American Certified Public Sector Procurement & Compliance Professional (AC-PSPC)®

American Certified Public Sector Procurement & Compliance Professional (AC-PSPC)®

Professional Certification in Government Procurement, Regulatory Compliance, Public Contracting, Transparency, Accountability, and Procurement Governance

Developed and Awarded by AAPSCM®

The American Certified Public Sector Procurement & Compliance Professional (AC-PSPC)® is a professional certification designed for procurement officers, contract administrators, compliance professionals, purchasing specialists, government officials, public sector managers, auditors, and individuals seeking to develop expertise in public procurement, regulatory compliance, contract management, supplier governance, transparency, and public accountability.

Public procurement represents one of the largest areas of government expenditure worldwide. Effective public procurement systems are essential to ensure transparency, accountability, fairness, value for money, sustainable development, and public trust.

The AC-PSPC® certification provides participants with comprehensive knowledge of public procurement regulations, ethical procurement practices, competitive bidding processes, supplier evaluation methodologies, contract administration, procurement risk management, procurement audits, sustainable procurement, and compliance frameworks used across government agencies and public institutions.

AC-PSPC Certification

Why Earn the AC-PSPC® Certification?

Build Public Procurement Expertise

Learn how to effectively manage procurement activities in government and public-sector environments.

Strengthen Regulatory Compliance Skills

Understand procurement laws, regulations, policies, and compliance requirements.

Enhance Transparency and Accountability

Promote ethical procurement practices that protect public resources and strengthen public trust.

Improve Contract and Supplier Management

Develop competencies in supplier evaluation, contract oversight, and procurement governance.

Support Sustainable Public Procurement

Learn how public procurement can advance economic, social, and environmental objectives.

Certification Learning Outcomes

Certification Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the AC-PSPC® certification, participants will be able to:

  • Understand the principles and objectives of public sector procurement.
  • Interpret and apply procurement regulations, statutes, and policies.
  • Conduct competitive bidding and supplier evaluation processes.
  • Manage public procurement contracts and supplier performance.
  • Promote ethical procurement, transparency, and accountability.
  • Identify and mitigate procurement risks and compliance challenges.
  • Apply sustainable and inclusive procurement principles.
  • Support procurement audits and compliance monitoring activities.
  • Utilize procurement technologies and digital procurement systems.
  • Contribute to effective governance and stewardship of public resources.

AC-PSPC® Public Procurement Competency Framework™

The certification is structured around the AAPSCM® Public Procurement Governance Framework™.

Plan

  • Procurement planning
  • Needs assessment
  • Market research

Procure

  • Competitive bidding
  • Supplier evaluation
  • Contract award

Comply

  • Regulatory compliance
  • Ethics and accountability
  • Governance controls

Monitor

  • Contract management
  • Supplier performance
  • Reporting requirements

Protect

  • Risk management
  • Audit readiness
  • Fraud prevention

Improve

  • Continuous improvement
  • Sustainable procurement
  • Procurement modernization

Course Modules and Sub-Modules

1

Foundations of Public Sector Procurement

Introduction to Public Procurement
  • Public procurement principles
  • Procurement lifecycle
  • Government procurement systems
  • Public vs private procurement
Public Procurement Governance
  • Procurement authorities
  • Governance structures
  • Public accountability
  • Procurement oversight
Public Procurement Policies
  • Procurement directives
  • Administrative procedures
  • Procurement regulations
  • Public procurement frameworks
2

Public Procurement Laws and Regulatory Compliance

Procurement Legal Frameworks
  • Federal procurement regulations
  • State and local procurement laws
  • International procurement principles
  • Procurement legal requirements
Compliance Management
  • Compliance obligations
  • Procurement controls
  • Regulatory reporting
  • Compliance monitoring
Procurement Audits and Reviews
  • Internal audits
  • External audits
  • Compliance reviews
  • Corrective actions
3

Ethics, Integrity and Accountability

Ethical Procurement Principles
  • Procurement ethics
  • Professional conduct
  • Ethical decision-making
Conflict of Interest Management
  • Identification of conflicts
  • Disclosure requirements
  • Mitigation strategies
Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption
  • Fraud prevention
  • Anti-bribery practices
  • Procurement integrity systems
4

Competitive Bidding and Supplier Selection

Solicitation Methods
  • Invitations to Bid (ITB)
  • Evaluation criteria
  • Supplier qualification
Supplier Evaluation
  • Technical evaluation
  • Financial evaluation
  • Bid evaluation committees
Award and Contract Formation
  • Award recommendations
  • Supplier notifications
  • Contract award procedures
5

Public Contract Management

Contract Administration
  • Contract lifecycle management
  • Contract monitoring
  • Supplier obligations
Performance Management
  • Service-level agreements
  • Contract KPIs
  • Contractor evaluations
Contract Closeout and Documentation
  • Contract completion
  • Record retention
  • Lessons learned
6

