CIPS Levels 2 to 6 Explained: Which Level Should You Start With?

If you work in purchasing, contracts or supply, sooner or later someone tells you to "get CIPS". The next question is always the same: which CIPS level should I start with? The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) offers five qualification levels, from the Level 2 Certificate to the Level 6 Professional Diploma, and the route ends with MCIPS, CIPS's professional membership status. This guide from Transights explains what each level covers, who it suits, and where you are allowed to start.

CIPS levels and certifications at a glance

All CIPS qualifications are regulated in the UK by Ofqual. The Level 4 Diploma sits at first-year undergraduate level, and the Level 6 Professional Diploma at honours-degree level.

Which CIPS level should I start with?

CIPS gives a simple rule. If you are new to procurement and supply, the Level 2 Certificate is the starting point. If you have relevant experience or earlier qualifications, you may start at Level 3 or Level 4. In CIPS's own words, the Level 4 Diploma is "the highest starting point for CIPS qualifications, even if you have a previous degree."

In practice:

• Start at Level 2 if you have just joined a purchasing, stores or contracts team and want to understand how the function works.
• Start at Level 3 if you already run day-to-day buying tasks, such as purchase orders, quotations or simple tenders, and want stronger contract and supplier skills.
• Start at Level 4 if you have around two years or more of business experience and want a full procurement qualification you can apply at work straight away. This is the usual starting point for experienced professionals.

You cannot start at Level 5 or Level 6, whatever your degree. If your earlier study already covered the content of a module, you can apply to CIPS for a module exemption instead.

What each level covers

Level 2: the foundations

Level 2 teaches how procurement and supply work at an operational level: the role of the function, the contracting process, stakeholders, systems, inventory, logistics and expediting. Its five modules are assessed by multiple-choice exams with a 70% pass mark.

Level 3: operational procurement with confidence

Level 3 moves from knowing to doing. You study procurement environments, ethical procurement and the CIPS Code of Conduct, contract administration, and team dynamics and change, plus one elective on socially responsible procurement or warehousing. It suits people who already handle well-defined, sometimes complex buying tasks.

Level 4: the Diploma most professionals start with

The CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply is built around the procurement cycle. Its eight modules cover the scope of procurement, defining business need, commercial contracting, ethical and responsible sourcing, commercial negotiation, supplier relationships, whole-life asset management, and a final module that applies the whole cycle to realistic scenarios.

The Level 4 exams mix two formats. L4M1 and L4M8 are 3-hour written exams, graded Pass (50%), Merit (60%) or Distinction (75%). The other six modules are 90-minute, 60-question multiple-choice exams with a 70% pass mark. Completing all eight modules makes you a CIPS Diploma member.

Level 5: risk, contracts, money and people

The Advanced Diploma builds on Level 4. Its five core modules cover managing teams and individuals, supply chain risk, contractual risk, advanced contract and financial management, and ethical procurement. You then choose three electives, for example category management, operations, logistics, project and change management, or advanced negotiation.

Level 6: strategy and leadership

The Professional Diploma is CIPS's strategic level: ethical leadership, global commercial strategy, strategic supply chain management and the future challenges of the profession, plus three electives such as supply network design, commercial data management or global logistics strategy. All four core modules are assessed by written exams.

How CIPS exams work

• Membership: you need current CIPS student membership to study and to book exams. Bookings are made through your MyCIPS account.
• Format: exams are computer-based. Multiple-choice exams have a 70% pass mark. Written exams are graded Pass 50%, Merit 60% and Distinction 75%.
• Exam windows: multiple-choice exams run six times a year (January, March, May, July, September and November). Written exams run in March, May, July and November. Booking closes about four weeks before exam week.
• Where: at a CIPS exam centre, or by remote invigilation outside the UK. Transights is a CIPS Approved Exam Centre in Cairo (centre number 005778760), so you can study and sit your exams in one place.

From Level 6 to MCIPS

After Level 6, graduates can apply for MCIPS once they have at least three years' experience in a position of responsibility in procurement and supply, confirmed by their line manager. To hold MCIPS Chartered status, members also record 30 hours of continuing professional development each year and keep a current CIPS Ethical Procurement and Supply certificate.

Is CIPS the right choice, or should you look at ASCM?

CIPS is the procurement and supply route: buying, contracts, suppliers and the commercial side of the supply chain. If your work is planning, inventory or end-to-end supply chain management, the ASCM certifications may fit better. Our guide to CPIM vs CSCP explains those.

Study CIPS with Transights

Transights is an approved centre and partner of CIPS. Our CIPS programmes run in our Nasr City classroom in Cairo or live online. Every live session is recorded, and you get official study material and a question bank for exam practice.

• CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply: 16 sessions
• Level 2, 3, 5 and 6 groups also available
• Next groups: ask us on WhatsApp for dates

See the full programme on the CIPS Level 4 course page, or browse all Transights training courses.

Not sure which level fits you? Message us on WhatsApp and we'll help you choose.

FAQ

Which CIPS level should I start with? Start at Level 2 if you are new to procurement and supply. With relevant experience or earlier qualifications you may start at Level 3 or Level 4. Level 4 is the highest entry point.

Can I start CIPS at Level 5 if I have a degree? No. The Level 4 Diploma is the highest starting point, even for degree holders. If your earlier study covered a module's content, you can apply to CIPS for a module exemption.

How many exams are in CIPS Level 4? Eight, one per module. L4M1 and L4M8 are 3-hour written exams. The other six are 90-minute multiple-choice exams with 60 questions each.

What is the CIPS pass mark? 70% for multiple-choice exams. Written exams are graded Pass at 50%, Merit at 60% and Distinction at 75%.

Do I need CIPS membership? Yes. You need current CIPS student membership to study and to book any exam.

How do I become MCIPS? Complete the Level 6 Professional Diploma, then apply with at least three years' experience in a position of responsibility in procurement and supply, confirmed by your line manager.

Sources

• CIPS, Qualifications FAQs ("The level 4 Diploma is the highest starting point for CIPS qualifications, even if you have a previous degree"; Level 2 for newcomers; Level 3 or 4 with experience; exemptions): https://www.cips.org/about-us/frequently-asked-questions/qualifications-faqs
• CIPS, Procurement Qualifications (levels 2 to 6): https://www.cips.org/qualifications
• CIPS, Diploma in Procurement and Supply (Level 4): https://www.cips.org/qualifications/diploma-in-procurement-supply
• CIPS, Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply (Level 6): https://www.cips.org/qualifications/professional-diploma-in-procurement-supply
• Transights CIPS L2–L6 programme brochures 2026–27 (modules, exam formats, windows, pass marks, MCIPS route, centre number)

CIPS Levels 2 to 6 Explained: Which Level Should You Start?