Frequently Asked Questions
Q) I do not have a Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD), or Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) certification; how do I register to become a student so that I can sign up for a class?
A) If you have never registered for an account and do not have a certification, please follow these steps:
- Click on the “New User Registration” tab
- Register for the Statewide Procurement Education System
- Once you click submit, you will be sent an activation email
- After clicking the activation link, you will be prompted to log in to have access to the Statewide Procurement Education System.
Q) I hold a certification in Contract Development, Contract Management, or Procurement Management; how do I access my student account if I am already a certification holder?
A) If you are currently CTPM, CTCD, or CTCM certified or a student who completed a transcript conversion form, please follow these steps:
- Select the “Log in” tab from the menu bar
- Click the “Lost Your Password?” link
- Enter the email address associated with your certification.
- Once you click submit, an email will be sent to you containing a link to re-set your password.
- Once you reset your password, log into the system with your new credentials.
Q) In the past I was able to register someone else for a class, can I still do that?
A) No. Course registrations are specific to the student profile. Everyone must have a student profile to register for a course. You will not be able to register someone else for a course through or using your student profile.
Q) I want to take a Basic Texas Purchaser (BTP), Contract Developer, or Contract Manager certification class, where can I find a class to register for on the Statewide Procurement Education System?
A) All of our course offerings are separated into categories. You may search by “All” course offerings or you can search by individual categories. Your first step will be to click on the Course Catalog button. You can then click on the category of course that you are searching for and select the course for which you want to register.
Q) I need to take continuing education hours to maintain my certification, where can I find a continuing education class to register for?
A) If you are looking for continuing education classes, you will first need to ensure you have an account in the Statewide Procurement Education System. Once you create an account or login to your existing account, you will click on the Course Catalog button. You can then sort your classes by class category at the top by viewing the two types of continuing education we offer:
- Continuing Education Live Events: These are ‘Brown Bag’ sessions presented in person by CPA or invited subject-matter-experts (attendance is required to receive credit).
- Continuing Education Webinars. Are offered on-demand, online, and can be completed at the student’s leisure.
Q) Where can I find the required Ethics and Professional Standards training?
A) If you are looking for the required Ethics and Professional Standards training, you will first need to ensure you have an account in the Statewide Procurement Education System. Once you create an account or login to your existing account, you will click on the Course Catalog button. You can then sort your classes by class category at the top by clicking “Ethics and Refresher Courses”. The Ethics and Professional Standards training can be found in this category. *Please scroll down to the Certification Renewal section of this page to read more about what is needed for renewal.
Q) Is payment required to register for a training?
A) Payment is required upon any class purchase for a Certified Texas Contract Developer, Certified Texas Contract Manager, or Basic Texas Purchaser course.
Q) I want to sign up for a class but do not have a PO (Purchase Order) number yet. Can I register for a class?
A) Payment is required upon any class purchase for a Certified Texas Contract Developer, Certified Texas Contract Manager, or Basic Texas Purchaser course.
Q) What forms of payments does the Statewide Procurement Education System accept?
A) The Statewide Procurement Education System accepts Purchase Orders (POs), credit card payments, and interagency transfer vouchers (ITVs). If you are paying with a PO it is mandatory at time of registration.
Q) Can we pay with Interagency Transfer Vouchers (ITV)?
A) Yes, you can pay with an Interagency Transfer Voucher (ITV).
Q) Is there a cost associated with continuing education classes?
A) No. Continuing Education courses offered by SPD are free. Certain sponsored courses may have costs associated with them, but those payments are handled through the third party offering the training
Please scroll down to the certification renewal section of this page to read more about what is needed for renewal.
Q) How do I cancel a class?
A) Student cancellations must occur at least five (5) business days prior to the class start. The full cost of the class will be charged if the cancellation is not received within the required five (5) day period. You can go to your My Courses tab. The “cancel class” button will appear under the course which will remove you from the class. Please email CTP@cpa.texas.gov with your invoice number and state that you have canceled your class so that we will not charge your agency.
