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Contents 3 Benefits......of professional qualifications. Your career advantage 4 Studying with CIPS The world s largest professional organisation for procurement and supply 5 CIPS qualifications Designed to support your professional development as your career progresses 6 Study anywhere...... in the world. A range of flexible options to suit you 7 Supporting your studies... Everything you need for profitable learning 8 The right qualifications for you CIPS offers five qualifications to support your professional development in 10 CIPS Certificate in procurement and supply operations 11 CIPS Advanced certificate in operations 12 CIPS Diploma in procurement and supply 13 CIPS Advanced diploma in 14 CIPS Professional diploma in 15 Your next steps The path to your professional qualifications Throughout the world, CIPS qualifications are recognised as driving leading-edge thinking and professionalism in the industry. Each of our qualifications has been developed by working closely with our industry partners to make sure they reflect current, emerging and best practice in procurement and supply chain management. The result is a range of professional awards that will truly help you to reach your career potential and give you a significant competitive edge. AMANDA O BRIEN, PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications Benefits......of professional qualifications. Your career advantage. Achieving professional qualifications is a major investment in your future. It takes hard work and commitment but the rewards are great. The work you put in now will make a real difference in your current role and throughout your career in procurement and supply. Be the best you can be A professional qualification will enhance your current skills and practices and equip you with new skills, providing you with the professional tools to excel in your chosen field. Enjoy greater rewards Our students tell us that a professional qualification is well worth the investment. Those with a professional qualification and membership of a professional body may be able to earn an additional 152,000 during their career. Get ahead of the competition A professional qualification demonstrates your serious intent and commitment to being a better professional manager. This is a huge advantage when you re looking to progress in your career. 03
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications Studying with CIPS The world s largest professional organisation for. The Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS) is the worldwide centre of excellence for management. We use our expertise to ensure our qualifications are robust and relevant throughout the world. CIPS is the chartered body dedicated to the profession We set the standards giving us credibility, expertise, knowledge and resources that are second to none. By applying these standards we can maintain the integrity of CIPS and make sure the profession benefits from consistently high levels of competence within its workforce. CIPS is truly global CIPS has a global community of over 88,000 people in 150 countries. Our members range from those just embarking on their careers, right through to Chief Procurement Officers and Board Directors. Many multinational businesses specify CIPS as their global standard, making our qualifications indispensable around the world. CIPS qualifications are fully recognised internationally CIPS qualifications are built around standards identified by the profession as essential for staff at different levels within organisations. These have been mapped against qualification frameworks from around the world, giving you a serious advantage wherever you re based. Accredited worldwide CIPS qualifications are designed to meet the highest standards to ensure the profession can claim consistently high levels of workforce competence. The CIPS Awarding Body is regulated by Ofqual in England and Northern Ireland; CIPS qualifications are recognised either on the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) or the National Qualifications Framework (NQF). CIPS is also regulated by the Welsh Government, Teveta, SAQA and ACTT. 04
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications CIPS qualifications Designed to support your professional development as your career progresses. CIPS qualifications consist of units that we have developed by working closely with employers to make sure they respond to current business requirements. Where you ll start and how you ll progress Where you begin your studies depends on your qualifications and experience. CIPS Certificate and Advanced certificate in operations are for those in operational roles. Our Diploma qualifications are aimed at those managing the function. We advise students to progress through the qualifications in sequence to provide the underpinning knowledge needed to move up the qualifications ladder. If you already have qualifications... If you already have a relevant degree or qualification, you may be able entitled to some exemptions from CIPS units. You can find full details of our exemption policy and process at www.cips.org. No previous qualifications? You can start to study with CIPS if you have no previous professional qualifications or experience; our Certificate and Advanced certificate in operations are available to all. If you are not sure where to start, contact +44 (0)1780 756777 CIPS qualifications are internationally recognised. CIPS qualifications are equivalent to: Professional diploma in procurement and supply Advanced diploma in procurement and supply Diploma in procurement and supply Advanced certificate in procurement and supply operations Certificate in procurement and supply operations Bachelors(honours)degree. NVQ Level 6 (UK) SAQA NQF level 8 (SA), NZQA level 7 (NZ) AQF Vocational graduate certificate/ Graduate diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 6 (TEVETA) Second year honours degree, NVQ level 5, HND (UK) SAQA NQF level 7 (SA), NZQA level 6 (NZ) AQF Advanced diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 5 (TEVETA) First year degree or HNC, NVQ level 4 (UK) SAQA NQF level 6 (SA), NZQA level 5 (NZ) AQF diploma (VET/AUS) TQF level 4 (TEVETA) A level, NVQ3, Foundation studies (UK) SAQA NQF level 5 (SA), NZQA level 4 (NZ) AQF certificate IV (VET/AUS) TQF level 3 (TEVETA) GCSE or NVQ2 (UK) AQF certificate III (AUS) 05
