Top 10: Procurement Associations

Procurement is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, shaped by global economic shifts, digital innovation and increasing pressure to embed sustainability and resilience into supply chains. 

Once viewed primarily as a cost-saving function, procurement now plays a critical strategic role in driving value, managing risk and enabling growth across both public and private sectors. 

From navigating supply disruptions and geopolitical tensions to meeting evolving ESG expectations, today’s procurement leaders must balance efficiency with long-term impact.

In this evolving landscape, procurement associations are vital. These organisations serve as global hubs for knowledge, networking, advocacy and professional development. 

They offer certifications, industry standards and up-to-date insights that help practitioners stay competitive and compliant. 

For individuals, membership provides access to best practices, events and a community of peers facing similar challenges. For organisations, associations contribute to workforce capability and operational excellence.

Whether advancing diversity in supply chains, fostering public-private partnerships or strengthening procurement ethics, associations play a crucial role in shaping the future of the profession. 

Explore the top global procurement associations below.

10. Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA)

• Type: Training and certifications
• Founded: 2000
• Headquarters: Durham, North Carolina
• Members: Not publicly disclosed

The Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA) offers procurement training and certification programmes to a global community of procurement professionals. 

It focuses on enhancing procurement skills and knowledge through online courses and resources.

9. National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO)

• Type: Public procurement practices
• Founded: 29 January 1947
• Headquarters: Lexington, Kentucky, USA
• Members: Directors of central purchasing offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and US territories 

The National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) is a non-profit association dedicated to advancing public procurement through leadership, excellence and integrity.

It provides a network for resolving procurement issues and promotes best practices among state procurement officials.

8. National Contract Management Association (NCMA)

• Type: Contract management
• Founded: 1959
• Headquarters: Ashburn, Virginia, USA
• Members: Over 20,000

The National Contract Management Association (NCMA) is a professional association dedicated to the profession of contract management. 

It promotes contract management through education, networking, publications and certification programmes, supporting professionals in the field.

7. Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM)

• Type: Training and certifications
• Founded: 1957 (as APICS); rebranded in 2018
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Members: Over 45,000

The Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), formerly known as APICS, is a non-profit organisation that provides certification programmes, training tools and networking opportunities to enhance supply chain performance. 

ASCM aims to advance end-to-end supply chain management through education and innovation.

6. Institute for Supply Management (ISM)

• Type: Education
• Founded: 1915
• Headquarters: Tempe, Arizona, USA
• Members: Over 50,000 (more than 100 countries)

The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) is the world's oldest and largest supply management association. 

It provides education, training, qualifications and research to professionals and organisations interested in supply management, aiming to advance the practice and drive value across industries.

5. Procurement Leaders

• Type: Network
• Founded: 2004
• Headquarters: London, UK
• Members: Over 62,000 senior procurement executives 

Procurement Leaders is a UK-based network providing insights, research and events for procurement executives. 

It serves a community of over 62,000 senior leaders worldwide, offering resources to drive procurement excellence and innovation.

4. Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

• Type: Awarding body and education
• Founded: 1932
• Headquarters: Easton on the Hill, UK
• Members: Over 64,000 (180 countries)

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is a UK-based professional body dedicated to promoting best practices in procurement and supply chain management. 

With a global membership exceeding 64,000, CIPS offers education, certification and resources to support procurement professionals in achieving excellence and advancing their careers.

3. International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA)

• Type: Certifications
• Founded: 2003
• Headquarters: Beachwood, Ohio, USA
• Members: Over 100,000

The International Supply Chain Education Alliance (ISCEA) is a global certifying body offering various supply chain certifications. 

It was the first organisation to certify supply chain managers globally and continues to be a leading resource for supply chain career development, with thousands of certificate holders earning top-tier salaries.

2. National Association of Government Contractors (NAGC)

• Type: Trade
• Founded: 1957
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
• Members: Over 120,000 

The National Association of Government Contractors (NAGC) is a US-based trade association representing business owners engaged or interested in contracts with government, universities and private corporations. 

Founded in 1957, NAGC has grown from a small coalition to one of the largest voices for small contractors on Capitol Hill, providing advocacy, education, business development and services to its members.

1. International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM)

• Type: Certifications
• Founded: 14 May 1974
• Headquarters: Helsinki, Finland
• Members: Approximately 250,000 professionals (national and regional)

The International Federation of Purchasing and Supply Management (IFPSM) is a non-political, independent, non-profit organisation that serves as a global platform for the development and sharing of procurement and supply chain management practices. 

It comprises 44 national and regional purchasing associations worldwide, collectively representing approximately 250,000 procurement professionals.

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