A.P.P. Examination Modules

General Format For A.P.P. Examination

Note: A.P.P. candidates take modules 1 and 2 of the exam.

MODULE 1: PURCHASING PROCESS (23 questions)

Section A. Identifying Requirements (23 questions)
101 Establish procurement plans and make decisions necessary to purchase products or services in congruence with organizational objectives and sourcing strategies. (6 questions)
102 Review purchase requisitions in accordance with organizational requirements and/or budgetary constraints.(6 questions)
103 Determine appropriate methods of procurement.(6 questions)
104 Perform cost/benefit analyses on planned acquisitions.
105 Review supplier samples and/or demonstrations with the buying organization management and/or user departments.

Section B. Preparation of Solicitations (22 questions)
106 Develop/review specifications, statements of work, performance terms, and/or acceptance criteria. (7 questions)
107 Locate and select potential sources of materials or services.(6 questions)
108 Prepare and solicit competitive bids, quotations, and proposals with pertinent specifications, terms and conditions.(6 questions)
109 Manage and develop lists of recommended sources.(3 questions)

Section C. Supplier Analysis (19 questions)
110 Evaluate competitive offerings to determine the overall best offer for a product/service.(8 questions)
111 Conduct supplier visits/evaluations to determine suitability. (6 questions)
112 Measure supplier performance using rating systems and/or predetermined standards.(5 questions)

Section D. Contract Execution, Implementation, and Administration (26 questions)
113 Prepare and/or issue contracts/purchase orders.(4 questions)
114 Obtain legal review and approval of a contract when required.(5 questions)
115 Administer contracts/purchase orders from award to completion.(3 questions)
116 Expedite deliveries and conduct follow-up procedures when necessary.(2 questions)
117 Resolve contract/purchase order differences with suppliers.(4 questions)
118 Resolve payment problems with suppliers and user departments. (2 questions)
119 Review and revise purchasing practices to ensure their conformance with established laws, policies, and ethical principles.(4 questions)
120 Manage files of agreements, equipment records, and/or specifications.(2 questions)

MODULE 2: SUPPLY ENVIRONMENT (96 questions)

Section A. Negotiations (13 questions)
201 Prepare for and develop strategies and tactics for negotiations. (7 questions)
202 Conduct negotiations with potential and/or current suppliers to obtain maximum value.(6 questions)

Section B. Information Technology (16 questions)
203 Develop/utilize a computerized purchasing system (e.g., on-line buying, EDI, Web-based electronic commerce).(6 questions)
204 Develop/implement/maintain a database of specifications, suppliers, products, and/or services.(5 questions)
205 Develop/utilize a computerized inventory and/or capital equipment tracking system.(5 questions)

Section C. Quality Issues (12 questions)
206 Resolve quality problems with suppliers and user departments.(6 questions)
207 Develop measurements for quality improvement and target setting (e.g., "best in class" benchmarks). (6 questions)

Section D. Internal Relationships (22 questions)
208 Develop/manage/evaluate relationships with other internal departments.(6 questions)
209 Participate in cross-functional and/or multifunctional teams (e.g. project management, process improvement). (6 questions)
210 Recommend/implement changes to the organization's purchasing, supply management, and material usage policies as needed.(5 questions)
211 Disseminate information and provide training related to purchasing and supply management policies and procedures.(5 questions)

Section E. External Relationships (27 questions)
212 Develop/manage effective relationships with suppliers, utilizing such techniques as supplier partnerships, strategic alliances, supply chain management, and supplier training programs.(7 questions)
213 Review product availability and/or pricing information with suppliers.(6 questions)
214 Conduct interviews with current and prospective supplier sales personnel.(3 questions)
215 Coordinate/review/respond to supplier inquiries, protests, and appeals.(3 questions)
216 Develop/implement a small business/disadvantaged supplier development program.(5 questions)
217 Represent the buying organization in meetings with corporations, government agencies, professional associations, media, and other organizations.(3 questions)

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