Risk Management in Public Procurement

Procurement Risk Identification
  • Operational risks
  • Compliance risks
  • Supplier risks
Risk Assessment and Controls
  • Financial risks
  • Risk analysis
  • Risk mitigation
Procurement Fraud and Abuse Prevention
  • Internal controls
  • Fraud indicators
  • Procurement investigations
  • Control frameworks
7

Transparency, Reporting and Accountability

Transparency Requirements
  • Open procurement principles
  • Procurement disclosures
  • Public reporting
Procurement Documentation
  • Procurement records
  • Audit trails
  • Documentation standards
Accountability Mechanisms
  • Public oversight
  • Procurement reviews
  • Performance reporting
8

Sustainable and Inclusive Procurement

Sustainable Public Procurement
  • Green procurement
  • Environmental procurement policies
  • Sustainable sourcing
Social Procurement
  • Supplier diversity
  • Inclusive procurement
  • Community benefits
ESG and Public Procurement
  • ESG principles
  • Sustainability reporting
  • Responsible procurement
9

Digital Procurement and Procurement Technology

eProcurement Systems
  • Electronic tendering
  • Procurement portals
  • Supplier registration systems
Procurement Analytics
  • Spend analysis
  • Procurement dashboards
  • Performance metrics
Emerging Technologies
  • AI in procurement
  • Blockchain applications
  • Procurement automation
10

Public Procurement Compliance Strategy

Compliance Program Development
  • Procurement compliance frameworks
  • Governance models
  • Compliance roadmaps
Procurement Improvement Planning
  • Gap assessments
  • Improvement initiatives
  • Performance enhancement
Public Procurement Capstone
  • Development of a public procurement compliance strategy
  • Procurement governance framework design
  • Risk and compliance assessment

Procurement Tools & Technologies

Participants gain exposure to tools, frameworks, and platforms used in modern public procurement environments.

Procurement Tools

  • Procurement Planning Templates
  • Procurement Risk Registers
  • Supplier Evaluation Matrices
  • Bid Evaluation Scorecards
  • Compliance Checklists
  • Audit Readiness Frameworks

Supplier Management Tools

  • Supplier Assessment Frameworks
  • Vendor Compliance Systems
  • Supplier Risk Management Frameworks
  • Supplier Performance Management Models

Procurement Analytics Tools

  • Spend Analysis Dashboards
  • Procurement KPI Systems
  • Procurement Reporting Templates
  • Regulatory Monitoring Tools
  • Supplier Performance Dashboards

Digital Procurement Platforms

  • SAP Ariba
  • Oracle Procurement Cloud
  • Coupa
  • Jaggaer
  • Government eProcurement Portals

ISO Standards and International Frameworks

The AC-PSPC® certification incorporates concepts and practical applications from internationally recognized standards and public procurement best practices.

ISO 20400

Sustainable Procurement
  • Sustainable sourcing
  • Responsible procurement
  • Supplier sustainability

ISO 37301

Compliance Management Systems
  • Compliance governance
  • Compliance monitoring
  • Regulatory management

ISO 37001

Anti-Bribery Management Systems
  • Anti-corruption controls
  • Fraud prevention
  • Ethical procurement

ISO 31000

Risk Management
  • Procurement risk management
  • Enterprise risk principles
  • Risk mitigation

ISO 9001

Quality Management Systems
  • Supplier quality management
  • Continuous improvement
  • Procurement continuity

ISO 22301

Business Continuity Management
  • Supplier resilience
  • Crisis preparedness
  • Procurement continuity

Certification Examination

Computer-Based

Exam Format

100

Multiple Choice Questions

90 Min

Duration

70%

Passing Score

Online

Proctored or Authorized Testing Centers

AC-PSPC®

Certification Awarded

Certification Testing Outcomes Details

The AC-PSPC® certification examination is designed to assess a candidate's knowledge, skills, and competencies in public sector procurement, government contracting, regulatory compliance, ethical procurement practices, transparency, accountability, supplier management, contract administration, and procurement governance. Upon successful completion, candidates will demonstrate competency in:

Public Sector Procurement Foundations

  • Interpreting federal, state, and local procurement regulations
  • Applying procurement lifecycle frameworks
  • Understanding governance and oversight structures

Ethics, Integrity & Accountability

  • Applying ethical standards in procurement decision-making
  • Identifying and managing conflicts of interest
  • Supporting public trust through ethical conduct and governance

Procurement Planning & Strategic Sourcing

  • Developing procurement plans aligned with objectives
  • Conducting market research and needs assessments
  • Applying strategic sourcing methodologies

