The qualifications offered include an International Purchasing and Supply Certificate (CIPS Level 3), an Advanced International Purchasing and Supply Certificate (CIPS Level 4), a Diploma and a Degree (MCIPS Level 6). Commerce Edge will make the courses available at various centres across South Africa and examinations for these courses will take place for the first time in May 2009.

The International Purchasing and Supply Certificate is the ideal entry-level qualification for anyone new to the procurement profession as no prior qualifications or experience is required. It comprises of five units, namely:

• Understanding the Purchasing Environment;
• Purchasing Operations;
• Client & Supplier Relationships;
• Securing Supply; and
• Purchasing in Action.

If individuals already have previous business experience or qualifications in procurement they can start their studies with the Advanced International Purchasing and Supply Certificate. The units for this course are:

• Effective Negotiation in Purchasing and Supply;
• Developing Contracts in Purchasing and Supply;
• Measuring Purchasing Performance;
• Managing Purchasing and Supply Relationships; and
• Purchasing Contexts.

The reason for the launch of this academy lies in the fact that “there has always been a gap in the South African market for an accredited training provider to facilitate an entry-level procurement qualification, with the ability to, over time, extend this to a fully fledged degree. Commerce Edge has now taken that gap”, Margaret Richings, Sales Director of Commerce Edge, told SmartProcurement.

All qualifications attained at the academy will be recognised throughout Africa and internationally. 

Commerce Edge is presently the only recognised CIPS provider in South Africa, and is SETA accredited.

For more information about the academy, please contact Margaret Richings on 082 533 2778 or email margaret@commercedge.net

To read more about CIPS, click here.