Self-Paced Training, Exam Fees: Payment covers the exam only. Complimentary exam guide and practice questions will be provided to assist you.
Purchase and Pay
Building High-Performing Procurement and Supplier Management Professionals
The American Certified Strategic Procurement and Supplier Relationship Professional (AC-SPR)® is a professional certification developed by the American Academy of Project Management, Supply Chain Management & Tourism Excellence (AAPSCM®) for procurement professionals, purchasing specialists, sourcing professionals, supplier relationship managers, contract administrators, buyers, vendor managers, and supply chain practitioners seeking to strengthen their knowledge and practical competencies in modern procurement and supplier management.
The certification provides a comprehensive understanding of procurement fundamentals, strategic sourcing, supplier evaluation, contract management, supplier relationship management (SRM), procurement analytics, procurement technology, sustainability, and procurement best practices. AC-SPR® bridges the gap between traditional purchasing activities and strategic procurement by equipping professionals with the skills needed to manage suppliers, reduce procurement costs, improve supplier performance, mitigate risks, and contribute to organizational success.
Certification Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the AC-SPR® certification, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate the principles, processes, and functions of modern procurement and purchasing
- Apply strategic sourcing methodologies to identify and select qualified suppliers.
- Conduct supplier evaluation, qualification, and performance assessment activities.
- Develop and maintain effective supplier relationships and supplier development programs.
- Apply procurement negotiation techniques to achieve favorable commercial outcomes.
- Manage procurement contracts throughout the contract lifecycle.
- Utilize procurement analytics and spend analysis to support decision-making.
- Identify procurement risks and implement supplier risk mitigation strategies.
- Apply sustainable and ethical procurement principles within sourcing activities.
- Use procurement technologies and digital tools to improve procurement efficiency.
Course Modules and Sub-Modules
Module 1: Fundamentals of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing
Fundamentals of Procurement and Strategic Sourcing
- Evolution of procurement
- Procurement versus purchasing
- Role of procurement in organizations
- Procurement value creation
Procurement Processes and Procurement Lifecycle
- Requisition to payment process
- Source-to-contract process
- Procurement workflow management
Strategic Sourcing Fundamentals
- Strategic sourcing principles
- Sourcing lifecycle
- Procurement planning
- Supplier market research
Module 2: Supplier Identification, Evaluation and Selection
Supplier Identification and Market Research
- Supplier discovery techniques
- Market intelligence gathering
- Industry and supplier analysis
Supplier Evaluation and Qualification
- Supplier assessment criteria
- Financial evaluation
- Technical capability assessment
- Supplier qualification processes
Supplier Selection Methods
- RFQ, RFP, and RFI processes
- Bid analysis
- Supplier scoring models
- Award recommendations
Module 3: Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)
Foundations of Supplier Relationship Management
- Supplier discovery techniques
- Market intelligence gathering
- Industry and supplier analysis
Supplier Communication and Collaboration
- Building supplier partnerships
- Supplier engagement techniques
- Relationship development
Supplier Development Programs
- Supplier improvement initiatives
- Performance enhancement strategies
- Collaborative problem solving
Module 4: Procurement Negotiation and Contract Management
Procurement Negotiation Fundamentals
- Negotiation planning
- Negotiation preparation
- Negotiation strategies and tactics
Contract Fundamentals
- Procurement contracts
- Terms and conditions
- Service-level agreements (SLAs)
Contract Administration
- Contract monitoring
- Supplier compliance
- Contract performance reviews
Module 5: Supplier Performance and Procurement Analytics
Supplier Performance Measurement
- Supplier KPIs
- Supplier scorecards
- Performance monitoring systems
Procurement Metrics and Reporting
- Procurement KPIs
- Procurement dashboards
- Procurement reporting
Spend Analysis Fundamentals
- Spend visibility
- Spend categorization
- Cost analysis techniques
Module 6: Procurement Risk Management
Procurement and Supplier Risks
- Supplier financial risks
- Supply disruption risks
- Operational risks
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
- Risk identification
- Risk assessment methodologies
- Risk response planning
Supplier Continuity Planning
- Business continuity concepts
- Contingency planning
- Alternative sourcing strategies
Module 7: Sustainable and Ethical Procurement
Sustainable Procurement Principles
- Sustainable sourcing
- Green procurement
- Responsible procurement
Procurement Ethics and Compliance
- Ethical procurement practices
- Conflict of interest management
- Anti-bribery compliance
Supplier Social Responsibility
- ESG awareness
- Supplier sustainability programs
- Responsible supply chains
Module 8: Procurement Technology and Digital Procurement
Digital Procurement Fundamentals
- eProcurement systems
- Source-to-pay platforms
- Procurement automation
Procurement Data and Analytics
- Procurement intelligence
- Reporting systems
- Data-driven procurement
Emerging Procurement Technologies
- Artificial Intelligence in procurement
- Supplier portals
- Digital supplier collaboration tools
Procurement Frameworks and Tools Covered
Participants will learn practical application of:
Procurement Frameworks
- Strategic Sourcing Process
- Procurement Lifecycle Framework
- Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Framework
- Source-to-Pay Framework
Supplier Management Tools
- Supplier Scorecards
- Supplier Evaluation Matrices
- Supplier Performance Dashboards
- Supplier Risk Assessment Tools
Procurement Analytics Tools
- Spend Analysis Models
- Procurement KPI Dashboards
- Cost Analysis Tools
- Procurement Reporting Templates
Procurement Standards and Best Practices
- ISO 20400 Sustainable Procurement Concepts
- Procurement Ethics Frameworks
- Supplier Governance Best Practices
Certification Examination
Examination Structure
100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
90 Minutes
Passing Score: 70%
Online Proctored Examination
Available Globally
Professional Designation
Successful candidates earn the designation:
Professionals may use:
John Smith, AC-SPR®
on resumes, business cards, email signatures, proposals, and professional profiles.
