Training for Procurement Specialist (PS) & Agency Authorized Purchasers (AAP)
In order to facilitate efficient and cost-effective purchasing in compliance with State of Iowa Code, Iowa Administrative Code (IAC), and DAS Policies and Procedures, DAS Central Procurement has developed a professional development plan for all State of Iowa employees designated to make purchases on behalf of the State.
Procurement authority is limited to State of Iowa employees who have completed appropriate training for their assigned purchasing level. Per Administrative Rule 11 IAC 117.15(2), purchasing authority is granted to the employee who completes the required training, not the employing agency.
In addition to web-based modules, classroom courses are offered in partnership with Performance and Development Solutions (PDS).
State employees can register for Procurement training via Workday.
If you are an external user, please reach out to pds@iowa.gov for guidance.
Required Training
Required classes for Procurement Specialist (PS) & Agency Authorized Purchasers (AAPs) are based upon thresholds for purchasing authority classified as
Level A
Level 1 (Basic)
Level 2 (Advanced), or
Level 3 (DAS PS only)
List items for Procurement Training
Level A training ensures compliance with State of Iowa procurement policies and procedures before making any purchases on behalf of the State.
Individuals purchasing from existing Master Agreements (MAs)
Purchases up to $5,000 (goods or services, where quotes/bids aren't needed)
Purchases up to $25,000 from certified Targeted Small Businesses (TSBs)
Level 1 (Basic) is required for purchases of goods and services up to $15,000 without competition and informal quotes or competitive bids for goods from $15,000-$50,000.
Required Training:
Workday Learning Classes
Procurement – Level 1 Prerequisites (On Demand Access)
Procurement – Introduction to State Procurement
Scheduled training dates:
February 25, 2026 (In Person, Des Moines IA)
April 9, 2026 (In Person, Des Moines IA)
June 3, 2026 (Virtual)
Level 1 (Basic) Procurement Authority:
Purchases of goods and services up to $15,000 without competition
Competitive bids for services from $15,000-$50,000
Level 2 (Advanced) is required for those obtaining quotes or competitive bids for goods and services purchases between $15,000 and $50,000, or service purchases above $50,000.
Required Training and Experience:
Level 1 (Basic) Certification
6 months of Procurement Experience
Workday Learning Classes
Procurement – Level 2(Advanced Procurement) Prerequisites (On Demand Access)
Recertification must also be completed every two years to maintain advanced procurement authority status.
Level 2 (Advanced) Procurement Authority:
Purchases of goods between $15,000 & $50,000 by obtaining quotes or competitive bids
Purchase of services above $50,000 by obtaining quotes or competitive bids
Iowa Advantage training is available on the Iowa Advantage Portal available through OKTA. For procurement specific training, please review the Getting Started - Shopper video and the Quick References Guides for POs, Shopper, DOs, and PRCs.
Additional training opportunities are available from the following professional procurement associations:
