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CIPS Level 3 · Complete Training Programme

Advance your procurement career, everything included.

The complete CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate training programme covers all five modules from start to certification. Your enrolment includes CIPS registration, all exam fees, core textbooks, 7 hours of dedicated tutor support, and an exam resit. Everything you need to develop intermediate level procurement expertise.

All 5 modules included

CIPS registration & exam fees covered

4 core and 1 elective textbooks provided

10 hours tutor time with Katie (FCIPS)

Distance / Self-study programme

COMPLETE LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME

£2,000.00

5
Modules
5
Exams
5
Books
10 hrs
Tutor
  • CIPS student registration
  • All 5 Level 3 exam fees
  • 4 core and 1 elective textbooks
  • 10 hours of one-to-one tutor time
  • 1 exam resit included (across all 5 modules)
  • 12 months CIPS student membership

92%

Pass rate across all levels

5

Modules fully covered

10 hrs

Tutor time

£1,900

All-inclusive
WHAT’S INCLUDED

Everything you need in one programme

Your Level 3 enrolment covers registration, study materials, exams, tutor support, and membership — no hidden extras.

CIPS Registration & Membership

We handle your CIPS student registration so you’re set up from day one.

  • Full CIPS student registration included
  • 12 months CIPS student membership
  • Access to CIPS online resources & community
  • Pathway support towards MCIPS Chartered

Study Materials & Textbooks

All the core learning resources you need, delivered to your door.

  • 5 core CIPS textbooks (one per module)
  • Official study materials, current syllabus
  • Easy to understand slide packs
  • Real world case studies & procurement scenarios

Exams & Assessment

All five Level 3 exams included, plus a safety net.

  • All 5 Objective Response (OR) exam fees
  • 1 exam resit total, included at no extra cost
  • Online via CIPS remote proctoring
  • Mock exams to build confidence beforehand

Tutor Support & Pastoral Care

Dedicated expert guidance throughout your studies.

  • 10 hrs one to one tutor time with KJG (FCIPS)
  • Online, in-person or hybrid sessions
  • Real world examples from 20+ yrs experience
  • Pastoral support from LC throughout
YOUR MODULES

Five modules to your Level 3 Certificate.

The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations consists of five modules that build on Level 2 foundations. All are assessed by OR (Objective Response) exams, structured, multiple choice assessments covering real world procurement scenarios.

01

L3M1

Procurement and Supply Environments

Analyse the external factors that shape procurement and supply decisions. Introduces frameworks like PESTLE analysis, market structures, competitive dynamics, and how organisations respond to changing external environments and how these forces influence sourcing strategies and long term supply relationships.

OR Exam

Environments

02

L3M2

Ethical Procurement and Supply

Explore the ethical dimensions of procurement and develop frameworks for responsible decision-making. Covers ethical codes, bribery and fraud prevention, professional standards, and how organisations embed values into sourcing so you can navigate complex dilemmas and stay aligned with regulation.

OR Exam

Ethics

03

L3M3

Contract Administration

Develop advanced knowledge of contract formation, management, and conclusion. Covers contract types, terms and conditions, supplier performance monitoring, dispute resolution, and contract variations so you can manage complex supplier relationships and protect organisational interests end to end.

OR Exam

Contracts

04

L3M4

Team Dynamics and Change

Understand how procurement teams work effectively and how to lead change within supply operations. Covers team roles and behaviours, motivation, communication, the impact of change on people and processes, and how procurement professionals contribute to smooth transitions in fast moving organisations.

OR Exam

People & Change

05

L3M5

Socially Responsible Procurement

Examine corporate social responsibility frameworks, environmental and ethical sourcing standards, and how procurement drives positive social impact. Covers modern slavery obligations, environmental standards, and emerging ESG expectations so you can balance commercial objectives with social responsibility.

OR Exam

Responsibility

HOW IT WORKS

From enrolment
to certification.

A clear, structured path from sign-up to achieving your CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate.

01

  • Enrol and get registered
We register you with CIPS as a student member and ship your 5 core textbooks.

02

  • Study your way
Work through each module using textbooks, slide packs and real-world case studies. Attend live sessions with Katie and schedule your 10 hours of one-to-one tutor time whenever you need guidance. Book your OR exams through CIPS when you’re ready. All five exam fees are included and exams are taken online from home. If you don’t pass first time, one resit is included.

