Frequently Asked Questions
Find the answers you need by checking out some common questions from public procurement professionals just like you.
Do learners earn digital badges for completing courses?
Yes, a Credly badge will be issued upon completion. Learners have the option to share this badge on social media and professional platforms. With Credly, you can:
(a) easily manage, share, and verify your learning achievements,
(b) add credibility through secure verification,
(c) access labour market insights that connect your skills with current job opportunities, and
(d) unlock exclusive promotional offers and learning pathways available only to badge earners.
For more information about Credly, visit: https://support.credly.com/hc/en-us/articles/360021222051-What-is-Credly
Can individual learners choose to Buy Now and Pay Later in instalments?
Yes, individual learners can select a Buy Now, Pay Later option through Affirm. Depending on the total purchase amount, instalment plans range from 3 to 36 months:
- $300–$1,499.99: 3, 6, or 12 months
- $1,500–$2,999.99: 6, 12, or 24 months
- $3,000–$15,000: 12, 24, or 36 months
Eligibility is determined by Affirm at checkout and applying won’t affect your credit score. APR varies from 0–31.99%, based on creditworthiness and provincial regulations. A down payment may be required. To learn more, visit Affirm’s website.
Do PSPP® (Public Sector Procurement Program) courses count towards procurement designations?
Yes, the PSPP® (Public Sector Procurement Program) provides 100 Education Hours that can be applied toward the CPPB and CPPO designations offered by the UPPCC. However, it’s recommended to confirm with the UPPCC directly, as requirements may change over time. PSPP® courses may also count toward professional development credits for other designations such as SCMP and PMP, depending on the specific criteria of each professional body. We suggest checking with your certifying organization in advance to ensure eligibility.
What are the key differences among the training programs you offer?
We offer a variety of training programs tailored to different needs within the procurement and public sector space. Each program is designed with a specific focus, audience, and format in mind. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right one for your goals:
| Details | PSPP® | CMPSP™ | AIPSP | Webinars |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canadian Sector | Public | Public + Private | Public | Public |
| Focus | Procurement | Contract Management | Artificial Intelligence | Procurement |
| Format | Instructor led + self-learning | Instructor led + self-learning | Self-learning | Instructor-led |
| Target Audience | Procurement, Sourcing, and Purchasing professionals (Analyst to VP level) | Professionals supporting Canadian clients in procurement and contracting (including legal and technical roles) | Government employees | Procurement, Sourcing, and Purchasing professionals (Analyst to VP level) |
| Also Suitable For | Career changers, learners switching from private to public sector, and private vendors serving government | Career starters and learners entering contract management roles | Career starters and private-to-public sector switchers | Private vendors and professionals exploring public procurement |
Each program meets a different set of learning goals. If you’re unsure which one is right for you, feel free to reach out and we’ll be happy to guide you based on your background and career plans.
When does course access expire?
Learners have 6 months of access from the date of enrollment. This timeframe allows ample flexibility to complete the course at your own pace. You can log in anytime during this period to review or continue progress.
What is the format and duration of the Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) course?
Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) is a fully online, live, and instructor led hybrid course that you can access through a secure learning portal. It features interactive content, real-world examples, and scenario-based exercises. The course takes approximately 15–18 hours to complete. You have six months of access to finish it at your own pace.
Do I need to complete Public Sector Procurement Program: Essentials (PSPP® 101) before enrolling in Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202)?
It’s recommended that learners complete Public Sector Procurement Program: Essentials (PSPP® 101) or have equivalent foundational knowledge. Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) builds on basic Canadian public sector procurement concepts, especially around vendor management and contract interactions. Those with Canadian public procurement experience may begin directly.
Which topics are covered in the course?
The course includes negotiation planning, tactics, and ethics, as well as relationship management strategies. Other topics include performance monitoring, dispute resolution, and communication best practices. All content is tailored to Canadian public sector procurement environments.
Are there payment or group discounts available?
Yes, flexible payment options are available for individuals, including installment plans. Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) can be purchased for $1750 individually.
Teams of 5-9 get 5% off. Teams of 10-14 get 10% off, Teams of 15-19 get 15% off, Teams of 20-25 get 20% off. To earn these discounts, please email [email protected] or call us at 250-370-0041.
What will I learn and achieve by the end of Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202)?
You’ll develop core skills in negotiation, supplier evaluation, and relationship management. By the end, you’ll know how to negotiate effectively and build productive, long-term supplier partnerships. You’ll also understand how to manage supplier performance and conflicts professionally.
How many professional development hours does Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) provide?
Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) provides 18 professional development hours. These hours may count toward ongoing training requirements for procurement certifications or career advancement. A certificate is provided as proof of course completion.
Does Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) count towards procurement certifications?
Yes, Public Sector Procurement Program: Solicitation and Award (PSPP® 202) is part of the official PSPP® certification pathway. Completing the course provides you with professional development hours and a digital certificate. It helps demonstrate your negotiation and supplier management skills to employers.
What happens if I don’t complete the course in time?
If you don’t finish your course within the access period, you may be able to extend your enrollment for an additional fee. Reach out to our support team to explore your options.
Is the course accessible to learners with disabilities?
Our learning platform is built with accessibility in mind, supporting participants with visual, hearing, or mobility impairments. If you require specific accommodations, we’re happy to work with you to ensure your learning experience is smooth and inclusive.
Are there any additional benefits included?
Learners get downloadable tools and job aids to apply immediately in their roles. You’ll also join a growing network of procurement professionals. Continued access to course materials supports long-term application of what you’ve learned.
When does the next session start?
Program start dates depend on the course. Self-paced programs begin as soon as you enroll, while instructor-led programs follow scheduled start dates shown on the course page.
How can I access course previews?
Sample lessons and preview videos are available on each course page so you can experience the content, format, and delivery style before registering.
Can international participants attend?
Our programs are open to learners from anywhere in the world. While some content is tailored to Canadian practices, the skills, tools, and principles taught are applicable internationally.
Do I earn any Professional Development Points after successfully completing learning goals?
On successful course completion, eligible learners will be granted Professional Development Points (PDP): any 100 level courses (8 PDP), any 200 level courses (18 PDP), any 300 level courses (35 PDP), any Webinars (1.5 PDP). These earned PDP can also be submitted for approval by you towards maintenance of other external industry certifications earned by you.