Further your career in procurement and supply

Leading global excellence in procurement and supply

 “Throughout the world, CIPS qualifications are recognised as

Contents driving leading-edge thinking and professionalism in industry.

Each of our qualifications has been developed by working
3 Benefits... closely with our industry partners to make sure they reflect
...of professional qualifications. Your current, emerging and best practice in procurement and
career advantage
supply chain management.
4 Studying with CIPS
The world’s largest professional The result is a range of professional awards that will truly
organisation for procurement and help you to reach your career potential and give you a
supply
significant competitive edge.”
5 CIPS qualifications
Designed to support your professional
AmAnDA O’BrIEn,
development as your career progresses
GrOUP PrOFESSIOnAL DEVELOPmEnT DIrECTOr
6 Study anywhere...
... in the world. A range of flexible
options to suit you
7 Supporting your studies...
Everything you need for profitable
learning
8 The right qualifications for you
CIPS offers five qualifications to support
your professional development in
procurement and supply
10 CIPS Certificate in procurement and
supply operations
11 CIPS Advanced certificate in
procurement and supply operations
12 CIPS Diploma in procurement
and supply
13 CIPS Advanced diploma in
procurement and supply
14 CIPS Professional diploma in
procurement and supply
15 Your next steps
The path to your professional
qualifications
Benefits...
...of professional qualifications.
Your career advantage.
Achieving professional qualifications is a major
investment in your future. It takes hard work and
commitment but the rewards are great. The work you
put in now will make a real difference in your current
role and throughout your career in procurement and
supply.
Be the best you can be
A professional qualification will enhance your current skills and
practices and equip you with new skills, providing you with the
professional tools to excel in your chosen field.
Enjoy greater rewards
Our students tell us that a professional qualification is well worth the
investment. Those with a professional qualification and membership
of a professional body may be able to earn an additional £152,000
during their career.

Get ahead of the competition

A CIPS qualification demonstrates your serious intent and
commitment to being a better professional. This is a huge advantage
when you’re looking to progress in your career.

03
Studying with CIPS
The world’s largest professional organisation for
procurement and supply.
The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is the worldwide centre of excellence
for procurement and supply management. We use our expertise to ensure our qualifications
are robust and relevant throughout the world.
CIPS is the chartered body dedicated to the
procurement and supply profession
We set the standards giving us credibility, expertise,
knowledge and resources that are second to none. By
applying these standards we can maintain the integrity
of CIPS and make sure the profession benefits from
consistently high levels of competence within its
workforce.
CIPS is truly global
CIPS has a global community of over 110,000 people in
over 150 countries. Our members range from those
just embarking on their careers, right through to Chief
Procurement Officers and Board Directors. Many
multinational businesses specify MCIPS as their
standard, making our qualifications indispensable
around the world.
www.cips.org
CIPS qualifications are fully recognised
internationally
CIPS qualifications are built around standards
identified by the profession as essential for staff at
different levels within organisations. These have been
mapped against qualification frameworks from around
the world, giving you a serious advantage wherever
you’re based.
Accredited worldwide
CIPS qualifications are designed to meet the highest
standards to ensure the profession can claim
consistently high levels of workforce competence. The
CIPS Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual in England,
CCEA Northern Ireland and Qualifications Wales; CIPS
qualifications are recognised on the Regulated
Qualifications Framework (RQF). CIPS is also regulated
by ACTT, SAQA and Teveta.
CIPS qualifications
Designed to support your professional development
as your career progresses.

CIPS qualifications consist of units that we have developed by working closely with employers
to make sure they respond to current business requirements.