Competitive Bidding & Solicitation Management

  • Applying competitive bidding principles for fairness and transparency
  • Managing solicitation processes and bid evaluation
  • Supporting value-for-money procurement decisions

Supplier Evaluation & Contractor Selection

  • Evaluating supplier qualifications and capabilities
  • Applying objective evaluation criteria
  • Supporting contractor selection processes

Public Contract Management & Administration

  • Administering public contracts and oversight
  • Monitoring contractor performance and service delivery
  • Managing procurement documentation and contract records

Public Procurement Laws & Compliance

  • Applying procurement statutes, policies, and directives
  • Ensuring compliance throughout the procurement lifecycle
  • Understanding legal responsibilities of procurement professionals

Transparency, Reporting & Public Accountability

  • Maintaining transparency throughout procurement processes
  • Managing reporting obligations and disclosure requirements
  • Ensuring accurate documentation and audit readiness

Risk Management in Public Procurement

  • Identifying procurement risks affecting compliance
  • Assessing financial, operational, and supplier risks
  • Applying risk mitigation and control strategies

Financial Stewardship & Fiscal Responsibility

  • Promoting responsible stewardship of public resources
  • Supporting financial accountability and audit compliance
  • Ensuring value for money in procurement decisions

Supplier Diversity & Inclusive Procurement

  • Promoting equitable access to procurement opportunities
  • Supporting supplier diversity initiatives
  • Advancing socioeconomic development through procurement

Procurement Governance & Internal Controls

  • Designing governance models and compliance roadmaps
  • Applying internal control frameworks
  • Supporting public accountability mechanisms

Procurement Technology & Digital Procurement

  • Managing electronic tendering and supplier portals
  • Utilizing procurement reporting systems
  • Applying emerging technologies in procurement

Procurement Audits & Compliance Monitoring

  • Supporting internal and external procurement audits
  • Applying corrective actions based on audit findings
  • Monitoring compliance throughout the procurement process

Sustainable & Inclusive Procurement

  • Applying sustainable procurement principles in public purchasing
  • Supporting environmental stewardship through responsible sourcing
  • Understanding green procurement and sustainability frameworks

Professional Competency Outcome

Successful candidates will demonstrate the professional competencies required to effectively plan, manage, oversee, and support public procurement activities while ensuring compliance with laws, regulations, ethical standards, and organizational policies. Graduates of the AC-PSPC® program will be equipped to contribute to transparent, accountable, ethical, and value-driven procurement systems that protect public interests, enhance organizational performance, and promote responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.

Career Pathways

Successful candidates may pursue positions such as:

  • Public Procurement Officer
  • Government Purchasing Specialist
  • Procurement Compliance Officer
  • Public Contract Administrator
  • Government Buyer
  • Procurement Auditor
  • Supplier Compliance Specialist
  • Procurement Governance Coordinator
  • Public Procurement Consultant

Employment Outlook and Industry Trends

Government agencies, municipalities, public authorities, educational institutions, healthcare systems, and international development organizations continue to increase investments in procurement modernization, compliance management, supplier diversity, sustainability initiatives, and digital procurement transformation. Growing demand exists for professionals skilled in:

  • Public Procurement Compliance
  • Procurement Governance
  • Contract Administration
  • Regulatory Compliance
  • Procurement Auditing
  • Sustainable Public Procurement
  • Digital Procurement Systems
  • Supplier Risk Management

Accreditation, Recognition & Global Presence

Developed and Awarded by AAPSCM®. The AC-PSPC® certification is recognized across government agencies and public institutions internationally.

Government Affiliate Registrations

Government Affiliate Registrations
United States (50 States and Washington DC)

International Framework Alignment

International Framework Alignment
Global Procurement Standards

Global Professional Development Network

Global Professional Development Network
AAPSCM® Member Institutions

Exam & Certification Details

Exam CodesExam (AC-PSPC)®
Exam DetailsThe American Certified Public Sector Procurement & Compliance Professional (AC-PSPC)® exam will focus on the foundational principles of public sector procurement, compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, ethical procurement practices, strategic sourcing, contract management, vendor negotiations, and alignment with organizational goals, emphasizing transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility.
Number of QuestionsMaximum of 100 questions per exam
Type of QuestionsMultiple choice
Length of Test90 Minutes
Passing Score700 (on a scale of 1000)
Recommended ExperienceNo prior experience necessary
LanguagesEnglish
RetirementNone
Testing ProviderAffiliate Partners Testing Centers / Online Testing
Price$399.99 USD

Self-Paced Training, Exam Fees: Payment covers the exam only. Complimentary exam guide and practice questions will be provided to assist you.

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Instructor-Led Training: Enroll in a 4-day program with 2 hours of live instruction daily, led by industry experts, for $1,200.

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