The Future of the NAPM-OC
Supply Management Certificate Program

Howard E. Leonard, C.P.M., A.P.P.
Retired Certificate Program Instructor

Approximately 40 years ago NAPM-OC (formerly PMAOC) began with Orange Coast College and Fullerton College, a Purchasing Certificate Program. It consisted of six special purchasing classes (18 college units) and two business electives (six college units). A student received a Purchasing Certificate from the college upon completion of the 24 units (at evening college campuses). There were no comparable programs available.

Today many local colleges and universities offer some sort of purchasing/supplier management classes. Unfortunately, in my opinion, some of them are short courses that attempt to cram a great deal of information, i.e. a “quick fix”.

The NAPM-OC Certification Program today consists of four special purchasing classes (12 college units) and two business electives (6 college units). It is offered at various Coastline Community College locations, taught by experienced purchasing professionals, who have both formal education and purchasing experience.

The program is at the crossroads. Class attendance has continued to drop. Coastline cannot keep a class open if attendance does not reach at least 25 students. There was a time when many Orange County (and LA) companies required or urged all their purchasing people to complete the Certification Program.

Many of you have earned your certificate. I believe you know its’ value. I think that we need to urge our respective purchasing departments to do this again if we believe (as I do) the Program is the best one available. We used to fill the classes. We can do it again.
Thank you.

Howard E. Leonard, C.P.M., A.P.P.
Retired Certificate Program Instructor

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