The Learning Management System – or LMS – is a one-stop shop for all things VIP. This system is a portal for applying to our certification programs, registering for courses, tracking your continuing and professional education hours via your transcript, and completing the recertification process.

Yes, you must have an account to access courses/resources on the VIP LMS.  If you are experiencing issues accessing your previously created account, please do not create a new account. Contact us at absorb@dgs.virginia.gov for assistance.

If you do not currently have an account, create an account using the "Sign Up" button under the login form. Only official state or local government emails will be accepted. Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, and other email services will not be allowed for account creation. If you encounter any issues creating your account, please contact us at absorb@dgs.virginia.gov for assistance.

Q: What is the criteria for applying to the VCA certification program?

A: Any state or local government employee may apply if they meet the following VCA criteria:

1. Job consists of 10% or more of purchasing-related activities and

2. Perform one or more of the following job duties:

   • Initiate purchase orders using eVA
   • Purchase from state contracts, mandatory sources, or routine office supplies
   • Conduct procurement research (specifications, vendors, prices, usage reports) for buyers
   • Use eVA reporting tools
   • Process procurement expenditures
   • Maintain buyer contract files or assist with contract administration
   • Use Small Purchase Charge Card to execute purchases
   • Assist in evaluating supplier performance or provide purchasing customer service
   • Coordinate surplus property activities
   • Occupy a position requiring basic knowledge of procurement laws, guidelines, or eProcurement tools

Additional documentation to support your VCA Application may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Q: How do I apply for the VCA Program?

A: Enroll in the VCA Application Course and complete the Application Process:

1. From your Learner Dashboard – select the “Catalog” Icon

2. Select the “Apply to the VCA Program” online course.

3. Enroll in the Course. Once you enroll, you will have up to one year to submit your VCA Application before you will be required to re-enroll.

4. Download the VCA application and complete all fields.

5. Ensure that your application is complete, including all appropriate signatures, before submitting the form.

6. In the course, you will find an "Application Form" task. Submit your application by uploading it to the form you will find by clicking this tab.

7. Once the VCA application form is submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email that the application has been received.

8. The completed application is then reviewed by VIP. An email will be sent to the applicant with the approval decision within two to four weeks of receipt of the application. While under review, your course status will indicate ‘Resume’. Once approved, it will show complete.  You can view any notes regarding the review of your application by viewing this course once your upload has been submitted for review.

9. Approved applicants will receive an email with approval to log in to the VIP LMS and purchase the VCA classroom course. Once purchased, you must select your class session date. Class payment, as well as selection of a class session, must be completed to be considered on the roster for a specific classroom session.

10. Approved applicants have one year from the date of the approval to schedule and take the VCA course and exam, or they will need to repeat the VCA application process.

Q.  Is the VCA Class / Exam taken in person?

A:  No.  Both the classroom session and exam are taken virtually.

Q: Is there required pre-work for the class?

A: Yes.  There is approximately 7-10 hours of required pre-work on the VIP LMS that must be completed in order to obtain certification.  In addition to the VCA Online Pre-Work, please make sure that you read the following before class:

• VPPA: Articles 1, 2 & Article 6 (The PDF version of the VPPA may be accessed on the DPS Website).
• APSPM: Chapters 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14 and Appendix A (The PDF version of the APSPM may be accessed on the DPS Website).

What is the criteria for applying to the VCO certification program?

A: Any state or local government employee may apply if they meet the following VCO criteria:

1. Job Position: Must meet the following criteria

   • Procurement Officer I role in Career Group – Procurement Services #19150 or equivalent position and responsibilities.  See LINK to DHRM Procurement Services here.

2. Education Requirement

   • Virginia Contracting Associate (VCA) Certification

3. Experience Requirement

   • Select  one  of the Pathways below required to support the VCO application:

Pathway #1 Criteria and Documentation Requirements:

• Procurement Officer I role in Career Group – Procurement Services #19150 or equivalent position and responsibilities.
• Six months of experience in a position with 50% or more of purchasing-related activities, which includes both small and complex procurements with purchasing authority over $100,000.
• Completion of a recent complex procurement over $100,000 as a buyer, evidenced by the documentation listed below.

