Education and Training for Purchasing Professionals Key Terms

Learn education and training for purchasing professionals key terms to evaluate educational options

Understanding education and training for purchasing professionals key terms helps you realize what options are out there in addition to traditional training. While many purchasing professionals get their training in a classroom, there are also other training and educational methods available to professionals.

An understanding of education and training for purchasing professionals key terms helps you determine what might work best in your particular situation. Whether it's a conference, an online seminar or distance learning, understanding the terminology helps you take advantage of educational offerings that suit your lifestyle and needs.

Resource guides

This term refers to lesson plans and other educational information that professionals might tap into for further training and understanding on a particular topic. Resource guides might include websites, books and organizations.

Independent learning

The term independent learning refers to a type of education used by institutions such as high schools and colleges in which a teacher agrees to work with a student outside of school boundaries. Students frequently get credit for their independent study courses.
Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System offers information on its website detailing its independent learning offerings. Its courses help students study for ISM certification.

Institute for Supply Management

Formerly known as the National Association of Purchasing Management, the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) provides conferences, seminars and other educational offerings for purchasing professionals.

Seminars

A seminar is a particular type of academic instruction, generally offered by a professional organization or by a university. In most cases, a seminar brings together a small group of people interested in a particular topic. Seminars encourage participants to engage in conversation and activities related to the topic.

Distance learning opportunities

Distance learning opportunities include coursework offered through video, CD, DVD or the Internet. This type of learning allows someone to meet educational requirements outside the standard classroom setting.
American Certification Institute offers distance learning opportunities and explains how the distance learning process works. It provides a certified purchasing professional review, as well as an accredited purchasing professional review.

Accreditation

This term refers to recognition or credits received, generally from an educational institution, showing that you met their standards. Many accredited schools offer degrees such as an associate, masters, doctorate or bachelor degree for purchasing professionals.
Central Michigan University offers an accredited program so one can major in purchasing and supply management. Students taking purchasing courses earn credits toward their major.