Q) What is the preferred browser for the Statewide Procurement Education System?
A) Google Chrome is the recommended web browser for optimal use.
Q) What should I do before logging into the system to ensure optimal use.
A) We recommend using the latest version of Google Chrome and ensure you clear your Internet Browser Cache.
Q) I am not receiving any emails from the Statewide Procurement Education System, what do I do next?
A) Always ensure that you are using Google Chrome. If you are still not receiving emails from the Statewide Procurement Education System, we may not have your latest email on file. If this is the case, please email: ctp@cpa.texas.gov
Q) I don’t remember my password, what do I do next?
A) To reset your password, please ensure you are using the latest version of Google Chrome. Once you are using Google Chrome, go to the login page and click the “Lost My Password” link. After clicking this link, you will be prompted to enter your email associated with your student account. An email should be sent to you directing you to reset your password. If you do not receive this email, please contact us.
Q) The password I have been using isn’t working anymore, what do I do?
A) To reset your password, please ensure you are using the latest version of Google Chrome. Once you do this, go to the login page and click the “Lost My Password” link. After clicking this link, you will be prompted to enter your email associated with your student account. An email should be sent to you. If you do not receive this email, please contact us.
Q) I am trying to reset my password and the system will not take my new password?
A) The Statewide Procurement Education System, requires a password to be “Strong” (12 or more characters). Once the password reads ‘strong’, the new password will be accepted.
Q) Where can I find the classes that I have registered for?
A) The courses you register for will appear under the My Courses page.
Q) Where can I find class materials for a class that I registered for?
A) The materials for classes that you have registered for will appear under the My Courses page. When a course is successfully completed, it will appear in the Completed Courses in this same section of the My Courses page.
Q) Where can I find the My Transcript page?
A) You can find the My Transcript page under your My Account page. The My Transcript will detail your continuing education hours that you have earned in the Statewide Procurement Education System.
Q) I took the Basic Texas Purchaser, Certified Texas Contract Manager, Certified Texas Contract Developer course but it’s not appearing on my transcript page.
A) Once the class is marked for attendance it will appear on your My Transcript page.
- All students may renew as a 24/36 hour renewal.
- Complete 24 (or 36 for dual) SPD provided or sponsored CEH which can be found at https://spdedutest.cpa.texas.gov. Many of the courses in the course catalog are self-paced webinars that you can complete at any time. There are also additional courses listed on the “Approved SPD-Sponsored Courses” tab which will count toward your renewal.
- Complete the required courses: Ethics Laws and Professional Standards (which counts as one of your hours) and the Legislative Renewal Refresher (2023). Please note the Legislative Renewal Refresher doesn’t count for any CEH, but it is required for renewal under this track.
- You may also count 1 hour (2 hours for dual renewal) of non SPD provided or sponsored procurement-related training toward your CEH. If you choose to do this, you would need to upload proof of attendance using the Upload Elective Class link under My Account on SPDEDU. There is no need to upload classes that are already on your transcript.
- Click on the Renew Certification link found on the My Accounts page and submit that form when you are ready to renew (30-60 days prior to expiration date). You must create an invoice at the time of the renewal request.
- Please note you will not need to submit a spreadsheet your courses from SPD will be tracked on your transcript.
- There is no hour cap.
Q) I have changed agencies. How do I update my student information?
A) Select My Account and then Select Edit My Profile. You will have the ability to change your agency code and name. Click here for a list of state agency codes.
Q)My email address has changed. How can I access my account?
A) In order to access your account you will need to log in with your previous name and password. Next, you will select My Account and then select Edit My Profile. Type in your previous password in the appropriate field. When selecting your new password, we suggest you choose a password with 12 or more characters until you show the "strong" indication. After resetting, you should be able to access the site as before.
