What Is CIPS? The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply: Complete Guide
Ask a procurement director in Dubai, Riyadh, Mumbai or Manchester which qualification they trust, and the answer is nearly always the same three letters. CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, describes itself as "the world's largest professional body for the procurement and supply profession": a UK chartered, not for profit institute with over 60,000 members in more than 150 countries, offices from Peterborough to Dubai and Riyadh, and a network of 190 approved study centres worldwide.
A short history
CIPS was founded in 1932 as the Purchasing Officers Association and received its Royal Charter in 1992. It is "the only awarding body in the world that can award MCIPS status," and its Level 2 to 6 qualifications are regulated by Ofqual in the UK, with formal recognition in the regulatory frameworks of Dubai, Bahrain and other jurisdictions.
The CIPS qualification ladder
- Level 2 Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations, for those new to a business role
- Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations, for those with some business experience
- Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, the highest entry point and "the most popular starting route to MCIPS"; equivalent to the first year of a degree
- Level 5 Advanced Diploma, equivalent to the second year of a degree
- Level 6 Professional Diploma, completes the route to MCIPS
Every level is aligned to the CIPS Global Standard for Procurement & Supply, and each credit represents about ten hours of study. Most learners complete a level in 6 to 12 months.
MCIPS and Chartered status
Completing Levels 4, 5 and 6, with three years' experience in a position of responsibility, earns eligibility for MCIPS, "the globally recognised standard of excellence for the procurement and supply profession." Members who log 30 hours of CPD a year and pass the CIPS Ethics Test become MCIPS Chartered; FCIPS is the fellowship grade for CPOs, leading consultants and academics. CIPS reports that over half of employers request MCIPS, or study towards it, when recruiting.
What else CIPS provides
The Global Standard competency framework, the 13 stage Procurement and Supply Cycle, the annual Procurement & Supply Salary Guide with Hays, the Ethical Procurement and Supply eLearning and test, and a Code of Conduct binding every member.
Studying CIPS with Blue Ocean Academy
Blue Ocean Academy delivers CIPS Level 3, Level 4 and Level 5 as an approved CIPS study centre, tutor led programs covering the full syllabus ahead of each computer based exam, in classroom batches across the Gulf and India and live online for the UK and beyond. Exams are sat at CIPS exam venues or by remote invigilation from home or office.
Frequently asked questions
Which CIPS level should I start at?
New to procurement: Level 2 or 3. Two plus years in a business role, two A levels or a Level 3: start at Level 4, the highest entry point, even for degree holders. An advisor can place you in minutes.
Is CIPS recognised outside the UK?
Yes, CIPS states its qualifications carry formal recognition in Dubai and Bahrain among others, and are recognised by employers across India and the wider Gulf.
How long to MCIPS?
CIPS recommends about 12 months per Diploma level; Levels 4 to 6 plus three years' experience typically means three to four years to MCIPS.
