CIPS Launches New ESG Module for March 2026 Qualification Exam Series

Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) has introduced a brand-new elective module on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles as part of its professional qualification portfolio, available for the first time in the March 2026 exam series.

The new module covers the fundamentals of ESG: what the principles are, why they are of growing global importance, and specifically how they apply to procurement and supply chain practice. As businesses across sectors face increasing pressure from investors, regulators, and customers to demonstrate sustainable and responsible sourcing, CIPS has developed the module to ensure procurement professionals are equipped to respond to these demands.

The module aligns with CIPS's Global Standard — the internationally recognised framework for procurement and supply competence — and is aligned to the organisation's commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion through its membership of the FAB ED&I pledge. Over 54 per cent of employers worldwide now specifically request candidates with MCIPS status or those studying towards it when recruiting for procurement roles.

The March 2026 launch comes as sustainability-linked procurement obligations are becoming more prevalent globally, including in the context of EU supply chain due diligence legislation and other regulatory frameworks that are reshaping procurement standards internationally.

CIPS is the world's largest professional body serving procurement and supply.