We get asked this question time and time again by so many people interested in starting their studies for their CIPS professional qualifications. It is not easy for the newcomer to CIPS. There are five “levels” of study each leading to separate qualification, and so it is easy to be confused or tempted to start on the wrong one.
If you already understand the UK national qualifications framework, then it is easier to navigate your way through the range of CIPS qualifications. Level 2 equates to GCSE standard in the UK, whereas Level 4 is typically ordinary degree level and Level 6 equates to the same educational standard as an Honours degree - but you cannot start anywhere you like, so let’s work through this step-by-step…
The Level 2 Certificate in Procurement & Supply is the most basic CIPS qualification. It provides a simple foundational understanding of procurement and anyone can start at this level. It is particularly aimed at more junior administrative roles, or for anyone who is involved in supporting procurement as a side-of-the-desk activity (such as travel bookers, order clerks or purchasing assistants). The exams are simple knowledge-based multiple choice questions.
The Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement & Supply is a slightly more in-depth (but still relatively foundational) qualification. Level 3 is pitched at an equivalent standard as UK A-levels, so the qualification isn’t really “advanced” at all. It is perfect for anyone totally new to procurement or in a junior or administrative grade who does not have aspirations to go on a complete any higher CIPS qualifications. Surprisingly few of our customers enrol at Level 3.
The Level 4 Diploma in Procurement & Supply is the most popular qualification among the CIPS suite. It is the highest entry level for anyone wanting to progress through the remainder of the qualifications to Level 6, MCIPS membership or beyond. In other words, if you have aspirations to achieve your MCIPS professional status and to develop your career in procurement professionally, then this is the “entry level” for you.
Sadly CIPS will not permit you to enter directly into Level 5 or Level 6. To achieve either of these qualifications you need to have successfully completed the prior level (i.e. to have completed and passed your Level 4 exams).
Level 4 is the ideal starting point for anyone looking to progress in the procurement profession. You study eight modules that cover the essential stages in the procurement cycle, and it provides an excellent broad base of understanding for your career.
What if I am already experienced?
We get asked this question a lot. Some of our learners already have 10 or even 20 years of operational procurement experience, sometimes across multiple industry sectors and different types of supply market. Unfortunately CIPS will not accept this as a substitute for studying their professional qualifications. In other words, you still have to start at Level 4.
What if I already have other business qualifications?
Again, we get asked this often. Some of our learners move into procurement from other professional disciplines, while others may already have got fairly advanced qualifications in the forms of a university degree or equivalent. For example, I started my procurement career as a chartered civil engineer who had already progressed through several post-graduate exams after achieving my civil engineering degree - but despite its advanced nature, this counted as nothing for me personally with CIPS.
Like most Awarding Bodies, CIPS operates an ‘exemption’ scheme where anyone who has successfully studied the same learning content for another qualification may be exempt from the equivalent part of a CIPS qualification. While this sounds fair, you must look into this carefully before assuming your prior qualifications will count. CIPS will want proof that you passed and proof that your qualification is at least of the same standard. They will also want to know that all of the content in their syllabus has been covered by your previous qualification - and this is the point at which most requests for exemption break down.
So, what’s the bottom-line?
In almost every case, it means starting at the Level 4 Diploma (particularly if you are looking to progress your career as a procurement professional). Level 4 is the most common entry level for almost all CIPS learners. You can choose to study in the traditional way module-by-module or, if your organisation is a UK levy-paying employer, you can choose the Government-funded Commercial Apprenticeship in Procurement & Supply.
Either way, we are sure you will enjoy your CIPS studies at Level 4 and hopefully beyond. Get in touch with us if you would like to find out more!