Career Opportunities
- Procurement Specialist
- Buyer
- Purchasing Officer
- Strategic Sourcing Analyst
- Vendor Management Specialist
- Supplier Relationship Coordinator
- Contract Administrator
- Procurement Analyst
- Category Analyst
- Procurement Officer
- Supply Chain Specialist
- Procurement Consultant
AC-SPR®
Building Procurement Excellence Through Strategic Sourcing, Supplier Collaboration, and Procurement Best Practices.
Developed and Awarded by AAPSCM®
Why AC-SPR®?
Build Strategic Procurement Competencies That Drive Organizational Value
Modern procurement professionals are no longer measured solely by purchase orders and cost savings. Today's procurement leaders are expected to create value, manage supplier relationships, mitigate risks, support sustainability initiatives, and contribute directly to organizational performance.
The American Certified Strategic Procurement and Supplier Relationship Professional (AC-SPR)® certification equips professionals with the knowledge, tools, and practical skills needed to manage procurement activities strategically while building high-performing supplier partnerships
Key Benefits
- Strengthen strategic sourcing capabilities
- Improve supplier relationship management skills
- Enhance supplier performance and collaboration
- Develop contract management expertise
- Apply procurement analytics and spend management techniques
- Improve supplier risk management practices
- Understand sustainable and ethical procurement principles
- Leverage procurement technologies and digital tools
- Advance procurement career opportunities
- Gain a globally relevant professional credential
AC-SPR® Competency Framework™
The AC-SPR® certification is built around the AAPSCM Procurement Excellence Competency Framework™, which focuses on the essential competencies required by procurement and supplier management professionals.
Domain 1: Procurement Foundations
Understanding procurement principles, purchasing processes, and sourcing fundamentals.
Domain 2: Strategic Sourcing
Supplier identification, supplier evaluation, supplier selection, and sourcing strategies.
Domain 3: Supplier Relationship Management
Supplier engagement, collaboration, communication, and supplier development.
Domain 4: Contract and Negotiation Management
Procurement negotiations, contract administration, and supplier compliance.
Domain 5: Supplier Performance Management
Supplier scorecards, KPIs, supplier evaluations, and continuous improvement.
Domain 6: Procurement Risk Management
Supplier risk assessment, mitigation strategies, and supply continuity planning.
Domain 7: Sustainable Procurement
Responsible sourcing, ESG principles, supplier sustainability, and ethical procurement.
Domain 8: Digital Procurement
eProcurement, procurement analytics, automation, AI, and emerging technologies.
Procurement Frameworks Covered
The AC-SPR® curriculum incorporates internationally recognized procurement and supplier management frameworks used by leading organizations worldwide.
Strategic Sourcing Framework
- Opportunity assessment
- Market analysis
- Supplier evaluation
- Negotiation
- Supplier selection
- Contract management
Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) Framework
- Supplier segmentation
- Supplier engagement
- Performance management
- Supplier development
- Strategic collaboration
- Contract management
Source-to-Pay (S2P) Framework
- Sourcing
- Contracting
- Purchasing
- Invoice processing
- Payment management
Procure-to-Pay (P2P) Framework
- Requisitioning
- Approval workflows
- Purchase orders management
- Supplier sustainability programs
Supplier Lifecycle Management Framework
- Supplier onboarding
- Qualification
- Performance management
- Risk monitoring
- Supplier offboarding
International Standards and ISO Frameworks Covered
The AC-SPR® curriculum introduces participants to internationally recognized standards, frameworks, and best practices relevant to procurement and supplier management.
