About CIPS

Established in 1932, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is an organisation that promotes best practice throughout the international supply chain and procurement profession.

The Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply has a global network of over 200,000 members in over 150 countries. It is the leading worldwide professional body and as a result, serves best practice procurement methods to supply chain professionals. Find out more about CIPS below.

Currently work in procurement and supply? Joining a CIPS qualification programme means you will join the largest Institute in the world.

Dedicated to promoting best practice, Aspire provides a wide range of courses. Studying CIPS enables those working in Procurement to gain globally recognised professional credentials. As an accredited CIPS Centre of Excellence, Aspire offers these qualifications and other bespoke commercial courses to enable organisations to enhance their skills and knowledge of their Procurement functions both locally and globally.

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What is CIPS?

CIPS is a professional association for procurement and supply chain management. It provides education, training, and certification for individuals in the field of procurement and supply. Aspire Procurement Training provides training for CIPS.

Why study CIPS?

Studying CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) provides global recognition, offering professional credibility and expanding career opportunities in procurement and supply chain management. CIPS equips individuals with industry standards, fostering continuous learning and keeping practitioners abreast of the latest trends. Additionally, being part of CIPS connects professionals to a global network, providing valuable insights and career connections. The skills acquired contribute to increased efficiency in implementing procurement and supply chain processes, positively impacting organizational success. In essence, CIPS study enhances professional standing, broadens career prospects, and ensures relevance in a dynamic field.

Where can you study CIPS?

Due to our online offering, you can study from home or from the office. Alternatively, we have plenty of physical study centres for you to attend. Click here to view our study centres.

When can you study CIPS?

You can study CIPS with Aspire at your own pace through online courses, in-person classes, evening classes and distance learning. With a flexible approach, Aspire can accommodate various schedules, allowing professionals in procurement and supply chain management to pursue their qualifications conveniently.

When are exam weeks?

CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) examination periods, also known as exam weeks, typically occur in March, May, July, and November each year. These are the designated times when students can sit for their exams. However, it's important to note that specific dates may vary, and CIPS may make adjustments to their exam schedule. You can view their exam schedules here.

How much does CIPS cost?

The cost of qualifications can vary based on the level of the qualification, the specific module or exam, and whether you are a  member. Download our brochure below for specific prices.

When are exam results published?

CIPS typically publishes exam results approximately six weeks after the examination period concludes. For instance, if the exam week is in March, you can generally expect the results to be released around late April or early May. However, it's essential to note that specific result release dates can vary, and CIPS will provide the exact date for each examination period. You can view their exam results days here.

Which CIPS level should I do?

The appropriate CIPS level for you depends on your current experience, education, and career goals. CIPS offers qualifications at different levels, each designed to cater to individuals with varying levels of experience in procurement and supply chain management. Here's a general guide to help you decide.

How long does CIPS take to complete?

The time it takes to complete qualifications can vary based on factors such as the level of qualification, your prior experience, and the study method you choose. Here's a general overview:

Level 2 (Certificate): Typically takes 6 to 9 months of part-time study.
Level 3 (Advanced Certificate): Can be completed in around 6-12 months, depending on your pace.
Level 4 (Diploma): Generally takes 12 to 15 months to complete, depending on your experience and study intensity.
Level 5 (Advanced Diploma): Takes approximately 12 months to complete,  depending on your background and study approach.
Level 6 (Professional Diploma): Takes approximately 12 months to complete,  depending on your background and study approach.

How will studying CIPS benefit my employer?

CIPS can accelerate the performance of your procurement and supply function in many ways. Consequentially, each one of our courses have been designed with our student’s professional development in mind. Our courses are packed with practical units which will equip you with a range of knowledge and tools to apply in your workplace.

What would I have learned?

Candidates will have gained an extensive understanding of facts, procedures and ideas related to procurement and supply, learning how to make procurement and supply happen within an organisation.

CIPS teaches students techniques that can achieve added value and contribute to their organisation’s success. It also covers key areas such as commercial contracts, supplier relationships and negotiation skills… just to name a few!

Who should study CIPS?

It’s never too late to start learning. Whether you are new to the industry or have worked in procurement and supply for years, there will be a qualification suited to your experience. There are five levels of CIPS accreditations, click here to find out more.

Download our brochures for information and pricing

Brochures