Investing in a professional qualification such as CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) or APM (Association for Project Management) is a powerful step in advancing your career. Whether you’re looking to progress into senior procurement roles, strengthen your project management capability, or formalise your experience with a recognised qualification, the long-term benefits are clear.
However, one of the most common questions we’re asked at Aspire Procurement Training is: “How can I fund my qualification?”
The good news is that there are several flexible funding options available, designed to make professional development accessible – whatever your circumstances.
In this blog, we break down the main ways you can pay for your CIPS or APM qualification and help you choose the option that works best for you.
Employer Funding: The Most Common Route
Many learners fund their CIPS or APM qualification through their employer. Organisations increasingly recognise the value of investing in their people, particularly in areas like procurement and project management where skills shortages exist.
If your course is employer-funded, your organisation may cover:
- Course fees
- Exam costs
- Study materials
- Membership fees (in some cases)
For employers, funding qualifications can improve performance, support succession planning, and increase staff retention. If you’re unsure whether your organisation offers funding, it’s worth having a conversation with your manager or HR team. Aspire Procurement Training can also provide supporting information to help build a business case.
Self-Funding Your Qualification: Flexible Instalment Options
If you’re funding your course yourself, you’re not alone. Many learners choose to self-fund to maintain control over their career development or to upskill quickly without waiting for employer approval.
To make this more manageable, Aspire Procurement Training offers a flexible instalment plan for individual learners, allowing you to spread the cost over the duration of your course rather than paying everything upfront.
Our typical instalment structure is:
- 40% upfront at enrolment
- 30% three months into the course
- 30% six months into the course
This approach helps ease the financial pressure while still giving you immediate access to your learning materials and tutor support. There’s no need to delay your development – you can start learning straight away and pay as you progress. Speak to us about our available payment plans.
Self-funding also offers flexibility, as you’re not tied to employer approval processes or training budgets, and you retain full ownership of your qualification.
Apprenticeships: Funded Learning with Real Impact
For eligible learners, apprenticeships can be an excellent way to gain a CIPS or APM qualification with little or no direct cost.
Procurement and project management apprenticeships are typically funded through the Apprenticeship Levy, which is paid by employers. Even if your employer does not pay the levy, they may still be able to access apprenticeship funding with a small employer contribution.
Apprenticeships combine:
- Structured training
- On-the-job learning
- Formal qualifications (such as CIPS or APM)
They’re ideal for those who want to gain a recognised qualification while continuing to work and apply their learning in real time. Apprenticeships are available at various levels, making them suitable for both early-career professionals and those in more senior roles.
Aspire Procurement Training can help you understand eligibility, programme structure, and whether an apprenticeship is the right fit for you or your organisation.
Professional Development Budgets and Grants
Some learners access funding through professional development budgets, industry grants, or external training schemes. These are less common but can be worth exploring, particularly if you work in the public sector, education, or large organisations with structured learning pathways.
If you’re a member of a professional body or network, it’s also worth checking whether they offer bursaries or learning support.
Choosing the Right Funding Option for You
The right funding route depends on your personal situation, career goals, and employer support. Ask yourself:
- Can my employer contribute to or fully fund my qualification?
- Would a flexible instalment plan make self-funding manageable?
- Am I eligible for an apprenticeship?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer – and that’s exactly why Aspire Procurement Training offers multiple funding options.
Start Your Qualification with Confidence
At Aspire Procurement Training, we believe that cost should never be a barrier to professional growth. Whether you’re employer-funded, self-funding through instalments, or exploring apprenticeship options, our team is here to guide you through the process and help you find the most suitable route.
If you’re considering a CIPS or APM qualification and want to understand your funding options in more detail, get in touch with us today. Your future in procurement or project management starts with the right support – financially and academically.
