If you have already achieved the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma, the Level 6 Professional Diploma is the next stage in developing senior strategic procurement and supply capability.
Designed for experienced professionals working at a senior level, the qualification develops advanced knowledge across areas such as strategic leadership, organisational influence, commercial decision-making and complex supply chain challenges. It also supports progression towards MCIPS professional status, subject to meeting CIPS’s current membership and experience requirements.
The CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma is designed for experienced procurement and supply professionals who are ready to develop senior strategic, leadership and organisational capability.
Building on Level 5, the CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma develops advanced strategic knowledge for senior procurement and supply responsibilities. You will build capability in:
On completion, you will have developed advanced strategic procurement and supply knowledge that can support senior-level career progression and your continued journey towards MCIPS professional status.
To achieve the CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply, you will complete 60 credits through a combination of advanced core and elective modules. The qualification develops senior-level capability across areas such as strategic and ethical leadership, global commercial strategy, supply chain management and future strategic challenges.
You will complete four core modules alongside three elective modules, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge in areas relevant to your professional responsibilities and career goals. Assessment at this level is designed to test your ability to analyse complex procurement and supply issues and apply strategic judgement in demanding organisational situations.
Level 6 is the final academic stage of the CIPS professional qualification pathway and supports progression towards MCIPS professional status, subject to meeting CIPS’s current membership and experience requirements.
Develop strategic leadership capability, influence organisational and stakeholder commitment, and understand the ethical standards that shape procurement and supply.
Evaluate global commercial strategy, understand the challenges of international supply chains and consider the financial factors that influence strategic decision-making.
Develop, manage and optimise global supply chains while evaluating their strategic contribution to organisational performance and competitive advantage.
Evaluate changing requirements within procurement and supply and assess the future strategic challenges likely to affect the profession.
Develop the commercial, leadership and organisational approaches required to manage complex programmes and support strategic objectives.
Use commercial data and analytical approaches to support informed strategic decision-making across procurement and supply.
Explore how innovation can be developed and implemented to improve procurement, supply chain capability and organisational performance.
Evaluate and design effective supply networks that support resilience, performance and changing organisational requirements.
Develop strategic understanding of global logistics, supply chain governance, transport and the management of forward and reverse flows.
Examine environmental, social and governance principles and how they influence responsible procurement, supply and organisational strategy.
Builds operational procurement and supply knowledge across areas such as logistics, supplier relationships and contract administration.
The highest direct entry point for experienced professionals or those with relevant qualifications, developing core commercial, sourcing, contractual and supplier-management capability.
Develops advanced strategic and managerial capability across areas such as risk, commercial decision-making, supplier relationships and supply chain performance.
The final academic stage of the CIPS professional qualification pathway, developing senior strategic capability across leadership, commercial strategy and complex procurement and supply challenges.
The CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma represents the final academic stage of the CIPS professional qualification pathway and supports progression towards MCIPS professional status.
Designed for experienced procurement and supply professionals, Level 6 develops advanced strategic capability across leadership, commercial decision-making, organisational influence and complex supply chain challenges.
Building on the knowledge gained at Level 5, the qualification strengthens the leadership, analytical and problem-solving skills needed to contribute at a senior level and help shape procurement and supply strategy across an organisation.
SRSCC offers a range of payment and funding options for CIPS Level 6 learners, including employer sponsorship, self-funding and ELCAS support for eligible Armed Forces personnel. Flexible payment options may also be available to help spread the cost of study.
The CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply is the most advanced qualification in the CIPS professional qualification pathway. It is designed for experienced procurement and supply professionals who want to develop senior strategic, leadership and commercial capability.
The qualification builds on the knowledge developed at CIPS Level 5 and covers advanced areas such as strategic leadership, global commercial strategy, supply chain management and future challenges facing the profession.
CIPS Level 6 is designed for experienced procurement and supply professionals who are ready to take on greater strategic responsibility.
