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100+ Free NIGP-CPP Practice Questions

Pass your NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) exam on the first try — instant access, no signup required.

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Published annually by NIGP after May testing window Pass Rate
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Which is the BEST description of an 'Independent Government Cost Estimate' (IGCE) used at the federal level and analog at state level?

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: NIGP-CPP Exam

2

Exam Modules (A and B)

NIGP-CPP Exam Content

75 + 5

Scored + Pretest Items per Module

NIGP-CPP Exam Content

2 hrs

Time per Module

NIGP-CPP Exam Content

$150

Fee per Module

NIGP Help Center

43

Technical Competency Statements

Public Procurement Competency Framework

36 CEHs

Required Every 3 Years to Recertify

NIGP-CPP Recertification

3

Attempts per Module per Application Period

NIGP-CPP Testing Page

NIGP-CPP is a two-module computer-based exam delivered by Pearson VUE: Module A (foundational, 75 scored + 5 pretest items, 2 hours) and Module B (managerial, 75 scored + 5 pretest items, 2 hours). Each module is $150 ($150 retest). Eligibility uses an education + experience pathway (bachelor's + 4 years to associate's + 6 years of leader-level public procurement work within the past 10 years). Passing scores are scaled and set by the NIGP Certification Commission; pass/fail stats are published annually after the May window. Recertify every 3 years with 36 CEHs.

