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CIPS - MCG Centre Number - 005031578

   

CIPS Certificate in Purchasing and Supply

CIPS Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply

CIPS Graduate Diploma

CIPS Future Qualifications 2006

 

 

 

 

 

 

CIPS qualifications and levels of entry. (Old Scheme - discontinued)

Membership of CIPS is an indication of quality, acceptable professional skills and competence in the field of purchasing and supply. The level of study which you start at depends on the qualifications and experience which you already have. Almost anyone can start to study a CIPS course as there is a qualification to suit most people:

  • if you have already started a purchasing or supply job, or want to move into one, and don't have any formal qualifications, then you might start at the Certificate level.
  • If you are working in a position which requires you to have knowledge of what the purchasing and supply chain manager does in his job, you may decide to study either the Certificate or Advanced Certificate level.
  • if you have been working in purchasing or supply for a while, or if you have good qualifications, then you might start at the Graduate Diploma Foundation Stage.
  • if you have been working in purchasing or supply at a senior management level for some time, or have very good and relevant qualifications, then you might start at the Professional Stage (or at least part of the way to the Foundation Stage).

The different parts of the CIPS scheme fit together as follows:

You will see that it is possible to go straight from the Advanced Certificate to the Professional Stage if your course grades are very good but you will be required to complete considerable background study to fill in any gaps.

Once you have completed the Professional Stage you can become a full Corporate member of CIPS.  For information on the different levels or grades of membership ---click here ---

The CIPS course entry requirements are quite clear but it is recommended that candidates confirm the most appropriate starting point before commencing a course of study.

You must check your starting point with CIPS before starting your course as we can only guide you to the right level, it's CIPS that make the decisions. Attach and send your detailed CV / Resume ---here--- if you are not sure as to your entry level and need advice. Remember to include your job description when you are contacting us  - it will help us advice you better.

The Study Options Are :

International Certificate or International Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply

The Certificate and Advanced Certificate are qualifications in their own right but also lead to the Graduate Diploma.

The programmes are designed for people with few qualifications or limited experience who are working in the areas of purchasing, procurement, stores control, contracts, logistics, and distribution.

The Certificate and Advanced Certificate programmes both provide knowledge and understanding of the basic principles of purchasing and supply, together with a broad appreciation of the wider business environment in areas such as: business ethics, environmental concerns, cultural issues, health and safety and good practice.

The Graduate Diploma

The Graduate Diploma is a degree-level academic programme designed for those who are already working in purchasing and supply management. It therefore assumes a measure of knowledge and experience. The Graduate Diploma is divided into two Stages - the Foundation Stage and the Professional Stage.

CIPS recognises that practitioners require competence, not just knowledge and theory. The format of the examination caters for this by requiring students to analyse case studies and solve problems.

Programme Entry Requirements and Contents.

To join any of the qualification programmes offered by CIPS you must first register as a member. A registration fee is payable together with an annual subscription to maintain your registration and to give you access to the examinations.

You can join online by completing the secure application form or download an application form --here-- in pdf format.

CIPS International Certificate in Purchasing and Supply

Entry to the Certificate in Purchasing and Supply is open as there are no specific academic requirements. Candidates should however have a reasonable ability in English to cope with the study material and examinations.

The Certificate programme is of particular benefit for recent recruits to purchasing, procurement, stores control, contracts, logistics and distribution. Alternatively, if you have been working in any of these areas for some time but have never had the opportunity to take a course of study to gain a recognized qualification to enhance your professional development, this programme is a useful starting point.

The Certificate programme is intended to introduce candidates to the main skills and topics involved in purchasing and supply chain operations.

There are five modules in the Certificate. Candidates must successfully complete all five modules and it is recommended that they are studied in the order in which they are listed and coded:

C1 - Understanding Purchasing Principles

C2 - Selecting the Right Supplier

C3 - Effective Negotiation in Purchasing and Supply

C4 - Managing Inventory

C5 - The Business Environment for Purchasing and Supply

Each module is assessed by a three hour examination. Examinations are scheduled in May and November of each year. For more information on exams click here.

For detailed syllabus of the CIPS Certificate in Purchasing and Supply click here

CIPS International Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply

Candidates wishing to study the Advanced Certificate programme should first pass the Certificate programme. This is an integrated study scheme and issues which have been introduced at Certificate level are developed further at the Advanced Certificate level.

There are five modules in the Advanced Certificate programme. Candidates must successfully complete all five modules and it is recommended that they are studied in the order in which they are listed and coded:

A6 - Analysing the Supply Market

A7 - An Introduction to Purchasing Strategy

A8 - Preparing and Managing Contracts

A9 - International Logistics

A10 - Measuring Performance in Purchasing and Supply Management

Each module is assessed by a three hour written examination. Examinations are scheduled in May and November of each year. For more information on exams click here.

