If you’ve been looking into a career in procurement and supply, you’ve probably come across the terms CIPS and MCIPS. They sound similar, and it’s easy to get them confused, but they mean very different things. Understanding the difference is key if you’re planning your career and want to know which qualification or membership level is right for you.
What is CIPS?
CIPS stands for the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. It’s the leading professional body for procurement and supply chain management, recognised globally. CIPS sets the standards, provides qualifications, and supports professionals at every stage of their careers. The CIPS qualifications framework runs from Level 2 (Certificate in Procurement and Supply) all the way up to Level 6 (Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply). Each level builds on the last, giving learners the knowledge, skills, and confidence to progress from foundation knowledge through to senior, strategic expertise. Click here to find out about CIPS pathways.
What is MCIPS?
MCIPS stands for Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. This is a professional designation rather than a qualification. You gain MCIPS status once you’ve successfully completed the CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma and meet the required membership criteria.
Being MCIPS qualified is widely regarded as the gold standard in procurement and supply. It signals to employers that you’ve not only completed advanced training but that you also meet CIPS’s professional standards and code of conduct.
The Pathway to MCIPS
Your journey to MCIPS begins by choosing the right CIPS entry level for your experience, whether that’s Level 2, 3, or 4. Click here to find out more about entry points for CIPS. From there, you progress step by step through the qualifications, building your knowledge until you complete the Level 6 Professional Diploma. Once you’ve achieved Level 6, you can apply for CIPS membership at MCIPS level.
Many professionals then take their development even further by working towards Chartered Status, which enhances credibility and demonstrates leadership within the procurement profession.
Why Does MCIPS Matter?
For professionals, MCIPS is more than just letters after your name. It can have a real impact on your career. Employers often look for MCIPS-qualified candidates for senior and strategic roles, and those with the designation typically command higher salaries. It also provides global recognition, making it valuable if you want to work internationally.
In short, CIPS qualifications give you the learning, while MCIPS membership is the recognition of having achieved the highest level of professional standards in procurement and supply.
How Aspire Can Help
At Aspire, we guide learners from their very first step with CIPS all the way through to achieving MCIPS status. Whether you’re a school leaver starting at Level 2, a graduate entering at Level 4, or an experienced professional aiming for Level 6, we’ll help you find the right entry point and the best study method to suit your lifestyle.
With classroom learning available in Warrington, Hull, London, Kent, and Carlisle (as well as online), plus flexible options such as personal tutoring, self-learning pathways, apprenticeships and access to our Digital Learning Zone, we make it possible to fit CIPS study around your career. Click here to view all study methods.
Aspire is proud to be a CIPS Centre of Excellence, training hundreds of students each year and helping them to reach their ambitions. If your goal is to become MCIPS qualified, we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to take the next step? Contact Aspire today to discuss your experience and future goals. Together, we’ll map out your journey from CIPS to MCIPS.