YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS

Shaping your future

UK
Foreword Welcome. You have already taken the important
first steps towards professionalism by enrolling
to study the qualifications of the Chartered
Shaping Institute of Purchasing & Supply. Here at CIPS we
will do all that we can to help you through the
your next stages which we hope will contribute to a
future successful career.

As a profession, purchasing and supply is

increasingly being seen as a strategic business
discipline, involving a growing number of highly
specialised roles. The supply chain is becoming
ever more complex, presenting those in the Contents
profession with many new challenges, from Membership 4
changing market structures ushered in by CIPS awards and membership grades 6
globalisation and the growing economic strength Entry requirements 6
of developing countries, to technology, global Our standards 7
events and trends towards ethical and fair trading. How and where to study 7
Overview of CIPS qualifications 8
CIPS qualifications are widely regarded as an Exemptions 9
international benchmark of excellence, enhancing Assessment and examinations 9
standards of professionalism and performance
throughout purchasing and supply. We are
confident that our education awards will continue
to help professionals and organisations meet the
new challenges and realise their potential.
CIPS support for students 12
CIPS is accredited and regulated as an Awarding Progression opportunities 13
Body by the Office of Qualifications and Equal opportunities 13
Examinations Regulator (Ofqual). Ours are Reasonable adjustments 13
vocationally related qualifications within the Complaints 13
National Database of Accredited Qualifications. CIPS contacts 14
CIPS wishes you every possible success and looks
forward to acknowledging each level of
achievement.

Amanda OBrien
Director of Professional Development

www.cips.org YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS 3

 Shaping Introduction
your The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a reference point for all the
queries you may have whilst you are studying for a CIPS qualification. It may
future not always give you the detailed answer you need, but it will signpost you to
other sources where the appropriate information may be found. CIPS makes
extensive use of its website www.cips.org to support students. However, if
you do not have access to the website then we can arrange to supply the
documents referred to in hard copy, so please do ask. The customer services
team is available to answer your letters, telephone calls and emails, and to
speed up the response to your enquiry, the contact details for the most
common enquiries are given at the back of this guide.

It is essential that you always quote your membership reference number and
ensure that you let us know of any changes to your contact details at home
and at work.

Membership
In order to study and take examinations/assessments for a CIPS qualification
you need to register as a studying member which means you will be able to
access a range of membership benefits and study support. As a professional
body, CIPS encourages those working in purchasing and supply to achieve an
appropriate level of qualification to enable them to do their job better and to
strive to improve their career prospects. Ambitions and needs vary and,
therefore, all CIPS qualifications are linked to a progressive ladder of awards
and membership grades in recognition of achievement at all levels.

If you achieve the Graduate diploma in purchasing and supply you will be
eligible for full membership which entitles you to use the designatory letters,
MCIPS, providing you can evidence at least three years experience in a
position of responsibility in purchasing and supply. This experience can be
gained prior to or during the study period, and will require simple verification.

4 YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS www.cips.org

 Shaping
Ambitions and needs vary and, therefore, your
all CIPS qualifications are linked to a future
progressive ladder of awards and
membership in recognition of
achievement at all levels.

www.cips.org YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS 5

 Shaping CIPS awards and membership grades
your The following table lists the names of the CIPS awards and the CIPS membership grade gained on
achievement of each award. The parity with UK national qualifications and the level in the National
future Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) is also shown.

CIPS award NDAQ ref CIPS membership grade UK national qualifications

on completion parity

Level 2 500/168/7 Certificate Member GCSEs grades A*-C

Introductory certificate in NVQ Level 2
purchasing and supply

Level 3 100/6111/3 Certificate Member A levels

Certificate in purchasing NVQ Level 3
and supply

Level 4 100/6112/5 Diploma Member Year 1 of degree

Foundation diploma in programme
purchasing and supply

Level 5 100/6113/7 Associate Member Foundation degrees

Advanced diploma in Higher National Diplomas
purchasing and supply

Level 6 100/6114/9 Full Member (MCIPS) Bachelors (Honours)

Graduate diploma in providing 3 years degrees
purchasing and supply experience in a position of NVQ Level 4
responsibility in purchasing
and supply can be
evidenced

Level 7 MCIPS Masters degrees

Executive diploma in Post-Graduate degrees
purchasing and supply NVQ Level 5

Entry requirements
Before you start your studies you should consider what level on the ladder is appropriate for you, based on
your education and experience. There are no entry requirements for the qualifications at Levels 2 and 3.

