OIG Academy General Program FAQs

Frequently-asked questions about the OIG Academy's class schedule and registration process.

Table of Contents

General Information

When will you have a new class schedule?

The OIG Academy's fall schedule is generally posted on our website early in the summer. We try to post our spring classes along with the fall schedule. However, we usually post the full spring calendar in November. Although we post our summer schedule in May, because of state finance law prohibitions, we cannot accept registrations and payments until July.

Please note that our class schedule may change several times each semester based on training demand and other needs. Because of this, we encourage those interested in our trainings to periodically review the schedule for updates and sign up for our email distribution list at MA-IGO-TRAINING@mass.gov

Does your office offer any classes in my area?

The OIG Academy currently offers some in-person classes while continuing the virtual option. When we offer in-person classes, the OIG Academy uses a designated classroom in Boston that includes a videoconferencing option. We also offer in-person classes throughout the Commonwealth. Please contact us at MA-IGO-TRAINING@mass.gov if you would like to host a class in your area or would like us to consider holding a training in your area for your jurisdiction or organization. 

I am a vendor. Are the OIG Academy classes open to vendor participation?

Yes. Understanding state and local procurement laws is a sound investment. Vendors will receive a certificate of attendance for each class taken and are welcome to earn the MCPPO Designation.

I am new to public procurement. Which class should I take?

If you want to obtain an MCPPO Designation, you must take all three core classes:

Being new to public procurement, we highly recommend that you first take Public Contracting Overview as a prerequisite to the other core classes or any of our other classes. Otherwise, you may take any of our classes or trainings.

In addition, you can watch our 22-minute Chapter 30B overview video on our YouTube channel for basic information. We also plan to offer an online self-paced procurement primer called Bidding Basics that can be completed in about 4 hours and outlines the basics of public procurement in Massachusetts.

I am confused about which OIG Academy classes to take. Whom can I speak to? 

The OIG Academy offers advising services.  Please see the OIG Academy schedule page for more information. 

Registration

How do I register for a class?

You can register and pay for all our classes online or by U.S. mail. We encourage you to use the online option. You will receive written confirmation after we process your registration.

Do you have a waitlist for full classes?

No. Each class is filled on a first-come, first-served basis. The OIG Academy does not offer a waitlist for classes that have been filled. If a class of interest has been filled, please use our OIG Bulletin sign-up form to get the latest news on OIG Academy classes.

If I have sent in my registration form, can I assume I am registered in the class?

No. You must receive a confirmation from the OIG Academy. You should receive confirmation shortly after your registration and payment are processed. However, you will not receive log-in information by email for a virtual class or specific class information until two or three days before the class start date.

How do I know if I have been admitted to a class? Are there any enrollment requirements?

You will receive a confirmation email from our office when we register you. Other than the registration information and payment, we do not have other enrollment requirements.

I am registered for an upcoming class, but I am unable to attend. Am I allowed to transfer my registration?

Yes. Transfer of a registration within your organization is possible with prior notice, one time only. Please refer to our updated class cancellation and attendance policy. Due to the limited number of seats available for each class, registrants must send a notice of non-attendance to MA-IGO-Training@mass.gov at least two business days before the start of a class (unless an emergency causes non-attendance) to receive a refund, request a one-time transfer to another class, or to send another attendee in their place.

I just realized that I need to take an OIG Academy class to preserve my MCPPO Designation, but I will not be able to pay for the class when I register. Can you hold a seat for me until I can send the payment by mail?  

No. Unfortunately, due to the high demand for our classes, we are unable to hold seats pending receipt of payment. However, we may be able to grant you a brief grace period for your renewal application while completing the renewal requirements. Please contact us at MA-IGOTraining@mass.gov for more information or assistance with this process.  

I am registered for a class in January. What happens if it snows?

Most of our classes are virtual or can be converted to a virtual environment. If an in-person class will be converted to a virtual class, you will be notified the day before the class. In the event of a winter storm, the OIG Academy follows the Boston Public Schools' snow emergency schedule. If the Boston Public Schools are closed due to inclement weather, and we cannot convert the class to a virtual class, then there will be no OIG Academy class that day.

You will be notified about the status of the class by 6:00 a.m. the day of class.  Please check your email the morning of a class since this is our primary method of communication. We will email you at the email address you provided with your registration. Also, please consider following us on Twitter @MassOIG to receive updates.

Emergencies or unforeseen circumstances could cause a class to be delayed, cancelled or rescheduled. If the class is cancelled, you will receive information about a rescheduled date for the class. 

Contact   for OIG Academy General Program FAQs

Last updated: October 23, 2023
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