With skills+- Qualification Level
- CIPS Level 5, Advanced Professional
- Duration
- 12 – 18 Months (Part-Time)
- CIPS Membership
- Stepping stone to MCIPS, requested by 54% of employers
- Assessment
- Computer-Based Examinations, 6 Sittings Per Year
- Delivery
- Virtual & In-Person | Abu Dhabi · Online GCC
- Units
- 6 Modules, 5 Core, 1 Elective
Overview
About This Qualification
The CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply is the penultimate step on the journey to full MCIPS Chartered status, the most widely recognised professional credential in procurement and supply, requested by over 54% of employers worldwide when recruiting for procurement roles.
Aligned to the Strategic level of the CIPS Global Standard for Procurement and Supply, this diploma develops the higher-level analytical, strategic, and leadership capabilities needed to operate effectively as a senior procurement professional. The 2025-updated syllabus ensures you are studying the most current knowledge and techniques in the profession.
At Skills Plus, this programme is delivered by experienced senior procurement practitioners with deep knowledge of the GCC procurement landscape. On completing this diploma alongside Level 6, you will be eligible to apply for MCIPS.
Who Is It For?
Who Is It For?
- CIPS Level 4 Graduates
- Those who have completed the Level 4 Diploma and are ready to continue their MCIPS journey at the Advanced level.
- Senior Procurement Professionals
- Experienced practitioners with significant procurement leadership responsibilities who want a higher-level qualification to match their seniority.
- Procurement Team Leaders
- Those managing procurement teams or category functions who want to develop their strategic and analytical capability at a recognised advanced level.
What You Will Achieve
What You Will Achieve
- Develop and implement category management strategies that drive organisational value
- Apply advanced sourcing and tender management techniques in complex procurement scenarios
- Manage supply chain risk and resilience at a strategic level
- Lead sustainability and responsible procurement initiatives across your supply base
- Apply data and analytics to procurement decision-making and performance measurement
- Build organisational procurement capability and develop team competence
Programme Modules
Programme Modules
The Level 5 Advanced Diploma comprises 6 modules. Two are assessed through 3-hour written constructed response examinations; the remainder through computer-based examinations. The syllabus was updated in 2025.
01Managing Teams and Individuals (L5M1) (Core)
The flagship 12-credit module of the Level 5 diploma, assessed through a written constructed response examination. Explores the major schools of management thought, leadership styles, and how individuals and groups behave in organisations. Develops the ability to build, lead, and develop effective procurement and supply teams, the people management capability that separates good procurement practitioners from exceptional ones.
Lead and develop high-performing procurement teams
02Managing Supply Chain Risk (L5M2) (Core)
Provides a comprehensive professional toolkit for identifying, assessing, and managing risk across complex supply chains. Covers risk mapping, risk registers, prioritisation frameworks, and the full range of risk response strategies, avoid, mitigate, transfer, and accept. Develops skills in business continuity planning, supplier financial health monitoring, and building supply chain resilience. Critical for procurement leaders in the UAE and GCC operating global supply chains.
Protect your organisation through supply chain resilience
03Managing Contractual Risk (L5M3) (Core)
Develops advanced understanding of the legal and procedural issues relating to contract formation, the legal implications of contractual non-conformance, and the professional strategies available to manage breach of contract. Covers types of breach, legal remedies including damages and specific performance, and how to build risk management provisions into contracts proactively at the design stage.
Manage contract risk and breach professionally
04Advanced Contract and Financial Management (L5M4) (Core)
The second 12-credit core module, assessed through a written constructed response examination. Explores the tools and techniques used to measure and improve contract performance, the concept of strategic sourcing at an advanced level, and the financial dimensions of major procurement decisions, from whole life costing and total cost of ownership to make versus buy analysis and financial planning for procurement functions.
Drive contract performance and financial value
05Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply (L5M5) (Core)
Develops the managerial capability to lead on sustainability and ethical practice within a procurement function, going beyond awareness to embed responsible procurement as a genuine organisational capability. Covers supply chain transparency, carbon reduction strategies, social value and modern slavery due diligence, and how to develop measurement and reporting frameworks that demonstrate credible progress to stakeholders and boards.
Lead the sustainable procurement agenda
06Category Management (L5M6) (Elective)
A popular elective module developing the ability to design, lead, and implement category management as a sustained commercial discipline. Covers spend segmentation and analysis, category strategy development for both direct and indirect categories, stakeholder engagement, and how to transition from tactical buying to strategic category leadership. One of the most in-demand skills in procurement across the UAE and GCC.
Master strategic category management
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to have completed the Level 4 to enrol at Level 5?
Yes. The Level 5 builds directly on the Level 4 foundation. If you have equivalent prior learning or experience, exemptions may be available, speak to our advisors.
Is this an updated syllabus?
Yes. CIPS updated the Level 5 syllabus in 2025, reflecting the latest developments in procurement practice including supply chain resilience, sustainability, and digital procurement.
Does completing Level 5 make me MCIPS?
No, MCIPS requires both Level 5 and Level 6 to be completed, along with the formal MCIPS application process. Completing Level 5 puts you one qualification away from eligibility.
What does MCIPS mean for my career?
MCIPS is requested by over 54% of employers worldwide when recruiting for procurement roles and consistently correlates with higher salaries and more senior positions.
Can I study Level 5 while working full-time?
Absolutely. Skills Plus offers flexible virtual evening and weekend study options designed specifically for working professionals.
Can my employer fund this?
Yes. CIPS qualifications are widely funded by organisations across the UAE and GCC as part of procurement team development initiatives.
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