The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) was founded in 1932 and is headquartered in Staffordshire, England. It is a leading global professional body in the field of procurement and supply chain management. In 1992, the Queen granted the institute a Royal Charter in recognition of its professional contributions to the global procurement and supply industry. CIPS certifications enjoy high recognition worldwide and are recognized in over 150 countries. They are also widely adopted by international organizations such as the United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization. The world’s top 500 companies use CIPS as a standard for recruiting procurement professionals, and individuals holding the MCIPS qualification may be prioritized for skilled migration in many Commonwealth countries. A Complete Guide to Getting Your CIPS Certificate
Certification System: A 6-Level Comprehensive Career Path
The CIPS certification system comprises six levels, progressing step-by-step from entry-level to strategic leadership, aligning with the career progression of procurement professionals. The content of each core level is as follows:
- CIPS Level 2 (Certificate): Suitable for beginners, providing an understanding of the fundamentals of procurement operations and international trade terms.
- CIPS Level 3 (Advanced Certificate): Focuses on core procurement competencies, including the application of ethics and supplier communication.
- CIPS Level 4 (Diploma): Designed for professionals seeking to enter management roles, this level emphasizes commercial contracts, negotiation, and supplier relationship management, serving as the foundational certification for procurement professionals.
- CIPS Level 5 (Advanced Diploma): Targeted at procurement managers with relevant work experience, this level covers team operations, contract and risk management, and financial operations.
- CIPS Level 6 (Professional Diploma): Designed for experienced procurement leaders and executives, this level emphasizes strategic leadership, global supply chain planning, ethics, and governance. Upon completion, candidates are eligible to receive the MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) designation, representing the highest academic level in the procurement field.
CIPS exams are held globally in May and November each year, with test centers established in numerous cities across China. Candidates may select the appropriate level based on their experience and proficiency.
2026 Update: Major Revisions to the Level 6 Syllabus
In response to rapid changes in the global procurement and supply chain landscape, CIPS completed a systematic review of the Level 6 syllabus in 2025. The updated new Level 6 syllabus officially took effect in March 2026. This update incorporates cutting-edge topics such as the impact of artificial intelligence on procurement activities, supply chain resilience requirements, cybersecurity, and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles, ensuring that the curriculum stays abreast of industry developments. This means that candidates beginning their studies in 2026 will master the latest and most advanced professional knowledge system, gaining a stronger competitive edge in the job market.
Certification Value: 59% Salary Premium and a Global Passport
CIPS certificate holders enjoy significant financial benefits. According to the 2025 Global Salary Survey conducted jointly by CIPS and Hays, MCIPS professionals earn 59% more than their non-MCIPS counterparts. In the UK, 66% of companies explicitly state that candidates for procurement roles must hold the MCIPS qualification or be currently pursuing it. CIPS is more than just a certificate; it is a “global passport” for procurement professionals. MCIPS-qualified procurement experts are highly valued by employers wherever they are based. The CIPS Code of Ethics is adopted and enforced in over 100 countries. CIPS members are active across numerous sectors, including healthcare, defense, technology, fast-moving consumer goods, and infrastructure. Obtaining MCIPS certification enables professionals to operate freely across industry and geographical boundaries.
Complete Steps to Obtain CIPS Certification
Obtaining CIPS certification requires following these core steps.
Step 1: Select the appropriate level and register as a candidate. Log in to the CIPS official website to register as a candidate. Choose your exam level based on your educational background and work experience—those with an associate’s degree or higher plus two years of procurement experience may sit for Level 4, while those with a bachelor’s degree or higher plus one year of procurement experience may also start at Level 4.
Step 2: Study and Prepare for the Exam. Enroll in courses through a CIPS-authorized training provider (such as CIPS Training) covering core modules including procurement strategy, contract management, commercial negotiation, risk management, ethics, and sustainable procurement.
Step 3: Register for the Global Unified Examination. The global unified exams are held in May and November each year. Register via the CIPS official website and select a test center. Exam results are categorized as Excellent (75–100%), Good (60–74%), Pass (50–59%), and Fail (0–49%). Certificates are mailed within 12 weeks of the results being announced.
Step 4: Obtain MCIPS Membership. After completing the Level 6 Professional Diploma and meeting the work experience requirements, you may apply for full MCIPS membership to officially become a Chartered Procurement and Supply Professional.
Step 5: Continuing Professional Development and Chartered Status. After obtaining certification, you can accumulate 30 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and pass the CIPS Ethics Test to apply for a higher level of Chartered Status. Those who have held MCIPS status for at least two years and have held a strategic position for three or more years may apply for FCIPS (Fellow) status—no exam is required; only detailed application materials demonstrating strategic influence and industry contributions need to be submitted.
