How to study?
You can achieve full membership (MCIPS) through a variety of study methods:
Self study
You may wish to self study at your own pace. You should ensure that you fully understand what you need to learn by consulting the unit content guide for your qualification and ensure you book into the examination for each unit.
Self study with support
- CIPS-e - online learning with study guides and online tutor
- CIPS Approved Study Centres (ASC) - study by distance with a tutor on hand to help you study, revise for exams and facilitate sitting the exams.
Academic study with CIPS approved universities
- CIPS accredited universities - a range of under and post graduate business courses have been approved by CIPS. These can be studied part or full time.
Recognition of prior learning and professional experience
- Exemptions – can be applied to any of the study options above provided relevant prior learning or experience is demonstrated.
- Professional Assessment Scheme (PAS) - suitable for middle and senior level managers, PAS recognises your contribution, experience, knowledge and responsibilities from your work in the profession. Papers based on your professional experience are completed rather than exams.
- Personal Development Plan (PDP) – suitable for senior managers. The PDP process benchmarks a manager’s experience against set criteria. Only identified gaps of knowledge need to be addressed.
Corporate study
- Corporate Award Programme (CAP) - combine professional qualifications with an in-company training programme. You will undertake work-based assignments, case studies and tuition geared towards real data from ‘live’ organisation projects wherever possible. This means that the work you undertake is directly relevant to your business and capable of implementation, with the potential of delivering tangible return on the investment in training. CAP is usually instigated by individuals but funded by their organisation.
- CIPS approved internal training academies - some organisations opt for their own study academy to develop the knowledge and competencies of their procurement teams. This involves competency mapping to study plans and delivering these by e-learning, usually leading to qualification. This option is suitable for organisations with large procurement teams. Current academies include Shell, Rio Tinto, Transnet and NZ Ministry of Economic Development.
We have a wealth of resources designed to assist students with their study. Go to the Study Resources area of the website to find out more.
CIPS qualifications and units of study
