Hi All,I am planning to study CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply). Any thoughts on the following would be appreciated...(1) How recognised/valued is CIPS both in Consulting and in Industry?(2) What potential is their for salary improvements upon completing your CIPS qualification?(3) Any other points which you feel would be useful to note?Your help is much appreciated!Thanks,

1) it is recognised and more and more employers are stipulating it as a requirement or an advantageous qualification to have in their adverts. I know ACN's SCM guys like it.2) If you qualify and stay at the same employer, low. If you move, I think you can command a higher salary than s/o of similar experience who doesn't have it. Maybe 5% - 10%

Thanks for that! Much appreciated.Have you studied it?

Done it. Some topics are very useful, like the dreaded law module and the one on commercial relationships.Trying to get dispensation for topics previously covered in undergrad/post grad qualifications is getting more and more difficult, however.If your employer is paying, do it. If not, I'd cosider the cost vs an MBA.

Hi RL and East Enda,we ve referred to this topic before when i had asked advice about the CSCP exams. I am really interested in ur opinions as i too am looking about a certification in sc - in 2006- that can add any value to my cv. I was more interested though in the cscp from apics which is though in pilot testing this march.I ve interestingly heard from RL the value of the CIPS in the uk market. What is ur opinion(both) about the CSCP? In general, which certification (even apart from this 2) in the sc do u consider more valuable in the market?(global market). I am interested in ur replies.Anastasia

I'm not familiar with these qualifications. Can I suggest that you pick up the phone to a head-hunter, recruitment specialist and ask their opinion. Or try a friendly HR contact.

RL/Anastasia,thanks for the replies. Anastasia, I have not heard of the alternative qualification which you brought up, however, will research it now and post my thoughts on it in the future - watch this space.I too am looking to apply for sponsorship from the firm i work for in order to begin studying CIPS this autumn.

RL thanks, i am in research of the available certification right now. Indeed when i am totally aware of the most important ones, i ll definitely get suggestion from pro's.East Enda, i had a look to the CIPS (cause i didn't know what is all about). This is not rrelevant to the CSCP at all. CSCP is just a certicication from APICS (the organisation of operations mgt) though CIPS is a complete studying thing (and i guess is exclusively focused on procurement). I ll continue my research and since we ll both are in this site we can exchange any useful information we may find.A