News and events
Procurement certification moves forward in 2010
Did you know that since 2000 the QGCPO Procurement Training and Certification Program has trained over 9000 procurement professionals in over 700 training sessions?
Our program is recognised as a leader of public sector procurement training in Australia and has achieved international accreditation by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS).
To ensure the program continues to evolve to meet national objectives and to develop procurement capabilities across the sector the curriculum and assessments are being reviewed and updated.
Background to procurement training
Procurement is becoming increasingly professionalised, which is leading to changes in how governments approach procurement training.
The Australian Procurement and Construction Council (APCC) through its National Professionalisation of Procurement Forum, has established professional procurement standards and career pathways through the Aspirational Matrix on Building Government Procurement Capabilities. The review and update of the QGCPO program will ensure the program continues to meet national standards and learning objectives.
Timeframes for review and updates
|
Activity |
When |
| Review of current training materials |
ongoing from July 2009 |
| Release of 2010 training calendar |
by December 2009 |
| Training program changes implemented |
from early 2010 |
Your questions answered
What updates are occurring to the Program?
The review of all training content is currently underway and will be ongoing throughout the remainder of 2009. It is anticipated the updates will be finalised from early 2010.
When will the updates be made?
It is anticipated that updates will be implemented from early 2010 – but this will depend on finalising updates that deliver the best outcomes of our students. Students and the procurement community will be provided with more detailed information as it is confirmed.
Why are the updates being made?
Given the increasing strategic importance of procurement, it is crucial that the Procurement Certification Program remains relevant, engaging and equipped to elevate graduates to capable procurement professionals.
The potential for procurement functions to influence and impact government priorities has been highlighted through: recent changes to the State Procurement Policy, the Queensland Government Procurement Plan 2009-2012, commercial realities including sustainability requirements, competition for supply, global supply partners and increasing use of outsourced service providers.
The capability of government procurement officers, through a current and relevant training program, is integral to achieving government procurement objectives. The procurement world is always changing, and this review and update will ensure we continue to move forward and stay on top of best-practice procurement practices worldwide.
Are there any special transition arrangements for current students?
Transition to the updated certification workshops in 2010 is intended to be relatively seamless for current students (i.e post 2006) provided current training and assignment requirements have been met. Students will be provided with more details as soon as updates are confirmed.
I am attaining Level 3/4 certification and I only have one/two modules left to complete. Do I have to repeat the previous modules in the new program?
No. However, students must complete their current assignments by the due dates and should enrol and aim to complete the remaining modules relevant to the level of procurement certification already commenced by end of June 2010.
I currently have an overdue assignment, am I able to submit my assessment in 2009 or do I have to repeat the course in 2010?
Unless a request for an extension has been approved by QGCPO prior to the due date, an assignment will be deemed overdue and no further extensions granted. Assignments overdue by 30 December 2009, without prior extension approval, will no longer be eligible for submission and students will need to undertake the commensurate training module/s in 2010.
Will my existing certification be void with the introduction of the new program in 2010?
Procurement Certification achieved post January 2006 will continue to be recognised through QGCPO for the purpose of enrolment into higher procurement certification levels until December 2010. After which time, a process will be applied to determine the correct entry point to match a student’s procurement capabilities, experience and relevant qualifications upon enrolment back into the certification program, particularly after an extended period of absence.
What happens if my current level of procurement certification is pre 2006?
As with any recognised vocational training program we would require a student to provide information as to the currency of their procurement skills, knowledge/experience prior to their registration being accepted. This is necessary for quality assurance purposes, audit requirements and to ensure students have the necessary skills and knowledge.
Will my agency continue to recognise my Procurement Authority/Delegation?
This is an agency decision. The QGCPO Procurement Certification Program aligns to procurement capabilities and does not link to agency procurement delegations.
Will there be any changes to the enrolment process?
Registration for enrolment in 2010 will remain unchanged.
Can I register for multiple courses at the same time (Levels 3 and 4)?
Multiple enrolment is not encouraged to remove the potential for students to over commit. Students are required to complete all required assignments by due dates before enrolment in the next certification level.
Are there any exceptions to registration pre-requisites?
A student can commence the certification training at a pre-determined level through:
Will the competencies be different in the 2010 Procurement Certification program?
The competencies embedded within each level of procurement certification will continue to align with the latest national procurement competencies contained within the Public Sector Training Package.
How do I find out more about the update?
Send your feedback and questions to courserego@qgcpo.qld.gov.au
Last updated November 2009
