People

Routes to MCIPS

Find your route to the internationally-recognised designation, MCIPS.

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What is MCIPS?

MCIPS is a professional designation which represents the global and professional standard within the procurement and supply profession. MCIPS is only awarded to those who have achieved this globally recognised standard.

MCIPS professionals have evidenced their high level of competency and skills, dedication to their career with lifelong learning, and commitment to ethical standards of practice and operating with integrity; all of which makes them more in demand. This increased employability is also reflected in what they can command in terms of salary and bonus. Employers will pay more and offer more generous packages to those with MCIPS or those working towards it.

Routes to MCIPS

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CIPS offers a range of flexible pathways to MCIPS

MCIPS – what does it mean for your career?

Study Route

CIPS Professional Qualifications

With a range of flexible study options, our internationally recognised qualifications will lead you all the way to MCIPS.

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Work Based

Applied Learning Programme

This is a work-based, applied learning programme that offers your teams a route to MCIPS, delivering proven return on investment for your organisation.

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Experiential route

CIPS Management Entry Route

Designed for senior procurement professionals, this experiential pathway is a practical alternative to traditional learning and exams.  

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University study

Accredited Degree

We have accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degree programmes that will lead you to achieve the internationally recognised designation, MCIPS.

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England only

Apprenticeships

CIPS offers the full package as a training provider for apprenticeships in procurement and supply. Grow talent and develop a motivated, skilled and qualified workforce that will deliver direct, positive results into your organisation.

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Become more in demand

There continues to be a shortage of procurement and supply professionals with the right skills, so being able to demonstrate expertise means that those with MCIPS are more in demand and well-remunerated than those without it.

Global recognition

MCIPS is recognised and respected globally, and evidences practical skill and expertise that goes beyond the theory. This gives employers confidence that those with MCIPS can apply their knowledge and deliver results in a real-world context.

Distinct advantage

Besides earning a higher salary, those who choose to work towards MCIPS give themselves a distinct advantage over those who don’t when it comes to advancing their career. The majority of employers would prefer candidates with MCIPS (or studying towards it) when recruiting.

The impact of MCIPS

Roundel with text '£67,558 average salary of MCIPS members'

Roundel with text '£43,561 average salary of non-MCIPS members'

Besides earning a bigger salary, those who choose to work towards MCIPS give themselves a distinct advantage over those who don’t when it comes to advancing their career. The majority of employers would prefer candidates with MCIPS (or studying towards it) when recruiting*. Not only does MCIPS give employers confidence that those candidates have the technical knowledge they will need to get the job done, but also that they have the kind of dedication, commitment and drive that can help move their organisation forward.

*CIPS Salary Guide 2024

Ministry of Defence commercial training and education programme. Staff have progressed from Corporate Award Practitioner (CAP) through to Corporate Award Advanced Practitioner (CAAP). This programme has benefited staff from new entrants through to senior experienced practitioners. Corporate Award has been attractive to staff as it is work-based, modular, offers applied learning and provides a route to full MCIPS and Chartered status. Because assignments are work-based, staff have been able to apply their learning, implement their recommendations and immediately deliver benefits for the business.

Robert Anstee, Commercial Capability and SWP – Senior Training and Education Manager, Defence Commercial, Ministry of Defence

I definitely value the brand and credibility that comes with MCIPS status, especially when my team are speaking to senior stakeholders and CEOs from third party supplier companies – and what they are expecting on the other side of the table is a high-calibre professional, well-rounded and capable of dealing with complex business issues.

Savita Mace, CPO, University Hospital Sussex NHS Trust

The benefits of MCIPS

Take advantage of the benefits you will enjoy as a current member who has achieved the exceptional standard of MCIPS - and the impact to your career progression and salary expectations. As a fully qualified member you can evidence to your peers and employers your professional relevance and your commitment to uphold the standard for excellence that CIPS sets.

Credibility and recognition

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MCIPS professionals command a premium in terms of salary and benefits - MCIPS earn 20% more than their non MCIPS colleagues.

Those with MCIPS demonstrate professional relevance and credibility with increased demand from employers - 54% of employers request MCIPS (or those studying towards it).

Globally recognised for professional excellence based on ability, achievement and ethics. MCIPS are in demand internationally.

Professionalism evidenced

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Evidenced skill and competency provides reassurance and demonstrates commitment to their professional proficiency, increasing their appeal to employers.

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MCIPS Chartered professionals have shown dedication to their career with ongoing learning and operating with integrity through ethical practice, which makes them more in demand and is reflected in what they can command in terms of remuneration (salary and bonus).