CIPS Training · From Level 2 through to MCIPS

Study with APS, a CIPS Centre of Excellence, in a style, format, and timeline that works for you.

Whether you are starting out in procurement or well under way with your CIPS journey, APS can help by offering programmes from Level 2 to Level 6. Courses can be undertaken through distance learning (self-study) or virtual class delivery.

Levels 2 to 6 available

Transparent, all-inclusive pricing

9–18 month course duration – your choice

Katie Jarvis-Grove FCIPS Chartered

Distance – Virtual – Hybrid

Exam results consistently above global average

5

CIPS levels taught

95%

Student pass rate

Max 12

Students per cohort

20+ yrs

Katie’s experience

THE CIPS PATHWAY

From introduction to Chartered, one clear journey.

CIPS qualifications are built as a ladder. Most students enter at the level that matches their current role and experience, then progress as their career grows. The destination is MCIPS, Chartered status, the globally recognised gold standard for procurement and supply.

Level 2

Certificate · Intro to procurement

Level 3

Advanced Certificate · Operational

Level 4

Diploma · Strategic foundation

Level 5

Advanced Diploma · Managerial

Level 6

Professional Diploma · Strategic

MCIPS

Chartered status · Gold standard

ALL CIPS LEVELS

Pick the level that matches where you are today.

Every level is taught by Katie (FCIPS Chartered) with small cohorts, live lessons, marked practice, mock exams and one resit per module. Payment plans available on every course.

LEVEL 2 · CERTIFICATE

Introduction to Procurement

Your first step into the profession.

£1,900.00

5 core modules
OR (multiple-choice) exams
6–12 months study
No prerequisites

For beginners & admins

Learn more →

LEVEL 3 · ADVANCED CERTIFICATE

Operational Procurement

Build real operational confidence.

£2,000.00

5 core modules
OR exams
9–12 months study
For buyers & coordinators

Coordinators & junior buyers

Learn more →

LEVEL 4 · DIPLOMA

Strategic Foundation Diploma

The benchmark procurement diploma.

£2,600.00

8 core modules
6 OR + 2 CR exams
9–18 months study
Gateway to MCIPS

Experienced buyers & specialists

Learn more →

LEVEL 5 · ADVANCED DIPLOMA

Managerial Procurement

Leadership, risk & category strategy.

£2,800.00

2 core + 5 elective modules
100% CR written exams
12-18 months study
For aspiring managers

Senior buyers & category managers

Learn more →

LEVEL 6 · PROFESSIONAL DIPLOMA

Strategic Leadership Diploma

Direct pathway to Chartered status.

£2,900.00

5 core modules
OR exams
9–12 months study
For buyers & coordinators

Heads, directors & future CPOs

Learn more →

Virtual Learning Course

LEVEL 4 · DIPLOMA

Strategic Foundation Diploma

The benchmark procurement diploma.

£3,599.00

8 core modules
6 OR + 2 CR exams
9–18 months study
Gateway to MCIPS

Experienced buyers & specialists

Learn more →

LEVEL 5 · ADVANCED DIPLOMA

Managerial Procurement

Leadership, risk & category strategy.

£3,799.00

2 core + 5 elective modules
100% CR written exams
12-18 months study
For aspiring managers

Senior buyers & category managers

Learn more →

HOW TO CHOOSE

Not sure which level is
right for you?

CIPS levels map to real world procurement roles. The rule of thumb: pick the level that matches your current responsibilities: studying too low wastes time, too high risks overload. If you’re borderline, Katie will advise on your free consultation.

New to procurement

Admin, assistant, or moving in from another discipline. No prior procurement knowledge needed, Level 2 teaches the fundamentals.

Explore Level 2 →

Junior buyer or coordinator

You place orders, liaise with suppliers and handle day to day procurement. Level 3 formalises your operational capability.

Explore Level 3 →

Buyer or Procurement Specialist

You run sourcing, negotiate contracts, manage suppliers. Level 4 is the recognised benchmark diploma, and the gateway to MCIPS.

Explore Level 4 →

Senior buyer / category manager

You lead categories, negotiations and suppliers. Level 5 adds leadership, risk and finance, the managerial qualification.

Explore Level 5 →

Head of procurement / director

You operate at strategic or board level. Level 6 is the final academic step before MCIPS Chartered status.

Explore Level 6 →

Still not sure?

Book a 20 minute consultation with Katie. She’ll map your role and experience to the right level no pressure, no sales pitch.

Book free call →

AT A GLANCE

All five levels,
side by side.