Where you’ll start and how you’ll progress
Where you begin your studies depends on your
qualifications and experience. CIPS Certificate and
Advanced certificate in procurement and supply
operations are for those in operational roles. Our
Diploma qualifications are aimed at those managing the
procurement and supply function. We advise students
to progress through the qualifications in sequence to
provide the underpinning knowledge needed to move
up the qualifications ladder.
If you already have qualifications...
If you already have a relevant degree or qualification,
you may be entitled to some exemptions from CIPS
units. You can find full details of our exemption policy
and process at www.cips.org.
no previous qualifications?
You can start to study with CIPS if you have no previous
professional qualifications or experience; our Certificate
and Advanced certificate in procurement and supply
operations are available to all.
If you are not sure where to start, contact
+44 (0)1780 756777
CIPS qualifications are internationally
recognised.
CIPS qualifications are equivalent to:
Professional diploma Bachelors(honours)degree. NVQ Level 6 (UK)
in procurement and SAQA NQF level 8 (SA), NZQA level 7 (NZ)
supply AQF Vocational graduate certificate/ Graduate
diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 6 (TEVETA)
Advanced diploma Second year honours degree, NVQ level 5, HND (UK)
in procurement SAQA NQF level 6 (SA), NZQA level 6 (NZ)
and supply AQF Advanced diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 5
(TEVETA)
Diploma in First year degree or HNC, NVQ level 4 (UK)
procurement SAQA NQF level 5 (SA), NZQA level 5 (NZ)
and supply AQF diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 4 (TEVETA)
Advanced certificate A level, NVQ3, Foundation studies (UK)
in procurement and SAQA NQF level 5 (SA), NZQA level 4 (NZ)
supply operations AQF certificate IV (VET/AUS) TQF level 3 (TEVETA)
Certificate in GCSE or NVQ2 (UK)
procurement and AQF certificate III (AUS)
supply operations

05
Study anywhere...
...in the world. A range of flexible options to suit you.

Wherever you are in the world, you can Self study

study for your CIPS qualification. Simply
choose from one of the following options:
CIPS study centres
CIPS has a network of more than 200 study centres
across the globe, allowing you to study at a respected
college or university, or with a CIPS training provider.
Tuition is provided by qualified, experienced
professionals.
Our study centres offer a range of flexible learning
options:
• Part-time traditional classroom learning, during
evenings or in the daytime
• Intensive classroom or workshop sessions
• Distance learning with tutor support
You can take a look at our range of study centres at
www.cips.org/qualifications. Then simply contact
your preferred centres directly for details on their
programmes, fees, start dates and timetables.
Some people prefer to work through their qualification
on their own or may not be able to attend a taught
course. You can enrol to self study using our course
books and e-learning resources. For more advice,
please contact our customer services team at
customer.services@cips.org.
Assessment
All units in CIPS qualifications are assessed by an
examination.
We hold three examination series each year around
the world, with an additional two series currently
available in some countries. You can find more
information on assessment, exam timetables, a list of
exam centres and fees, exam resources and exam
papers at cips.org/qualifications

www.cips.org
Supporting...
...your studies. Everything you need for profitable learning.

All students who study CIPS qualifications CIPS Knowledge

need to become a CIPS member. Through A huge bank of research papers and essential
this membership you’ll benefit from professional resources to boost your performance in
professional development resources to your career and your studies.
support your studies and your career. www.cips.org/knowledge

Supply management monthly journal www.cips.org

Featuring news, views and articles that cover all areas CIPS website is your first port of call for information on
of procurement and supply, along with case studies CIPS, membership and qualifications. It includes a
and other sources of inspiration. student zone and is an essential reference point for
www.supplymanagement.com. sample assessments and exam timetables.

Study packs and recommended reading CIPS CPD

These have supported thousands of students to Available via www.cips.org CIPS CPD is an online tool
achieve their CIPS qualifications. You can find a list of that allows you to manage your continuing
recommended reading at www.cips.org/book-shop. professional development activity.

Knowledge Update e-newsletters CIPS member networks

Produced specifically for CIPS students, with An invaluable opportunity to network with other
information on exams, study tips and news from the colleagues throughout the profession via CIPS branch
student network. events and CIPS social networks including Facebook,
Twitter, and LinkedIn. www.cips.org.

07
 The right qualifications
CIPS offers five qualifications to support your professional development in procurement and supply. These
qualifications have been developed with the help of global organisations to reflect the needs of industry
and to ensure we cover all the competencies and capabilities that are so essential to the profession.

Diploma in
Advanced certificate procurement
Certificate in in procurement and and supply
procurement and supply operations
supply operations

The ideal qualification if you’re
just starting your career in
procurement or if purchasing
and supply are part of your
role. It will enable you to
recognise and describe the key
processes in procurement and
build your professional
knowledge and competence.
Designed for those in an
operational role who need the
capability to carry out
procurement and supply tasks.
You will develop the knowledge
to understand demand
management, arrange supply
logistics and implement new
contracts.
A valuable management tool for
those moving into junior and
middle management procurement
roles or those supervising the
procurement function. It focuses on
organisational procedures and
processes including negotiating,
planning, risk management and
data analysis.

Entry requirements Entry requirements Entry requirements

You don’t need any prior
experience or qualifications to
start your studies at this stage.
No qualifications or experience are
necessary. If you have a CIPS
Certificate this qualification will
build on current knowledge and
understanding.
You will need to have completed the
CIPS Advanced certificate in
procurement and supply operations.
Alternatively you need two years’
experience in a business environment
or two A level qualifications or
international equivalent.

www.cips.org
for you ...your route to MCIPS
Advanced diploma
in procurement
and supply
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.
Entry requirements
You will need to have achieved the
CIPS Diploma in procurement and
supply.
Professional diploma
in procurement and
mCIPS
Your Professional Licence
supply
Aimed at senior procurement
professionals and heads of
department. It is targeted at
building strategic procurement
competence, giving managers the
ability to formulate strategic
direction and advice, in areas such
as change management,
stakeholder management and
team leadership.
Entry requirements
You will need to have achieved the
CIPS Advanced diploma in
procurement and supply.
mCIPS is recognised worldwide as
the standard for top quality
procurement professionals. It is a
professional accreditation for those
working in procurement and supply.
Successful candidates may use the
designatory letters mCIPS after their
name.
Entry requirements
You must complete (by assessment or
exemption) the Diploma, Advanced
diploma and Professional diploma in
procurement and supply. You also
need 3 years’ experience in a position
of responsibility in procurement and
supply.
09
 “many employers
are now focusing
more on job
specific
qualifications.”
CIPS Certificate in procurement
and supply operations
D. TEnnYSOn

Topics covered: You’re a career starter or your role includes procurement and supply.
• Principles The Certificate in procurement and supply operations focuses on giving you the
• Functions skills you need to recognise and describe the key processes in procurement, and
• Processes building your professional knowledge and competence.
• Administration
• Stakeholders Learning Outcomes
You will develop robust knowledge in creating quotations and contract and tender
documentation, including e-systems, assessing quotations, addressing customer
enquiries and supplier selection, performance issues and reviews. For more
information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org.

Entry requirements
There are no entry requirements. You don’t need any prior professional qualifications
or experience.

www.cips.org
 “A CIPS
qualification will
most definitely
CIPS Advanced certificate in give you that
competitive edge.”
procurement and supply
operations L. rIOBA

You’re in an operational procurement and supply role. Topics covered:

The Advanced Certificate is designed to help you develop the capability to carry out • Environments
purchasing and supply tasks. • Operations
• Workflow
Learning Outcomes • Inventory and logistics
You will develop the robust knowledge to: understand and apply demand management • relations
through manual or IT based systems, carry out stock valuation and ordering, arrange
supply logistics and the necessary paperwork, and implement new contracts, including
queries on performance, and financial management and contract review. For more
information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org.

Entry requirements
No qualifications or experience are necessary. If you have the CIPS Certificate or CIPS
International Certificate you’ll find this qualification builds on your current knowledge
and understanding.

11
 “I can definitely
say a CIPS
qualification
has added value
to my career.”
CIPS Diploma in procurement
and supply
m. KEDWArD

Topics covered: You’re moving into a junior or middle management procurement

• Contexts role, or you supervise the procurement function.
• Business needs The Diploma in procurement and supply is a valuable management tool which
• Sourcing focuses on how organisational procedures and processes perform in purchasing and
• negotiating and supply, including negotiating, planning, risk management and data analysis.
contracting
• managing contracts and Learning Outcomes
relationships The Diploma addresses planning and forecasting for future demand, forward planning
for contract development, negotiating volumes, margins and standards, creating and
controlling specifications, and contract management. It also covers the supply market
and chain, negotiating with suppliers, conflict resolution and performance review. For
more information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org.

Entry requirements
You will need to have completed the CIPS Advanced certificate in procurement and
supply operations or the CIPS International advanced certificate in purchasing and
supply. Alternatively, you will need either two years’ experience in a business
environment, two A-level qualifications / international equivalents.

www.cips.org
 “CIPS is a must if
you are looking for
CIPS Advanced diploma in a step up in career.”

procurement and supply P. ChOPrA

You’re a senior buyer, contract manager or supply chain manager. Topics covered:
The Advanced diploma in procurement and supply is designed to give you the • management
expertise to improve organisational procurement and to fulfil organisational • managing risks
objectives. It helps you develop the knowledge base to reduce cost, improve quality • Improving
and timescales, manage the supply chain and deal with legal issues. competitiveness of
supply chains
Learning Outcomes • Category management
The Advanced diploma focuses on cost reduction and added value of purchases and • Sustainability
supplies, improving timescales and stock control, management and innovation in the • Operations management
procurement and supply process, and developing legal and risk management
expertise. For more information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at
www.cips.org.

Entry requirements
You will need to have achieved the CIPS Diploma in procurement and supply or the
CIPS Foundation diploma in purchasing and supply. For more details please visit
www.cips.org.

13
 “Staying up-to-date
with new and
emerging issues
is important.” CIPS Professional diploma in
n. BUrGESS procurement and supply

Topics covered: You’re a senior procurement professional or head of department.

• Leadership The Professional diploma in procurement and supply is targeted at building
• Corporate and business strategic procurement competence, giving managers the ability to formulate
strategy strategic direction and advice, in terms of change management, stakeholder
• Strategic supply chain management and team leadership.
management
• Supply chain diligence Learning Outcomes
• Programme and project The Professional diploma focuses on giving you the strategic acumen to align
management functional, organisational and supply chain strategies, and to devise and implement
• Legal aspects in change management. The course develops your skills in areas including leadership of
procurement and supply stakeholders, the procurement function, teams and relationship management, and
(UK) project and financial management. For more information, you will find our detailed
Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org.

Entry requirements
You will need to have achieved the CIPS Advanced diploma in procurement and supply
or the CIPS Advanced diploma in purchasing and supply.

www.cips.org
Your next 6 Signify your commitment to procurement excellence by
going beyond mCIPS to become a Chartered Procurement

steps
and Supply professional*

The path to professionalism

5 Gain the recognition you so richly deserve for your hard
work. mCIPS is recognised globally as the standard for
those practicing procurement and supply.

COnTACT US
4 To take CIPS qualifications all students need to be CIPS
members. In addition CIPS membership gives you access to
resources to support your studies and career development.
For any other questions contact our
www.cips.org/join.
customer services team on:
+44 (0)1780 756777
www.customer.services@cips.org
Alternatively contact your regional office,
see overleaf for contact details.
3 Use our online search tool to find and contact a convenient
study centre which offers study methods to suit your
learning style.

2 Get more help in making your decision our webpages

provide example student profiles for each qualification level
and a full guide to the content in all of the units you may
choose to study. Get this at www.cips.org/qualifications.

1 The Global Standard will help you to identify your current

level of skill, competency and knowledge. This should help
you to choose a qualification that’s right for your role and the
stage you’re at in your career in procurement and supply.

*Eligibility criteria applies see www.cips.org/charter 15

CIPS Group Easton house, Easton on the hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3nZ, United Kingdom
T +44 (0)1780 756777 F +44 (0)1780 751610 E info@cips.org

CIPS Africa Ground Floor, Building B, 48 Sovereign Drive, route 21 Corporate Park, Irene X30, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
T +27 (0)12 345 6177 F +27 (0)12 345 3309 E infosa@cips.org.za

CIPS Asia Pacific 1 Wallich Street, Guoco Tower, Level 14-01, Singapore, 078881
T +65 6808 8721 F +65 6808 8722 E infosg@cips.org

CIPS Australasia Level 2, 520 Collins Street, melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia CIPS™ is a registered trademark of the
T 1300 765 142/+61 (0)3 9629 6000 F 1300 765 143/+61 (0)3 9620 5488 E info@cipsa.com.au Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

PD/GCQ/02/15
CIPS mEnA Office 1703, The Fairmont hotel, Sheikh Zayed road, PO Box 119774, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
T +971 (0)4 311 6505 F +971 (0)4 332 8810 E mena.enquiries@cips.org www.cips.org