Online Contract Specialist Training Programs

Contract specialists have some online training options through employers or schools. These programs are often intended for those with limited experience. In rare cases, advanced training is available.

Online Training Options for Contract Specialists

Contract specialists, also known as purchasing managers, coordinate the purchases and contracts for an organization. Though their online training options are limited, programs are available through individual employers or certificate programs in procurement and purchasing.
Online certificate programs in procurement and purchasing are often offered through colleges or universities. They provide training in legal and regulatory standards for purchasing contracts, professional ethics, standardization, logistics, public sector purchasing, vendor selection and supply chain management. Students who enroll in these programs may have little or no experience.
Some employers offer their own internal online training options for contract specialists. Learners are introduced to company-specific policies and procedures applicable to buying products or services from vendors. They may learn how to assess products or services to get the best value for the money, choose a vendor and prepare a contract.

How Online Training Works

Contract specialists may complete guided or self-directed training programs. Employer-provided training materials may be freely available to learners directly online. Audio and slide show presentations may be available and broken up into units. These may be accompanied by text-based guidelines or help questions designed for quick reference in the workplace. Other training programs may be delivered by an online course delivery system that requires registration for login credentials.
Contract specialists who enroll in a formal certificate training program offered by a college or university typically sign up for a session with a set start and end date. Schools typically use an online course delivery system, with course materials and assignments exchanged through a specialized interface. These programs may be asynchronous; however, there may be firm deadlines for turning in assignments. Some programs are accredited and offer college credit. Students may be required to purchase textbooks on their own.

Prerequisites

Employers who offer contract specialist training usually offer it to those working in that job title; there aren't typically any additional requirements for workplace training. Colleges or universities that offer certificate programs don't usually have any educational prerequisites either, although students may need to still complete an application.

Skill and Technology Requirements

Students who participate in online training programs are usually expected to have basic computer skills, including the ability to use a mouse, send and receive e-mail, and add or download attachments. Some familiarity with using the Internet may also be generally expected.
Participants in an online training program for contract specialists generally need to have a computer with high-speed Internet access. Some specialized software may be required, although the requirements can vary among school or employer-based programs.