The CIPS Level 3 Certificate course will formalise your existing
skills in purchasing and supply and build on them so that you can
prove yourself as a purchasing professional in practically any
business or industry.
You will study the range of purchasing procedures and the impact
of the national and international business environments on these
scenarios, and hone your skills in the client-supplier
relationship.
You'll learn about the importance of securing supply, stock
scheduling and inventory control.
The CIPS Level 3 Certificate will equip you with the knowledge
and skills to advance your career in purchasing or to progress to
the CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma course.
You don't need any previous experience or qualifications to
enrol in our CIPS Level 3 Certificate course. That's because we
believe in making home study - and a rewarding future - as
accessible as possible. However, you do need to be at least 18, and
current or past experience in purchasing and supply would be an
advantage.
Opportunities and salaries for skilled buyers are outstripping
those of many other professions. With a qualification from the
leading industry body, you'll be sought after and could be on track
for a highly lucrative career.
On completion, you'll receive the CIPS Level 3 certificate
qualification.
Awarding Body
CIPS is an international organisation serving the purchasing and
supply profession. Dedicated to promoting good practice, CIPS
provides a wide range of services for the benefit of members and
the wider business community.
You will be required to complete a number of formative
assessments during your course and five exams (set by CIPS) on
completion of your course.
Understanding the Purchasing Environment
- Formative Assessments 1-7
- Formative Assessment 8: a mock exam
- Final Exam 1: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Purchasing Operations
- Formative Assessments 9-13
- Formative Assessment 14: a mock exam
- Final Exam 2: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Client and Supplier Relationships
- Formative Assessments 15-24
- Formative Assessment 25: a mock exam
- Final Exam 3: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Securing Supply
- Formative Assessments 26-30
- Formative Assessment 31: a mock exam
- Final Exam 4: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Purchasing in Action
- Formative Assessments 32-36
- Formative Assessment 37: a mock exam
- Final Exam 5: 4 compulsory questions
Notes
All exams last 3 hours and have a pass mark of 50%. The exams
are held in May and November of each year.
Please note that the format of the exams is subject to change.
The details provided are intended only as a guide and should not be
regarded as definitive.
Generally, assessments can be sent to us online via the ICS
Student Community: it's the fastest way to receive your
results.
Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and
offers all the support you need along the way.
You'll receive IAB study materials that have been specially
designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field.
You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online
and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and
motivation.
You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where
you'll have access to library materials and your account
information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with
the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new
friends.
250 hours (50 hrs per unit)
That's equivalent to just over 3 hours of study a week over the
18-month support period.
There are CIPS membership, administration and exam fees that are
additional to your course fees:
- CIPS UK annual membership fee: £84
- CIPS UK administration fee: £40
- UK exam fees: £56 per exam (five in total)
See your course content