ISO 20400 – Sustainable Procurement
Participants learn
- Sustainable procurement principles
- ESG integration
- Responsible sourcing
- Receiving
- Invoice management
ISO 9001 – Quality Management Systems
Participants learn:
- Supplier quality management
- Continuous improvement principles
- Quality assurance processes
ISO 31000 – Risk Management
Participants learn:
- Procurement risk assessment
- Supplier risk mitigation
- Enterprise risk principles
ISO 22301 – Business Continuity Management
Participants learn:
- Supplier continuity planning
- Supply disruption preparedness
- Business resilience principles
ISO 37301 – Compliance Management Systems
Participants learn:
- Procurement compliance
- Regulatory requirements
- Supplier governance practices
ISO 27001 Awareness
Participants gain awareness of:
- Supplier cybersecurity risks
- Information security requirements
- Third-party risk management
Important Notice
The AC-SPR® certification is developed and awarded by AAPSCM® and is not an ISO certification. Relevant ISO frameworks are incorporated to support professional competency development and industry best practices.
Procurement Tools and Applications Covered
Participants gain practical exposure to tools commonly used in procurement and supplier management environments.
Supplier Evaluation Tools
- Supplier Assessment Templates
- Supplier Qualification Checklists
- Supplier Audit Frameworks
Procurement Analytics Tools
- Spend Analysis Dashboards
- Procurement KPI Scorecards
- Cost Analysis Models
Strategic Sourcing Tools
- RFQ Templates
- RFI Templates
- RFP Development Frameworks
- Supplier Comparison Matrices
Supplier Performance Tools
- Supplier Scorecards
- Vendor Performance Dashboards
- Supplier Improvement Plans
Risk Management Tools
- Supplier Risk Assessment Matrices
- Supplier Risk Registers
- Business Continuity Planning Templates
Procurement Technology Platforms
- eProcurement Systems
- Source-to-Pay Platforms
- Contract Lifecycle Management Systems
- Supplier Portals
Professional Recognition & Industry Relevance
The AC-SPR® designation demonstrates competency in strategic procurement, supplier relationship management, sourcing, supplier performance management, procurement analytics, and sustainable procurement practices.
Professionals earning the AC-SPR® credential demonstrate their commitment to:
- Procurement excellence
- Supplier collaboration
- Ethical procurement
- Risk management
- Sustainable sourcing
- Continuous professional development
Accreditation, Recognition & Global Presence
Developed and Awarded by AAPSCM®
The AC-SPR® certification is developed and administered by the American Academy of Project Management, Supply Chain Management & Tourism Excellence (AAPSCM®).
1
Global Professional Development Network
AAPSCM® supports certification delivery and professional development through:
- Authorized Training Partners
- Corporate Learning Partners
- Academic Affiliates
- Professional Associations
- Government Workforce Development Organizations
2
International Reach
AAPSCM® maintains an expanding network of affiliates, training providers, and professional development partners across multiple countries worldwide.
3
Quality-Based Certification Framework
AAPSCM® certifications are designed using competency-based certification principles and professional certification best practices to support workforce development and career advancement.
Career Outlook
Demand for procurement and sourcing professionals continues to increase as organizations focus on:
- Cost optimization
- Supplier risk management
- Sustainable procurement
- Supply chain resilience
- Digital procurement transformation
- Supplier relationship management
Professionals with procurement certifications are increasingly sought after across:
- Manufacturing
- Healthcare
- Government
- Construction
- Energy
- Logistics
- Retail
- Technology
- Higher Education
Pathway to Advanced Certifications
The AC-SPR® serves as a foundational professional credential and pathway toward advanced procurement and sourcing certifications offered by AAPSCM®.
Recommended Progression
1
American Certified Strategic Procurement and Supplier Relationship Professional (AC-SPR)®
2
American Certified Procurement and Category Management Professional (AC-PCM)®
3
American Certified Strategic Procurement Manager (ACSPM)®
4
Chartered Procurement and Supply Chain Executive (CPSCE)®
Exam & Certification Details
| Exam Codes | Exam (AC-SPR)® |
|---|---|
| Exam Details | The Strategic Procurement and Supplier Relationship Management certification exam focuses on developing advanced strategies for procurement excellence and fostering collaborative, value-driven supplier partnerships. |
| Number of Questions | Maximum of 100 questions per exam |
| Type of Questions | Multiple choice |
| Length of Test | 120 Minutes |
| Passing Score | 600 (on a scale of 1000) |
| Recommended Experience | No prior experience necessary |
| Languages | English |
| Retirement | None |
| Testing Provider | Affiliate Partners Testing Centers / Online Testing |
| Price | $399.99 USD |
Instructor-Led Training: Enroll in a 4-day program with 2 hours of live instruction daily, led by industry experts, for $1,200.
Purchase and Pay