Certification in Supplier Diversity Practice Exam

Which of the following is NOT a common category for classifying diverse suppliers?

1. Approved suppliers

2. Preferred suppliers

3. Global suppliers

4. Certified suppliers

The correct answer is: Global suppliers

The classification of diverse suppliers typically focuses on their qualifications and certifications that make them eligible under supplier diversity programs. Categories such as approved suppliers, preferred suppliers, and certified suppliers are commonly used in this context. Approved suppliers refer to those that have met specific standards set by the organization for quality and reliability. Preferred suppliers are those that the organization has selected for their consistent performance and value-added benefits. Certified suppliers are those that have received formal recognition from certifying bodies, confirming their status as diverse suppliers based on specific criteria (such as minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, etc.). The concept of global suppliers usually pertains to suppliers that operate on an international scale rather than focusing on their diverse ownership status. Therefore, while global suppliers may play a role in the overall supplier landscape, they do not specifically fit into common categories for classifying diverse suppliers, which tend to emphasize ownership status and certification for the purpose of supporting diversity initiatives.