The mission of the IIAPS is to establish an elite cadre of purchasing and supply management professionals worldwide. This is achieved by establishing an advanced international standard, the possession of which differentiates purchasing and supply chain professionals from those with less comprehensive qualifications.

Candidates for Full Professional Membership of the Institute (MIIAPS) must satisfactorily complete the Institute's International Black Belt in Advanced Purchasing & Supply. Possession of the International Black Belt ensures that the holder of this qualification can demonstrate an objective, auditable knowledge and experience of every aspect of the purchasing and supply chain management process that must be managed by a highly competent professional.

To ensure the maintenance of an advanced and internationally recognised professional standard, it is not possible to obtain either Student (SIIAPS), Associate (AIIAPS) or Full Professional Membership (MIIAPS), without completing the relevant advanced training programmes provided by the Institute. This ensures that all members have met rigorous entry requirements, completed the same comprehensive advanced course of study, and have been assessed and examined to the same exacting standard globally.

It is not possible to become a member of the Institute (MIIAPS) by undertaking an interview, through taking another course of study, or by following a variety of very different training methods and routes. These practices lead to a dilution and fragmentation of standards.