Who We Are

The Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) is the national learning department of the Ontario Public Buyers Association (OPBA), dedicated to supporting public procurement professionals across Canada. PPLL offers a wide range of learning opportunities, including the Principles Certificate Program, procurement courses, and professional development (Pro-D) webinars and events.

What’s Inside the PPLL

The Learning Lab brings together essential programs designed to enhance your procurement expertise, including:

• The Principles of Effective Public Procurement Certificate Program

• Principles and Public Procurement Specialties Courses

• Professional development (Pro-D) Webinars, Workshops, and Events. 

More Ways to Learn

PPLL offers flexible learning formats to suit your needs, including:

• Live Online (Zoom): Select courses will be available live through Zoom, with continued offerings through 2026.

• Self-paced Online: Our new Learning Management System (LMS) allows you to work through select courses on your own schedule, complete with quizzes, assignments, and one virtual session with the instructor.

• In-person: Available through our Annual Conference and larger group offerings.

Supporting You, as Always

While the PPLL modernizes the learning experience, we’re committed to maintaining the convenience and familiarity of our training programs:

• Registering for courses and professional development events will be just as easy as before.

• You’ll continue to benefit from expert instruction and live interaction, even in self-paced formats.

PPLL Learning Opportunities

The Public Procurement Learning Lab (PPLL) offers a comprehensive range of learning programs tailored to public procurement professionals. Whether you're looking for foundational training, certification support, or industry insights, we provide the resources you need to enhance your skills.

Our Programs Include:

• Principles Program: A comprehensive entry-level training program for public sector procurement.

• OPBA Talks: Expert speakers and discussions on current procurement trends and practices.

• Coffee with Counsel: Legal experts discuss relevant procurement issues—submit questions ahead of time.

• Workshops: In-depth, 2-hour sessions covering procurement topics and best practices.

• NIGP Courses: Accredited, competency-based courses to support your professional development.

Explore additional learning opportunities and stay updated on emerging topics like tariffs, social procurement and circular innovation.

NIGP-CPP certification

The NIGP Certification Commission’s Authorized Education Provider Program takes the guesswork out of recertification by providing reasonable assurances to NIGP-CPP certificants that their educational activities should result in Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) for recertification if the activity aligns with the Public Procurement Competency Framework. 

The Public Procurement Learning Lab, powered by OPBA is an Authorized Education Provider (AEP).