With skills+- Qualification Level
- CIPS Level 6, MCIPS Pathway
- Duration
- 12 – 18 Months (Part-Time)
- CIPS Membership
- MCIPS Chartered status eligible on completion
- Assessment
- Computer-Based & Written Examinations, 6 Sittings Per Year
- Delivery
- Virtual & In-Person | Abu Dhabi · Online GCC
- Units
- 6 Modules, 4 Core, 2 Elective
Overview
About This Qualification
The CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply is the final qualification in the CIPS pathway, the last step before you become eligible to apply for full MCIPS Chartered status. Aimed at senior procurement professionals, this diploma develops the advanced strategic, leadership, and commercial capabilities that define the very best procurement practitioners in the world.
Aligned to the Leadership level of the CIPS Global Standard for Procurement and Supply, the Level 6 focuses on the most complex, high-value, and senior aspects of the profession, from strategic supply chain design and organisational leadership to sustainability strategy and global procurement management.
At Skills Plus, this programme is delivered by senior procurement leaders with extensive experience across the GCC and global markets. Completing the Level 6 Professional Diploma, alongside the MCIPS application process, will award you with one of the most respected and in-demand professional credentials in the world.
Who Is It For?
Who Is It For?
- CIPS Level 5 Graduates
- Those who have completed the Advanced Diploma and are ready to take the final step on their journey to MCIPS Chartered status.
- Senior Procurement Leaders
- Experienced procurement directors, heads of procurement, and category directors who want the world's most recognised professional credential.
- Strategic Procurement Professionals
- Those operating at a strategic level within complex organisations who want to formalise their expertise with the highest CIPS qualification.
What You Will Achieve
What You Will Achieve
- Lead the design and implementation of enterprise-wide procurement and supply chain strategies
- Develop and execute global commercial strategy aligned to organisational objectives
- Manage and optimise complex global supply chains at a strategic level
- Lead organisational capability development and procurement transformation
- Drive sustainability, social value, and responsible practice at a leadership level
- Achieve eligibility to apply for MCIPS, the world's most recognised procurement credential
Programme Modules
Programme Modules
The Level 6 Professional Diploma comprises 6 modules, 4 core and 2 elective, assessed through computer-based and written examinations. Completion makes you eligible to apply for MCIPS Chartered status.
01Strategic Ethical Leadership (L6M1) (Core)
The flagship 12-credit core module of the Level 6, assessed through a written constructed response essay examination. Critically evaluates the leadership skills and behaviours required to achieve organisational and stakeholder commitment to strategic improvements and change. Explores advanced leadership theory, how to drive ethical practice and professional standards across a function, and the regulatory environment that shapes leadership responsibilities at the highest level of procurement.
Lead at the highest level with authority and ethics
02Global Commercial Strategy (L6M2) (Core)
A 12-credit core module developing the ability to think and operate commercially at a global scale. Evaluates the concept of commercial global strategy, how it is formulated, the challenges of implementation across international markets, and the financial dimensions that drive strategic decision-making. Covers strategic frameworks including portfolio analysis, diversification, and competitive positioning, and develops the commercial leadership perspective needed at director and executive level.
Shape commercial strategy at a global level
03Global Strategic Supply Chain Management (L6M3) (Core)
A 12-credit core module examining how strategic supply chain management connects to and enables corporate business strategy at an enterprise level. Evaluates supply chain design tools, network optimisation techniques, and the methods used to measure, benchmark, and improve supply chain performance globally. Covers resilience, sustainability, and how supply chain excellence creates and sustains competitive advantage in complex international operating environments.
Lead supply chain strategy at enterprise level
04Future Strategic Challenges for the Profession (L6M4) (Core)
Evaluates the changing needs and requirements of the procurement and supply function and the future strategic challenges the profession must navigate. Examines the impact of digital transformation (AI, automation, advanced analytics), the evolving ESG and sustainability agenda, geopolitical disruption and supply chain reconfiguration, and the future skills and capabilities that procurement leaders will need to remain relevant and impactful in a rapidly changing world.
Prepare your function for the future of procurement
05Strategic Programme Leadership (L6M5) (Elective)
Assesses the contracting requirements and leadership approaches applicable to major strategic programmes, large capital projects, transformational outsourcing arrangements, and complex multi-supplier initiatives. Develops governance skills, programme scope management, senior stakeholder engagement, and the commercial focus needed to lead high-value procurement programmes that span multiple years and significant organisational investment.
Lead major procurement programmes with confidence
06Commercial and Financial Management (L6M6) (Elective)
Applies advanced commercial and financial management techniques to strategic procurement contexts. Develops proficiency in financial analysis for major sourcing decisions, strategic cost modelling, commercial risk assessment, and how to use financial intelligence to lead high-value commercial arrangements with confidence and authority at board level.
Apply advanced financial intelligence to procurement
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What do I need to have completed before starting Level 6?
You should have successfully completed the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma before beginning Level 6. If you have relevant prior learning at an equivalent level, exemptions may be available, speak to our advisors.
Does completing Level 6 automatically make me MCIPS?
Completing the Level 6 makes you eligible to apply for MCIPS Chartered status. MCIPS is awarded by CIPS following a separate application process considering your qualification results alongside your professional experience.
What is the value of MCIPS to my career?
MCIPS is requested by over 54% of employers worldwide when recruiting for procurement roles, associated with higher salaries, more senior positions, and greater career mobility across markets including the UAE, GCC, UK, and beyond.
How long does it take?
Most learners complete within 12 to 18 months studying part-time. The flexible exam schedule means you can progress at the pace that suits your commitments.
Can Skills Plus support me through the MCIPS application process?
Yes. Our team provides dedicated support not just through the qualification itself, but through the MCIPS application process. We want to see every learner reach MCIPS designation.
Can my employer fund this?
Yes. CIPS qualifications at Level 6 are funded by many organisations across the UAE and GCC as part of senior procurement development programmes.
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