CPO Program Certification Level 2

Training for Level 2 is designed to provide additional information regarding instruction, rules and roles of the CPO and many other insights.

In 2020, the State Legislature recognized the importance of changing the threshold for a CPO currently eligible to procure products and services for their agency. In accordance with the statutes, a CPO must complete the certification program provided by Central Purchasing and demonstrate proficiency by successfully completing a requisite assessment as a condition to an agency receiving an increased purchasing authority up to a $250,000 threshold. The assessments are jointly developed by Human Capital Management and Central Purchasing. Upon achieving Level 2 certification, CPOs are eligible to procure products/services for their agency with an approved purchasing authority up to $150,000 or $250,000.

PREREQUISITES

CPO Level 2 certification is available to a CPO who:

• Has held Level 1 certification for a minimum of six months.
  
• Is currently working in a state or municipality sector.
• Has obtained 12 qualifying CEU’s.
  
  • Upon application, if a CPO Continuing Education Units Report has not yet been completed, proof of completion of 12 qualifying CEU’s will be required. Qualifying CEU’s are listed on Form 006, CPO Continuing Education Units Report.
  • CEU’s acquired for the purpose of becoming Level 2 that occur prior to the beginning of the first reporting period do not roll over.

HOW TO BECOME CERTIFIED

In accordance with the statutes, a CPO must complete the certification program provided by Central Purchasing and demonstrate proficiency by successfully completing a requisite assessment.

If you are eligible for Level 2 certification, complete the CPO Program application form and register for the online, self-paced certification course.

REQUIREMENTS TO RETAIN CPO CERTIFICATION

A Level 2 CPO must continue to maintain the 24 CEU’s required each reporting period. In addition, Level 2’s will be required to attend an additional class one time per year. This class is held in-person only and will cover topics related to Level 2 work, as well as provide interactive opportunities to work in breakout groups. No CEU’s are offered for this class, as it constitutes the additional training required of a Level 2 CPO beyond the normal two-year report.

SUSPENSION

Failure by a CPO to complete the required CEU’s for their reporting period or to attend the yearly Level 2 class will result in reduction of the CPO’s Level 2 purchasing authority, and possible reduction of the state agency’s approved purchasing authority.

A CPO suspended from Level 2 must work through the yearly class material and retake the CPO certification course approved by the state purchasing director and demonstrate proficiency in procurement practices by passing the CPO prescribed certification assessment. Suspension as a Level 1 CPO is independent from this requirement and all stated guidelines related to Level 1 recertification still apply.

In the event of extenuating circumstances, a CPO may submit a written request to the state purchasing director for reinstatement. The state purchasing director may approve or deny the request. A reinstatement approved to allow an extension of time to fulfill requirements shall not exceed three months.