CIPS offers several routes for procurement and supply professionals who want to develop their knowledge, demonstrate professional competence and progress towards MCIPS.
Two of these routes are the CIPS Corporate Award and the CIPS Professional Qualification route. Both can support progression towards MCIPS, but they are designed for different types of learner and use different approaches to development and assessment.
This guide explains the difference between the CIPS Corporate Award and CIPS qualifications, who each route is designed for and how they fit into professional progression.
What Is the CIPS Corporate Award?
The CIPS Corporate Award is a work-based development programme designed primarily for organisations that want to build procurement and supply capability across their teams.
Rather than following the same classroom and examination structure as the traditional qualification route, the Corporate Award focuses heavily on applying learning within the workplace.
The programme can be aligned with organisational objectives and allows participants to demonstrate procurement knowledge and capability through practical, work-based development.
CIPS recognises the Corporate Award as one of the professional pathways that can lead towards MCIPS.
Who Is the CIPS Corporate Award For?
The Corporate Award may suit organisations that want to develop several employees through a structured procurement programme linked closely to their workplace responsibilities.
It can be particularly relevant where an employer wants learning to support areas such as:
- Procurement capability development
- Commercial performance
- Supplier management
- Strategic sourcing
- Leadership and professional development
- Organisational improvement projects
Because the programme is work-based, learners can apply their development directly to real procurement challenges within their organisation.
What Are CIPS Professional Qualifications?
The CIPS Professional Qualification route provides a structured academic pathway through recognised procurement and supply qualifications.
The principal qualification levels are:
- CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
- CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply
- CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply
- CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply
The appropriate starting point depends on the learner’s existing qualifications, procurement experience and level of responsibility.
The qualification route develops knowledge across areas such as sourcing, contracting, supplier relationships, risk, commercial strategy, leadership and supply chain management.
CIPS Corporate Award vs CIPS Qualifications: What Is the Difference?
The main difference is the way the learning is structured and delivered.
| Corporate Award | CIPS Professional Qualifications |
|---|---|
| Primarily work-based and organisation-focused | Structured professional qualification pathway |
| Often delivered to groups within an organisation | Suitable for individual learners and employer-sponsored learners |
| Learning is closely linked to workplace application | Learning follows defined CIPS qualification modules |
| Can support organisational capability-building programmes | Supports structured progression through Levels 3–6 |
| Provides a route towards MCIPS | Provides a professional qualification route towards MCIPS |
Which CIPS Route Is Right for You?
The best route depends on your circumstances and professional goals.
The CIPS Professional Qualification route may be more appropriate if you:
- Want to study towards recognised CIPS qualifications
- Are developing your individual procurement career
- Want a structured progression route through different qualification levels
- Are studying independently or with support from your employer
The CIPS Corporate Award may be more suitable where:
- An organisation wants to develop a group of procurement professionals
- Workplace application is an important part of the programme
- Development needs to align closely with organisational objectives
- The employer wants to strengthen procurement capability across the function
Can Both Routes Lead to MCIPS?
Yes. CIPS currently recognises both the Professional Qualification route and the Corporate Award as routes towards MCIPS professional status.
MCIPS is a professional membership designation rather than simply the name of a qualification. The requirements depend on the route being followed and may include demonstrating appropriate professional knowledge, competence and experience.
You can read more about the different stages in our guide to achieving MCIPS status.
Is MCIPS the Same as Chartered Status?
No. MCIPS and Chartered Status are separate forms of professional recognition.
MCIPS is the internationally recognised membership designation for qualified procurement and supply professionals.
Chartered Status is an additional professional recognition available to eligible CIPS members who meet the relevant requirements, including continuing professional development and ethical standards.
Other Routes to MCIPS
CIPS also recognises other professional pathways towards MCIPS, including the Management Entry Route for experienced senior procurement professionals and accredited university programmes.
The right route will depend on your existing qualifications, experience and level of professional responsibility.
Develop Your Procurement Career with SRSCC
SRSCC supports individuals and organisations through a range of CIPS procurement and supply qualifications, from Level 3 through to Level 6.
If you are unsure which qualification level or professional development route is most appropriate, contact the SRSCC team to discuss your experience, role and progression goals.
