CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma · Managerial Procurement

Master strategic procurement and lead the function.

Name: CIPS Level 5 Training Course - Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply - APS CIPS Centre of Excellence
Price: 2800.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

The CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma is the managerial qualification for procurement professionals who want to lead teams, manage risk, and deliver strategic value. Taught by Katie Jarvis-Grove, FCIPS Chartered.

5 core + 3 elective modules

2 x CR exams and 5 x OR exams

12–18 month study window

Route to full MCIPS Chartered

Distance / Self-Study

Book a free consultation →

COMPLETE LEVEL 5 ADVANCED DIPLOMA

£2,800.00

5 + 3

Modules

CR EXAMS

OR EXAMS

12-18

MONTHS

5 core modules + 3 electives of your choice from 8
Distance / Self-Study Programme
Flexible one-to-one tutor time with KJG (FCIPS)
Mock exams + CR coaching
1 resit included
Pastoral support throughout

93%

Pass rate across all levels

8

Modules, 2 CR 5 OR Exams

12-18

Month study window

20+ yrs

Katie’s experience

WHAT’S INCLUDED

Strategic, senior-level study — fully supported.

Your Level 5 enrolment covers everything needed to move from practitioner to procurement leader: two core modules, five electives of your choice, live tuition, mock case study exams, one to one tutor time, and a resit. No hidden extras.

Core + elective flexibility

Two essential core modules plus five electives you choose so your diploma reflects the direction you want your career to take.

5 core modules (mandatory)
3 electives
Aligned to current CIPS syllabus
Lifetime access to study materials

Live or recorded lessons

Attend weekly/fortnightly sessions live or catch up on your own schedule.

Recordings available 24/7
Small class (max 12 students)
Distance / self study

Case Response Mastery

Every Level 5 exam is a written case study. We teach the technique, analysis, structure, argument, until it’s second nature.

Mock CR case-study exams per module
Tutor-marked written practice
Case-analysis coaching sessions
1 resit included

Tutor & pastoral support

Expert guidance and care throughout 12–18 months of study.

Flexible one-to-one time with KJG (FCIPS)
Marked feedback on every practice answer
Senior procurement context from 20+ yrs in industry
Pastoral support from LC

YOUR MODULES

Two cores, five electives — shaped around you.

Level 5 is built for managerial procurement. Every student completes two mandatory core modules (team leadership and advanced contract & financial management), then chooses five electives from eight specialist options. Every exam is a Case Response written case study. There are no multiple choice exams at this level.

CORE MODULES · MANDATORY FOR EVERY STUDENT

C1

L5M1

Managing Teams and Individuals

The leadership foundation of Level 5. Build the skills to lead procurement teams effectively: motivation, performance management, coaching, conflict resolution, organisational behaviour and the soft skills that turn good buyers into great managers.

CR · Core

Leadership

C2

L5M4

Advanced Contract and Financial Management

The commercial core. Advanced contract performance management, KPIs, financial analysis, whole-life costing, budgeting and financial evaluation of suppliers so you can manage procurement contracts that protect value and the bottom line.

CR · Core

Commercial & Finance

ELECTIVE MODULES · CHOOSE 5 OF 8

E1

L5M2

Managing Supply Chain Risk

Identify, assess and mitigate risk across complex supply chains. Covers risk frameworks, business continuity, resilience, supplier financial risk and the tools to build supply networks that survive shocks and disruption.

CR · Elective

Risk management

E2

L5M3

Managing Contractual Risk

Go deeper into the legal and commercial risks that sit inside every contract. Terms, warranties, liability, dispute resolution, remedies and the drafting choices that protect, or expose, the organisation.

CR · Elective

Contract risk

E3

L5M5

Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply

Lead ethics and sustainability across the supply chain. Modern slavery, environmental policy, CSR, ethical sourcing codes, whistleblowing frameworks and how to embed integrity into supplier selection and management.

CR · Elective

Ethics & ESG

E4

L5M6

Category Management

Segment spend into categories and build strategies that deliver value. Spend analysis, category planning, sourcing strategy, supplier positioning and the disciplined approach that leading procurement teams use to drive results.