03

  • Sit your exams
    Live sessions with Katie
Book your OR exams through CIPS when you’re ready. All five exam fees are included and exams are taken online from home. If you don’t pass first time, one resit is included.

04

  • Advance your career
Once you pass all five modules, you receive the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate. Progress to Level 4 Diploma — the next step toward MCIPS Chartered status.
WHO IT’S FOR

Is the Level 3 programme
right for you?

The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate is designed for people with some procurement experience who want to develop intermediate-level expertise and formal credentials for career progression.

Moving up from Level 2

You’ve completed CIPS Level 2 (or have equivalent experience) and are ready for intermediate-level expertise that positions you for mid-level procurement roles.

Operational buyers & assistants

Already working in procurement and want to deepen your knowledge of advanced topics, contract management, ethical sourcing, and supply chain responsibility.

Career changers

Transitioning from admin, logistics, finance or operations with some foundational knowledge, ready to earn formal credentials for mid-level procurement roles.

Employers investing in teams

Need consistent, high-quality training for your procurement team? Our all-inclusive Level 3 programme removes complexity and delivers results across the group.

CIPS Level 2 is recommended as preparation, though not mandatory…

…if you have equivalent procurement experience. If you’re unsure whether Level 3 is the right entry point, contact us — we’ll advise based on your background and goals.

YOUR TUTOR

Learn with Katie Jarvis-Grove, FCIPS Chartered.

Katie is a Fellow of CIPS with Chartered status — the highest level of CIPS membership. She has extensive procurement experience across both public and private sectors and has been helping students achieve their CIPS qualifications for over 20 years.

“Real-world examples from 20+ years in procurement — not just textbook theory.”

As part of your Level 3 programme you have 7 hours of dedicated one to one time with Katie, plus live interactive group sessions. Whether you learn online, in-person or hybrid, Katie brings real world procurement examples into every session, actual scenarios from her experience, not just textbook theory.

Alongside tutor support, you’ll have pastoral care from LC throughout your studies, someone to check in with if you’re struggling with motivation, managing study alongside work, or anything else that affects your learning.

Pricing

One price,
everything included.

COMPLETE LEVEL 3 PROGRAMME

£2,000.00

5
Modules
5
Exams
5
Books
10 hrs
Tutor
  • CIPS student registration
  • 12 months CIPS student membership
  • 5 core CIPS textbooks
  • Study slides, quizzes, exercises & case studies for all 5 modules
  • All 5 OR exam fees
  • 1 exam resit (total, across all 5 modules)
  • 10 hours one-to-one tutor time with KJG
  • Live interactive sessions — online, in-person or hybrid
  • Pastoral support from LC

💳 Spread the cost

Interest-free instalments available to spread the cost of the course (please contact us for more details and a personalised payment plan)

🏢 Employer sponsorship

Many employers fund CIPS Level 3. We provide a business case template, employer testimonials and flexible invoice terms (net 30 / net 60).

🧩 Prefer one module at a time?

Individual Study Packs are available for each Level 3 module. These don’t include CIPS registration, exam fees, or textbooks, but provide comprehensive learning materials and tutor support for a single module.

View Level 3 Study Packs →
Compare options

Choose the right
option for you.

Feature Complete Course (£2,000) Study Pack (per module) Revision Pack (per module)
All 5 modules ✓ Included – Sold individually – Sold individually
CIPS student registration ✓ Included — —
CIPS student membership (12 mo) ✓ Included — —
Core CIPS textbooks ✓ 5 books — —
Exam fees ✓ All 5 — —
Exam resit ✓ 1 total — —
Easy-to-understand slide pack ✓ ✓ —
Quizzes & exercises ✓ ✓ ✓
Work reviewed by KJG ✓ ✓ —
Tutor time with KJG ✓ 10 hrs ✓ Module-specific —
Pastoral support from LC ✓ ✓ ✓ Limited
Live interactive sessions ✓ Online · In-person · Hybrid ✓ Module-specific —
Best for Full qualification In-depth single module Quick exam prep
About the qualification

What is the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate?

The CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations is an intermediate-level qualification designed for procurement professionals who want to develop advanced knowledge and progress their careers. It builds directly on Level 2 foundations and positions you for mid-level roles such as Buyer, Junior Category Manager, or Procurement Officer.

