5 Steps to Obtaining MCIPS

So, you've decided to embark on the MCIPS journey? What do you do next?

Step 1 - Join CIPS

You can join by filling in your details via the online form. Remember to to select student when selecting your grade.

Step 2 - Decide which Qualification to Start

If you have a degree, you will start with the Diploma in Purchasing & Supply and work your way up. Each Diploma has five (3 hour) exams. So, all together, you'll have to sit fifteen exams to obtain MCIPS.

Step 3 - Book Exams

Once you are a CIPS member and received your membership number and password , you can book exams online via the CIPS website (Found under Qualifications tab > Assessments >Book Exams Online).

If you click Book Exams Online, it takes you to the Exam Booking page. Each exam booking is NZ$250. Remember to keep an eye on the Key Dates and Timetables page so you don't miss the exam cut off dates!

Step 4 - Study (and Find a Study Group)

Now the hard part. I recommend sitting down to plan out what days you will study and review past exams because it's hard to study while you're working and juggling other commitments.

It is important to review past exams as the exam questions often repeat from past years or are very similar. I have also found joining a study group helpful to generate examples you can use in addition to your own experience. You might have to ask around to see who else is studying the same units as you.

Step 5 - Rinse and Repeat

You're in it for the long haul, so pace yourself. After completing each level, pat yourself on the back and take holiday!

Other Things to Do

Buying Course Books

You can buy the course books from the CIPS Bookstore, however, I recommend borrowing them from someone if you can as they are expensive. The shipping is also astronomical because the books are shipped from the UK.

Apply to the Procurement Academy (New Zealand Only)

If you work in the Government Sector, apply to the Procurement Academy. If you get in, the Academy will pay for your CIPS membership fee while you're a student and you can borrow the course books from MBIE.

Applications open and close in November each year. You will need an up to date CV and your Manager's endorsement.

Join the MBIE Procurement Breakfast Sessions Subscription List (New Zealand Only)

MBIE holds breakfast sessions each month with different topics and speakers from the Procurement Community. Some topics are quite interesting and is a good opportunity to meet people from other agencies.

Email nzpa@mbie.govt.nz to join the subscription list.