CR · Elective

Category strategy

E5

L5M7

Competitive Advantage through the Supply Chain

Make procurement a source of competitive advantage. Covers strategic supply chain design, innovation, value chain analysis, digital supply networks and how to use procurement to differentiate the organisation commercially.

CR · Elective

Strategic advantage

E6

L5M8

Project and Change Management

Procurement projects rarely fail on technicalities, they fail on change. Covers project lifecycle, scoping, stakeholder engagement, change models, resistance, governance and the disciplines needed to land complex procurement initiatives.

CR · Elective

Projects & Change

E7

L5M9

Operations Management

How procurement interfaces with operations. Demand planning, capacity, quality management, lean, process improvement, operational performance and the interdependencies that shape service and cost outcomes.

CR · Elective

Operations

E8

L5M10

Logistics and Supply Chain Operations

The movement of goods, end to end. Transport, warehousing, inventory, incoterms, international logistics and the operational mechanics that underpin every modern supply chain.

CR · Elective

Logistics

Katie will help you choose.

As part of your enrolment call, Katie maps your role, sector and career goals against the eight electives so the five you pick actively support where you’re trying to go.

HOW IT WORKS

From enquiry to MCIPS — a guided journey.

A clear path from sign up to achieving your CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma. Choose how you learn: online, in-person (Lincolnshire), or hybrid and study within a flexible 12–18 month window, around 8–12 hours per week.

1Book a free consultation

2Choose your 5 electives

3Study with weekly lessons

4Sit 7 CR exams

Talk to Katie about your experience, goals and ideal elective mix. We confirm prerequisites and recommend a study pace.

With Katie’s guidance, you select the five elective modules that best fit your career direction. Cores are automatic.

Live or recorded classes, marked practice, mock CR exams and one-to-one tutor time across a 12–18 month window.

Pass all seven Case Response written case studies, earn your Level 5 Advanced Diploma, and unlock MCIPS Chartered.

WHO IT’S FOR

Built for procurement professionals stepping up.

🤵

Senior buyers & category managers

You’re running categories, leading negotiations, managing suppliers and ready for a managerial qualification that reflects it.

📈

Aspiring procurement managers

You want the leadership, finance and risk skills to move into procurement management and own strategic decisions.

🎓

CIPS Level 4 graduates

You’ve completed the Level 4 Diploma and want to continue on the structured path to MCIPS Chartered.

🔁

Experienced changers

Senior in another discipline and moving into procurement leadership? Level 5 gives you the formal credential employers look for.

YOUR TUTOR

Learn strategic procurement with Katie, FCIPS Chartered.

Katie is a Fellow of CIPS with Chartered status — the highest level of CIPS membership. She has extensive experience in procurement across both the public and private sectors, specialising in complex contract management, category strategy, and supply chain leadership. She has been coaching advanced procurement professionals for many years and is deeply experienced in CR (Case Response) exam coaching — the written case study format used at Level 5.

As part of your Level 5 programme, you benefit from dedicated tutor support with Katie. This isn’t generic group instruction, it’s personalised guidance tailored to where you are in your studies and your career goals. She helps you navigate complex case studies, prepares you specifically for CR exam format, reviews your practice responses with detailed feedback, and guides your choice of elective modules to match your specialisation.

Katie works with small cohorts (maximum 12 students) to ensure quality support. Alongside her tutor guidance, you’ll also have pastoral care from LC throughout your 12–18 month journey, someone to check in with if you’re juggling study, work, and personal commitments, or struggling with exam technique or time management.

PRICING

One price, everything included — flexible payment options

COMPLETE LEVEL 5 ADVANCED DIPLOMA PROGRAMME

£2,800.00

CIPS student registration
8 core CIPS textbooks (5 core + 3 electives of your choice)
Comprehensive case study and scenario resources
CR exam guidance and practice papers
Study slides, exercises for all 8 modules
All 2 CR exam fees
All 5 OR exam fees
1 exam resit included
Dedicated tutor support with KJG (FCIPS Chartered)
Help selecting your five electives

CIPS exam & registration fees are charged separately by CIPS.