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications Study anywhere......in the world. A range of flexible options to suit you. Wherever you are in the world, you can study for your CIPS qualification. Simply choose from one of the following options: CIPS study centres CIPS has a network of more than 200 registered study centres across the globe, allowing you to study at a respected college or university, or with an approved CIPS training provider. Tuition is provided by qualified, experienced professionals. Our study centres offer a range of flexible learning options: Part-time traditional classroom learning, during evenings or in the daytime Intensive classroom or workshop sessions Distance learning with tutor support You can take a look at our range of study centres at www.cips.org/qualifications. Then simply contact your preferred centres directly for details on their programmes, fees, start dates and timetables. Self study Some people prefer to work through their qualification on their own or may not be able to attend a taught course. You can enrol to self study using our course books or enrol with the CIPS Learning Academy which provides printed and e-learning resources. For more advice, please contact our customer services team at customer.services@cips.org. Assessment All the units in CIPS qualifications are assessed by an examination, although some of the units also have an alternative non-examined option. We hold three examination series each year around the world, with an additional two series currently available in some countries. You can find exam timetables, a list of exam centres and fees, and exemplar examination papers at www.cips.org/qualifications 06
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications Supporting......your studies. Everything you need for profitable learning All students who study CIPS qualifications need to become a CIPS member. Through this membership you ll benefit from professional development resources to support your studies and your career. Supply Management monthly journal Featuring news, views and articles that cover all areas of, along with case studies and other sources of inspiration. www.supplymanagement.com. Study packs and recommended reading These have supported thousands of students to achieve their CIPS qualifications. You can find a list of recommended reading at www.cips.org/book-shop. Qualifications Update quarterly newsletter Produced specifically for CIPS students, with information on exams, study tips and news from the student network. CIPS Intelligence A huge bank of research papers and essential professional resources to boost your performance in your career and your studies. www.cips.org/knowledge www.cips.org CIPS website is your first port of call for information on CIPS, membership and qualifications. It includes a student zone and is an essential reference point for sample assessments and exam timetables. CIPS CPD Available via www.cips.org CIPS CPD is an online tool that allows you to manage your continuing professional development activity. CIPS member networks An invaluable opportunity to network with other colleagues throughout the profession via CIPS branch events and CIPS social networks including Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. www.cips.org. 07
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications The right qualifications CIPS offers five qualifications to support your professional development in. These qualifications have been developed with the help of global organisations to reflect the needs of industry and to ensure we cover all the competencies and capabilities that are so essential to the profession. CIPS Certificate in procurement and supply operations CIPS Advanced certificate in procurement and supply operations CIPS Diploma in procurement and supply CIPS Certificate in procurement and supply operations The ideal qualification if you re just starting your career in procurement or if are part of your role. It will enable you to recognise and describe the key processes in procurement and build your professional knowledge and competence. You don t need any prior experience or qualifications to start your studies at this stage. For more information see page 10 CIPS Advanced certificate in operations Designed for those in an operational role who need the capability to carry out tasks. No qualifications or experience are necessary, but if you have the CIPS Certificate or CIPS International Certificate you ll find this qualification builds on your current professional understanding. For more information see page 11 CIPS Diploma in procurement and supply A valuable management tool for those moving into junior and middle management procurement roles or those supervising the procurement function. It focuses on how organisational procedures and processes perform in procurement and supply, including negotiating, planning, risk management and data analysis. For more information see page 12 08
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications for you...your route to MCIPS CIPS Advanced diploma in procurement and supply CIPS Professional diploma in procurement and supply MCIPS CIPS Advanced diploma in Provides senior buyers and contract and supply chain managers with the expertise to improve organisational procurement and to fulfil organisational objectives. It gives you the knowledge base to reduce cost, improve quality, manage the supply chain and deal with legal issues. For more information see page 13 CIPS Professional diploma in Aimed at senior procurement professionals and heads of department. It is targeted at building strategic procurement competence, giving managers the ability to formulate strategic direction and advice, in terms of change management, stakeholder management and team leadership. For more information see page 14 MCIPS MCIPS is recognised worldwide as the global standard for top quality procurement professionals. It is a professional accreditation for those working in. To achieve MCIPS, you must complete (by assessment or exemption) the Diploma, Advanced diploma and Professional diploma in. You also need 3 years experience in a position of responsibility in the profession. 09
Many employers are now focusing more on job specific qualifications. D. TENNYSON CIPS Certificate in procurement and supply operations Topics covered: Principles Functions Processes Administration Stakeholders You re a career starter or your role includes. The Certificate in operations focuses on giving you the skills you need to recognise and describe the key processes in procurement, and building your professional knowledge and competence Learning Outcomes You will develop robust knowledge in creating quotations and contract and tender documentation, including e-systems, assessing quotations, addressing customer enquiries and supplier selection, performance issues and reviews. For more information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org. Entry requirements There are no entry requirements. You don t need any prior professional qualifications or experience. 10
