Professionalising public procurement through certification

As public procurement takes on a more strategic role – from advancing sustainability and resilience to driving innovation and digital transformation – the demand for skilled, well-equipped procurement professionals is growing. Certification frameworks can help by setting clear professional standards, recognising expertise, and providing structured pathways for development. This paper examines how countries are using certification frameworks to strengthen the capabilities of their public procurement workforce. Drawing on an OECD survey of 15 countries, it highlights current practices, emerging trends, and lessons for governments considering similar approaches. International examples show how certification can improve the quality, consistency, and credibility of procurement across governments. While there is no single model that fits all contexts, the findings show that, when thoughtfully implemented, certification frameworks can be a powerful tool for building a capable, strategic, and trusted procurement workforce.