💳 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 5. We provide a business case template, employer testimonials and flexible invoice terms (net 30 / net 60).

🧩 Prefer one module at a time?

Individual Level 5 Study Packs and Revision Packs are available for every module if you only need one area, or are retaking an exam.

View Level 5 Study Packs →

COMPARE OPTIONS

Choose the right learning option for your goals.

Feature	Complete Course (£2,800)	Study Pack (per module)	Revision Pack (per module)
All 7 modules (2 core + 5 electives)	✓ (choose 5 from 8)	✗ (sold individually)	✗ (sold individually)
CIPS student registration	✓ Included	✗	✗
Core CIPS textbooks	✓ 7 books included	✗	✗
CR exam strategy & resources	✓ Full coaching	✓	✓
Exam fees	✓ All 7 included	✗	✗
Exam resit	✓ 1 included	✗	✗
Comprehensive slide packs	✓	✓	✗
Case study practice exercises	✓	✓	✓
Work reviewed by KJG	✓ Extensive feedback	✓	✗
Tutor time with KJG	✓ Full support	✓ (module-specific)	✗
Pastoral support from LC	✓ 12–18 months	✓	Limited
Elective selection help	✓ Katie guides choice	✗	✗
Best for	Full Advanced Diploma	In-depth single module	Quick exam prep
Timeline	12–18 months	Flexible	4–8 weeks

Not sure which is right? Book a free 20-minute consultation with Katie →

ABOUT THE QUALIFICATION

What is the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma?

The CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a senior-level qualification for experienced procurement professionals. It sits at the strategic level of the CIPS qualification framework and is designed for those managing complex procurement programmes, leading teams, and shaping supply chain strategy.

The Advanced Diploma deepens your expertise in specific areas of procurement and supply whilst developing the advanced leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making skills needed for director-level roles. You study two mandatory core modules (Managing Teams and Individuals, and Advanced Contract and Financial Management) and choose five electives from eight available specialisations allowing you to tailor the qualification to your career path.

This is a distinctive level in the CIPS framework: Level 5 is the first level where ALL exams are written CR (Case Response) assessments. There are no multiple choice or short answer exams. Instead, you’ll tackle sophisticated, real world procurement scenarios, demonstrating your ability to analyse complexity, make strategic decisions, and articulate procurement thinking at the highest level. This mirrors what senior procurement professionals actually do.

The qualification is regulated by Ofqual and sits at RQF Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework — equivalent to a level between A-Level and degree-level academic work, but entirely vocational and directly applicable to senior procurement roles.

Level 5 sits on the pathway to full MCIPS Chartered status. After completing Level 5, you can progress to Level 6 (Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply), which leads to MCIPS Chartered membership, recognition as a fully qualified, professional procurement leader.

Typical career outcomes after Level 5

Graduates typically progress to roles such as:
• Head of Procurement: £55,000–£80,000
• Senior Category Manager: £48,000–£65,000
• Supply Chain Manager: £45,000–£65,000
• Procurement Director (with further experience/L6): £70,000–£110,000

THE CIPS PATHWAY

Level 2 — Certificate

Foundation

Level 3 — Advanced Certificate

Operational

Level 4 — Diploma

Level 5 — Advanced Diploma

You are here

Level 6 — Professional Diploma

Advanced expertise

MCIPS · Chartered

+ 3 yrs’ experience

FAQs

Your Level 5 questions, answered.

Do I need Level 4 before starting Level 5?

Level 4 Diploma is recommended. However, if you have 3+ years of senior procurement experience and equivalent knowledge, you may be eligible for direct entry. Contact us to discuss your background and we can advise whether you’re ready to start Level 5.

Can I study while working?

Absolutely. Most Level 5 students study 8–12 hours per week alongside their jobs. The programme is designed for working professionals. You study at your own pace and book tutor support when you need it. Most students complete within 12–18 months.

How long does the programme take?

