Procurement training resources
Last updated on December 5, 2023There are several training options to help buyers understand good procurement practice.
New Non-Binding Request for Quote (NRQ) training materials are now available.
Corporate training
Procurement and Contract Management Program (PCMP) courses
The Public Service Agency Learning Centre offers Procurement and Contract Management Program (PCMP) courses for government buyers.
The following courses are highly recommended for any government staff conducting procurements:
PCMP 100: Procurement Foundations (online)
An eLearning, self-paced, 4-module course. It is a pre-requisite for all other PCMP courses. The course is suitable for anyone completing BC Government procurements and managing contracts and vendor relationships. Learners will be introduced to core policies, procedures, and the phases of procurement: planning, solicitation, evaluation, contract/contract management, and close-out.
PCMP 204: Law and Ethics in Competitive Procurement (on hold)
A one-day course that focuses on the laws, ethics and behaviours expected of procurement staff, as rooted in trade agreements, government policy, and confirmed in recent court case outcomes. Procurement is a critical function in the BC government, and legal and ethical issues can arise during any stage of the procurement cycle. Procurement and contract staff must ensure competitive solicitations and contracting activities meet the expectations for open, fair and transparent processes.
The course is currently under review and will be converted to virtual learning in 2022.
PCMP 206: The Procurement Lifecycle, Part 1 (online)
A 7-10 hour eLearning, self-paced course. It is a pre-requisite for PCMP 207 and is meant to equip employees to apply concrete procurement rules and make good decisions through all phases of the procurement lifecycle. It is suitable for those who do procurement and contract management as a regular part of their job, or who find themselves doing an occasional procurement. This course is also recommended for employees in formal leadership roles.
PCMP 207: Practical Application of the Procurement Lifecycle, Part 2 (online)
A 14-hour course delivered through a blended approach using Teams and Moodle. It builds on PCMP 206, exploring the various phases of the procurement lifecycle in greater detail. Learners explore key concepts in the planning, execution, monitoring, evaluation, and close-out of their procurements through the use of case studies and facilitated small and large group discussions.
Note: Learners must complete PCMP 206 and bring their completion certificate to the course.
PCMP 302: Request for Proposals (on hold)
A course tailored to the development of effective Requests for Proposals. Temporarily on hold.
Broader public sector training
Broader public sector buyers can access training on the procurement lifecycle at Open School BC.
Other training resources
*New* Non-Binding Request for Quote (NRQ) training materials
The Non-Binding Request for Quote (NRQ) template enables buyers to make low value purchases using a consistent and flexible process. Training materials, including videos, questions and answers, and case studies for the Non-Binding Request for Quote (NRQ) template are available to guide BC government buyers.
The NRQ template and award letter can be found on the solicitation processes and templates page.
Additional training
The Public Service Agency Learning Centre offers additional courses that procurement staff may find helpful, such as:
- Financial management and expense authority training
- Risk management
- Building capacity in Indigenous relations
Customized training
For ministry-specific training, please refer to the BC government’s Learning Delivery and Learning Development Corporate Supply Arrangement.
This can be found in the Goods and Services Catalogue. Contractors on these supplier lists may be able to provide customized learning and training to match a ministry’s specific requirements.