CIPS Training · Level 2 → MCIPS Chartered

The full CIPS pathway — taught by an FCIPS Fellow, in small cohorts.

Whether you’re starting out in procurement or preparing for Chartered status, APS teaches every level of the CIPS qualification — Level 2 through Level 6 — under one roof. Small class sizes (max 12), 95% pass rate, interest-free payment plans, and personal tuition from Katie Jarvis-Grove FCIPS Chartered.

All 8 modules included

6 OR + 2 CR written case-study exams

9–18 month study window

Katie Jarvis-Grove FCIPS Chartered

Online · In-person · Hybrid

Compare all levels →

Book a free consultation

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. Prices include VAT. Payment plans available on every course.

LEVEL 2 · CERTIFICATE

Introduction to Procurement

Your first step into the profession.

£1,900.00

4 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 →

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 (inc. VAT)	£1,900	£2,000	£2,600	£2,800	£2,900
Modules	4	5	8	2+5 of 8	4+3 of 6
Exam format	OR	OR	OR + CR	100% CR	CR + OR
Study window	6-12 mo	9-12 mo	9-18 mo	12-18 mo	12-18 mo
Prerequisite	None	None	None	L4 or exp.	L5 or 5+ yrs
Electives	–	–	–	5 of 8	3 of 6
1-to-1 with Katie	Included	Included	7 hrs	Flexible	Up to 20 hrs
Pass rate	95%	95%	95%	95%	95%
MCIPS route	–	–	Gateway	On track	Direct

OR = Objective Response (multiple choice) · CR = Case Response (written case study). Prices include VAT. CIPS membership & exam fees paid separately to CIPS.

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 from LC.

🎓

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.

📈

95% pass rate

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

💳

0% payment plans

Spread the cost over 12, 18 or 24 months on every course. No interest. No credit checks.

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 →

PRICING & PAYMENT

Spread the cost — interest-free.

Every APS course, from Level 2 to Level 6, is available on 12, 18 or 24-month interest-free payment plans. No credit checks, no hidden fees. Prices below are illustrative; select the level for the exact monthly figures.

Level 2

£1,900

from £79/mo

Level 3

£2,000

from £83/mo

Level 4

£2,600

from £108/mo

Level 5

£2,800

from £117/mo

Level 6

£2,690

from £121/mo

Monthly figures shown are based on 24-month plans. 12 and 18-month plans also available — interest free on every option.

FAQs

Common questions — across every level.

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).

What’s the difference between OR and CR exams?

OR (Objective Response) exams are multiple-choice. CR (Case Response) exams are written case studies where you analyse a pre-seen scenario in exam conditions. Level 4 mixes both; Level 5 is 100% CR; Level 6 mixes CR cores and OR electives.

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.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Your APS course fee covers tuition, materials, mock exams, tutor time, pastoral support and a resit per module. CIPS membership and CIPS exam fees are paid separately, directly to CIPS.

Can I study while working full time?

Yes — that’s how most students do it. Every level is built around working procurement professionals, with recorded lessons, flexible pacing and evening or weekend live sessions available.

How big are the classes?

Maximum 12 students per cohort, at every level. This is a deliberate design choice — it’s how we get 95% pass rates and keep the coaching personal.

Is the course online or in person?

Both, at every level. Attend live online, in-person at our centre, or a blend. Live sessions are recorded for catch-up.

Can my employer sponsor me?

Yes, at every level. We provide business-case templates, ROI summaries, letters of support and employer invoicing to help secure L&D funding.

What if I fail an exam?

Every course includes one resit per module at no extra APS cost. (CIPS exam re-entry fees are paid to CIPS.) We’ll also give you targeted coaching before the resit.

How do I enrol?

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

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.

Contact to discuss