Inside the CCWP experience: Why it's not just a course—it’s a career upgrade

A behind-the-scenes look at the CCWP experience through the eyes of one Hays participant.

If you’ve ever tried explaining a “contingent workforce program” to a friend, you’ve probably watched their eyes glaze over somewhere between “supplier management” and “VMS integrations.” But those of us in this world know it’s anything but dull—it’s strategy, people, partnerships, compliance puzzles, and just the right amount of controlled chaos. 

So, when a course promises to make all of that clearer, smarter, and even a little exciting? We’re interested. 

That’s why Hays is proud to teach and support the Staffing Industry Analysts (SIA) Certified Contingent Workforce Professional (CCWP) course. It’s one of the few programs that truly captures the complexity of our industry and turns it into something energizing. 

To give you a look at the real experience, we sat down with Andrea Kelly, our Solutions Sales Director, who recently completed the CCWP training. Her insights reveal not just what the course covers, but why it stays with you long after the final module. 

 “It was like a lightbulb moment.” 

The CCWP curriculum dives deep into the end-to-end operations of a contingent workforce program: 

• Pricing models 

• Program structure 

• Legal and compliance 

• Contracts 

• Supplier management 

• And much more 

But what stood out to her most was how conceptual learning transformed into practical applications. Andrea shared that the CCWP content didn’t just feel relevant — it felt tailor-made for the work we do at Hays. 

The facilitators didn’t simply teach definitions and frameworks. They brought real-world experiences into the room — lawyers, program managers, analysts and more shared real-life scenarios that sparked new ways of thinking. As Andrea put it, you’d hear something and immediately think: 

“Oh—I wouldn’t have thought of that. That applies to my program… I can use this.” 

Those “lightbulb moments” helped her see everyday challenges in a new way and encouraged her to elevate her thinking beyond the basics. 

A format designed for real-world retention 

The course is delivered across three intensive days — something Andrea initially worried might feel long. But in her words: 

“The length was perfect. We spent enough time on every module to really understand it without feeling rushed.” 

The structure includes: 

• A comprehensive 10‑module workbook mailed to each participant 

• Instructor-led sessions 

• Q&A 

• Breakout discussions 

• Study resources 

• Recorded sessions for replay 

Each module builds on the last, giving participants a strong foundation while still challenging them to apply what they’ve learned to real scenarios. 

And although stepping away from the day-to-day grind for three days felt like a commitment, Andrea emphasized that the investment was worth it: 

“You walk away with tools and insights you can apply immediately. It’s not just theory—it’s day-to-day practicality.” 

The exam: challenging but fair 

After the course, participants take a 2.5‑hour exam. She felt confident because the course had already equipped her with a strong understanding of how programs operate in real life. 

Her advice? 

• Take the exam while the material is still fresh 

• Use the study tools, recorded sessions, and practice tests 

• Reach out to facilitators — they make themselves very available 

• And remember: you get two attempts 

What she wishes more people knew about CCWP 

When asked to summarize her entire experience, Andrea said: 

“It was three days of information that either validated what you already know or added value in ways you didn’t realize you needed.” 

The group-learning aspect was particularly impactful. Sitting in a room (or virtual room) with peers from across the industry gave her exposure to different operational models, challenges, and ways of thinking. 

That diversity of perspectives was eye-opening — and immediately applicable to her work at Hays: 

“Everyone has different struggles. Hearing how others navigate them builds your knowledge base in ways you didn’t expect.” 

Why YOU should consider CCWP 

Whether you're new to contingent workforce management or a seasoned practitioner looking to formalize your expertise, the CCWP certification delivers a deep understanding of how successful programs run, along with best practices shared by real industry experts. It equips you with tools you can apply immediately and provides insight into the trends shaping the future of the industry.  

Earning the credential elevates your professional profile and connects you with a community of peers, ongoing learning opportunities, and valuable industry resources. 

Andrea put it best when she said: 

“In a world where information is at your fingertips, it’s rare to take a course that genuinely teaches you something new. CCWP does that.” 

Ready to take the next step? 

As a CCWP training provider, Hays is here to guide and support your learning journey. Whether you want to sharpen your operational knowledge, elevate your program strategy, or simply gain confidence in the fundamentals, this course is one of the best investments you can make in your professional growth. 

If you’re curious, inspired, or ready to level up, let’s talk about getting you enrolled.