Earn 22% more with MCIPS*

2 Certificate in procurement and supply operations

The ideal qualification if you're just starting your career in procurement or if procurement 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.

There are no entry requirements at this level. You don't need any prior experience or qualifications to start your studies at this stage.

Typical job titles:

• Administrative assistant
• Purchasing assistant
• Contracts administrator
• Stock controller
• Merchandiser

3 Advanced certificate in procurement and supply operations

This qualification is 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 how to implement new contracts.

You don't need any prior experience or qualifications to start your studies at this stage.

Typical job titles:

• Administrator
• Assistant buyer
• Assistant contract officer
• Contract analyst
• Stock / inventory controller / planner

4 Diploma in procurement and supply

A valuable management tool for those moving into junior and middle management procurement and supply roles or those supervising the procurement function. It focusses on organisational procedures and processes including negotiation, planning, risk management and data analysis.

This is the highest entry point to our diploma qualifications and requires a minimum of at least two A-levels (or international equivalent) or a CIPS Advanced Certificate qualification. Alternatively you need a minimum of two years' experience in a business environment.

Typical job titles:

• Buyer
• Procurement / purchasing executive
• Procurement specialist
• Contract officer Supply chain / inventory / logistics analyst
• Supply chain / inventory / logistics planner

5 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.

Typical job titles:

• Buyer
• Procurement / purchasing executive
• Procurement specialist
• Contract officer
• Supply chain / inventory / logistics analyst and planner

6 Professional diploma in procurement and supply

Aimed at senior procurement professionals and heads of department. It is targeted at building strategic direction and advice, in areas such as change management, stakeholder management and team leadership.

On successful completion of the Diploma, Advanced and Professional diplomas along with three years' experience in a position of responsibility in procurement and supply you will be awarded MCIPS status.

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

Typical job titles:

• Buyer
• Strategic / senior / purchasing or procurement manager
• Head of commercial / supply chain manager
• Head of logistics / transport
• Operations manager