ACCREDITATIONS & QUALITY

Recognised, Regulated, and Trusted

When you study with Aspire, you’re training with a CIPS-approved provider delivering qualifications regulated by Ofqual. Your qualification is recognised worldwide by employers and professional bodies.

95%

Pass rate across all levels

12

Maximum per cohort

FCIPS

Chartered Fellow tutor

£0

Hidden extras, ever

500+

CIPS graduates

CIPS

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply

Ofqual

Office of Qualifications & Examinations Regulation

PROFESSIONAL BODY

The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS)

CIPS is the world’s largest professional body dedicated to procurement and supply. With over 70,000 members in more than 150 countries, a CIPS qualification is the gold standard for procurement professionals.

APS CIPS Centre of Excellence delivers CIPS qualifications from Level 2 (Certificate) through to Level 6 (Professional Diploma). Our courses follow the official CIPS syllabus and are designed to prepare you for CIPS-administered examinations.

Global benchmark for procurement qualifications
Over 70,000 members across 150+ countries
Qualifications recognised by employers worldwide
Pathway from Level 2 through to full MCIPS Chartered status

Learn more about CIPS →

REGULATION

Ofqual — Regulated Qualifications

CIPS qualifications are regulated by Ofqual, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation in England. This means the qualifications we deliver meet nationally recognised standards for quality, rigour, and assessment.

Ofqual regulation gives you confidence that your CIPS qualification carries real weight with employers, sits within the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), and is equivalent to other nationally recognised qualifications at the same level.

CIPS qualifications sit on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)
Level 4 Diploma = Certificate of Higher Education
Level 5 Advanced Diploma = Foundation Degree
Level 6 Professional Diploma = Bachelor’s Degree
Recognised by UK employers and public sector bodies

Check the Ofqual Register →

How CIPS maps to the Regulated Qualifications Framework

CIPS Qualification
Levels Explained.

CIPS is the world’s leading professional body for procurement and supply, and its qualifications span five levels, from entry-level operations to strategic leadership. Each level is mapped to the UK’s Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), so you can see at a glance how it compares to GCSEs, A-Levels, and degree-level study. Where you start depends on your current experience, not where you want to end up.

Level	Qualification Title	RQF Level	Equivalent To
2	Certificate in Procurement & Supply Operations	RQF 2	GCSE grades A*–C / 9–4
3	Advanced Certificate in Procurement & Supply Operations	RQF 3	A-Levels
4	Diploma in Procurement & Supply	RQF 4	Certificate of Higher Education
5	Advanced Diploma in Procurement & Supply	RQF 5	Foundation Degree / HND
6	Professional Diploma in Procurement & Supply	RQF 6	Bachelor’s Degree

Completing Levels 4, 5, and 6, combined with three years’ relevant procurement experience is the pathway to MCIPS (Member of CIPS), the full Chartered status in procurement and supply.

The real-world value of a recognised CIPS qualification

What This Means
for Your Career.

A CIPS qualification isn’t just a piece of paper to frame and forget — it’s a credential employers actively look for, a network of 70,000+ procurement professionals to tap into, and a measurable step up in earning power. Here’s what qualifying actually unlocks, both immediately and over the rest of your career.

Globally Recognised

A CIPS qualification is recognised by employers in over 150 countries. Whether you’re working in the UK or internationally, your qualification carries weight.

Valued by Employers

CIPS qualifications are specifically requested in thousands of procurement job adverts every year. Having CIPS after your name signals competence and commitment.

Higher Earning Potential

CIPS-qualified professionals earn significantly more than their non-qualified counterparts. The investment in your qualification pays for itself through career progression.

Regulated Standards

Ofqual regulation means your qualification meets rigorous national standards. It’s not just a certificate — it’s a quality-assured, externally validated credential.

Professional Network

CIPS membership connects you to a global community of 70,000+ procurement professionals. Access events, resources, career support, and industry insights.

Pathway to Chartered Status

Completing Levels 4–6 puts you on the path to MCIPS — the highest professional standard in procurement. Chartered status demonstrates strategic capability and leadership.

Our Standards

Our Commitment
to Quality.

Accreditation isn’t just about logos on a website. At Aspire, quality runs through everything we do — from the materials we produce to the support we provide.

Our training is delivered by Katie Jarvis-Grove FCIPS, a Fellow of CIPS with over 20 years of real-world procurement experience. Every course uses official CIPS study materials, follows the current syllabus, and is designed to give you the best possible chance of passing your exams.

We also hold ourselves accountable through small class sizes (maximum 12 delegates), individual progress tracking, and a dedicated pastoral support lead — because great training means supporting the whole student, not just delivering content.

All courses follow the official CIPS syllabus
Official CIPS study guides provided as standard
Maximum 12 delegates per cohort
Individual progress tracking and one-to-one support
Dedicated pastoral support lead

FAQs

Accreditation
FAQs.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Book a free call with Katie and ask her directly.

Is APS a CIPS-approved centre?

Yes. APS is a CIPS Accredited Centre of Excellence and is rigorously audited annually to ensure we continue to meet the strict CIPS criteria to maintain our status of Centre of Excellence.
Are CIPS qualifications internationally recognised?

Yes. CIPS is the world’s largest procurement and supply professional body with members in over 150 countries. CIPS qualifications are recognised by employers globally, including multinational corporations, government bodies, and NGOs.
What is the RQF and why does it matter?

The Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) is the system used in England to categorise qualifications by their level and size. CIPS qualifications sit on the RQF, which means they have a nationally recognised equivalence — for example, Level 6 is equivalent to a Bachelor’s Degree. This gives your qualification credibility with employers and educational institutions.
What’s the difference between CIPS membership and MCIPS?

CIPS membership is your professional membership of the institute, which you hold while studying. MCIPS (Member of CIPS) is the full Chartered designation — you achieve this by completing Levels 4, 5, and 6 plus demonstrating relevant professional experience. MCIPS is the highest professional recognition in procurement.
Will my qualification be recognised by public sector employers?

Yes. CIPS qualifications are widely recognised across the UK public sector, including the NHS, MOD, local authorities, and central government. Many public sector procurement roles specifically require or prefer CIPS-qualified candidates.

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