CIPS Qualifications Explained

Getting an accredited CIPS qualification is the best way to start or further progress your career in procurement and supply. CIPS qualifications allow you to develop the key skills needed to succeed in this career and open up a huge range of job opportunities in procurement and supply. Find out all about what qualifications are available and how you can enrol today. 

CIPS qualifications are the best industry standard qualifications in the procurement and supply sector. They are accredited by the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), which is the largest professional body in procurement and supply, and their qualifications are designed to help professionals within the industry develop their careers. 

CIPS certifications are for people who want to work in, or progress their career in, procurement and supply. There are a range of qualifications available to help you develop your career whether you’re just starting or have years of experience to build on. 

The CIPS certification courses are available to be taken flexibly online, so you can study no matter where you are in the world. You can also study for your CIPS qualification alongside part-time or full-time work, or gain on-the-job training whilst you study.

There are several CIPS qualifications available, and each is suitable for different experience levels and specific career goals. Find out all about five of the most popular qualifications below and see which one is best for your career advancement. 

CIPS Level 2 Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

This entry-level qualification is suitable for people who have not been trained or worked in procurement and supply previously or who have some experience but no prior qualifications. For example, if you are a junior buyer or purchasing administrator and want to advance your career to the next level. 

It is the first level certification available, and during this certification course, you’ll learn about the process of working in procurement and supply. This certificate is ideal to provide a foundation of knowledge about the industry and a pathway to advancing your career in procurement and supply.

CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

The Level 3 Advanced Certificate is more in-depth than the Level 2 qualification, and is designed to build on your existing knowledge of working in the industry. It is suitable for people such as assistant buyers or materials controllers and is a great way to practice continuous professional development (CPD).

This course explores topics such as arranging supply logistics, implementing contracts and developing supplier relationships. Once you gain this professional qualification, you can go on to study for the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Procurement and Supply

A CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma is more advanced than Level 3 and 2 certifications and is on the same level as the first year of a degree. This diploma course is suitable for people working in mid-range positions and are looking to advance to more senior roles. In this diploma, you will learn about the key processes and procedures within supply chain management as well as risk management, data analysis and negotiation.

This is the highest entry point that you can begin CIPS training on (aside from in exceptional circumstances), and therefore you will need to complete this diploma before studying the Level 5 and 6 diplomas below. 

CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Gaining a Level 5 Advanced Diploma is equivalent to completing a 2-year undergraduate degree, and is the second highest CIPS qualification available. It is most suited to those working in a senior buyer or other senior/managerial role, or who have completed the Level 4 qualification. 

It is designed to help you progress professionally by learning the ins and outs of successful supply management and sourcing, cost-effectiveness and efficiency, managing teams, and improving work quality.

CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply

The highest CIPS qualification available is the Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply. This is equivalent to a completed 3 year Bachelor’s degree and therefore is more advanced than all previous-level qualifications.

This procurement and supply qualification is suitable for senior procurement professionals, senior managers and heads of department, who want to progress further and develop their professional expertise. This diploma can also help you obtain MCIPS membership which is a prestigious qualification that demonstrates your expertise in the field. CIPS membership is highly recognised and only available to those who complete diplomas at levels 4 to 6 with 3 years’ experience in a responsible position in the industry.