The qualification gives you in-depth understanding of procurement environments, ethical decision-making, advanced contract administration, team dynamics and change, and the growing importance of social responsibility in supply chains. It’s globally recognised and increasingly valued by employers as digital procurement and sustainability become strategic priorities.

The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and sits at RQF Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework — equivalent to A-Level in academic terms. The content is entirely vocational and directly applicable to advanced procurement roles.

All five modules are assessed by OR (Objective Response) exams: structured, multiple choice style assessments that test your knowledge against real-world procurement scenarios.

Typical career outcomes

Buyer / Procurement Officer · £28k–£38k
Junior Category Manager · £32k–£42k
Procurement Assistant · £24k–£30k

THE CIPS PATHWAY

Level 2 — Certificate

Foundation

Level 3 — Advanced Certificate

You are here

Level 4 — Diploma

Next step

Level 5 — Advanced Diploma

Level 6 — Professional Diploma

→ MCIPS Chartered

FAQs

Common questions,
honest answers.

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Book a free call with Katie and ask her directly.
  • Do I need any prior qualifications to enrol?
    No prior CIPS qualifications are required. However, CIPS Level 2 is strongly recommended as preparation. If you don’t have Level 2 but have equivalent procurement experience, contact us to discuss whether Level 3 is the right entry point for you.
  • Can I study while working full-time?
    Yes. The Level 3 programme is designed for working professionals. Most students study 6–10 hours per week alongside full-time employment. You choose when to attend sessions (online, in-person, or hybrid) and book your own exam dates, so there’s maximum flexibility.
  • How long does it take to complete?
    Most students complete Level 3 within 6 to 12 months, but there’s no fixed deadline. You study at your own pace and book exams when you’re ready.
  • What’s included in the cost?
    Everything: CIPS student registration, 12 months of CIPS membership, all 5 core textbooks, study materials for every module, all 5 exam fees, 1 exam resit, 10 hours of one-to-one tutor time with Katie (FCIPS Chartered), live interactive sessions (online/in-person/hybrid), and pastoral support throughout. There are no hidden costs.
  • What are OR exams?
    OR stands for Objective Response. These are structured, multiple choice style assessments, no essays. Instead, you’ll answer questions that test your knowledge of real-world procurement scenarios across all learning outcomes. They’re taken online through CIPS’s remote proctoring system.
  • What happens if I fail an exam?
    One exam resit is included in your programme at no extra charge, which you can use on whichever module you need it for. If you need further resits beyond that, they can be arranged at the standard CIPS resit fee. Katie provides exam prep support to help you pass first time.
  • Can I spread the cost over time?
    Yes. You can pay for your Level 3 programme over 12 or 18 months. Contact us directly at info@apscips.com or 01790 755618.
  • Will my employer pay?
    Many employers invest in CIPS training for their teams. We can provide a business case template and ROI justification to present to your employer. Contact us to discuss employer funding options.
  • What’s the difference between Level 3 and Level 4?
    Level 3 (Advanced Certificate) covers 5 modules at intermediate level and is ideal for mid-level buyer or category manager roles. Level 4 (Diploma) builds on Level 3 with more strategic topics like supply chain strategy, category management, and advanced commercial negotiation aimed at senior procurement positions.
  • Can I progress after Level 3?
    Yes. After Level 3 you can progress to Level 4 (Diploma), then Level 5 (Advanced Diploma), and ultimately Level 6 (Professional Diploma) which leads to full MCIPS Chartered status. We offer complete training programmes for all levels so you can progress with us all the way.

RELATED PRODUCTS

Looking for something different?

SINGLE MODULE

Level 3 Study Packs

Comprehensive learning materials for a single Level 3 module. Ideal if you’re already CIPS-registered and just need in-depth support for one module, or prefer to study modules individually.

View Study Packs →

EXAM PREP

Level 3 Revision Packs

Quick-reference exam prep for a single Level 3 module. Designed for students who’ve already studied and need focused revision before their exam.

View Revision Packs →

NEXT LEVEL

Level 4 Complete Course

Ready to progress further? The Level 4 Diploma builds on your Level 3 foundation with eight modules covering supply chain strategy, category management, advanced contract management, and strategic sourcing.

View Level 4 Course →

Ready to advance your procurement career?

Enrol in CIPS Level 3 today and get everything you need: registration, textbooks, exams, dedicated tutor support, and membership. All in one programme. Choose online, in-person, or hybrid learning.
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