Certification from the Statewide Procurement Division (SPD) is mandatory (see Texas Government Code, Title 10, Section 2155.078(b) and 1TAC 113.1 of the SPD. In accordance with the statute, SPD recognizes certifications from national purchasing associations for course training credit. Three organization's certifications are currently accepted under the program.
These certifications are acceptable as an equivalent for training toward SPD's certification.
NOTE: This does not mean that persons already holding these certifications are not encouraged to take the courses offered by SPD. In fact, SPD highly encourages it. Our students have found the courses very beneficial and informative. Also, SPD courses cover Texas-specific material that the national associations may not cover in their certification programs.