Supporting documentation required for Application Pathway #1:

• Proof of performing complex procurement by a sealed IFB or RFP issued within the past year, with your name as one of the contracting officers for the solicitation.  Submit either the award notice on eVA VBO or the cover page of the solicitation with the awards notice as one PDF.

Pathway #2 Criteria and Documentation Requirements:

• Procurement Officer I role in Career Group – Procurement Services #19150 or equivalent position and responsibilities.
• Two years’ experience in a position with 50% or more of purchasing-related activities, which includes both small and complex procurements with purchasing authority over $100,000.
• Completion of 48 hours of continuing education in Public Procurement that comply with the current VCO recertification guidelines. At least 20 hours must be earned in the last two years.

Supporting documentation required for Application Pathway #2:

• Proof of 48 hours of continuing education in Public Procurement reflected on the DGS/DPS Virginia Institute of Procurement Learning Management System (VIP LMS) transcript that adheres to current VCO recertification requirements. Submit a PDF of the downloaded VIP transcript.

Pathway #3 Criteria and Documentation Requirements:

• Procurement Officer I role in Career Group – Procurement Services #19150 or equivalent position and responsibilities.
• Three years’ experience in a position with 50% or more of purchasing-related activities, which includes both small and complex procurements with purchasing authority over $100,000.
• A passing score of 90% or above on the Virginia Contracting Associate Exam within the last two years. The exam may be taken as often as necessary to achieve this score.

Supporting documentation required for Application Pathway #3:

• Proof of achieving a 90% or above on the VCA exam. Submit the documentation received from VIP alerting you to your passing score. Those who have not earned a 90% or better and are within two years of earning the VCA may contact VIPRegistration@dgs.virginia.gov to be given access to purchase a seat in a VCA retake session in order to take and pass the exam with 90%.

Additional Documentation to support your VCO Application may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Q: How do I apply for the VCO Program?

A: Enroll in the VCO Application Course and complete the Application Process:

1. From your Learner Dashboard – select the “Catalog” Icon

2. Select the “Apply to the VCO Program” online course.

3. Enroll in the Course. Once you enroll, you will have up to one year to submit your VCO Application before you will be required to re-enroll.

4. Download the VCO application and complete all fields.

5. Ensure that your application is complete, including all required signatures, before submitting the form.

6. In the course, you will find two tasks.

   1. Submit your application by uploading it to the form you will find by clicking this "Application Form” tasks.
   2. Submit the required proof for your chosen application pathway by clicking the “Supporting Documentation” task.

7. Once the VCO application form is submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email that the application has been received.

8. The completed application is then reviewed by the VCO Program Coordinator. An email will be sent to the applicant with the approval decision within two to four weeks of receipt of the application. While under review, your course status will indicate ‘Resume’. Once approved, it will show complete. You can view any notes regarding the review of your application by viewing this course once your upload has been submitted for review.

9. Approved applicants will receive an email with approval to log in to the VIP LMS and purchase the VCO classroom course. Once purchased, you must select your class session date. Class payment, as well as selection of a class session, must be completed to be considered on the roster for a specific classroom session.

10. Approved applicants have one year from the date of the approval to schedule and take the VCO course and exam, or they will need to repeat the VCO application process.

Q: Is the VCO Class / Exam taken in person?

A: No.  The VCO class and exam are taken virtually.

Q: Is there required pre-work for the class?

A: Yes.  There is approximately 16 hours of required pre-work on the VIP LMS that must be completed in order to obtain certification.

What is the criteria for applying to the VCM certification program?

