Develop your procurement career with a CIPS Centre of Excellence.
This qualification is designed for anyone looking to build a solid foundation in procurement and supply operations.
This course equips you with practical knowledge you can apply immediately in your role. You'll develop essential skills across core procurement activities.
On completion, you will have developed practical procurement knowledge that can support progression in your role and further CIPS study.
Achieve your CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate by completing five modules worth a total of 30 credits. This curriculum builds your professional toolkit by balancing four mandatory core units—covering essentials like Ethical Procurement and Contract Administration—with one elective tailored to your interests. You can further specialise your expertise by selecting either Socially Responsible Procurement or Warehousing & Distribution. Each module is assessed through a 1.5-hour computer-based exam, providing you with factual and theoretical knowledge you can apply immediately in a practical working environment.
Introduces the sectors where procurement operates (public, private, not-for-profit) and explains how external environments influence organisational needs and regulatory procedures.
Explains ethical codes of conduct, managing conflicts of interest, and defining sourcing activities to achieve added value through responsible procurement.
Focuses on contract monitoring, achieving competitive pricing, and understanding how effective tendering and contract processes work within organisations.
Explores how individuals and teams influence organisational success, how people respond to change, and the coping strategies that support business change.
Focuses on sustainability and CSR, including the environmental impact of procurement decisions and maintaining responsible supply chain practices.
Designed for logistics, this module covers storage, distribution, and how warehousing operations can reduce environmental impact while protecting reputation.
Focuses on operational and tactical competencies, such as logistics and contract administration.
The highest entry point for those with relevant experience or a degree, covering mid-level operational and managerial practices.
Moves into strategic aspects, including risk management, financial analysis, and supply chain planning.
The final level, focusing on strategic leadership, corporate strategy, and future challenges.
The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate is an early step in your professional procurement development. It builds the operational knowledge, ethical understanding and technical vocabulary needed to progress confidently into more advanced CIPS study.
Learners who continue through Levels 4, 5 and 6 can work towards MCIPS professional status, subject to meeting CIPS’s current membership and experience requirements.
Secure your route to Chartered status and save on course fees by booking multiple levels at once. Our Pathway to MCIPS package offers a significant discount for learners committing to their journey from Level 3 through to Level 6.
Discount: Save on your total investment by enrolling in our "Pathway to MCIPS" package, covering your progression from Level 3 to Level 6. Also, have a like for like quote that is cheaper? We'll guarantee to match the price.
The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations is the entry point onto the CIPS qualification ladder and for those who are new to procurement and supply, have limited experience or looking to change career. These individuals will be working at the tactical level but are moving towards the Operational level of the CIPS Global Standard for Procurement and supply.
If you are looking to begin your career in procurement and supply or have limited procurement and supply experience, this level is an ideal starting point. This level will enhance your tactical skills and knowledge whilst providing you with the perfect foundation for progression onto the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply Operations.
The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations develops your practical knowledge and skills in procurement and supply chain operations. You will learn how procurement supports organisational performance and how to carry out procurement activities effectively and ethically.
You’ll gain the skills to:
This qualification helps you build confidence in a procurement role and prepares you for progression to more advanced procurement responsibilities.
All of our CIPS courses involve structured learning, revision and mock examinations. We also include weekly tutor support sessions. Every learner has a dedicated tutor email to ask questions outside of the classroom workshops.
Additional resources and guidance are provided to assist with learning, revision and memory techniques.
Additional Learning Needs? No problem, let us know and our Learner Engagement Team will work with you to ensure you get the necessary adjustments or additional resources.
Failed an examination? Our team will work with you to prepare you for your resit.
CIPS qualifications are designed for professionals working in any sector that buys goods or services. The qualifications focus on transferable commercial, ethical, and supply chain principles, making them relevant across all industries.
They are widely used across:
CIPS Level 3 is suited to entry-level and junior roles in procurement and supply chain, including:
It’s ideal for those starting a career in procurement or supporting buying activities.
