What is CIPS? Levels & Benefits in Procurement Explained

What is CIPS and why is it crucial for Procurement professionals? The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a globally recognised authority that empowers individuals with essential skills in Procurement. From mastering strategic sourcing to improving negotiation tactics, CIPS Qualifications elevate your expertise, helping you navigate the complexities of Supply Chain Management.  

Whether you're just starting or advancing your career, CIPS provides the tools for long-term success and credibility. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is CIPS? 

2) What are the CIPS Qualifications? 

3) Benefits of CIPS Qualifications 

4) How can a CIPS Qualification Boost Your Application? 

5) Conclusion 

What is CIPS? 

Established as the Purchasing Officers' Association, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) received its Royal Charter in 1992. Presently, CIPS has a worldwide membership exceeding 200,000 professionals, solidifying its position as a significant figure in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. 

CIPS, currently led by CEO Nick Welby, is the leading advocate for Procurement professionals globally. Despite having a global impact, the Institute maintains a solid connection to its origins by nurturing close relationships with its member-driven branches and national organisations in different areas. 

What are the CIPS Qualifications? 

CIPS offers a range of globally recognised qualifications designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of procurement professionals. With five levels catering to different career stages, from beginners to experienced experts, understanding the duration of CIPS qualification can help you plan your learning journey more effectively. 

CIPS Level 2 

Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations 

Ideal for individuals new to Procurement or those looking to enter the profession, the CIPS Level 2 Books Guide provides essential knowledge and insights to help you get started and succeed in the field.

CIPS Level 3 

Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations 

CIPS Level 3 is ideal for professionals looking to deepen their understanding of Procurement procedures and practices. For a detailed breakdown, refer to the CIPS Level 3 Modules Guide.

CIPS Level 4 

Diploma in Procurement and Supply  

Ideal for those with Procurement experience, CIPS Level 4 provides foundational skills for a professional career in Procurement through this qualification. For more details, refer to the CIPS Level 4 Modules Guide to understand the course structure.

CIPS Level 5 

Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply 

Targeted at professionals aspiring to management roles, focusing on strategic decision-making and leadership within Procurement, the CIPS Level 5 provides the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in these areas. the CIPS Level 5 Modules Guide provides a comprehensive guide to the course structure and content. This resource helps individuals better understand how the modules are designed to enhance their leadership and decision-making skills in procurement.

CIPS Level 6 

Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply 

CIPS Level 6 is The highest qualification, tailored for Senior Procurement Leaders, covering advanced global strategies and leadership development. For a detailed understanding of the curriculum, refer to the CIPS Level 6 Modules Guide.

Benefits of CIPS Qualifications 

Pursuing CIPS Qualifications improves your Procurement and Supplies professional efficiency by expanding your knowledge of critical processes and improving overall efficiency. These qualifications focus on essential tasks such as managing supplier relationships, ethical sourcing, and budget management. Below are some key benefits of obtaining CIPS Qualifications: 

Make Better Deals 

New negotiation strategies constantly evolve, and studying for a CIPS Qualification equips you with the latest techniques to enhance your deal-making skills. Becoming a skilled negotiator improves your ability to secure more favourable and profitable supplier agreements. These courses also focus on negotiating fair and balanced deals that benefit both parties, fostering stronger, long-term relationships. 

Improve Supplier Relationships 

CIPS qualifications emphasise the crucial difference between essential purchasing and strategic Procurement, a fundamental idea for those in the Procurement field. Strategic Procurement prioritise creating long-term relationships with suppliers instead of typical buyer-seller interactions, promoting increased loyalty and mutual respect. Proactively controlling these connections offers valuable information, allowing you to predict scarcities and react with strategic solutions. 

Build Strong Teams 

When entire teams obtain CIPS Qualifications, the impact can be transformative. Their collective expertise in the latest methods and best practices enhances efficiency, communication, and negotiation skills, driving better results. By sharing their advanced knowledge, teams collaborate to develop innovative solutions. This commitment to continuous learning ensures they sustain a competitive edge for their organisation. 

Increase Efficiency 

Understanding best practices in Procurement and supply enables you to manage costs effectively and reduce waste. Even minor errors or inefficiencies in large transactions can result in significant financial losses. Preventing these issues can increase the profitability of your business. CIPS-qualified professionals are trained to analyse processes and pinpoint areas of inefficiency, ensuring smoother, more cost-effective operations. 

Eliminate Fraud 

CIPS-qualified professionals possess the latest knowledge required to tackle the prevalent issue of Procurement fraud in the industry. Their expertise in identifying illicit activities such as bid rigging and bribery plays a crucial role in safeguarding enterprises from financial losses and reputational risks. Implementing Procurement Best Practices helps organisations combat Procurement fraud, ensuring they secure high-quality services at fair prices, reduce costs, and promote transparency in supplier contracts.

Elevate your Procurement skills with our CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations and unlock new career opportunities today! 

How can a CIPS Qualification Boost Your Application? 

CIPS Qualification can significantly boost your application because of the following reasons: 

Recruiters Favour CIPS Members 

According to the latest CIPS Procurement & Supply Salary Guide , recruiters worldwide prefer candidates with MCIPS status. A CIPS Qualification is a crucial differentiator, giving you a competitive edge when applying for Procurement roles. 

Demonstrates Skills and Commitment 

Having a CIPS Qualification on your resume can help you showcase that you possess the relevant skills and knowledge in Procurement and Supply Chain Management. Additionally, completing this qualification can showcase your passion and dedication when it comes to career advancement. 

Sets You Apart from Other Candidates 

On the plus side, having a CIPS Qualification can set you apart from other candidates when it comes to interviews. Moreover, recruiters are on the lookout for hiring CIPS members. So, having this credential puts you in a favourable position and greatly increases your chances of success. 

Take your career to the next level with our CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply - sign up now! 

Conclusion 

Obtaining CIPS Qualifications can unlock a variety of career paths, providing you with essential Procurement and Supply Chain Management skills. Whether you're new to the field or already experienced, understanding What is CIPS and earning its qualifications can set you apart from others and ensure long-term success in the Procurement and Supply sector, especially with qualification of CIPS Level 2. 

Master strategic procurement with our CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply and lead your organisation to success!