A: Any state or local government employee may apply if they meet the following VCM criteria:

I. Procurement Experience Requirement

• Five years in procurement with a minimum of two years of public procurement experience

II. Education Requirement

• Virginia Contracting Officer Certification

III. Leadership Experience Requirement

• Two years as a leader in procurement

Documentation Requirements:

• Completed VCM Program Application
• Completed Supervisor / Manager Acknowledgement Form
• Resume of Procurement Leadership

Additional Documentation to support your VCM Application may be required on a case-by-case basis.

Q: How do I apply for the VCM Program?

A: Enroll in the VCM Application Course and complete the Application Process:

1. From your Learner Dashboard – select the “Catalog” Icon

2. Select the “Apply to the VCM Program” online course.

3. Enroll in the Course. Once you enroll, you will have up to one year to submit your VCM Application before you will be required to re-enroll.

4. Download the VCM application and Supervisor / Manager Acknowledgement forms; complete all fields.

5. Ensure that your application is complete with all required signatures before submitting the form.

6. In the course, you will find three tasks.

   1. Submit your application by uploading it to the "Application Form” task.
   2. Submit your supervisor/manager acknowledgment form by uploading it to the “Supervisor/Manager Acknowledgement Form” task.
   3. Submit your resume highlighting your procurement leadership experience by uploading it to the “Resume of Procurement Leadership” task.

7. The completed application is then reviewed by VIP. An email will be sent to the applicant with the approval decision within two to four weeks of receipt of the application. While under review, your course status will indicate ‘Resume’. Once approved, it will show complete. You can view any notes regarding the review of your application by viewing this course once your upload has been submitted for review.

8. Approved applicants will receive an email with approval to login to the VIP LMS and purchase the VCM classroom course.  Once purchased, you must select your class session date. Class payment, as well as selection of a class session, must be completed to be considered on the roster for a specific classroom session.

9. Approved applicants have one year from the date of the approval to schedule and take the VCM course and exam, or they will need to repeat the VCM application process.

Q: Is the VCM Class taken in person?

A: The VCM class spans five months and has both in-person and virtual classroom elements.  There are four days of classroom instruction in month 1, three hours of virtual classroom instruction in months 2-4, and a final three days of in-person instruction in month 5. All classroom sessions, both in-person and virtual, must be attended to obtain certification.

Q: Is there an exam for the VCM course?

A:  No. There is a required capstone group project that will be completed throughout the duration of the course and presented the last day of the last week of in-person classroom instruction in lieu of an exam.

Q: Is there required pre-work for the class?

A: Yes. There are approximately 10 hours of required pre-work on the VIP LMS that must be completed in order to obtain certification.

Q: What is the criteria for applying to the VCARM certification program?

A: Any state or local government employee may apply if they meet the following VCARM criteria:

1. Job consists of 20% or more of purchasing related activities OR 10% or more of Contract Administration activities and

2. Perform one or more of the following job duties:

   • Initiate purchase orders using eVA
   • Purchase from state contracts, mandatory sources, or routine office supplies
   • Conduct procurement research (specifications, vendors, prices, usage reports) for buyers
   • Use eVA reporting tools
   • Process procurement expenditures
   • Maintain buyer contract files
   • Use Small Purchase Charge Card to execute purchases
   • Are a contract administrator for a contract valued at $100,000 or below
   • Are a contract administrator for a contract valued at over $100,000
   • Are a contract administrator for a high-risk contract
   • Occupy a position requiring basic knowledge of procurement laws, guidelines, or eProcurement tools

Q: How do I apply for the VCARM Program?

A: Enroll in the VCARM Application Course and complete the Application Process:

1. From your Learner Dashboard – select the “Catalog” Icon
2. Select the “Apply to the VCARM Program” online course.
3. Enroll in the Course. Once you enroll, you will have up to one year to submit your VCARM Application before you will be required to re-enroll.
4. Download the VCARM application and complete all fields.
5. Ensure that your application is complete including all signatures before submitting the form.
6. In the course, you will find an "Application Form" task. Submit your application by uploading it to the form you will find by clicking this tab.
7. Once the VCARM application form is submitted, you will receive an automated confirmation email that the application has been received.
8. The completed application is then reviewed by VIP. An email will be sent to the applicant with the approval decision within two to four weeks of receipt of the application.  While under review, your course status will indicate ‘Resume’. Once approved, it will show complete. You can view any notes regarding the review of your application by viewing this course once your upload has been submitted for review.
9. Approved applicants will receive an email with approval to log in to the VIP LMS and purchase the VCARM classroom course. Once purchased, you must select your class session date. Class payment, as well as selection of a class session, must be completed to be considered on the roster for a specific classroom session.
10. Approved applicants have one year from the date of the approval to schedule and take the VCARM course and exam, or they will need to repeat the VCARM application process.

Q:  Is VCARM an in-person class?

A: No. VCARM meetings are conducted virtually.  Learn more about the VCARM certification course by reviewing this guide.

Q: What is the criteria for applying for Virginia Retired Status?

A: Any state or local government employee may apply if they meet the following criteria:

• Holds an active procurement certification issued by VIP: VCA, VCO, VCM, VCARM

• Is retired or is intending to retire during the current recertification period

Q: How do I apply for Virginia Retired Status?

A: Enroll in the Virginia Retired Status Course and complete the Application Process:

1. From your Learner Dashboard – select the “Catalog” Icon
2. Select the “Apply to the Virginia Retired Status” online course.
3. Enroll in the Course. Once you enroll, you will have up to one year to submit your application before you will be required to re-enroll.
4. Download the application and complete all fields.
5. Ensure that your application is complete before submitting the form.
6. In the course, you will find an "Application Form" task. Submit your application by uploading it to the form you will find by clicking this tab.
7. The completed application is then reviewed by VIP. An email will be sent to the applicant with the approval decision within two to four weeks of receipt of the application.  While under review, your course status will indicate ‘Resume’. Once approved, it will show complete. You can view any notes regarding the review of your application by viewing this course once your upload has been submitted for review.
8. Approved applicants will receive an email with approval that they are eligible to use the retired designation in all correspondence.

Q: Do I have to complete recertification while I am in Retired Status?

A: No.  This status does not require the same on-going professional development and recertification as an active certification.

Q:  Am I able to secure employment in the procurement field while in Retired Status?

A: No.  Individuals who earn Retired Status must be separated from and/or no longer employed within the field of public/private procurement and must always maintain this separation while in Retired Status. This includes self-employment as an independent contractor or consultant in the procurement field.

Q:  Am I able to return to active certification status?

A:  Yes.  If you are within the initial five-years of Retired Status, you may apply to return to Active Status.  Once approved, the original certification(s) will be reactivated with the original expiry date.  Anyone following this process must complete the required recertification process by the expiry date given.  If you are outside of the initial five-years of Retired Status, you must apply and complete the certification process which includes classroom and exam components.

Q: When do I need to recertify?

A: All certifications/recertifications received on and after August 1, 2019, will have five years from the exact certification date, and then every five years thereafter to recertify.  The exact expiration date for each certification held can be located on the transcript found on the VIP LMS. This expiration date is a hard deadline and cannot be extended.

Q: How do I submit documentation for training taken outside of VIP to my transcript to be applied toward recertification?

A: You will only need to submit the External Training form and documentation for courses/classes NOT offered by VIP in the Learning Management System.

From your Learner Dashboard - select the "External Training" icon.

1. Complete the required fields in the form, ensuring all information matches the supporting attendance documentation.
2. Upload the required supporting attendance documentation and click Submit.
3. Repeat these steps until you have submitted all supporting documentation for each individual training you are claiming.
4. The submitted documentation is then reviewed by VIP. An email will be sent to the learner with the approval decision within two to four weeks of receipt of the submission.  While under review, your submission status will indicate ‘Resume’. Once approved, it will show complete. You will receive an email upon review notifying you of the submission’s approval, or next steps to resubmit for review in the event the submission is declined.
5. You can view all External Training items you have uploaded in the External Training section of the VIP transcript. While under review, your submission status will indicate ‘Resume’. Once approved, it will show complete.

Ensure that your VIP Transcript is accurate prior to beginning the recertification process.

Q: What happens if my recertification is late?

A: If you miss your expiry date, your certification(s) will expire as your expiration date is a hard deadline and cannot be extended. However, you are able to reinstate your lapsed certification for up to five years after the expired date following the re-instatement process. This involves submitting a reinstatement application, then taking and passing the associated exam with a 75% or above.  You will be responsible for the most up-to-date knowledge as reflected on the current exam. Beyond five years after your expiry date, you must reapply for the certification program and meet the current criteria guidelines for admission and certification completion

Q: What qualifies as supporting documentation?

A: Attendance documentation must be in the form of a certificate, verification letter, transcript or appropriate conference program form that includes:

• Title of program
• Sponsor
• Date
• Instructor
• Number of contact hours and your name.

Documentation without this information, especially contact hours, will not be considered.

Q: Are there a maximum number of contact hours you can count per event or during the recertification period?

A: Yes, and the Recertification Guidelines found in the Resources section of the VIP LMS lists what they are per category.

Q: What are acceptable procurement-related topics offered by professional training programs?

A: Examples include but are not limited to: Accounting, Contracts, Economics, Finance, Business Ethics, Law, Materials Management, Inventory Control, Surplus, Project Management, Public Administration, Managerial and Leadership. Feedback will be provided upon review for items that do not meet the criteria.

Q: Does VIP keep a transcript of outside learning events for certificate holders?
A: Not automatically. It is your responsibility to keep your VIP transcript updated with all external learning by following the External Training upload procedure. VIP is only able to automatically update your transcript with courses found in the catalog on the VIP LMS.  Note that external training does not show in the total credits at the top. These must be added manually.

Q: How many DPS Forums can I attend during a recertification period?
A: There are no restrictions for the DPS Forum.  Do keep in mind requirements for the number of contact hours needed in the last two years of the recertification period.

Q: Can I get contact hours for a Tradeshow or Reverse Tradeshow?
A: No, tradeshows or reverse tradeshows are not considered learning events. The Supplier Connect at the annual Public Procurement Forum is exempt from this rule for recertification.

Q: How do I get credit for leading a procurement-related training?
A: You must submit a class roster, an agenda with a schedule, and a copy of the materials or PowerPoint.

Q: If I have more hours than I need for this recertification period, will the excess roll over for the next recertification period?

A: Contact hours exceeding the total required for a recertification term may not be carried over to the following recertification term.

Q: Where can I earn hours toward recertification beyond the Forum?

A: The recertification guidelines document details all of the categories where recertification hours can be earned. Any organization offering training that would fall into one of the categories would apply. These include but are not limited to: NIGP, NASPO, ISM, NAEP, NCMA, CAPA, and VAGP.

Q: How do I complete the recertification process once I have met all the requirements for my certification?

You are able to recertify at any point within the one-year prior to your expiration date. Your expiration date is a hard deadline and cannot be extended; it is recommended that you complete the process as soon as the recertification requirements are met.

1. From your Learner Dashboard – select the “Catalog” Icon
2. Select the “Build Your Recertification File” online course for your specific certification(s).
3. Enroll in the Course.
4. Watch the course video.
5. When you have met all of the recertification requirements, click the "I'm ready to recertify" button to submit your recertification file for review by VIP. Please allow two to four weeks for review. You can view the status of the review by viewing the individual submission on your transcript. While under review, your submission status will indicate ‘Pending Approval’. Once approved, it will show Approved. You will receive an email upon review notifying you of the submission’s approval, or next steps to resubmit for review in the event the submission is declined.
6. Upon approval, you will receive an email notification containing an approval message and prompting you to purchase the ‘Recertification Course’ associated with your recertification(s). This is the last step required of you in the process. VIP will issue your recertified certificate(s) reflecting your new expiration date - five years from the date of recertification payment - as a final confirming step. You will be able to print your new / updated certificate(s) from your transcript once this is complete.

