MCPPO Designation

The MCPPO Designation is widely recognized as an indication that you are well versed in Massachusetts procurement laws and practices.  In fact, municipal job postings often specify that an applicant hold an MCPPO designation.

If you meet the requirements, you can apply for an MCPPO designation or Associate MCPPO designation. The OIG will no longer charge the $100 processing fee for these applications.

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Updated Information About MCPPO Designation Applications and Renewals

The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) is pleased to announce significant changes to our MCPPO designation application and renewal process, effective immediately. 

The OIG is looking for ways to expand educational offerings and participation in our courses by, among a host of things, reducing financial barriers facing individuals and communities. To promote good government and best practices in public procurement, the Inspector General seeks to ensure that every community in the Commonwealth has at least one public employee with a current MCPPO designation. 

As part of a pilot program to make MCPPO designations more affordable and accessible, the OIG is waiving the $100 fee associated with all designation applications and renewals. The OIG appreciates Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano and members of the legislature for their support of our efforts to expand access to public procurement training.   

In addition, please note the following changes to the MCCPO designation application and renewal process:   

  • Applicants for the MCPPO designation or renewal must do so using our online portal. The online portal is the most efficient way to protect your personal information while processing your application. 
  • The OIG is not able to accept designation applications or renewals by mail, email or fax. If you send a designation application or renewal form using one of these methods, we will unfortunately be forced to return it to you and remind you to submit the information through the online portal. 

These changes take effect immediately. If you have any questions, please contact the OIG training team at MA-IGO-TRAINING@mass.gov.

MCPPO Designation Requirements

Once you complete all required classes, to receive the designation you must submit an application.

MCPPO:

Associate MCPPO:

The designation application requires relevant work history information and completion of the CORI Acknowledgement Form. You must also include a copy of a government-issued photo identification. We cannot process incomplete applications.

An MCPPO designation is valid for three years from the date of issue. MCPPO designees must maintain their knowledge and skills and document continuing professional education when they apply to renew their designation every three years.

Completing the classes alone does not constitute the award of a designation.

* “Procurement-related experience” means buying, soliciting, purchasing, leasing, contracting for or otherwise acquiring supplies, services, real property, or design or construction services. It may also include the disposition of supplies and real property. It also includes all the functions related to any of the above activities, including, but not limited to, preparing solicitations and specifications, preparing and awarding contracts, and all phases of contract administration.

Your professional procurement-related work experience can be in a public, private or not-for-profit setting or in the service of a public entity. For example, it can be as an owner’s project manager, clerk of the works, architect, or procurement consultant. It must be a job that involves procurement-related tasks.

Additional Resources

MCPPO Advising Services

We offer advising services for our MCPPO program participants. 

The MCPPO advising services can help active and potential MCPPO participants choose their classes and navigate the designation application and renewal requirements. Our advisors can also assist with choosing which MCPPO educational path to take and offering strategies for remaining in good standing with a designation or certification.

We are here to help you with your professional development.

Contact us at MA-IGO-TRAINING@mass.gov and we will have one our staff arrange a virtual meeting with you.

Compliance Audit

The Office of the Inspector General reserves the right to verify, through a compliance audit or request, any information provided to the Office through the designation application process. If you are chosen for a compliance audit, you will be notified by the MCPPO program and be provided with instructions about what information we are seeking and your options for providing this information. 

You will be given 90 days to provide the information. If you are unable to provide the requested information or are found to have made a false certification on your application, this may lead to the suspension or revocation of your designation.

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Date published: December 1, 2022
Last updated: June 6, 2023

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