IIAPS offers a two-phased approach to the delivery of business value and learning through the International Green Belt, Red Belt and Black Belt in Advanced Purchasing & Supply. In what follows we outline the routes to attaining these Advanced Qualifications and life-time Full Professional Membership (MIIAPS) of the International Institute of Advanced Purchasing & Supply.

  • Phase 1: Green Belt Training and Strategy Implementation
  • Phase 2 Part A: Red Belt Training and Strategy Implementation
  • Phase 2 Part B: Black Belt Training and Strategy Implementation


Phase 1: Green Belt Training and Strategy Implementation

The Green Belt course of study has 7 Steps:



  • The first step in the process is the agreement between the client organisation, student and IIAPS about the category sourcing strategy to be developed and implemented.
  • Successful projects will be based on cross-functional involvement and senior management support to ensure the necessary time and resources are made available to allow the sourcing strategy to be implemented effectively.
  • Students are also provided with additional reading material and e-learning resources. For more information on these learning resources click here.

  • Students participate in an initial 3-Day Training Master Class on the Principles of Advanced Category Management & Strategic Sourcing. For more information on this Workshop click here.
  • Having completed the initial training students then participate alongside an IIAPS Facilitator in the 2-Day QV® Value Improvement & Strategic Challenge Workshop. For more information on this Workshop click here.
  • The Workshop brings together internal clients and PSCM strategy leads to identify the key demand and supply factors impinging on current VFM performance.

  • The student closes as many of the information gaps identified in the QV® Workshop as possible, before determining the range of possible sourcing strategies available for implementation.
  • Then, using a sourcing prioritisation matrix, the student selects the sourcing strategy that they believe is the most likely to deliver significant improvement in VFM for their organisation.

  • The student then completes a first detailed QV® Report on the sourcing options available, and why they believe their selected sourcing strategy is the most appropriate given the information available.
  • This work is assessed and marked and IIAPS provides feedback to the student on their strategy, suggesting potential areas for improvement if any exist.
  • The student then modifies their sourcing strategy recommendation (if necessary) before it is presented for sign-off by their internal sponsors.

  • Having achieved sign-off for implementation, the student now takes the selected category sourcing strategy forward for implementation.
  • IIAPS provides a 2-Day Training Master Class on Advanced Selection, Negotiation & Contract Award techniques, with a mentoring service to support the student during the implementation phase.

  • On final contract award the student completes a second Assessment Report on the VFM improvements actually achieved and what are the key lessons learned from the sourcing strategy implemented.
  • This report is assessed and marked, and IIAPS provides feedback to the student on their implementation strategy and the lessons learned, suggesting potential areas for improvement if any exist.

  • The student then reviews this feedback (and can make any changes they deem necessary) before presenting it for final sign-off by their internal sponsors.
  • Once signed-off by their internal sponsors as a true and accurate account of the VFM benefits achieved and lessons learned IIAPS awards the Green Belt qualification to the candidate.


Phase 2 Part A: Red Belt Training and Strategy Implementation

To become a Full Professional Member (MIIAPS) students must complete two more sourcing strategy implementations, but without the initial training and QV® Workshop facilitation support provided by IIAPS in the Green Belt course of study. The second iteration, the Red Belt, also has 7 Steps:



  • Once again the first step is the agreement between the client organisation, student and IIAPS about the category strategy to be implemented, with senior management commitment about providing all necessary time and resources.

  • On their own initiative, but using the IIAPS pre-defined facilitation and reporting structures and mentoring services, students facilitate and lead the 2-Day QV® Value Improvement and Strategic Sourcing Challenge Workshop on their own. Once again, the workshop focuses on a 'real-life' category strategy, in order to identify the key demand and supply factors impinging on current value for money (VFM) performance and ascertain future strategy options for improvement.

  • The student then closes as many of the information gaps identified at the workshop as possible, before determining the range of possible sourcing strategies available for implementation.
  • The student selects the sourcing strategy that they believe is the most likely to deliver significant improvement in VFM for their organisation.

  • The student then completes a first detailed QV® Report on the sourcing options available.
  • IIAPS assess and mark the work undertaken and examines the logic of the sourcing strategy being proposed, providing feedback to the student on potential areas for improvement if any exist.
  • The student reviews this feedback (and , if necessary, modifies their sourcing strategy) before it is presented for sign-off by their internal sponsors.

  • The student takes the selected category sourcing strategy forward for implementation.
  • Students can of course continually use the IIAPS reading material, e-learning resources and mentoring support services throughout this process.

  • On final contract award, the student completes a second Assessment Report on the VFM improvements actually achieved and what are the key lessons learned from the sourcing strategy implemented.
  • This report is assessed and marked and IIAPS provides feedback to the student on their implementation strategy and the lessons learned, suggesting potential areas for improvement if any exist.

  • The student reviews this feedback (and can make any changes they deem necessary) before presenting it for final sign-off by their internal sponsors.
  • Once signed-off by their internal sponsors as a true and accurate account of the VFM benefits achieved and lessons learned IIAPS awards the Red Belt qualification to the candidate.


Phase 2 Part B: Black Belt Training and Strategy Implementation

To become a life-time Full Professional Member (MIIAPS) students must complete the third sourcing strategy implementation, the Black Belt qualification that also has 7 Steps:



The structure of the Black Belt course of study is exactly the same as for the Red Belt. The IIAPS reading material, e-learning resources and mentoring support services can be used continuously throughout the process.


On completion of the Black Belt course of study students attain Full Professional Member (MIIAPS) and are eligible for the following benefits:

  • free lifetime membership and access to the IIAPS careers and recruitment service
  • all alumni newsletters and linked-in services
  • access to any free reports produced on best practice
  • free copies of all continuous professional development material provided over time
  • subsidized participation at all IIAPS events
  • subsidized participation in all IIAPS mentoring, continuing development and learning courses


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