To obtain the International Black Belt qualification, and life membership of the International Institute for Advanced Purchasing & Supply (MIIAPS), candidates have to demonstrate both practical and theoretical competence in managing all of the activities and tasks in the purchasing and supply management process.

This is achieved by demonstrating (within a simulation environment) the effective management of two very different categories of spend to an advanced level of competence. The first category of spend to be managed is for an operational expenditure (OPEX) category of spend; while the second is related to capital expenditure (CAPEX). This is because a manager cannot be seen as having advanced competence until he/she has had experience in managing the complexities of both process and project categories of spend.

Finally, candidates must demonstrate their overall theoretical and practical competence by passing the comprehensive Black Belt examination and by sucessfully completing a dissertation.

The Route to International Black Belt and MIIAPS

IIAPS has developed a 3-stage approach to professional membership. This allows candidates to fund their progression in easy stages, while also obtaining an immediate training in world-class practices.

During the 3 stages to International Black Belt and MIIAPS candidates have a different membership status with the IIAPS, as described below.

Stage 1: International Green Belt & SIIAPS

The first stage involves studying for, and passing, the entry level International Green Belt in Advanced Purchasing & Supply. The International Green Belt status provides Student Membership of the IIAPS (SIIAPS), and is awarded after satisfactory completion of 4 Project Reports that demonstrate practical competence in the effective management of a single category of spend.

Stage 2: International Red Belt & AIIAPS

The second stage involves studying for, and passing, the intermediate entry level International Red Belt in Advanced Purchasing & Supply. The International Red Belt status provides Associate Membership of the IIAPS (AIIAPS), and is awarded after satisfactory completion of a further 4 Project Reports that demonstrate practical competence in the effective management of a complex project/new product, with multiple categories of spend.

Stage 3: International Black Belt & MIIAPS

The International Black Belt status is awarded after satisfactory completion of the final comprehensive examination covering all aspects of the course of study, and the completion of a final project-based Dissertation. Successful candidates then become Full Life Members of the IIAPS (MIIAPS), with access to a comprehensive range of membership benefits.