CIPS qualifications are the top qualification available to procurement professionals, and are held in high regard by the vast majority of international recruiters and employers in the procurement and supply chain professions. But just how important are they to the aspiring procurement professional?
Who Are CIPS?
CIPS qualifications are created and accredited by The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS), which is an organisation that is in place to promote good and fair practice throughout the international supply chain and procurement industries. It is tasked with ensuring good standards are maintained, which is done through offering training courses and qualifications to procurement professionals via accredited training facilitators such as Oxford College of Procurement and Supply.
What Are CIPS Qualifications?
There are varying levels of qualification that can be gained by procurement professionals:
- Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply – The ideal entry level qualification, aimed at those who are new to the world of procurement and supply.
- Diploma in Procurement and Supply – For those looking to enter into a junior or middle management procurement profession.
- Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply – For those who have already completed the diploma, and are looking to move into a senior buyer or contract and supply chain management position.
- Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply – For senior level professionals and heads of department who have completed the Diploma and Advanced Diploma.
Why Are CIPS Qualifications Important?
There are no rules against you entering the procurement and supply chain professions from another field or simply starting from scratch on the career ladder, everyone has to start somewhere. However, it is usually expected by employers in the professions to see some applicable training on your CV, even for entry level and junior positions.
CIPS qualifications are highly regarded as the ideal training for procurement professionals of all levels, as they are accredited by the organisation that promotes and protects the high standards of the sector, and therefore it can be trusted that the training and knowledge acquired from these qualifications is of the required standard. For this reason, many employers will choose to fund their staff’s CIPS qualifications as part of the overall training for a role in the company.
Find Out More
Oxford College of Procurement and Supply offer CIPS qualifications via intensive weekend courses, part time evening study and online distance learning. To find out how to get your two-week free trial contact us or visit our website.
