Overview
In this career, your responsibilities may include:
- Evaluating vendors of products and services, selecting the best fit products and services for the organization, and negotiating contracts for their purchase.
- Analyzing price proposals and keeping records of purchases, including costs and inventory.
Job Titles
In your job search, you may find job listings for this career under different titles. You can find some examples of these, as well as more information about this career, at Career One Stop.
Academic Requirements
Typically requires an associate degree, although many employers prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree. Obtaining a bachelor’s degree can make you eligible for careers with greater responsibility and higher salaries in this career pathway, if you do not already have the U.S. equivalent of a bachelor’s degree. Your associate degree might give you advanced standing or transfer credit towards a bachelor’s degree, reducing the time it would take you to graduate.
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Certification
Certification is not required, but could make employers more likely to hire you or offer you a higher salary.
You may be eligible for the following certifications:
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP)
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Licensure
No licensure is required to work as a Purchasing Agent.
Contact us with any questions you might have.