It may be suitable if you are working in, or progressing towards, a senior procurement, supply chain or commercial role and want to strengthen your ability to lead teams, influence organisational strategy and manage complex procurement and supply challenges.
Learners would normally progress to Level 6 after successfully completing the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply.
CIPS Level 6 develops advanced strategic procurement and supply knowledge across areas including leadership, commercial strategy, global supply chains and organisational decision-making.
You will complete four core modules and choose three elective modules, allowing you to develop specialist knowledge in areas such as strategic programme leadership, commercial data management, innovation, supply network design, global logistics and ESG principles.
The qualification is designed to strengthen your ability to analyse complex situations, make informed strategic decisions and contribute to senior-level procurement and supply strategy.
SRSCC provides tutor support throughout your CIPS Level 6 studies, with the exact support depending on the learning route you choose.
Options include Live Virtual Classroom study, classroom-based learning and flexible study through the Independent Learning Zone. Support may include tutor-led sessions, learning resources, formative assessment feedback, revision support and guidance as you prepare for CIPS examinations.
Contact SRSCC if you would like help choosing the most suitable study method.
The time required to complete CIPS Level 6 depends on your chosen study method, the pace at which you complete the modules and the CIPS examination schedule.
SRSCC offers flexible study options that allow learners to balance the qualification with professional and personal commitments. Our team can advise you on current course schedules and the expected study timeframe before you enrol.
CIPS Level 6 is relevant across a wide range of sectors because strategic procurement and supply management are important wherever organisations manage suppliers, contracts, commercial risk and complex supply chains.
Learners may work across sectors including manufacturing, construction, retail, logistics, healthcare, public services, utilities, engineering, technology and professional services.
The qualification focuses on transferable strategic procurement and supply capability rather than being restricted to one particular industry.
CIPS Level 6 is designed to support progression into senior procurement, supply chain and commercial positions.
Depending on your experience and organisation, relevant roles may include Senior Procurement Manager, Head of Procurement, Category Lead, Supply Chain Manager, Commercial Manager, Procurement Director and other strategic procurement and supply positions.
The qualification develops knowledge that can support career progression, although appointment to a particular role will also depend on your professional experience, responsibilities and wider skills.
Yes. Learning resources are provided as part of your SRSCC study programme, although the exact materials and delivery format depend on the study route you select.
Learners may receive access to course materials, online learning resources, revision support and formative assessment activities designed to support preparation for the CIPS Level 6 examinations.
If you would like details of exactly what is included with a particular study option, contact the SRSCC team.
Completing the CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma is the final academic stage of the CIPS qualification route towards MCIPS professional status.
MCIPS is a professional designation rather than simply the name of the Level 6 qualification. Applicants must also meet CIPS’s current professional experience and membership requirements before upgrading to MCIPS.
CIPS currently requires candidates following the qualification route to have relevant procurement and supply experience in a position of responsibility as part of the MCIPS upgrade process.
You can also read SRSCC’s guide to how to achieve MCIPS status for more information.
CIPS Chartered Status is an additional professional status available to eligible CIPS members who demonstrate continued professional development and commitment to professional and ethical standards.
It is separate from completing the Level 6 qualification and from becoming MCIPS. CIPS currently states that Chartered Status is available to current MCIPS or FCIPS members who meet its CPD and ethics requirements.
This means Level 6 can form an important part of your professional progression, but Chartered Status is achieved through a separate CIPS process after the relevant membership requirements have been met.
FCIPS stands for Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. Fellowship is a senior CIPS membership grade that recognises outstanding professional competence, leadership and achievement within procurement and supply.
It is different from MCIPS, which is the professional membership designation commonly achieved after completing an approved route such as the CIPS qualification pathway and meeting the relevant professional experience requirements.
FCIPS is not automatically awarded after completing CIPS Level 6. Experienced professionals who meet the Fellowship criteria can apply separately through CIPS.
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.
