If you’re considering a CIPS qualification, one of the most common questions is: “What will I actually learn at each level?” From Level 2 through to Level 6, CIPS qualifications build your knowledge step by step – taking you from the fundamentals of procurement and supply to advanced strategic leadership skills.
Here’s a clear breakdown of what you can expect at each stage.
CIPS Level 2 – Procurement and Supply Operations
CIPS Level 2 is ideal if you’re new to procurement or working in a junior support role.
At this stage, you learn the building blocks of procurement, including:
- The role of procurement and supply within organisations
- Basic procurement processes and documentation
- Inventory and stock control
- Communication with suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Ethical sourcing fundamentals
You’ll develop confidence with everyday procurement tasks and gain a strong understanding of terminology, processes and best practice.
Best suited for: Administrators, buyers’ assistants, or those completely new to the profession.
CIPS Level 3 – Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
Level 3 builds on Level 2 and introduces more tactical responsibilities.
Here, you’ll learn about:
- Negotiation techniques
- Contract administration
- Managing supplier relationships
- Data analysis and cost management
- Procurement systems and technology
You begin to move from supporting procurement activity to actively contributing to supplier management and commercial decision-making.
Best suited for: Buyers, procurement coordinators, or those ready for more responsibility.
The CIPS Level 3 qualifications can also be achieved through procurement and supply apprenticeships, allowing learners to gain practical experience alongside their studies. Find out more here.
CIPS Level 4 – Diploma in Procurement and Supply
CIPS Level 4 is widely recognised as the professional entry point into procurement management.
This level introduces strategic thinking and deeper commercial understanding, covering:
- Commercial contracts and legal aspects
- Strategic sourcing
- Supplier relationship management
- Whole-life cost analysis
- Risk management in supply chains
You start to understand how procurement contributes to organisational performance, not just cost savings.
Best suited for: Procurement officers, senior buyers, and those progressing into management roles.
Level 4 can also be completed via apprenticeship pathways, offering an applied route into professional qualification. Click here for more information.
CIPS Level 5 – Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply
At CIPS Level 5, the focus shifts firmly to strategy and leadership.
You will develop skills in:
- Category management
- Advanced negotiation and influencing
- Supply chain risk and resilience
- Organisational change
- Global sourcing strategies
This level deepens your commercial judgement and prepares you to manage procurement teams or complex category portfolios.
You begin making decisions that shape long-term supply strategies rather than individual transactions.
Best suited for: Procurement managers, category managers, and senior supply chain professionals.
Level 5 qualifications can also be achieved through higher-level apprenticeships. Discover how you can fund your CIPS Level 5 via the apprenticeship levy by clicking here.
CIPS Level 6 – Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply
CIPS Level 6 is the highest qualification and equivalent to a bachelor’s degree level. It prepares you for senior leadership roles.
Here, the focus is on:
- Strategic procurement leadership
- Corporate governance and ethics
- Global commercial strategy
- Supply chain design and innovation
- High-level decision-making and financial strategy
You learn to align procurement strategy with overall organisational goals and influence board-level decisions.
This is where procurement moves beyond operational delivery and becomes a driver of competitive advantage.
Best suited for: Heads of Procurement, senior leaders, and those working towards MCIPS status.
CIPS Level 6 can also be completed under the Senior Procurement and Supply Professional apprenticeship, providing a structured route to senior-level qualification while working.
The Journey from Level 2 to Level 6
Each level builds logically on the last:
- CIPS Level 2: Learn the fundamentals
- CIPS Level 3: Apply skills tactically
- CIPS Level 4: Develop professional competence
- CIPS Level 5: Lead strategically
- CIPS Level 6: Influence at organisational level
Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for senior leadership, CIPS qualifications provide a clear progression route through the procurement profession.
At Aspire Procurement Training, we support learners at every stage – helping them gain not only qualifications, but the confidence and capability to thrive in real-world procurement roles.
If you’d like to explore which CIPS level is right for you, our team is here to help guide your next step. Contact us here.