For detailed syllabus of the CIPS Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply click here

The Graduate Diploma

The Graduate Diploma is a degree-level academic programme in two Stages designed for those who are already working in purchasing and supply management. Candidates are therefore expected to have a measure of knowledge and experience. CIPS recognises that practitioners require competence, not just knowledge and theory. The format of the examination caters for this by requiring students to analyse case studies and solve problems.

Registration Requirements for the Graduate Diploma - Foundation Stage

Candidates should be 21 years or over at the time of registration and have relevant employment experience. Applicants with no formal educational qualifications will be considered however they will be asked to provide a reference from their employer.

Applicants who are under 21 years of age must have obtained one of the following minimum requirements:

  • Two subjects at GCE Advanced Level plus three additional GCSE subject passes at Grade C or above, or five passes in the Scottish Certificate of Education, of which three must be at Higher Grade.
  • An NVQ/SVQ at level 3, or GNVQ at Advanced Level.
  • A National Certificate/Diploma or five subject passes in the SCOTVEC National Certificate.
  • Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply.
  • Any qualifications deemed by the Institute to be equivalent to, or in advance of, the above.

Copies of any certificates and transcripts for qualifications gained must be provided with the application form.

Foundation Stage exemptions

Candidates may be entitled to exemptions from all or part of the Foundation Stage if they have experience or a qualification covering the same subjects in the same depth. For more information on Graduate Diploma Foundation Stage exemptions click here

The Foundation Stage of the CIPS Graduate Diploma

There are six modules to study at Foundation Stage. Candidates must successfully complete or be exempted from all six in order to proceed on to the Professional Stage:

F1 - The Purchasing Environment

F2 - Business Organisation and Processes in Purchasing and Supply

F3 - Managing Human Resources in Purchasing and Supply

F4 - Business Analysis in Purchasing and Supply

F5 - Legal and Procurement Processes

F6 - Introduction to Supply and Materials Management

 

F2 - Business Organisation and Processes can be taken last as it builds on the studies of the other modules. Candidates can study the other modules in any order.

Each module is assessed by a three hour written examination. Examinations are scheduled in May and November of each year. For more information on exams click here.  

For detailed Foundation Stage syllabus of CIPS Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply click here 

The Professional Stage of the CIPS Graduate Diploma

The Professional Stage builds on the understanding which candidates already have, enabling them to solve complex supply chain problems, run supply chain operations, and formulate supply chain policy.

Candidates must have completed or been exempted from the entire Foundation Stage before starting the Professional Stage of study. All modules and exams at Professional Stage will assume that the Foundation Stage is thoroughly understood. For more information on exemptions click here

The Professional Stage

Candidates must pass or be exempted from eight (seven if double module) modules in all. To complete the Professional Stage programme students must take all four compulsory Core subjects and any other four, at least one of which must be from the Supply Chain Management list, It is recommended that the P4 Case Study module is completed last as it incorporates topics which are studied in other modules.

Each module is assessed by a three written hour exam. For the P4 Case Study examination students are issued with a situation brief a few weeks before the examination date which needs to be analysed in depth as part of the preparation. Examinations are scheduled in May and November of each year. For more information on exams click here.

As the Professional Stage is a degree level qualification, CIPS will expect candidates to do a lot of background research to keep up with developments in purchasing, supply and business in general. This can be achieved through newspapers, magazines, radio, TV and the Internet. To achieve exceptional grades, students will need to continue their study through the reading of technical journals and books written by the top thinkers. At this level it is important to be able to demonstrate an awareness of relevant current supply chain issues.

Core Subjects

The Core Subjects give a broad platform of purchasing and supply chain competences and the ability to apply them over a variety of time frames. All four modules are to be completed, if possible leaving the Case Study until last:

  • P1 - Strategy and Strategic Procurement
  • P2 - Tactics and Operations
  • P3 - Legal Aspects for Purchasing and Supply Chain Management
  • P4 - Case Study in Purchasing and Supply

Supply Chain Management Options

Options build on the Core Subjects for an in-depth study of the supply chain, so you should complete your study of the Core before you start them.

At least one Supply Chain Management option must be taken.

  • P5 - Storage and Distribution in Supply Chains
  • P6 - Commercial Relationships
  • The Research Project in Purchasing and Supply Chain (Double Module)

The Project is a work-related research study. It is a double module requiring in depth analysis and reporting, awarding two passes when completed successfully. Students are required to submit a title and outline to CIPS for approval before being permitted to take this Option.

Elective Subjects

Electives broaden understanding of the commercial issues affecting the supply chain:

  • P7 - Operations Management
  • P8 - Marketing
  • P9 - Project Management and Contract Management for Purchasing and Supply
  • P10 - Retail Merchandise Management 
  • P11 - International Supply Chain Management

For detailed Professional Stage syllabus of CIPS Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply click here

CIPS - MCG Centre Number - 005031578