CIPS Advanced certificate in operations You re in an operational role The Advanced Certificate is designed to help you develop the capability to carry out purchasing and supply tasks. Learning Outcomes You will develop the robust knowledge to: understand and apply demand management through manual or IT based systems, carry out stock valuation and ordering, arrange supply logistics and the necessary paperwork, and implement new contracts, including queries on performance, and financial management and contract review. For more information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org. Entry requirements No qualifications or experience are necessary. If you have the CIPS Certificate or CIPS International Certificate you ll find this qualification builds on your current professional understanding, and we encourage you to take the Certificate in procurement and supply operations first. A CIPS qualification will most definitely give you that competitive edge. L. RIOBA Topics covered: Environments Operations Workflow Inventory and logistics Relations 11
I can definitely say a CIPS qualification has added value to my career. M. KEDWARD CIPS Diploma in procurement and supply Topics covered: Contexts Business needs Sourcing Negotiating and contracting Managing contracts and relationships You re moving into a junior or middle management procurement role, or you supervise the procurement function. The Diploma in is a valuable management tool which focuses on how organisational procedures and processes perform in purchasing and supply, including negotiating, planning, risk management and data analysis. Learning Outcomes The Diploma addresses planning and forecasting for future demand, forward planning for contract development, negotiating volumes, margins and standards, creating and controlling specifications, and contract management. It also covers the supply market and chain, negotiating with suppliers, conflict resolution and performance review. For more information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org. Entry requirements You will need to have completed either the CIPS Certificate in operations, the CIPS Advanced certificate in or the CIPS International advanced certificate in purchasing and supply. Alternatively, you will need either two years experience in a business environment, two A-level qualifications / international equivalents. 12
CIPS Advanced diploma in CIPS is a must if you are looking for a step up in career P. CHOPRA You re a senior buyer, contract manager or supply chain manager. The Advanced diploma in is designed to give you the expertise to improve organisational procurement and to fulfil organisational objectives. It helps you develop the knowledge base to reduce cost, improve quality and timescales, manage the supply chain and deal with legal issues. Learning Objectives The Advanced diploma focuses on cost reduction and added value of purchases and supplies, improving timescales and stock control, management and innovation in the process, and developing legal and risk management expertise. For more information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org. Entry requirements You will need to have achieved the CIPS Diploma in or the CIPS Foundation diploma in purchasing and supply. For more details please visit www.cips.org. Topics covered: Management Managing risks Improving competitiveness of supply chains Category management Sustainability Operations management 13
Staying up-to-date with new and emerging issues is important. N. BURGESS CIPS Professional diploma in Topics covered: Leadership Corporate and business strategy Strategic supply chain management Supply chain diligence Programme and project management Legal aspects in (UK) You re a senior procurement professional or head of department. The Professional diploma in is targeted at building strategic procurement competence, giving managers the ability to formulate strategic direction and advice, in terms of change management, stakeholder management and team leadership. Learning Objectives The Professional diploma focuses on giving you the strategic acumen to align functional, organisational and supply chain strategies, and to devise and implement change management. The course develops your skills in areas including leadership of stakeholders, the procurement function, teams and relationship management, and project and financial management. For more information, you will find our detailed Unit Content Guide at www.cips.org. Entry requirements You will need to have achieved the CIPS Advanced diploma in or the CIPS Advanced diploma in purchasing and supply. 14
A Guide to CIPS Qualifications Your next steps The path to your professional qualifications Choose a qualification We hope this guide has helped you to find out about the right qualification for your role and the stage you re at in your career in. If you would like more detail on the course content to help make your decision, you can download our Unit Content Guides from www.cips.org/qualifications. Contact your local approved study centre Once you have chosen which CIPS qualification you want to begin, visit www.cips.org to find a convenient study centre which offers your preferred method of learning. You can enrol on your qualification of choice directly with the study centre. If you would like to discuss the self-study option, please contact our customer service team on +44 (0)1780 756777 or your regional office. Membership To take CIPS qualifications all students need to be CIPS members. CIPS membership gives you access to a whole host of additional professional development resources to support your studies and career development. If you re not already a member you can enrol at the CIPS website www.cips.org/join. Find out more You will find answers to many other questions at our website at www.cips.org. For any other questions contact our customer services team on +44 (0)1780 756777 or customer.services@cips.org Or you can contact your regional office. See overleaf for contact details.
CIPS Group Easton House, Easton on the Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3NZ, United Kingdom T +44 (0)1780 756777 F +44 (0)1780 751610 E info@cips.org CIPS Africa Ground Floor, Building B, 48 Sovereign Drive, Route 21 Corporate Park, Irene X30, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa T +27 (0)12 345 6177 F +27 (0)12 345 3309 E infosa@cips.org.za CIPS Australasia Level 8, 520 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia T 1300 765 142/+61 (0)3 9629 6000 F 1300 765 143/+61 (0)3 9620 5488 E info@cipsa.com.au CIPS Middle East & North Africa Office 1703, The Fairmont Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, PO Box 49042, Dubai, United Arab Emirates T +971 (0)4 327 7348 F +971 (0)4 332 5541 E mena.enquiries@cips.org www.cips.org