The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations is the perfect introductory course for those looking to start a career in Procurement and Supply.

During this qualification, you will build an understanding of the key elements of the supply chain process, both developing your theoretical and practical knowledge. Upon completion, you will be well equipped to move into entry level positions at an administrative or assistant level.

You will be supported by our dedicated team throughout your qualification and have access to our expert resources, including recorded webinars, podcasts, revision sessions, mock exam and homework feedback.

A CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate has a total learning time of 300 hours, which equates to around 6 to 8 months while working full time.

Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

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Study Options and Start Dates

Virtual Classes
From £1300 +VAT

Distance Learning
From £1100 +VAT

Our Virtual Classes  start at regular intervals, or you can start studying anytime through Distance Learning.

Next Virtual Class start date: w/c 12th October

What’s Included

Unlimited support access

Up to 3 years of support to complete your qualification

Free project management qualification

Test your understanding quizzes

Revision sessions & mock exam feedback

What’s Involved

To gain the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate, you will need to complete four core modules totalling 24 credits, and one elective module totalling a further 6 credits.

Upon completing all five modules, you will be awarded the Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply.

You will complete the following four core modules:

Procurement and Supply Environments (L3M1)

L3M1 explores the range of environments in which procurement and supply is expected to operate, as well as the external factors that can impact on overall success and the procedures that regulate procurement and supply.

Ethical Procurement and Supply (L3M2)

L3M2 explores the significance of ethics in procurement and supply through the application of codes of conduct. In addition, you will learn the stages of the sourcing process as well as how operational performance can be measured and improved to support value-added operations.

Contract Administration (L3M3)

L3M3 develops your understanding of how to achieve competitive pricing and execute effective tendering. You will gain an understanding of the administrative processes involved in contract development and how to measure contract performance.

Team dynamics and Change (L3M4)

L3M4 focuses on how individuals and teams can influence the success of procurement and supply functions. You will gain an understanding of the challenges of organisational change and how it can be facilitated.

You are also required to choose one of the following elective modules:

Socially Responsible Procurement (L3M5)

L3M5 focuses on the concepts and implications of sustainability and Corporate Social Responsibility, recognising the potential environmental impact of procurement and supply operations.

Socially Responsible Warehousing and Distribution (L3M6)

L3M6 develops your understanding of the methods for storage and movement of inventory, identifying the environmental and social impacts of warehousing and distribution operations.

Download The CIPS Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations Syllabus

Each module is assessed by an ‘Objective Response’ multiple-choice exam. Each exam lasts 2 hours. You can choose to sit the exam online, via remote invigilation or in person at an exam centre.

Distance Learning
£1100 + VAT
Virtual Learning
£1300 + VAT

Please note: prices do not include your CIPS membership, exam fees or books. We offer exam and book packages to support your studies and financial needs.

The Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply course can be studied in two different ways: Distance Learning and Virtual Classes.

Distance Learning involves independent, self-paced study. You’ll have access to our online learning platform, allowing you to work through the resources in your own time, at your own pace and receive full support from our in-house team.

Virtual Classes run live online either during the afternoon, evening or over one full day, depending on the module you are undertaking.

Start monthTimetable
September 2026View the September 2026 timetable
October 2026View the October 2026 timetable
November 2026View the November 2026 timetable
January 2027View the January 2027 timetable
February 2027View the February 2027 timetable
March 2027View the March 2027 timetable
April 2027View the April 2027 timetable
May 2027View the May 2027 timetable
June 2027View the June 2027 timetable
July 2027View the July 2027 timetable

This is an entry level qualification and is open to those interested in starting a career in procurement and supply.  If you already hold at least two years’ experience in a procurement role, you may wish to consider the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

Try our online learning system for free!

Our online learning system provides exceptional study support for students studying CIPS courses. Complete the form below to gain your two-week free trial that includes access to our interactive learning materials, recorded webinars, podcasts, course notes as well as reading resources mock exams and revision guides.