What is CIPS?

CIPS stands for the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, the global professional body for procurement and supply professionals.

CIPS qualifications provide a structured route for developing professional procurement and supply knowledge, from introductory study through to advanced strategic learning and progression towards MCIPS professional status.

SRSCC is a CIPS Centre of Excellence providing CIPS training at Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 through flexible classroom, live virtual and independent learning options.

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CIPS – key facts

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)

CIPS stands for the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, a global professional body for procurement and supply professionals.

CIPS develops professional standards, qualifications and guidance for people working across procurement and supply. Its qualifications provide a structured route for developing knowledge and capability throughout a procurement career, from operational and practitioner-level study through to advanced strategic learning.

What are the CIPS qualifications?

CIPS qualifications provide a structured professional development pathway for people working in procurement and supply. They are designed to build knowledge and capability progressively, from operational and practitioner-level learning through to advanced strategic study.

SRSCC delivers CIPS qualifications from Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations through to the Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

Each level develops different areas of procurement and supply knowledge, allowing learners to choose the qualification that best reflects their current experience, responsibilities and career goals.

How will CIPS training benefit me personally?

  • Develop recognised procurement and supply knowledge that can strengthen your professional credibility and support career progression.
  • Build practical commercial skills across areas such as sourcing, negotiation, contracts, supplier relationships and supply chain management.
  • Gain an internationally recognised qualification that can support career opportunities with employers in the UK and overseas.
  • Progress through the CIPS qualification pathway, from practitioner-level study towards advanced professional development and, where the relevant requirements are met, MCIPS professional status.
  • Access the wider benefits of CIPS membership, including professional resources, guidance, networking and member support.

CIPS Qualifications

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.

How will CIPS training benefit my organisation?

Investing in CIPS training can help organisations strengthen procurement capability, improve commercial awareness and develop a more consistent approach to sourcing, supplier management and contract activity.

Professional procurement training can support teams in making better-informed decisions, managing supplier relationships more effectively and applying recognised procurement principles across the organisation. It can also provide a structured development pathway for employees as they take on greater responsibility.

SRSCC can support individual learners or groups of employees through flexible CIPS study options, including live virtual, classroom, independent learning and employer-focused training.

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How do I achieve MCIPS professional status?

One route to MCIPS professional status is to complete the CIPS qualification pathway through Level 4, Level 5 and the Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

Under the CIPS qualification route, you will also need at least three years of relevant experience in a position of responsibility within procurement and supply before applying to upgrade to MCIPS. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

SRSCC offers flexible study options across the CIPS qualification pathway, including live virtual, classroom, independent learning and employer-focused training, with tutor support throughout your studies.

If your long-term goal is MCIPS, SRSCC also offers a Pathway to MCIPS package covering your planned progression from Level 4 through to Level 6.

CIPS FAQs

CIPS stands for the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, a global professional body for procurement and supply professionals.

CIPS develops professional qualifications, standards and resources designed to support people throughout their careers in procurement and supply.

A CIPS qualification is a professional procurement and supply qualification designed to develop knowledge and capability at different stages of a learner’s career.

SRSCC delivers CIPS qualifications from Level 3 through to the Level 6 Professional Diploma, allowing learners to progress through increasingly advanced areas of procurement and supply.

The CIPS Global Standard for Procurement and Supply is a competency framework developed by CIPS for the procurement and supply profession.

It describes the knowledge and capabilities associated with different levels of professional responsibility and can be used by individuals and organisations to identify development needs and support career planning.

CIPS offers different membership grades depending on your stage of professional development and the route you are following.

Students studying CIPS qualifications can access CIPS student membership, while experienced professionals may progress towards professional membership such as MCIPS through one of the routes recognised by CIPS.

Membership applications and upgrades are managed directly by CIPS.

No. Procurement and supply professionals work across a wide range of sectors, including manufacturing, construction, retail, healthcare, engineering, logistics, utilities, professional services and the public sector.

CIPS qualifications develop transferable procurement and supply knowledge that can be applied across different organisations and industries.

MCIPS FAQs

MCIPS is a professional membership grade of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply and is widely recognised within the procurement and supply profession.

There are several recognised routes to MCIPS, including the CIPS professional qualification pathway and routes designed for appropriately experienced professionals.

There are several routes to achieving MCIPS professional status. One route is through the CIPS professional qualification pathway, progressing through Levels 4, 5 and 6 and meeting the relevant professional experience requirements.

CIPS also provides alternative routes for eligible experienced professionals, so the most appropriate route will depend on your qualifications and career experience.

No. MCIPS is a professional membership designation rather than a standalone qualification.

CIPS qualifications can form part of the route towards MCIPS, but achieving the relevant qualifications does not automatically award MCIPS. Applicants must also meet the requirements of their chosen CIPS membership route.

Under the professional qualification route, learners progress through the CIPS Level 4 Diploma, Level 5 Advanced Diploma and Level 6 Professional Diploma.

Completing the qualification pathway forms part of the route to MCIPS. You must also meet the professional experience and membership requirements specified by CIPS.

The time required to achieve MCIPS varies depending on your starting point, previous qualifications, professional experience and the route you follow.

Learners following the qualification route need to complete the relevant CIPS qualifications as well as meet CIPS’s professional experience requirements, so there is no single completion time that applies to everyone.

CIPS Chartered Status is an additional professional status available to eligible current MCIPS and FCIPS members.

It is separate from achieving MCIPS itself and requires members to meet CIPS’s current Chartered Status requirements, including continuing professional development.

Yes. Once you have successfully achieved and maintain the relevant CIPS membership grade, you can use the professional designation MCIPS after your name.

The designation demonstrates your professional membership status with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply.

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Bethanie Stimpson SRSCC

Bethanie Stimpson

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.

Ola Kambul

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.

Jack Callaghan

Jack Moore

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.