Procurement Through Smarter Workflows: NLPA’s Process Improvement Course

Published On: April 8th, 2025

Durham, NC – [April 3, 2025] – Procurement professionals are under growing pressure to do more with less. The ability to spot and fix inefficiencies in daily operations is now more important than ever. Automation backlogs, sourcing bottlenecks, and rising compliance demands challenge today’s procurement teams. To stay effective, they must constantly evolve. Recognizing this growing need, the Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA) recently released its foundational self-paced course, Process Improvement 101.

Why Process Improvement Matters Now

Process Improvement is more relevant than ever. As technology reshapes procurement ecosystems and organizations strive for leaner, more agile operations, continuous process improvement has become a non-negotiable competency.

Small Improvements, Big Impact

“We’re seeing procurement teams facing challenges that weren’t even on the radar a few years ago—disrupted supply chains, volatile markets, and increasingly complex supplier ecosystems,” said Jeff Dean, SPSM, SPSM2, CPOM, CPOE – Vice President of Education at NLPA. “This course is a timely reminder that even small, well-implemented process improvements can have a ripple effect on cost savings, efficiency, and compliance.”

What the Course Covers

Process Improvement 101 provides step-by-step guidance and real-world examples, enabling learners to:

  • Implement improvements from five proven methodologies
  • Understand and measure efficiency gains
  • Reduce financial risk and improve compliance
  • Increase profitability and ensure a competitive edge

As organizations seek ways to stay responsive and resilient, the call for upskilling has intensified. The ability to recognize process inefficiencies and apply corrective action is no longer a specialized skill—it’s a baseline requirement.

Upskilling for a Changing Procurement Landscape

“In a world where procurement teams are expected to move faster, deliver more value, and be proactive business partners, process improvement is foundational,” said Amber Pate, COO at Certitrek. “This course meets learners where they are. It breaks down concepts into simple steps that can be used right away.”

Course Access and Continuing Education Credit

Process Improvement 101 is a 100% online, self-paced course that can be completed in about an hour and is available for 30 days after registration. It has been pre-approved for one hour of continuing education credit toward NLPA certifications including CPOS, CPOP, CPOM, and CPOE.

Procurement and supply chain professionals can enroll now by visiting the course page. For other concerns, contact the NLPA Team.

About the Next Level Purchasing Association (NLPA)
The NLPA is the world’s leading procurement training and certification provider, offering modern, accessible, and practical online education. With practical courses built for today’s professionals, NLPA helps procurement teams focus on procurement process improvement and stronger results.

About NLPA Learning
NLPA Learning is the official Learning Management System (LMS) of the Next Level Purchasing Association. NLPA Learning is easy to use and designed with the learner in mind. It gives quick access to all courses, certifications, and progress in one place. Users can check their enrollments, take quizzes, download certificates, and review course content anytime. It’s a flexible option for busy professionals around the world.

About Certitrek
NLPA is a division of the Certitrek Group, a company that builds brands dedicated to credentialing, training, and workforce development. With a strong focus on industry relevance, Certitrek companies provide practical solutions that help professionals advance their careers and organizations achieve performance excellence.