CIPS APPROVED STUDY CENTRE CRITERIA
[Revised May 2014: minor changes made to Sections 2 (2.2.4 only), 4 and 5.]
In order to be a CIPS Approved Study Centre, all the following criteria must be met.
New applicants may not be able to provide evidence of some criteria at the approval stage – these criteria are
marked *. Following approvals, study centres would be expected to be able to meet these criteria within their
first year of operation.
1. Business structure, financial stability and policies
- demonstrating capability and financial health as a CIPS approved centre.
1.1 Centre capacity /
1.1.1 Evidence of the Study Centre’s clear commitment from Senior
capability /business
Management to being a CIPS Approved Centre
planning & commitment
1.1.2 Evidence of financial stability, with reliable provision to support the
to CIPS programmes.
operation and consistent delivery of CIPS programmes.
1.2 Compliance with
CIPS/UK regulatory
requirements
1.3 Policies
1.2.1 Evidence of co-operation with CIPS monitoring activities, including access
to premises, personnel and records.
1.2.2 Evidence of provision for the study centre’s learners to complete their
programme of study and take CIPS examinations/assessments, either by
providing examination facilities or by using those of another provider and
paying the associated fee for this service.
1.2.3 Evidence of clearly documented roles, responsibilities and accountabilities
of any partnership arrangements
1.2.4 Evidence of mitigation against any conflicts of interest involving personnel.
1.2.5 Evidence of appropriate arrangements for preventing and investigating
malpractice and maladministration
1.3.1 Evidence of appropriate policies to safeguard learners and the learning
process
2. Course management and administration
- demonstrating effective and efficient operational functions, including engagement with CIPS
2.1 Course Management &
2.1.1. Evidence that the Study Centre has a single, named point of responsibility
Systems
for the quality assurance and management of CIPS programmes.
2.1.2. Evidence that the Study Centre has a named, readily available and
knowledgeable point of contact for dealing with enquiries about CIPS
courses.
2.1.3. *Evidence of effective communication between the Study Centre and CIPS,
for learner registration, staff changes, etc.
2.1.4. Evidence that the roles and responsibilities of the CIPS staff team across all
sites are clearly defined, allocated, communicated and understood.
2.1.5. Evidence that the course structure, content and Guided Learning Hours
CIPS Approved Study Centre Criteria – AMENDED FV June 2014
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2. Course management and administration
- demonstrating effective and efficient operational functions, including engagement with CIPS
(GLH) meet CIPS requirements.
2.1.6. Evidence that the Study Centre has systems that ensure consistency of
standards and support equality of opportunity
2.1.7. *Evidence of satisfactory inspection/audit reports from other relevant
organisations (where available)
2.1.8. *Evidence of good links with local CIPS branches (where they exist) and/or
employers/businesses
2.2 Course Delivery
2.2.1 Evidence of suitable Schemes of Work for each unit containing clear aims,
objectives, and coverage of content.
2.2.2 Evidence that staff are up-to-date, and use latest research, journals, etc in
their teaching.
2.2.3 Evidence of a suitable range of teaching methods/techniques.
2.2.4 Evidence that learners are appropriately prepared for CIPS examinations,
eg by completing written assignments, past papers, etc, and receive
suitable feedback and guidance for improvement.
2.3 Course Data
2.3.1 Evidence of administrative systems that can track the progress of learners
towards their target awards, and record their subsequent achievements.
2.3.2 Evidence of compliant systems for gathering information which meet CIPS
requirements for information, registration, quality assurance, etc.
2.3.3 Evidence of effective use of data for reviewing course delivery and
planning improvements.
2.3.4 Evidence that the study centre is aware of how to obtain on behalf of its
learners a unique learner number (ULN) and a learner record, should it
be asked to do so.
3 Staffing and other resources
- demonstrating commitment to high quality teaching and learning resources, including qualified and competent
staff
3.1 Staffing
3.1.1. Evidence that the study centre has sufficient competent, qualified and
experienced staff and/or associates to meet CIPS requirements for
qualifications delivery.
3.1.2. Evidence that staff involved in CIPS programmes are properly resourced
and supported to perform their roles and responsibilities effectively
3.1.3. Evidence of a contingency strategy for teaching team cover.
3.2 Staff/learner resources
3.2.1. Evidence that the study centre has adequate resources and systems in
place to support the delivery of CIPS programmes.
3.2.2. Evidence that equipment and accommodation used for the purposes of
delivery (and assessment) complies with the requirements of relevant
legislation, including health and safety, and provides access for all
learners.
3.2.3. Evidence that equipment and accommodation at satellite premises meets
the same standards as those of the main provider.
3.2.4 Evidence that staff receive appropriate training on use of equipment
where necessary.
CIPS Approved Study Centre Criteria – AMENDED FV June 2014
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4. Learner support/feedback
- demonstrating a commitment to enhancing the learner experience
4.1 Pre-course to enrolment
4.1.1. Evidence that clear information, advice and guidance about the centre,
its delivery model(s), and about CIPS qualification content, procedures,
assessment and progression are provided to potential and new learners.
4.1.2. Evidence of equality of opportunity in the study centre’s learner selection
and admission processes.
4.2 On-course to completion
4.2.1. Evidence that particular learning/assessment requirements of learners
are identified and met wherever possible
4.2.2. Evidence that learners have access to, or are directed to, latest CIPS
texts/study guides.
4.2.3. Evidence that learners have regular opportunities to review their
progress against the requirements of the award, and to seek guidance
where necessary.
4.3 Post-completion
4.3.1. *Evidence of appropriate and effective mechanisms for gathering
feedback from learners
4.3.2. Evidence that guidance/assistance is offered to completers on

progression routes

employment opportunities

CIPS membership
5. Quality assurance, evaluation and review
- demonstrating a commitment to ongoing quality improvement
5.1 Internal processes
5.1.1. *Evidence of effective communication with members of the course team,
which includes recording areas of weakness and planned actions for
quality improvement.
5.1.2. Evidence of internal quality assurance activity, which records use of
learner/employer feedback, results, and other relevant information, to identify
and address weaknesses and promote continuous improvement.
5.1.3. Evidence that learner complaints are dealt with promptly and fairly.
CIPS Approved Study Centre Criteria – AMENDED FV June 2014
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Leading global excellence in procurement and supply