The Institute for Supply Management, (ISM), formerly National Association of Purchasing Management (NAPM), offers two professional designations, the Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) and the Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.). ISM works with other organizations to introduce and market the C.P.M. program outside of the United States.

The Certified Purchasing Manager (C.P.M.) program was adopted in 1974. The C.P.M. program is for the entire profession and focuses on the managerial, administrative, strategic, as well as tactical aspects of the purchasing and supply management function.

The Accredited Purchasing Practitioner (A.P.P.) program was established in 1996. The A.P.P. program is for those in purchasing and supply management and those outside of the purchasing or supply management department with definite purchasing and supply management responsibilities. The A.P.P. program focuses on the tactical and operational aspects of purchasing and supply management.