Hi, I know by now you are thinking of starting of a professional procurement course and you are probably splitting hairs as to which one you will choose between CPSP-K (Certified Procurement and Supply Professional of Kenya) and CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supplies). Which one is better, which one is more pocket friendly, what is the time required to complete either of them?
Worry no more! I will try to answer these questions to your full satisfaction to the best of my ability.
As you might or might not know by now, CPSP-K is a fairly new program started in July 2015 (1st exams were on Oct/Nov 2015) and offered by KISEB (Kenya Institute of Supplies Examination Board). It’s a professional diploma recognized by the International Federation of Purchasing and Supplies Management like its counterpart CIPS. CPSP-K however, proves to be affordable to many Kenyans and miles better than CIPS. Did I just read miles better? Yes and you may ask why….because it is centered around the Kenyan Law and Constitution putting you in a better position to practise in the country compared to CIPS.
Procurement professionals are required to hold professional certificates in order to practice procurement else they risk a Sh100,000 fine and a two-year jail term-check here .
Comparison Table between CPSP-K and CIPS
| Description | CPSP-K | CIPS |
| Internationally Recognized | Yes | Yes |
| Number of sections | 3 (with bachelors 3) | 6 (with bachelors 3) |
| Exam fee Per Paper | (Section 1) Ksh. 2,500 | (£ 60 at ksh.180.71/£) Ksh. 10,843-certificate |
| (Section 2) Ksh. 3,500 | ||
| (Section 3) Ksh. 4,000 | (£ 74 at ksh.180.71/£) Ksh. 13,373-diploma | |
| Completion Time | 1 year | 1 year |
| Availability of Materials | Numerous | Numerous |
| Registration | Ksh. 5,500 | (£ 97 at ksh.180.71/£) Ksh. 17,529 |
| Annual Renewal | Ksh. 1,500 | (£ 62 at ksh.180.71/£) Ksh. 11,204 |
currency conversion rates as per 25-09-2023