Sample NIGP-CPP Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your NIGP-CPP exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which document type is BEST suited when the public buyer can clearly describe required goods or services and intends to award solely on lowest responsive, responsible price?
A.Request for Proposals (RFP)
B.Invitation for Bids (IFB)
C.Request for Information (RFI)
D.Request for Qualifications (RFQ)
Explanation: An Invitation for Bids (IFB) is the competitive sealed bidding method used when specifications are clear and award is made to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder, with little or no judgment beyond price. The ABA Model Procurement Code identifies IFB as the preferred method for clearly defined requirements. RFPs are used when factors beyond price drive award. RFIs gather market information only. RFQ (Request for Qualifications) evaluates qualifications, not pricing.
2Under the ABA 2000 Model Procurement Code for State and Local Governments, which source procurement method is appropriate for architect/engineer (A/E) and land surveying services?
A.Competitive sealed bidding (IFB)
B.Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS)
C.Reverse auction
D.Small purchase
Explanation: Qualifications-Based Selection (QBS), modeled after the federal Brooks Act, requires public entities to select A/E and land surveying services based on demonstrated competence and qualifications first, then negotiate a fair and reasonable fee. The ABA Model Procurement Code adopts QBS for these professional services. IFB is improper because price cannot be the sole factor; reverse auctions are for commodity buys; small purchase thresholds rarely cover full A/E projects.
3A solicitation closes and three bidders submit. Bidder A's bid is lowest but the firm is debarred from federal awards. What is the correct disposition?
A.Award to Bidder A because price is lowest
B.Award to the next lowest responsive and responsible bidder
C.Cancel the solicitation and re-bid
D.Negotiate a price reduction with Bidder B
Explanation: A debarred firm is not a responsible bidder and cannot receive a public award. Award proceeds to the next lowest responsive, responsible bidder. NIGP and the ABA Model Procurement Code define responsibility to include integrity, debarment status, and capacity to perform. Cancellation is only appropriate when no responsive responsible bid exists or other defects justify it; negotiating with a remaining bidder violates competitive sealed bidding rules.
4Which contract type places the GREATEST cost risk on the contractor?
A.Cost-plus-fixed-fee (CPFF)
B.Firm-fixed-price (FFP)
C.Time and materials (T&M)
D.Cost-plus-incentive-fee (CPIF)
Explanation: In a firm-fixed-price contract, the contractor accepts the full risk of cost overruns because the price is set in advance and does not change with actual costs. FFP is preferred when requirements are well-defined and risks are reasonable. Cost-reimbursement contracts (CPFF, CPIF) shift cost risk to the buyer because the buyer reimburses allowable costs. T&M shares risk but is generally riskier for the buyer than FFP.
5A jurisdiction wants to encourage local small business participation without violating reciprocity laws. Which technique is generally PERMISSIBLE under most state public procurement codes?
A.A reciprocal preference matching out-of-state in-state-preferences
B.Awarding all contracts under $250,000 only to local firms
C.Refusing to evaluate any out-of-state bid
D.Adding 25% to every out-of-state bid
Explanation: Many state codes permit a reciprocal (tit-for-tat) preference that applies an in-state advantage equal to whatever penalty a non-resident bidder's home state would impose on the buyer's residents. This complies with the Commerce Clause framework. Blanket exclusion of out-of-state bids, automatic 25% penalties, and reserving all sub-threshold work for local firms violate competition principles and often the Dormant Commerce Clause.
6In a sealed-bid IFB, a bidder discovers a clerical error AFTER opening but BEFORE award. The error doubles their intended price. Under most public procurement rules, what is the typical remedy?
A.The bidder must perform at the bid price
B.The bidder may withdraw the bid upon clear and convincing evidence of a mistake
C.The bid is automatically revised to the bidder's intended price
D.The procurement officer must award to that bidder with a written addendum
Explanation: The ABA Model Procurement Code and most state codes allow bid withdrawal (not correction) after opening when the bidder provides clear and convincing evidence of a unilateral, non-judgmental mistake and the mistake is material. Post-opening price correction is generally not permitted because it would compromise the integrity of sealed bidding. Forcing performance at an erroneous price is also disfavored when withdrawal is properly substantiated.
7Which contract clause obligates the contractor to compensate the entity for failure to perform on schedule, set at a reasonable forecast of damages rather than a penalty?
A.Force majeure clause
B.Liquidated damages clause
C.Termination for convenience clause
D.Indemnification clause
Explanation: Liquidated damages (LDs) set a pre-agreed dollar amount payable by the contractor for late performance. Courts uphold LDs only when actual damages are difficult to estimate and the LD amount is a reasonable forecast of harm; otherwise the clause is unenforceable as a penalty. Force majeure excuses performance during defined unforeseen events. Termination for convenience lets the buyer end the contract without breach. Indemnification shifts third-party liability.
8What is the PRIMARY purpose of a Request for Information (RFI) in public procurement?
A.To award a contract to the lowest responsive bidder
B.To conduct market research and refine requirements before issuing a solicitation
C.To debrief unsuccessful proposers
D.To document a sole-source justification
Explanation: An RFI is a non-binding market-research tool used to understand industry capabilities, supplier interest, pricing benchmarks, and available solutions before a formal solicitation. RFI responses inform the scope, schedule, and method of an upcoming IFB or RFP. RFIs are not used to make awards, debrief proposers, or justify sole-source procurement.
9Under 2 CFR 200 (Uniform Guidance), what is the simplified acquisition threshold for federal grant-funded procurements as of recent rule updates?
A.$10,000
B.$50,000
C.$250,000
D.$1,000,000
Explanation: The federal simplified acquisition threshold (SAT) under 2 CFR 200.320 was raised to $250,000 (aligned with FAR Part 2). Recipients of federal grants must apply small purchase or competitive procedures above the micro-purchase threshold and below the SAT, with full and open competition required at or above the SAT. The micro-purchase threshold is $10,000 (with higher levels for certain entities).
10Which method of analyzing the lifecycle financial impact of an asset accounts for acquisition, operating, maintenance, and disposal costs?
A.Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) analysis
B.First-cost analysis
C.Lowest-bid analysis
D.Single-year budget analysis
Explanation: Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) sums acquisition price, operating costs, maintenance, training, downtime, energy, end-of-life disposal, and other lifecycle costs. NIGP and public-procurement best practice apply TCO whenever significant costs occur beyond purchase. First-cost or lowest-bid analyses ignore lifecycle expenses and can result in higher overall spend. A single-year budget view misses out-year obligations.

About the NIGP-CPP Exam

The NIGP-CPP is the public-procurement profession's flagship competency-based credential. It uses a two-module exam (Module A foundational and Module B managerial) covering 43 technical competency statements drawn from the Public Procurement Competency Framework across seven focus areas including strategy, policy and legislation, planning and analysis, sourcing and solicitation, contract administration, leadership, and business principles.

Questions

150 scored questions

Time Limit

2 hours per module (Module A and Module B)

Passing Score

Scaled passing score set by the NIGP Certification Commission; each module scored independently

Exam Fee

$150 per module (Module A and Module B); $150 retest per module (Pearson VUE on behalf of NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement)

NIGP-CPP Exam Content Outline

75 scored items, 2 hours

Module A - Foundational

20 competency statements across the seven PPCF focus areas; tests foundational public procurement knowledge required of every NIGP-CPP holder.

75 scored items, 2 hours

Module B - Managerial

23 competency statements across the seven PPCF focus areas at a managerial level; required for the full NIGP-CPP designation in addition to Module A.