CIPS Level 3 typically takes 6–12 months to complete, depending on your study pace, prior experience, and the learning format. Most learners study alongside work, allowing flexibility to progress module by module at a manageable pace.
We provide a comprehensive package of learning materials, including:
These resources are designed to support flexible, independent study alongside work, with structured content.
Yes. After completing the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations, you can progress to the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.
Level 4 is the first stage of the professional qualification route and develops broader knowledge in areas such as commercial contracting, sourcing, supplier relationships, negotiation and procurement strategy.
If you are unsure whether you are ready to progress, contact the SRSCC team for advice on the most suitable next step.
Progress Mentor
Bethanie began her career in the fitness industry, working as a personal trainer and gym instructor before becoming involved in coaching children through a triathlon club. This experience sparked her passion for working with young people and ultimately led her into a career in education. She initially worked in a nursery and later as a one-to-one teaching assistant in a primary school, before completing her teaching qualification and postgraduate studies. Since then, Bethanie has taught in both the private and state education sectors.
Her academic background includes a qualification in Sports Development, Fitness and Coaching at college, alongside a Childhood & Youth undergraduate degree (2:1). These studies have enabled her to combine her interests in sport, education, and child development, shaping her holistic approach to teaching and mentoring.
Bethanie is passionate about supporting learners to achieve their goals — educationally, personally, and in terms of wellbeing. She places strong emphasis on communication and relationship building, and takes great pride in helping individuals build confidence and overcome challenges. One of her proudest achievements has been supporting learners who initially doubted themselves to grow in confidence and achieve success.
Outside of work, Bethanie has always maintained a strong interest in sport. She previously competed in triathlons and now focuses on running and swimming. In 2023, she completed the London Marathon — an achievement she is particularly proud of. She also enjoys spending time outdoors with her family and their two dogs, which is where she is happiest when not working.
Skills Coach
Ola began her career in supply chain within fast-paced warehouse and logistics environments, where she developed a strong understanding of operations and people management. Her journey into the Supply Chain sector wasn’t planned, but through hands-on experience she discovered a passion for improving processes and supporting others – which naturally led her into training and development.
She has progressed through a range of roles across operations, recruitment, and training, including Programme Coach and L&D Lead. She designed and delivered apprenticeship programmes, supporting over 40 learners to successful completion and contributing to strong quality outcomes and inspection success. Her transition into mentoring was driven by a desire to make a direct impact on people’s confidence, growth, and career progression.
Ola’s mentoring style is supportive, structured, and empowering. She combines real operational experience with coaching expertise, helping learners apply knowledge in practical workplace settings. One of her proudest career achievements has been supporting learners who started with low confidence to achieve distinctions and progress into new roles within their organisations. She has also led a UK-wide Mental Health First Aider network, embedding wellbeing into workplace culture and supporting colleagues through challenging situations.
From day one, she shares a consistent message with every learner: “You’re more capable than you think – but you have to be willing to step outside your comfort zone to see it.”
Outside of work, Ola enjoys walking with her Border Collie, Luna, and cross stitching. She recommends Legacy by James Kerr to anyone in supply chain, for its powerful insights into leadership and culture. If she wasn’t working in mentoring and development, she would likely be pursuing a career as a Visual Merchandiser.
Operations Team Leader
In December 2023, Jack joined SRSCC as an Operations Coordinator and quickly established himself as a key member of the team.
Promoted to Team Leader in October 2024, Jack utilises his expertise in auditing processes and innovative problem-solving to identify and enhance growth opportunities.
Jack possesses a strong ability to analyse and refine systems and procedures, consistently uncovering chances for streamlining and automation that drive operational efficiency. He excels at communicating complex ideas with clarity and precision.
Detail-oriented yet big-picture focused, Jack applies his exceptional organisational skills to ensure the team adopts the most effective strategies for achieving both individual and collective goals.
His methodical approach and strategic mindset make Jack an invaluable asset to SRSCC, significantly contributing to the team’s success and the realisation of organisational objectives.
