CIPS Level 3* Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

Learn how to apply factual, procedural and theoretical knowledge of procurement and supply. You will be able to completes tasks and address problems that are well-defined but may be complex and non-routine. You will understand what relevant information is required and how to interpret and review its effectiveness.

This is the first of CIPS qualifications where elective modules are introduced, giving learners the choice of a specialist professional pathway such as Procurement or Supply Chain.

To get started on a CIPS qualification programme means you will need join as a student member online. You can then book your examinations online.You will need to become a CIPS member to start taking exams.

What can CIPS qualifications do for your career?

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

Typical job titles:

• Administrator
• Assistant buyer
• Assistant contract officer
• Contract analyst
• Stock / inventory controller / planner

Core skills upon completion of this qualification
You will have the capability to apply key tasks associated with procurement and supply operations.

View other CIPS qualifications:

You are required to complete 30 credits to achieve this qualification. You will need to complete four CORE modules which make up 24 of the required credits. Then choose one ELECTIVE module to make up the 6 required credits.

What are credits? Each module is given a credit value of 3 or 6 credits. To complete a qualification you are must complete the required number of credits as specified to achieve the award.

Four CORE modules make up the required 24 credits.

Select a module below for more information:

Choose one ELECTIVE module to make up the final six required credits.

CIPS Level 3* Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations is a vocationally related professional qualification. Formal recognition is included within the regulatory frameworks of an increasing number of countries such as the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), UAE (including Dubai) and Africa (including Zambia). Further information on this recognition and the details of corresponding qualifications levels for other international qualifications frameworks are detailed here

The qualification accreditation number is Ref: 603/3282/7.

View full specification.

Everyone learns at a different pace and as individuals we all have our own personal circumstances to consider when starting a qualification.

Before you start get in touch with one of our 190 approved study centres for advice about the different types of learning programmes available.  They will give you an indication of how long it will take to complete this qualification.

Here are the typical amount of time required to achieve this qualification:

Your total qualification time (TQT) The TQT indicates the overall number of guided learning hours, additional self-study and assessment time that is required.
Guided Learning Hours (GLH) You are expected to undertake 200 GLH. The definition of guided learning hours is: ‘A measure of the amount of input time required to achieve the qualification. This includes lectures, tutorials and practicals, as well as supervised study in, for example, learning centres and workshops’.
Self-studying requirement (SSR) Additionally, we recommend that you also commit to at least 90 SSR hours. This includes wider reading of the subject areas and revision to give yourself the best preparation for successfully achieving the qualification.
Total exam time All of the modules in this qualification are assessed by computer based examination.

The cost of studying for a qualification will vary depending on the level of support you  need.

CIPS offers exams globally six time per year  in:

• January
• March
• May
• July
• September
• November

Use the online fee finder to select your country and the module(s) you plan to take for a cost guide. In addition to the CIPS exam fee an additional surcharge may be applied by the exam centre. Check with the exam centre for their fees.

Learning resources
To support your studies CIPS publishes a complete set of study guides with an optional eBook version (coming in February 2019) and a suite of eLearning (coming in February 2019) to compliment your learning for each module. Study Guides are available to buy online now.

Try the eLearning demo:

All exams for this qualification are computer based. What are computer based exams?

The following principles are applied when we develop our exam papers:

• For each module we will examine your knowledge through the use of every learning outcome (LO) in the syllabus. These are published in the syllabus guide for each of qualification.
• All LOs within a module will have the same amount of coverage and are weighted equally.
• You must answer all questions within an exam there are no optional questions. All exams are marked out of 100%. The standard of the exam is set by the LOs within the unit content.

Exam format
All questions in this qualification are known as Objective Response exams that will have equally weighted questions.

The questions in these exams allow you to select a response from a list of possible answers. You will find these types of exams across all our qualifications levels and they are marked by computer and then moderated by CIPS examiners.

Exam pass mark for all modules
You must achieve 70% to pass the exam.

Sample exam papers

• Procurement and Supply Environments (L3M1)
• Ethical Procurement and Supply (L3M2)
• Contract Administration (L3M3)
• Team Dynamics and Change (L3M4)
• Socially Responsible Procurement (L3M5)
• Socially Responsible Warehousing and Distribution (L3M6)

For each of our qualifications you will find supporting study resources. Each module has a study guide available in hard copy at the end of October 2018, and as an eBook (available from February 2019), elearning  (available from February 2019) and any other further recommended reading to deepen your knowledge. 

All of these learning materials have been produced together to mix up the way learning is delivered and to improve your overall experience.

Other resources which all form part of your membership benefits will also provide further support and includes:

CIPS Knowledge
Access a wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and resources, including guidelines, white papers, tools and templates.

Supply Management
This free online magazine includes latest news, job opportunities and current developments in procurement and supply.

Guidance on answering exam questions
Exam guidance documents to help to understand what examiners look for when marking exam papers.

Networking
Stay connected with other like-minded professionals 

Interested in studying the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations?
CIPS has a network of over 190 approved study centres globally offering a range of flexible courses. Get in touch to talk about getting started.

 
Completed CIPS Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations?
Progress to the CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, depending upon your experience.

If you are currently studying for this qualification don't stop or delay your studies here are some simple tips for you to follow:

1. The qualification title has stayed the same.
2. We will automatically transfer any successfully completed units in the 2013 syllabus and your updated qualifications plan will show this in your MyCIPS account in February 2019.
3. You will never be expected to repeat learning already achieved.
4. You will be expected to complete the required number of credits to complete the award.
5. What will the transfer look like from 2013 to 2018 qualifications syllabus?
6. Anyone who has passed exams or has been awarded exemptions on 2013 syllabus will be given credits for subjects within the updated 2018 syllabus.

Here's a quick online guide to find out what your transfer will look like.

Download transfer arrangements table for CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations