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How to become a CIPS member

The most direct way to become a CIPS member is by joining today online. Payment will be required for your application to be processed.

Join CIPS online

 

Alternatively, you may send a completed application form to us. Different geographical regions use different applications forms. See our section on Joining Options to find the right form for where you live.

If you have a UK bank account, the easiest way to pay your membership fees is by. Choose the single direct debit payment option and you can save 10% of your joining fee.

Joining options

You may take advantage of our online service to become a CIPS member.

Alternatively, you can simply download an application form and send a completed copy to us with a cheque to cover your fees. You will find our address and contact details for any queries on the form.

CIPS international membership forms


Cheque or purchase order

If you are paying by purchase order, or a cheque please send it to :

CIPS,
Customer Response Centre,
PO Box 9156,
Adamsway,
Mansfield,
Nottinghamshire,
NG18 8DS

Phone:  +44 (0) 845 880 1188         
Fax: +44 (0) 845 880 1187
Email: crc@cips.org
Opening hours: 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

Direct debit form

If you have a UK bank account, a hassle free way to pay is by direct debit and you will save 10% by choosing the single payment option.

Membership grades

Our membership structure caters for different educational and professional needs. It is designed to allow you entry at an appropriate level, accurately reflecting your academic standards, vocational skills, experience and contribution to the profession.

CIPS membership

Qualification/award achieved
Grade on completion
Student  
Affiliate Affiliate
Level 2 Introductory Certificate    Certificate Member
International Certificate    Certificate Member
Level 3 Certificate    Certificate Member
International Advanced Certificate Diploma Member
Level 4 Foundation Diploma  Diploma Member
Level 5 Advanced Diploma    Associate Member
Level 6 Graduate Diploma (with at least three years’ experience)    Full Member MCIPS
Level 7 Executive Diploma MCIPS and Executive Diploma
Fellow   FCIPS

Upgrade to MCIPS

You'll find all the information on achieving MCIPS on our upgrade to MCIPS page.

How to apply for FCIPS

Fellowship (FCIPS) is our highest grade of membership and is awarded as a hallmark of professional standing and contribution to the purchasing profession. We welcome applications from any full (MCIPS) Member from all sectors and all backgrounds from around the world. 

If you are in a senior role in the purchasing and supply management profession and can demonstrate strategic level achievements then you should consider applying. You should have been a full member for at least two years and show that you have committed to CPD. Our Fellowship brochure provides further details of how to apply.

Management Entry Route

How do I qualify? - to use MCIPS after my name

The Management Entry Route (MER) is designed for purchasing professionals who are already operating in a senior role within procurement or supply chain management (SCM), who have extensive on-the-job experience, but may not have procurement or SCM qualifications. You may have reached your current role, for instance, through working in Financial Management or General Management followed by a career move within your organisation or industry.

We need to assess your experience and competencies to ensure that you fulfil the criteria to award full membership which allows you to use the designatory letters MCIPS. You will be assessed for your experience, knowledge, and responsibility through an online questionnaire and a telephone interview.

It is a robust, rigorous and transparent process designed for senior professionals in upper management roles, usually with at least five years’ experience at a strategic level.

Find out more about how to progress down the MER route here

Accredited degrees

Find out more about which Post and Under Graduate Programmes are accredited by CIPS

We have accredited a number of specialist post and under graduate programmes around the world. These can be one to three year full or part time degree courses. Taking one of these courses can offer you an alternative route to full membership.

Please be aware that CIPS have attached some conditions to some programmes i.e you need to pass certain modules.  Please check with the course tutor. 

Accredited degree information can be found here, simply select post or under graduate from the drop down.