Purchasing Agents/Buyers are involved with selecting and evaluating suppliers, creating and maintaining supplier relationships, and negotiating prices to minimize costs, and improve on time delivery. Completion of the Purchasing Agent/Buyer Pathway Certificate will prepare you for an introductory position within supply chain management, help you cross train in a new area, or expand your skills within a short time period.

Clothing supply chain: raw materials, supplier, manufacturer, distributor, retailer, consumer.
Note: This certificate is not eligible for financial aid.
  • Curriculum & Costs

  • These courses are not eligible for financial aid unless the student is enrolled in an eligible program. Please see an advisor to determine financial aid eligibility.

  • Prior Learning

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Experience Pays! You've Been There... You've Done That... Let's See If You Can Get Credit For It!

    Credit for prior learning gives you opportunities to earn credit for college-level knowledge that you have already acquired. This may be the result of work or volunteer experiences, certifications, apprenticeships, military training, extensive self-instruction, or professional development. Credit for Prior Learning affords you the opportunity to accelerate the completion of your educational goals.

    For more information on Credit for Prior Learning see our Credit for Prior Learning page.

    Purchasing Agent/Buyer Courses that may have Credit for Prior Learning options:

    Course # Course Title
    Challenge Exam
    (Demonstration)
    Challenge Exam
    (Standard)
    CLEP
    Credential
    Portfolio
    10-103-106Beginning Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-103-118Intermediate Microsoft ExcelYes
    Any Microsoft MOS certification (even an old certification) will also be considered for CPL
    10-623-110Lean ConceptsYes
    Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification – Requires approval of course instructor
  • Admissions & Requirements

  • Admission Requirements


    Academic Preparedness Requirements

      Before you can be fully accepted into your program, you need to complete the requirements below. These are the same requirements you may see in your SWTC Student Portal.

    • Submit Official High School, College, Military Transcripts, and Test Scores (Not Required)
      Have documents sent directly to:
      • Email: admissions@swtc.edu
      • Mail: Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, Attn: Admissions, 1800 Bronson Blvd, Fennimore, WI 53809
    • Meet with Your Advisor for an Admissions Meeting
      Schedule an admission meeting with your program advisor to complete your student success plan, including a career assessment and academic map and support plan.

      To schedule your meeting, go to the Appointments page. Find your advisor in the list, then select Make an Appointment under their contact information.

      Appointments are available on campus or virtually.

      • If you want to check which of these requirements you still need to complete, log in to your SWTC Student Portal, go to My Profile → Document Center, and make sure All Programs is selected.

  • Career Pathway

  • Related Degrees & Certificates

    Credits earned in the Purchasing Agent/Buyer Pathway Certificate may be applied toward the one-year Supply Chain Assistant Technical Diploma and the two-year Supply Chain Management Associate Degree.