Remember that these changes relate to MCPPO designations only. The Charter School Certification, required by statute, and the School Project Designers and Owner’s Project Managers Certification, required by Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) regulations, have not changed. These certifications are not related to the MCPPO designations.
Upcoming Changes
We are implementing the following changes effective July 1, 2021:
- We are reducing the number of MCPPO designations from six to two: an MCPPO designation for applicants with three or more years of procurement-related experience, and an Associate MCPPO designation for applicants with less than three years of procurement-related experience.
- We are eliminating the following designations: the MCPPO for Supplies and Services Contracting, the Associate MCPPO for Supplies and Services Contracting, the MCPPO for Design and Construction Contracting and the Associate MCPPO for Design and Construction Contracting. Current holders of these eliminated designations must convert to the MCPPO or Associate MCPPO designation by taking one additional class.
- Classes required for new applicants: New MCPPO designation applicants must successfully complete all three core classes – Public Contracting Overview (PCO), Supplies and Services Contracting (SSC) and Design and Construction Contracting (DCC) – within a three-year period.
- Converting designations: If you currently hold an MCPPO or Associate MCPPO for Supplies and Services Contracting or an MCPPO or Associate MCPPO for Design and Construction Contracting, you will not be able to renew your designation. You must convert to an MCPPO or Associate MCPPO designation by taking the third core class. For example, if you currently hold an MCPPO for Design and Construction Contracting, you must take the Supplies and Services Contracting class.
- Note that during your renewal period, you may take the third core class instead of the 14-credit MCPPO Designation Renewal class.
- You must take the exam at the end of the core class.
- Changes to requirements: We are simplifying the MCPPO designations’ work experience and educational requirements to promote diversity and inclusion. Previously, the designations required Massachusetts public sector work experience. Beginning on July 1, 2021, however, we will consider any procurement-related work experience, including private sector experience and public sector experience from outside of Massachusetts. We are also expanding our definition of procurement experience to incorporate contract management and supply-chain activities. Finally, we are eliminating educational requirements for the designations. Work experience will replace educational requirements.
- Changes to renewal class: We are changing the name of the class required to renew an existing designation from Recertification for MCPPO to MCPPO Designation Renewal because many students found the term “recertification” confusing in light of other certifications we offer. Additionally, we plan to offer the MCPPO Designation Renewal class as an online hybrid class on our e-learning platform later in 2021. This hybrid class will combine self-paced lessons and live webinars. In response to student requests, we are also creating an advanced track of this class for designees with significant procurement-related experience.
We expect to make other changes to the MCPPO program in the upcoming year. We will ensure that all current and future designees have ample notice to prepare for these changes. Please note that we are in the process of updating the application form and designation information on our website. In the meantime, please view the current class schedule and feel free to contact us with any questions. You can reach us by email at MA-IGO-Training@mass.gov or by phone at (617) 722-8884.
Additional Resources
Contact for OIG Bulletin, June 2021: Reminder That MCPPO Designation Requirements are Changing
| Date published: | June 9, 2021 |
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