Feature	Level 2	Level 3	Level 4	Level 5	Level 6
Qualification	Certificate	Adv. Certificate	Diploma	Adv. Diploma	Prof. Diploma
Price (+ VAT)	£1,900	£2,000	£2,600	£2,800	£2,900
Modules	5 core	4 core & 1 Elective	8 core	5 core & 3 Elective	4 core & 3 Elective
Exam format	OR	OR	CR + OR	CR + OR	CR + OR
Study window	6-12 mo	9-12 mo	9-18 mo	12-18 mo	12-18 mo
Prerequisite	None	None	L3 or 2 years’ experience	L4 or exp.	L5 or 5+ yrs
Electives	–	One	–	Three	Three
1 to 1 with Katie	10 hours	10 hours	16 hours	16 hours	14 hours
Pass rate	95%	92%	88%	93%	86%
MCIPS route	–	–	Gateway	On track	Direct

OR = Objective Response (multiple choice). CR = Constructive Response (essay style) Price excludes VAT. Price includes CIPS Membership (year 1) and Exam Fees + 1 Resit.

WHY APS

The same APS promise
at every level.

Every level you study with us gets the same treatment: small cohorts, a FCIPS qualified tutor teaching personally, marked practice, mock exams, flexible payment plans, and pastoral support.

🎓

FCIPS Chartered tutor

Every class, from Level 2 to Level 6, is taught by Katie Jarvis-Grove personally. Founder, Fellow, 20+ years.

👥

Max 12 per cohort

Small groups by design. You’ll be seen, heard and coached, not lost in a lecture hall of 50.

📈

91% Average Pass Rate

Higher than the CIPS national average across every level. The result of small groups, marking and real coaching.

💳

Inetrest free payment plans

Available for all courses.
Spread the cost.
Pay in installments.
Contact us for more information and your
personalised payment plan

YOUR TUTOR

Katie Jarvis-Grove, FCIPS Chartered.

Katie is APS’s founder and lead tutor at every level. Twenty plus years in strategic procurement and supply leadership, a Fellow of CIPS, and the person behind our 95% pass rate. Whether you’re sitting Level 2 or preparing for MCIPS, you’ll learn directly from her, not a rotating cast of contractors.

“I don’t believe in lecture halls. I believe in small rooms, real conversations, and students who leave knowing exactly why they passed and how to use what they learned on Monday morning.”

FCIPS Chartered Fellow

Teaches every level (2-6)

20+ years’ senior procurement

Hundreds to MCIPS

Book a free call with Katie →

FAQs

Common questions,
honest answers.

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

Which CIPS level should I start at?

Pick the level that matches your current role.

Admin or total beginner → Level 2.

Junior buyer → Level 3.

Buyer / specialist → Level 4.

Senior buyer or category manager → Level 5.

Head of procurement → Level 6.

If you’re borderline, book a free consultation and Katie will advise.
Do I need to do every level in order?

No. Most students skip ahead. Level 4 is the usual entry point for experienced buyers, Level 5 for managers, and Level 6 for senior leaders. Only Levels 5 and 6 have prerequisites (or equivalent experience). You do not have to do every level but you must start on Level 4 (no higher) and that is dependent on your experience. We can guide you based on your current position and professional situation.
What’s the difference between OR and CR exams?

OR (Objective Response) exams are multiple choice. CR (Constructive Response) exams are written essay style exams with 4 x 25-mark questions. Levels 2 and 3 are 100% OR exams and Levels 4-6 are a mix of both OR and CR.
Does every level lead to MCIPS?

MCIPS Chartered status requires Level 6 plus relevant experience. Levels 2–5 are stepping stones. Level 4 is often described as the “gateway” because most MCIPS candidates pass through it. MCIPS status is granted after completion of Level 6 and a successful case put across to a CIPS panel.
Is the price all-inclusive?

Your APS course fee covers CIPS membership (year 1), exam fees, tuition, materials, mock exams, tutor time, pastoral support and one resit per Level.
Can I study while working full time?

Yes, that’s how most students do it. Every level is built around working procurement professionals with the option to study at style and pace that works for you.
How big are the virtual classes?

Maximum 12 students per cohort, at every level. This is a deliberate design choice, it’s how we get high pass rates and keep the coaching personal.
Is the course online or in person?

Levels 2 and 3 are distance learning with online support. Levels 4 and 5 can be distance learning or virtual classroom learning and Level 6 is distance learning with online support.
Can my employer sponsor me?

Yes, at every level. We can provide comprehensive business case templates to support your quest for approval and funding/sponsorship.
What if I fail an exam?

Every course includes one resit per level, as long as you have completed our programme and submitted all the work set, in your own words, and have not used AI to generate answers to questions.
How do I enrol?

Book a free consultation via the button below. We’ll confirm the right level, answer your questions, and walk you through the enrolment process. No pressure, no sales pitch.

Take the next step

Not sure which CIPS level is right?

Book a free 20 minute consultation with Katie. She’ll map your experience and goals against the five levels, and tell you honestly where to start. No pressure.

Book A Free Consultation

View Our Courses