Q)Where can I find my certification information in the Statewide Procurement Education System?
A)In order to view a person certification you will need to login to the Statewide Procurement Education System. Once logged into the system, you will can go to My Account and then click on My Certifications. In the My Certification page, you can view your current certifications with the issue date, expiration date, and a view/print option.
Q)I attended the Basic Texas Purchaser course. Where can I find my certificate of completion?
A) Go to My Courses, click on the class for which you want to see the certificate, and click View Certificate.
Q)Where can I find my certificate of completion or proof of attendance for continuing education that I have completed?
A) Go to My Courses, click on the class for which you want to see the certificate, and click View Certificate.
Q)I tried search for a certified Individual by first and last name. Why isn’t it showing who I was looking for?
A)Directory of Certified Individuals searches primarily by First or Last Name. If you're not expired and you can't find yourself please contact ctp@cpa.texas.gov.
Q)My information in the Directory of Certified Individuals is wrong. How can I get this information fixed?
A) If your information is wrong in the Directory of Certified Individuals, please go to Edit My Profile and update your information.
Q)I’m listed twice in the directory but I no longer work for one of the agencies – how to I fix that?
A) If you are listed twice in the Directory of Certified Individuals, you may have two accounts in the system which we would need to fixed by our office. Please email ctp@cpa.texas.gov so that we can work to merge and update your accounts.
Q)Where do I go to register for the Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification exam?
A)You will need to register for your exam at the UT Testing Center website by filling out and submitting the Testing Registration Form.
Q)>What is considered a passing score for the Certified Texas Contract Manager (CTCM) and Certified Texas Contract Developer (CTCD) certification exam?
A) The passing score for both the CTCM and the CTCD exams are 80% or higher.
Q)I just passed my certification exam. What do I do next?
A)Your certification will be processed in the Statewide Procurement Education System upon the receipt or confirmation that all three of the following have been successfully completed:
- class attendance;
- receipt of payment in full for the certification class; and
- certification exam was indeed passed with a grade of 80% or higher and received from the UT Testing Center (this can take up to three weeks).
Q)How long do i have to take the exam?
A)You have to take your exam within 3 months of the last day of your class. An extension must be requested before the end of the three month period.
Q)What happens if i do not take my exam 3 months of the last day of my class?
A)You will need to re-take the class and the process starts over.
Q)Can I have an extension for my exam?
A)You may request an extension to take your exam by sending an email here: ctp@cpa.texas.gov. Please explain the mitigating circumstances that cause the delay in testing and the date of your course.
Q)What happens if my extension on my exam expires?
A)Once your extension expires, then you will need to start the class process over again. You will need to register for and take the certification training and re-register for the exam.
Q)If I fail the exam, how long do I have to sign up for a new re-test?
A)We recommend taking the exam as soon as you feel prepared. However, a passing score is required within six months of completing the certification training.
Q)I don't live near Austin. Can I test near me?
A) University of Texas Testing Center has a list of testing facilities available all over Texas. You can either use one of their pre-approved sites or request for a facility near you to be approved. If having your exam proctored at an off-site location, please allow for additional time such as: delivery of the test to the off site location and mailing the original test with answers back to UT Testing and Evaluation Services. Please note this does not extend the original 3 month time frame to take your exam. Also, please know there may be additional fees associated with testing at an off site location.
Q)I failed the exam three times, what are my next steps?
A)You may repeat the test twice after the first failure, for a total of three (3) chances to pass the exam with an 80% or higher. If you do not pass after three (3) attempts, you must re-take the course. The full fee for the test will be charged each time you have to re-test. The full fee for the course will be charged each time you re-take the course.
Q)Do I have to pay the exam fee each time I have to retest?
A)Yes, the University of Texas Testing Center requires payment for the exam.
Q)Are there refunds for the test?
A)The University of Texas Testing Center provides no refunds for test purchases. All purchases are final.