Membership types

Membership types to meet your educational and professional needs

Our membership structure caters for different educational and professional needs, both of those working directly in purchasing and supply chain management and its associated disciplines, and of those with an interest in the area.

The seven types of membership provide a clear structure that allow entry at an appropriate level, accurately reflecting your academic standards, vocational skill, experience and contribution to the profession.

CIPS membership grades

1. Fellow (FCIPS) – awarded to existing Members (MCIPS) with a record of outstanding achievement and competence in purchasing and supply chain management. To view more detailed information on becoming a Fellow click here.

2. Full Member (MCIPS) – Full Members are recognised internationally for their professional accomplishment. Most of our Members achieve MCIPS by completing the CIPS Graduate Diploma. However, alternative routes include the successful completion of an accredited degree, N/SVQ level 4 in Procurement or SCM, CIPS Corporate Award, or a CIPS Personal Development Plan.

3. Associate Member – Associate Member is the grade for people who are developing their careers, those who achieved the Level 5 Advanced Diploma or a CIPS Corporate Award Stage 1, or working towards MCIPS through the Personal Development Plan (PDP). Please note that although successful completion of a PDP awards Full Member status, it does not award the Graduate Diploma.

4. Diploma Members - Diploma Members have successfully completed the Level 4 Foundation Diploma or the International Advanced Certificate.

5. Certificate Member - Certificate Members have achieved the Level 3 Certificate or International Certificate

6. Student – Student membership is the entry level for new practitioners at the earliest stage of their professional development and are undertaking CIPS qualifications or their equivalent. Students have full access to CIPS benefits at a reduced subscription rate during their course of study.

7. Affiliates – this grade is designed for individuals who do not wish to become professionally qualified but have a strong interest in purchasing and supply. There are no entry qualifications for affiliate membership.

The membership grades described are applicable from 1st March 2007. New grades of Diploma and Certificate Member have been introduced so that the grades are more closely aligned with the CIPS qualifications levels. For more information click here to read the article which appeared in Supply Management or click here to view the FAQs.