Across both modules

Policy, Legislation, and Compliance

ABA Model Procurement Code, FAR overview, 2 CFR 200 Uniform Guidance, Davis-Bacon, FOIA/public records, MWBE/DBE, Justice40, sovereign immunity, and protest procedures.

Across both modules

Sourcing and Contract Administration

IFB, RFP, RFQ/RFI/RFQu, QBS, two-step bidding, BAFO, debriefing, contract types, modifications, bonds, liquidated damages, closeout.

Module B emphasis

Leadership, Strategy, and Business Principles

Category management, SRM, should-cost analysis, situational leadership, change management, balanced scorecard KPIs, supply-chain risk, encumbrance accounting, internal controls.

How to Pass the NIGP-CPP Exam

What You Need to Know

  • Passing score: Scaled passing score set by the NIGP Certification Commission; each module scored independently
  • Exam length: 150 questions
  • Time limit: 2 hours per module (Module A and Module B)
  • Exam fee: $150 per module (Module A and Module B); $150 retest per module

Keys to Passing

  • Complete 500+ practice questions
  • Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
  • Focus on highest-weighted sections
  • Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

NIGP-CPP Study Tips from Top Performers

1Confirm your eligibility pathway and submit documentation early - NIGP-CPP applications are reviewed before you may register for the testing window.
2Read the NIGP-CPP Requirements Manual and Exam Content outline cover to cover; map your weak competency statements before buying any prep course.
3Use NIGP Dictionary 5th edition terminology in your notes - exam wording mirrors official NIGP terms.
4Study Module A foundations (20 competencies) before Module B managerial (23 competencies); foundational concepts are reused at a managerial application level in Module B.
5Drill the legal frameworks: ABA Model Procurement Code, 2 CFR 200 thresholds (micro-purchase $10K, simplified acquisition $250K), Davis-Bacon, FOIA, MWBE/DBE, Justice40, and bid protest steps.
6Practice timed 75-question sets in 2-hour blocks to build endurance for a single module sitting.
7Treat ethics items strictly - NIGP exam answers favor disclosure, recusal, and avoiding even the appearance of impropriety over expedient choices.
8Plan around the testing windows (typically May, August, November) and budget for $150 per module plus potential retakes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the NIGP-CPP?

The NIGP-Certified Procurement Professional (NIGP-CPP) is the flagship competency-based credential issued by NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement. It validates mastery of 43 technical competency statements in the Public Procurement Competency Framework across seven focus areas, and uses a two-module exam delivered by Pearson VUE.

What is the difference between Module A and Module B?

Module A is the foundational module covering 20 competency statements that every NIGP-CPP holder must pass. Module B is the managerial module covering 23 additional competency statements at a managerial application level. Both modules are required for the full NIGP-CPP designation.

How many questions are on each NIGP-CPP module?

Each module contains 80 questions total: 75 scored multiple-choice items plus 5 unscored pretest items used to evaluate questions for future exams. Each module must be completed within 2 hours.

How is the NIGP-CPP scored?

Each scored question is worth one point. The NIGP Certification Commission set a scaled passing score for each module using formal standard-setting and psychometric review; the specific percentage threshold is not publicly disclosed. Modules are scored independently.

How much does the NIGP-CPP cost?

The testing fee is $150 per module ($300 for both modules). The retest fee is also $150 per module, and the transfer fee is $75 per module. Application fees and any preparation course fees are separate.

Who is eligible to sit for the NIGP-CPP?

Eligibility uses an education + experience pathway: bachelor's degree + 4 years, bachelor's + graduate certificate + 3 years, graduate degree + 2 years, or associate's degree (or NIGP Public Procurement Associate) + 6 years of full-time leader-level public procurement work in the past 10 years. Work experience must touch at least 25 of the 54 NIGP-CPP competency statements.

Can I retake the NIGP-CPP if I fail a module?

Yes. Candidates have up to three attempts per module within the application period (or by the November 2026 final testing window, whichever comes first). Each retake is $150 per module.

How long does the NIGP-CPP certification stay valid?

The NIGP-CPP is valid for 3 years. Recertification requires earning 36 continuing education hours (CEHs) during the cycle tied to the NIGP-CPP content outline or the Public Procurement Competency Framework. Up to 9 of the 36 hours may come from developing or delivering public procurement content.

Is the NIGP-CPP delivered by Prometric or Pearson VUE?

The NIGP-CPP exam is delivered by Pearson VUE on behalf of NIGP. Candidates register through NIGP and then schedule at a Pearson VUE test center or via Pearson VUE's online proctored option.