CIPS Qualifications

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the professional body for awarding procurement & supply qualifications. CIPS is globally acknowledged as the leader in promoting excellence in the procurement and supply chain industry.

Its programmes are renowned for providing high-quality training that equips procurement practitioners with the essential skills, tools and knowledge needed to thrive in this competitive field.

We offer five levels of CIPS qualifications to ensure you have the right training and competitive advantage in the procurement and supply chain industry. All the units in the CIPS qualifications are assessed by an examination, although some of the units also have an alternative non-examined option.

Certificate In Procurement and Supply Operations, Level 2

Who is it for?

For anyone new to the profession, with little or no business experience and those aspiring to move into a career in procurement and supply.

It is also ideal for managers in other professions and business leaders or entrepreneurs who need to understand how procurement should function and its overall impact on business success.

What will I learn?

Come away with a clear knowledge and understanding of facts, procedures and processes related to procurement and supply. You’ll be able to effectively interpret information and ideas, and learn how to identify, gather and use relevant information. The five core modules make up the required 18 credits:

Introducing Procurement and Supply (6 credits)
Procurement and Supply Operations (3 credits)
Stakeholder Relationships (3 credits)
Systems Technology (3 credits)
Inventory, Logistics and Expediting (3 credits)

Entry requirements

This is the first entry level qualification, there are no formal entry requirements.

Advanced Certificate In Procurement and Supply Operations, Level 3

Who is it for?

This qualification will prepare intermediate level learners looking to specialise in procurement and supply and to progress onto the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

What will I learn?

Learn how to apply factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge of procurement and supply. You will be able to completes tasks and address problems that are well-defined but may be complex and non-routine. You will understand what relevant information is required and how to interpret and review its effectiveness. Four core modules make up 24 of the required credits:

Procurement and Supply Environments (6 credits)
Ethical Procurement and Supply (6 credits)
Contract Administration (6 credits)
Team Dynamics and Change (6 credits)

Choose one elective module to make up the final six credits:

Socially Responsible Recruitment
Socially Responsible Warehousing and Distribution

Entry requirements

This is the second entry level qualification, there are no formal entry requirements.

Diploma in Procurement and Supply, Level 4

Who is it for?

This qualification is the essential toolkit for anyone planning a career in procurement and supply. Developed and written using the Procurement and Supply cycle as it’s focus, it is at the same level as the first year of an undergraduate degree course. It’s suitable for those in operational roles or those managing or supervising the procurement and supply function who want to develop their career and work towards MCIPS Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional.

What will I learn?

You will learn about making procurement and supply happen within an organisation, and you will be equipped with an essential range of knowledge and tools that you can apply immediately in your workplace. Learn how to apply practical, theoretical and technical knowledge, gain a clear understanding of procurement and supply and develop the ability to address complex, non-routine problems. The eight core modules make up 60 required credits:

Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply (12 credits)
Defining Business Need (6 credits)
Commercial Contracting (6 credits)
Ethical and Responsible Sourcing (6 credits)
Commercial Negotiation (6 credits)
Supplier Relationships (6 credits)
Whole Life Asset Management (6 credits)
Procurement and Supply in Practice (12 credits)

On completion, you will be able to analyse, interpret and evaluate relevant information and ideas and have an informed awareness of differing perspectives and approaches within the profession. You will also be able to review the effectiveness and appropriateness of methods, actions and results.

Entry requirements

This is the only entry point onto our Diploma qualifications. A minimum of at least two A-levels (or international equivalent) or a CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate qualification is required. Alternatively, you will need a minimum of two years’ relevant experience in a business environment.

Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply, Level 5

Who is it for?

Provides senior buyers, contract and supply chain managers with the expertise to improve organisational procurement and to fulfil organisational objectives. It gives you the knowledge base to reduce cost, improve quality and timescales, manage the supply chain and deal with legal issues.

What will I learn?

Building on the practical knowledge and understanding gained at CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply you will develop a higher level of practical, theoretical and technical knowledge and understanding of procurement and supply. Your learning will focus on how to deal with key aspects of risk in supply chains and mitigation of those risks; processing and evaluating contracts and the impact of legal implications when contracts are breached. 60 credits are required for completion of this course. The first 42 credits are made up of the five core modules:

Managing Teams and Individuals (12 credits)
Advanced Contract & Financial Management (12 credits)
Managing Supply Chain Risk (6 credits)
Managing Contractual Risk (6 credits)
Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (6 credits)

Choose three of the following elective modules to make up the final 18 credits:

Category Management
Advanced Negotiation
Achieving Competitive Advantage Through the Supply Chain
Project and Change Management
Operations Management
Logistics Management

On completion of this qualification you can expect to improve your overall organisational procurement and supply performance to fulfil your organisational objectives.

Entry requirements

You will need to have achieved the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply, Level 6

Who is it for?

For those who are successful in completing the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply; this represents the final level of CIPS qualifications for those working towards MCIPS Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional.

What will I learn?

Building on the knowledge and skills learned at the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply, you will be able to demonstrate strategic knowledge and leadership skills and find solutions to complex problems. It is designed to develop transferable workplace skills such as excellent communication and the ability to work in and lead a team. Employers have identified that the ability to think strategically and lead and influence policy and thinking are essential for progression.

You will gain an understanding of different perspectives and theories and will be able to critically analyse, interpret and evaluate complex information, concepts and ideas. 60 credits are required for completion of this course. The first 42 credits are made up of the four core modules: