurement. Delivered through the Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL)—OPBA’s national learning hub—it has been modernized to provide a more flexible, engaging, and effective learning experience.

Designed for those new to procurement or working in roles that involve public funds, this program builds the core knowledge and practical understanding required to navigate today’s complex procurement environment.

Click Here to Register for Courses via Course Calendar

A Modern Learning Experience

We’ve re-designed the Principles Program to balance flexibility, accessibility, and instructional quality—while strengthening peer learning and real-world application.

Each course is delivered through a blended learning model:

• Self-paced online learning (1-month access)
  Learn on your own schedule through a structured mix of readings, videos, and quizzes.
• Active learning with accountability
  Learners must complete required modules and successfully pass quizzes before advancing.
• Live instructor-led session (mandatory)
  Apply concepts, ask questions, and engage in focused discussion with experienced practitioners.

This approach ensures learners come prepared—resulting in deeper discussions, more meaningful engagement, and better use of instructor time.

Why This Matters

This modern delivery model reflects how professionals learn today:

• Flexible enough to fit around work schedules
• Structured enough to ensure progress and comprehension
• Interactive enough to support peer learning and real-world application

By combining self-directed learning with live instruction, the program moves beyond passive training to a more intentional, outcomes-focused learning experience.

Program Structure

To earn your Principles Certificate, you will:

• Complete 7 core courses covering key areas such as:
  • Public procurement fundamentals
  • Procurement law
  • Competitive bidding
  • Risk management
  • Construction procurement
• Participate in additional learning activities (workshops, webinars, or events)
• Successfully pass the final exam

This structure ensures both breadth of knowledge and applied understanding across the procurement lifecycle.

Who should take the program?

The Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program is intended for individuals new to public procurement or in an entry level position in a public agency purchasing/procurement department. Some agency departments include public works, parks and recreation, finance, maintenance and property management, schools, and health care agencies. The course may also offer insight and understanding to those who are working with public procurement professionals. 

What are the requirements to earn my certificate?
To complete the full program and earn your Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate, the following courses must be successfully completed:

• Introduction to Public Procurement
• Procurement and the Law
• Risk Management
• Competitive Bidding
• Advanced Competitive Bidding
• Introduction to Construction
• Co-operative Procurement
• Participation in two additional workshops (ie, OPBA Talks, Coffee with Counsel, Procurement Specialists Meeting, People Leaders Meeting, OPBA spring/fall workshops, OPBA Annual Meeting or Conference, or webinars/seminars hosted outside of OPBA that are procurement focused - other OPBA courses can fit this criterion as well, such as the RFP course, Supplier Performance, Advanced Construction)
• Write the exam and earn a grade of 75% or higher - second attempt exams can be written with a final grade of 80% or higher to successfully earn your certificate

What are the benefits of taking the Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program? 

By completing the program and earning your Principles Certificate, you demonstrate to employers that you are invested in your career, committed to ongoing professional development, and constantly improving your understanding of the complex public procurement environment. Many job postings for junior positions indicate that enrollment or completion of the OPBA's Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program is either required or an asset. Enrolling in the program is a great way to make your resumé stand out from the rest.   

Eligibility

You do not need to be a member of OPBA to enroll in the program or write the exam, although it is certainly more cost-effective to do so. There are also many benefits to membership including the ability to take advantage of all the free or member-discounted resources OPBA has to offer as well as networking with like-minded colleagues. 

Note: completing the enrollment form below is mandatory to participate in and complete the Principles Certificate Program. There is no enrollment fee for the program.

2026 Course Pricing

*Price is per Principles course: Introduction to Public Procurement, Procurement and the Law, Risk Management, Competitive Bidding, Advanced Competitive Bidding, Co-operative Procurement, Introduction to Procurement for Construction

**For Principles courses delivered via Zoom, including the Principles Exam Prep course

New Content