Supply Chain Management Professional or Purchasing Agent
Information you need to know to work as a Supply Chain Manager or Purchasing Agent
Who is the licensing body responsible for Supply Chain Management Professionals / Purchasing Agents in Alberta?
In Alberta, you must be a registered member of the Supply Chain Management Association of Alberta (SCMA) to call yourself a Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP). You do not have to be registered if you do not call yourself a Supply Chain Management Profession nor use the initials SCMP after your name.
NOTE: The Supply Chain Management Professional (SCMP) designation replaces the Certified Professional Purchaser (C.P.P.) designation.
What are the certification requirements to become a Supply Chain Management Professional in Alberta?
Applicants can apply for Supply Chain Professional Designation through the Recognition of Prior Leaning Pathway (RPL). Applicants are assessed on a individual bases upon submission of their application to Supply Chain Canada.
The typical process route is
1. Submit an RPL application
2. Once a notification is received of advanced standing, apply for admission to the SCMP Designation Program.
The SCMP Designation Programconsists of the following components:
- 8 Modules which cover the core areas of supply chain management,
- 6 Interactive Workshops which address higher-level business skills
- In-Residence Week integrating and advancing knowledge gain during modules and workshops
- Final Examination
- 3 years of progressive practical experience in any aspect of supply chain management
- You may apply for an exemption from the SCMP Designation Program post-secondary requirements if you have ten (10) years’ relevant supply chain management work experience with a minimum of five (5) years or more at the mid-career level or higher. Candidates applying for program entry based on work experience must provide:
- Employment confirmation and/or employer reference letters stating positions held with corresponding scope of responsibilities;
- Detailed position descriptions;
- Current resume; and
- An organizational chart to illustrate function level and position.
To submit an application for Advanced Standing or exemption through work experience go to SCMA website and fill out the SCMP Designation Program and Advanced Standing Enrollment form.
What are the training requirements for Supply Chain Management Professionals in Alberta?
Note: Licensing bodies compare international education and experience to Canadian standards. SCMPs in Alberta are required to hold a degree or diploma in a business related program from a university, college or technical institute. In addition, SCMPs must complete eight modules and six interactive workshops.
The modules include: Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Supply Management, Logistics and Transportation, Operations and Process Management, Knowledge Management, Global Sourcing, Supply Chain Management for the Public Sector, and Supply Chain Management for Services, Capital Goods and Major Projects.
The interactive workshops include: Leadership and Professionalism, Negotiation Skills, Communication and Relational Skills, Competitive Bidding, Contract Preparation and Contract Management, Risk Management and Ethical Behaviour and Social Responsibility. Consult the SCMP Education Handbook for any information regarding the SCMP designation program.
What are the accepted English language proficiency tests and where can I be tested?
There are no formal English requirements for Supply Chain Managers; however, Supply Chain Managers must be able to communicate effectively in the areas of reading, writing, speaking and listening skills in order to be successful in the profession. To learn more about where to take an English language proficiency test in Alberta, visit English Language Proficiency Tests and Locations.
What resources and supports are available for internationally educated Supply Chain Managers?
Directions for Immigrants offers workplace communication groups to help you integrate into the Canadian work environment. The Clear Communication for Business workplace communication group is designed to help internationally educated professionals fine-tune their communication skills with colleagues, supervisors, and clients. In one week, you will learn through role-play and scenarios the nuances and expectations of the Canadian business culture. Topics include active listening, assertiveness, conflict resolution, problem solving, and teamwork.
What information resources are available for Supply Chain Managers in Alberta?
- Supply Chain Management Association of Alberta (SCMA)
- National Institute for Public Procurement (NIGP)
- Supply Chain Management Association of Canada (PMAC)
Additional Occupational Information
For more information on occupations, duties and wages, visit:
