CIPS qualifications
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) has a commitment to ensure that everyone working within the supply chain has a qualification for which they can study which is appropriate to their duties and responsibilities.
As well as providing for the very many thousands of people who need to perform a well-defined job well, CIPS also has to plan a route for those people who will become academics and chief executives in the future.
To do this, CIPS has created a “ladder” of qualifications which people step onto according to their previous work experiences, and step off when they have reached the rung they need.
Every step of the way is a qualification ; each qualification designed to meet the needs of people working at that level. CIPS has listened to employers, employees, teachers and academics to continuously improve its qualifications so that the right skills are taught at the right points in people’s careers; so that a job can be described as, for example, an “Advanced Diploma” job and both you and your organisation will feel confident that you have covered what you need to know.
There are four qualifications in the CIPS ladder at the moment:
Each qualification is made up of five units, and each unit has one assessment which you need to pass. Full membership of CIPS, “MCIPS”, comes after the Graduate Diploma. It acts as a quality mark for the supply chain professional.
The levels are determined by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA), who are the Government regulator for education, and ensure that there is a clear understanding nationally of the level of a person’s learning and ability, in this case in supply chain matters.
Where do I start?
There is a CIPS qualification to suit most people. The level you start at, your entry level depends on the qualifications and experience which you already have.
Once CIPS have decided your starting level, they might also award you exemptions; see our exams and exemptions page for details.
You must check your starting point with CIPS before beginning your course. Although we can give you some guidance, it’s CIPS that make the decisions. Remember to include a full CV and job description when you contact them – it will help them to decide where you should start.
Certificate
The Certificate is open to anyone aged 18 or over. It doesn’t matter what qualifications you have, nor what jobs you’ve done, though it helps if you are working in, or have worked in, purchasing and supply.
Foundation Diploma
To do the Foundation Diploma you need to be aged 21 or over and have two years’ suitable work experience or be 18 or over and have a Level 3 qualification which is acceptable to CIPS such as the CIPS Certificate. This is also your starting level if you have three A levels with acceptable grades.
Advanced Diploma
The Advanced Diploma is open to students who have the CIPS Foundation Diploma or an equivalent qualification (or experience). Students with CIPS’ International Advanced Certificate start at this level.
Graduate Diploma
The Graduate Diploma is open to students who have the CIPS Advanced Diploma or an equivalent qualification (or experience).
