MCIPS stands for Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply. This is an extremely highly regarded qualification, and one of the most prestigious a procurement professional can achieve. By becoming a full qualified member of CIPS, you will also be able to use ‘MCIPS’ after your name.

At DLC Training (DLC), we provide a range of CIPS courses which can help you to work towards MCIPS status. To find out more about how these courses could help further your career, read on below.

The Benefits of MCIPS

MCIPS status is the gold standard of excellence for purchasing and procurement professionals all over the world. It is also highly sought after by employers. Achieving MCIPS status supports your experience and qualifications, giving you an official mark of recognition from a leading professional body.

If you’re hoping to progress to a managerial or senior professional role, you’ll find that employers expect all applicants to be MCIPS qualified – or, at the very least, working towards an MCIPS qualification. To progress to the very top of your field, in roles such as procurement director or head of procurement, achieving MCIPS status is absolutely essential.

More than just a qualification, an MCIPS accreditation will equip you with real-life, applicable skills that serve to enhance not just your CV, but your day-to-day working life. Becoming recognised as a member of CIPS will give your professional reputation a boost. It will drive your career forward by giving you the opportunity to work with the world’s leading organisations. So you can be sure you will benefit from better job opportunities and an increased salary.

In fact, achieving an MCIPS qualification will deliver a significant salary boost, with the average salary of an MCIPS qualified procurement professional superseding the average for those who are not MCIPS qualified by more than £9,500. Unlike other procurement qualifications, MCIPS provides many career benefits, and you will start to see the impact almost straight away.

To find out more about how MCIPS could benefit you, get in touch with our friendly Course Advisors to talk things through in more detail.

Is MCIPS equivalent to a degree? 

While MCIPS itself is not equivalent to a degree, it is considered a post-graduate qualification and is typically obtained after completing a degree or equivalent level of education.

How to get MCIPS-qualified  

To become MCIPS-qualified, start by affiliating with CIPS, ensuring you meet eligibility benchmarks and selecting your entry route. Enlist in CIPS-accredited courses spanning Levels 2 to 6. Devote time to exam preparation and ace them at designated venues. Acquire pertinent experience in procurement and supply chain management. Stay engaged in continuous professional development (CPD) endeavours to uphold your MCIPS status. Once the requirements are met, submit your membership application to CIPS. Your submission will undergo assessment, and upon validation, you’ll attain the coveted MCIPS status. This esteemed accolade bolsters your professional profile, showcasing proficiency in procurement and supply chain management.     

What is CIPS?

CIPS stands for the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply. It is a professional body dedicated to promoting excellence in procurement and supply chain management. CIPS offers a range of qualifications, training programs, and professional development opportunities for individuals working in the field of procurement and supply chain management. It sets standards for the profession, provides resources and support for its members, and advocates for the importance of effective procurement practices in organisations worldwide. CIPS also offers networking opportunities and events to connect professionals in the field and share knowledge and best practices.

What is a CIPS qualification?

CIPS qualifications equip individuals with expertise in procurement and supply chain management. Available at certificate, advanced certificate, diploma, and professional diploma levels, they cover foundational to strategic topics. Globally recognised, these certifications validate skills and enhance career prospects in various industries. Certificate levels provide foundational knowledge, while advanced levels delve deeper into procurement operations. Diploma levels focus on strategic management, and professional diplomas emphasise leadership. Each qualification level involves tailored modules and assessments, allowing professionals to excel and advance in their procurement careers.

How do I get CIPS certified?

To attain CIPS certification, start by joining the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) at an appropriate membership level. Choose the qualification level aligning with your career stage, such as certificate, advanced certificate, diploma, or professional diploma. Enrol in CIPS-accredited courses or self-study materials for your chosen level. Dedicate time to prepare and study the syllabus thoroughly. Schedule and sit for the required examinations at designated centres. Gain practical experience in procurement and supply chain management as some qualifications may necessitate it. 

After successfully completing exams and meeting other prerequisites, apply for certification through CIPS. Upon certification, your membership status will reflect your achievement, and you may use the relevant designation (e.g., MCIPS) to showcase your expertise. This certification enhances your credibility and opens doors to opportunities in the procurement and supply chain management field.

How to Achieve MCIPS Status

In order to achieve this status, you will need to prove yourself in terms of both qualifications and on-the-job experience.

At DLC Training, we provide accredited CIPS courses to help you achieve the qualifications you’ll need, as follows:

If you aren’t yet ready to work towards the Level 4 qualification, don’t worry. Here at DLC, we are dedicated to supporting every step of your career, so we also offer a Level 2 Certificate and a Level 3 Advanced Certificate to help you get to where you need to be.

Alongside these qualifications, you will also need at least three years of high-level experience in the procurement profession. When you have all the qualifications and experience, you can apply to CIPS to upgrade your membership to MCIPS level.

Working Towards MCIPS with DLC Training

Becoming an official member of CIPS will help to accelerate your career in procurement, delivering clear benefits to your employability and performance right from the start of your studies.

At DLC Training, we offer a path to MCIPS qualification which can be completed within 3-6 years. The duration will depend on your current level of experience and the amount of time you have available to study.

Our unique distance learning approach is highly flexible, so you can easily shape it around your work and home life, studying whenever and wherever is most convenient for you. CIPS qualifications are practical and are designed to complement your day-to-day work. This means you’ll be able to constantly improve your performance, knowledge and skills whilst you learn.

When you study with DLC, you will receive unlimited support and guidance for the duration of your course. You’ll have an expert personal tutor and a dedicated study support advisor to assist you every step of the way. We’re proud of our 98% success rate and are confident in securing your future.

Find out more

Studying the MCIPS programme with DLC Training will turbo-charge your career in procurement, delivering clear benefits to your employability and working performance right from the start of your studies.

For personalised guidance on what you should do to achieve MCIPS status, give us a call at 0800 0126 770 , and our friendly experts will be happy to help.