So you’re thinking about starting your CIPS journey?
Q - What is CIPS?
A - CIPS is the global professional body that leads excellence excellent in procurement and supply activities by promoting services for the benefit of a procurement community of over 200,000 members operating in over 150 countries.
Q - What is the CIPS qualification?
A - The objective for most CIPS student members is to achieve full MCIPS status. This is achieved by completing Level 6 or the Professional Diploma. The highest entry starting point is Level 4 or the Diploma Level and students whohow have less than two years procurement or supply chain experience can enter at Level 3 or the Advanced Certificate Level. Full completion of a lower level is required.
Q - How many exams are there?
A - 5 examinations at Advanced Certificate (Level 3), 8 examinations at Diploma (Level 4) and Advanced Diploma (Level 5) and 7 examinations at Professional Level (Level 6).
Q - What is covered in each module?
A - The topics covered at each Level progressively increase in complexity and detail the farther up the qualifications ladder you go. To see the topics covered at each Level click on the link below and then select your desired Level and then click on ‘The syllabus’.
Q - What is the format of the examinations?
A - There are two types of examination, OR (objective response and CR (constructive response). OR exams have different types of multiple-choice questions over 90 minutes (120 minutes for Level 3) and CR exams are essay type examinations over 180 hours. More information can be found on the links below under ‘Exam Guides’ after selecting the desired level.
Q - When do the examinations take place?
A - Currently they are fixed during the months of March, May, July and November. There are plans from CIPS to offer ‘flexible examinations’ which will give examination centres the opportunity to set exams according to their own timetable.
Q - How long will it take to complete a Level
A - There is some flexibility with the timetable where students can take on more exams with the support of Lean Procurement and to extend the duration of completion. We understand that life commitments can arise and we aim to work with you and support you should this occur. The average length of time to complete a Level is one year.
Q - Does Lean Procurement handle all the administration such as membership, examinations and ordering study material?
A - Yes, we try and take the administrativeadministration burden away from students so they can focus solely on their learning and examination preparation.
Q - What materials will I be receiving to assist me in my studies?
A - Contained in the price are the costs of published materials as well as customised and developed material from Lean Procurement Ltd that has been built up for over fifteen years. The majority of our students prefer hard copy study guides rather than e-book and this is ourout preferred option too. for student issue. .
Q - Why choose Lean Procurement over other approved
study centres?
A -Lean Procurement was established in XXXX and has grown our organisation and student numbers exponentially since then. We pride ourselves on delivering the best learning experience and support to our students. Our student success and centre pass rates mean we are on track to be awarded and out application is in its final stages to be recognised by CIPS as a 'Centre of Merit'. We are flexible in our student support approach and look to be as responsive as possible to your requests.
You’ve signed up, now what are the next steps?
Q - I’ve just received my confirmation communication from Lean Procurement, what can I then expect to happen?
A - Lean Procurement will then enrol you as a CIPS member and then proceed to book your first exam(s) and order your published study materials based on the information you populated within the application form. You will need to inform Lean Procurement of your CIPS membership number when you receive it.
Q - Why do I have to inform Lean Procurement of my CIPS membership number, will they not know this themselves?
A - In line with This is due to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) that and to ensure CIPS maintain compliance, they are unable to share this information with Lean Procurement. need to compliant towards, even when you have populated the application form. You only have to inform us of your CIPS membership number once; thereafter we will securely store your number within our The communication is a one-time only and your CIPS membership number will then be logged in our student records. framework.
Q - Where will my published study guides be sent to?
A - Your study guides will be sent to the address you provided during the application process.
Q - How will I receive future communications about the course?
A – You will be received future communications by either the email, phone or WhatsApp (if option selected) that was provided during the application process.
Q – When will I receive details of my first class?
A – You will receive details of your first class at least two weeks prior to its commencement
Q – Will there be an induction for new students?
A – Yes, inductions for new students take place a week before all new intakes prior commencement