A guide to CIPS qualifications

Further your career in procurement and supply
Leading global excellence in procurement and supply

Contents
3 Benefits...
...of professional qualifications. Your
career advantage
4 Studying with CIPS
The world’s largest professional
organisation for procurement and
supply
5 CIPS qualifications
Designed to support your professional
development as your career progresses
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
“Throughout the world, CIPS qualifications are recognised as
driving leading-edge thinking and professionalism in industry.
Each of our qualifications has been developed by working
closely with our industry partners to make sure they reflect
current, emerging and best practice in procurement and
supply chain management.
The result is a range of professional awards that will truly
help you to reach your career potential and give you a
significant competitive edge.”
AmAnDA O’BrIEn,
GrOUP PrOFESSIOnAL DEVELOPmEnT DIrECTOr

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.
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.
www.cips.org

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
in procurement and
supply
Advanced diploma
in procurement
and supply
Diploma in
procurement
and supply
Advanced certificate
in procurement and
supply operations
Certificate in
procurement and
supply operations
Bachelors(honours)degree. NVQ Level 6 (UK)
SAQA NQF level 8 (SA), NZQA level 7 (NZ)
AQF Vocational graduate certificate/ Graduate
diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 6 (TEVETA)
Second year honours degree, NVQ level 5, HND (UK)
SAQA NQF level 6 (SA), NZQA level 6 (NZ)
AQF Advanced diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 5
(TEVETA)
First year degree or HNC, NVQ level 4 (UK)
SAQA NQF level 5 (SA), NZQA level 5 (NZ)
AQF diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 4 (TEVETA)
A level, NVQ3, Foundation studies (UK)
SAQA NQF level 5 (SA), NZQA level 4 (NZ)
AQF certificate IV (VET/AUS) TQF level 3 (TEVETA)
GCSE or NVQ2 (UK)
AQF certificate III (AUS)
05

Study anywhere...
...in the world. A range of flexible options to suit you.
Wherever you are in the world, you can
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.
Self study
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
need to become a CIPS member. Through
this membership you’ll benefit from
professional development resources to
support your studies and your career.
Supply management monthly journal
Featuring news, views and articles that cover all areas
of procurement and supply, along with case studies
and other sources of inspiration.
www.supplymanagement.com.
Study packs and recommended reading
These have supported thousands of students to
achieve their CIPS qualifications. You can find a list of
recommended reading at www.cips.org/book-shop.
Knowledge Update e-newsletters
Produced specifically for CIPS students, with
information on exams, study tips and news from the
student network.
CIPS Knowledge
A huge bank of research papers and essential
professional resources to boost your performance in
your career and your studies.
www.cips.org/knowledge
www.cips.org
CIPS website is your first port of call for information on
CIPS, membership and qualifications. It includes a
student zone and is an essential reference point for
sample assessments and exam timetables.
CIPS CPD
Available via www.cips.org CIPS CPD is an online tool
that allows you to manage your continuing
professional development activity.
CIPS member networks
An invaluable opportunity to network with other
colleagues throughout the profession via CIPS branch
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.
Certificate in
procurement and
supply operations
Advanced certificate
in procurement and
supply operations
Diploma in
procurement
and supply
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.
Entry requirements
You don’t need any prior
experience or qualifications to
start your studies at this stage.
www.cips.org
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.
Entry requirements
No qualifications or experience are
necessary. If you have a CIPS
Certificate this qualification will
build on current knowledge and
understanding.
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
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.

for you ...your route to MCIPS
Advanced diploma
in procurement
and supply
Professional diploma
in procurement and
supply
mCIPS
Your Professional Licence
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.
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.”
D. TEnnYSOn
CIPS Certificate in procurement
and supply operations
Topics covered:
• Principles
• Functions
• Processes
• Administration
• Stakeholders
You’re a career starter or your role includes procurement and supply.
The Certificate in procurement and supply operations focuses on giving you the
skills you need to recognise and describe the key processes in procurement, and
building your professional knowledge and competence.
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

CIPS Advanced certificate in
procurement and supply
operations
You’re in an operational procurement and supply role.
The Advanced Certificate is designed to help you develop the capability to carry out
purchasing and supply tasks.
Learning Outcomes
You will develop the robust knowledge to: understand and apply demand management
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.
“A CIPS
qualification will
most definitely
give you that
competitive edge.”
L. rIOBA
Topics covered:
• Environments
• Operations
• Workflow
• Inventory and logistics
• relations
11

“I can definitely
say a CIPS
qualification
has added value
to my career.”
m. KEDWArD
CIPS Diploma in procurement
and supply
Topics covered:
• Contexts
• Business needs
• Sourcing
• negotiating and
contracting
• managing contracts and
relationships
You’re moving into a junior or middle management procurement
role, or you supervise the procurement function.
The Diploma in procurement and supply is a valuable management tool which
focuses on how organisational procedures and processes perform in purchasing and
supply, including negotiating, planning, risk management and data analysis.
Learning Outcomes
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 Advanced diploma in
procurement and supply
“CIPS is a must if
you are looking for
a step up in career.”
P. ChOPrA
You’re a senior buyer, contract manager or supply chain manager.
The Advanced diploma in procurement and supply is designed to give you the
expertise to improve organisational procurement and to fulfil organisational
objectives. It helps you develop the knowledge base to reduce cost, improve quality
and timescales, manage the supply chain and deal with legal issues.
Learning Outcomes
The Advanced diploma focuses on cost reduction and added value of purchases and
supplies, improving timescales and stock control, management and innovation in the
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.
Topics covered:
• management
• managing risks
• Improving
competitiveness of
supply chains
• Category management
• Sustainability
• Operations management
13

“Staying up-to-date
with new and
emerging issues
is important.”
n. BUrGESS
CIPS Professional diploma in
procurement and supply
Topics covered:
• Leadership
• Corporate and business
strategy
• Strategic supply chain
management
• Supply chain diligence
• Programme and project
management
• Legal aspects in
procurement and supply
(UK)
You’re a senior procurement professional or head of department.
The Professional diploma in procurement and supply is targeted at building
strategic procurement competence, giving managers the ability to formulate
strategic direction and advice, in terms of change management, stakeholder
management and team leadership.
Learning Outcomes
The Professional diploma focuses on giving you the strategic acumen to align
functional, organisational and supply chain strategies, and to devise and implement
change management. The course develops your skills in areas including leadership of
stakeholders, the procurement function, teams and relationship management, and
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
steps
The path to professionalism
6
5
Signify your commitment to procurement excellence by
going beyond mCIPS to become a Chartered Procurement
and Supply professional*
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
For any other questions contact our
customer services team on:
+44 (0)1780 756777
www.customer.services@cips.org
Alternatively contact your regional office,
see overleaf for contact details.
4
3
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.
www.cips.org/join.
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
T 1300 765 142/+61 (0)3 9629 6000 F 1300 765 143/+61 (0)3 9620 5488 E info@cipsa.com.au
CIPS is a registered trademark of the
CharteredInstituteofProcurement&Supply
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
PD/GCQ/02/15