Typically 12–18 months from enrolment to completing all seven exams, depending on how quickly you progress. There’s no fixed deadline, you study at your own pace and book exams when you feel ready.

What are CR exams? How are they different from earlier levels?

CR stands for Case Response. Unlike earlier CIPS levels (which use OR or short-answer formats), Level 5 uses only written case study responses. You’ll be presented with complex, real world procurement scenarios and must analyse them, make strategic decisions, and justify your thinking in writing. No multiple choice. This reflects what senior procurement professionals actually do, dealing with complexity and ambiguity. It’s more challenging but more rewarding.

What if I fail an exam?

One exam resit is included in your programme at no extra charge. If you need additional resits beyond that, these can be arranged at the standard CIPS resit fee.

Can I spread the cost?

Yes. You can pay over 12, 18, or 24 months. es. Contact us directly at info@apscips.com or 01790 755618.

How is Level 5 different from self study?

Self study gives you textbooks and exam access. Our complete programme includes: expert CR exam coaching from an FCIPS specialist (Katie), detailed feedback on your practice case responses, help selecting your five electives to match your career goals, pastoral support throughout, a small cohort (max 12) for quality learning, and intensive exam preparation. Katie coaches you specifically on the CR exam format, a critical advantage at this level.

Can my employer pay? Do you have a business case template?

Many of our Level 5 students get employer support. We have a business case template available that outlines the value of the qualification, ROI, and typical cost-to-benefit ratio for employer-sponsored professional development. Contact us at info@apscips.com and we’ll provide it.

How am I assessed? Are there coursework or essays?

All seven modules are assessed solely by CR (Case Response) written exams. No coursework, no essays, no projects. You sit online exams via CIPS. Each exam presents complex scenarios and you respond in writing, demonstrating strategic thinking and professional judgment.

What’s the difference between Level 5 and Level 6?

Level 5 (Advanced Diploma) gives you specialist expertise in chosen areas of procurement (via your five electives) and develops leadership and strategic thinking. Level 6 (Professional Diploma) is the final level before MCIPS and focuses on strategic leadership at the very highest level, organisational impact, and thought leadership. Most people progress through Level 5 first, then to Level 6 and MCIPS.

Can I progress after Level 5?

Yes, absolutely. After achieving Level 5, you can progress to Level 6 (Professional Diploma), which leads to full MCIPS Chartered status, the pinnacle of CIPS professional recognition. We offer Level 6 complete programmes and can support your journey all the way to MCIPS.

Can I choose which five electives I study?

Yes. The programme includes two mandatory core modules (L5M1 and L5M4) and you choose five from eight available electives. Katie Jarvis-Grove will work with you to select modules aligned to your specialisation interests and career goals. Typical specialisations include Category Management, Supply Chain Risk, Ethical Procurement, Operations & Logistics, or a balanced cross-functional approach.

RELATED PRODUCTS

Looking for something different?

SINGLE MODULE

Level 5 Study Packs

Comprehensive learning materials for a single module including case study resources, CR exam guidance, and tutor support. Ideal if you’re already CIPS-registered or want to study one elective in depth without committing to the full programme.

Browse Study Packs →

SINGLE MODULE

Level 5 Revision Packs

Focused CR exam preparation for a single module. Designed for students who’ve already studied and need intensive exam strategy, practice papers, and feedback before sitting their CR exams.

Browse Revision Packs →

NEXT STEP

Level 6 Complete Course

Ready for the final step? The Level 6 Professional Diploma is the pathway to MCIPS Chartered status. It focuses on strategic leadership, organisational impact, and the highest levels of professional expertise.

View Level 6 Course →

PREREQUISITE

Level 4 Complete Course

Haven’t done Level 4 yet? Our Level 4 Diploma programme is the foundation for Level 5. It covers strategy, sourcing, and supply chain management at the intermediate level.

View Level 4 Course →

Ready to advance your procurement career?

Enrol in the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma and get everything you need: registration, textbooks, all seven exams, expert tutor coaching, and pastoral support. All in one programme. Choose your five electives and specialise in areas that matter to your career.

Contact to discuss