Q: Who is eligible to apply for reinstatement?

A: Anyone within five years of their certification lapsing is eligible to complete the reinstatement process.

Q: How do I apply for reinstatement of my lapsed certification?

A: Contact vipregistration@dgs.virginia.com to provide you access to the appropriate course.

B. Enroll in the appropriate Reinstatement Course and complete the Application Process:

1. From your Learner Dashboard – select the “Catalog” Icon

2. Select the appropriate Reinstatement application course and complete and purchase it from your shopping cart to gain access to the application.  Once purchased, you will have one year to submit your application before you will be required to repurchase the course.

3. Download the application from the course and complete all fields.  No supervisor signature is required.

4. In the course, you will find an "Application Form" task. Submit your completed application by clicking this tab.

5. The completed application is then reviewed by VIP. An email will be sent to the applicant with the approval decision within two to four weeks of receipt of the application.

6. Approved applicants will receive an email with notification to select an exam retake session.  You must select your exam retake session to be considered on the roster.

7. Approved applicants have one year from the date of the approval to schedule and take the retake exam, or they will need to repeat the application process.

8. Schedule and pass the applicable certification exam with a 75% or above.

9. Complete the steps required to meet recertification by the reinstated original expiry date

Q: When will my reinstated certificate expire?

A:  Once reinstated, your certificate is restored to the original expiration date, not extended.

Q: Do I have to complete recertification once I am reinstated?

A: Yes. You must complete the required recertification process prior to the restored expiry date.

Q:  Do I have to take the certification exam to reinstate?

A: Yes. In order to reinstate your certificate, you must take and pass the associated exam(s) with a score of 75% or better during a scheduled VIP Retake Exam session.

Paper (mailed or faxed) or emailed applications or recertification materials are not accepted by VIP. Applications and supporting materials will only be accepted through the Virginia Institute of Procurement Learning Management System (LMS).

Payment methods accepted are limited to VISA and MasterCard credit cards through our online ecommerce system in the Virginia Institute of Procurement Learning Management System.

Contact VIP at vipregistration@dgs.virginia.gov to request changes to your profile or adjustments to your learner transcript.

Include, at minimum, the following information:

1. Your full name as it is currently listed in your profile.
2. The changes you need made to your VIP or LMS profile. These might include: Name (First and/or Last), email address/LMS login ID, Agency, Job title, Phone number, certification status, and/or mailing address.

Allow 3-4 weeks for changes to be automatically applied to your LMS Profile. If you need your profile changed sooner, please indicate the reasons why in the email to VIP Registration.

Changes to your profile will not be made over the phone. If you call VIP with a profile change request, you will be directed to provide it in writing via email to VIP.

If your change includes changes to both your name and your email address, more information may be requested by VIP to verify your identity.

All certificates are now digitally issued with signatures ready to print from the VIP LMS. To access, choose the ‘Transcript’ option from the Main Menu on the LMS. Locate and download your certificate from here to print.

eVA certificates are earned once you complete a learning pathway. They are not earned for attending a Virtual Instructor-led training (V.I.L.T) session. Credits for these sessions will appear on your transcript within 1 business day of your survey being completed on the LMS. Please reach out to absorb@dgs.virginia.gov if you have any questions regarding your credits.

You may have gotten an email concerning your Go1 Subscription expiring.  Either you were issued a 1-year subscription to Go1 as part of a VIP Course offering, or you purchased a one-year access subscription to Go1 content.  If your subscription expires and you would like continued access to the Go1courses, you are able to purchase another year subscription from the VIP catalog; if not, your subscription will expire, and you will lose all access. If you have difficulty accessing the purchase course, please contact VIP at absorb@dgs.virginia.gov. Access to this content is not required to maintain any VIP Certifications; however, the contact hours earned from Go1 content can be applied toward your current recertification cycle.

Classes typically are not impacted by inclement weather given that they are virtual in nature.  Each weather event will be evaluated and decision adjusted accordingly if needed.