To start the Level 4 Foundation diploma, you should have at least two A-levels (or international equivalent)
or a Level 3 qualification. Students without any prior qualifications must have at least two years experience
in a business environment. For individual advice, you should contact our customer services team.

6 YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS www.cips.org


We want you to have the best
possible chance to achieve the
award that you set out to study
Our standards
The standards of all CIPS qualifications are
extremely important, not only to maintain the
integrity of the Institute itself, but to raise the
standards of those working in the profession so that
they are able to make a valuable contribution to
their organisations and so achieve greater
recognition. Qualifications which you obtain from
CIPS must therefore be fit for purpose and have
good quality assurance systems in place. The
regulatory authorities for qualifications in the UK
provide a service to the public which is designed to
give confidence to you and your employer in those
awarding bodies and qualifications which gain
recognition through their systems and procedures.
CIPS is accredited and regulated as an Awarding
Body by the Office of Qualifications and
Examinations Regulator (Ofqual). Ours are
vocationally related qualifications within the
National Database of Accredited Qualifications
(NDAQ).
More information can be found on the CIPS
website and on www.ofqual.gov.uk.
For full details on the NDAQ visit
http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk
CIPS qualifications are in the Business,
Administration and Law sector of the NQF,
Sector 15.3
Shaping
your
future
How and where to study
Once you have established and agreed where your
starting point is, and which units you need to
complete in that qualification, you will need to look
at the options for studying. You may already have
been to a local college or CIPS approved study
centre and enrolled on the most suitable
programme for you. Do check that this corresponds
with the CIPS assessment of your starting point.
However, if you have not yet enrolled at a college,
you will need to assess the various study options
and how they might suit you, your personality, your
working practices, your personal life and general
accessibility.
CIPS believes that choice is important. Because of
this, as well as local provision in approved study
centres, distance learning, intensive modular
programmes, flexible study and self-study
opportunities exist. CIPS approved study centres
are listed on our website.
Contact the centre directly for programmes offered,
start dates and timetables, together with general
information on fees and facilities.
Progressing through the levels
It is advisable to progress through the levels in
sequence so that you gain the under-pinning
knowledge as you move up the qualifications
ladder. You must complete all the units for a level
before you will achieve that award and its
certificate.
www.cips.org YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS 7
 Shaping Overview of CIPS qualifications
your Unit content guides for each level are available on the website www.cips.org and printed copies are also
available. The guides detail the statements of practice, learning objectives and the guided learning hours
future for each unit. At Levels 3 to 6 you need to complete five units for each level. Level 3 and 6 have an
integrative unit, designed to draw together the knowledge and understanding achieved in the other units
and to demonstrate how these units combine and integrate in a working environment. It is strongly
recommended that integrative units (highlighted with a * below) should always be taken after the core
units have been completed.

CIPS Award Units to be studied

Level 2 One unit, Introduction to purchasing and supply
Introductory Certificate in Purchasing in four elements
and Supply

Level 3 Understanding the purchasing environment

Certificate in Purchasing and Supply Purchasing operations
Client and supplier relationships
Securing supply
Purchasing in action*

Level 4 Effective negotiation in purchasing

Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and and supply
Supply Developing contracts in purchasing
and supply
Measuring purchasing performance
Managing purchasing and supply
relationships
Purchasing contexts

Level 5 Management in the purchasing function

Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
Risk management and supply chain vulnerability
Improving supply chain performance
Optional units, choose two:
Marketing for purchasers
Storage and distribution
Operations management in the supply chain
The machinery of government
Contracting in the public sector
Sustainable procurement

Level 6 Leading and influencing in purchasing

Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply
Strategic supply chain management
Supply chain management in practice*
Optional units, choose two:
Legal aspects in purchasing and supply
Advanced project management
Finance for purchasers
Strategic public sector programme management
Public sector stakeholders and governance

Level 7 A self managed learning programme available

Executive Diploma in Purchasing and Supply through approved universities

8 YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS www.cips.org


Exemptions
Before you commence your studies, you need to
consider if you could gain exemption from any of
the CIPS units. We recognise that you may have
had previous experiences and qualifications which
have contributed to your learning and
development, and that recognition should be
given if you can evidence these to be relevant to
specific units within the CIPS qualifications. We do
not wish you to repeat studies unnecessarily, but
want to ensure that you have the right level and
depth of knowledge and understanding of each
unit. Such recognition is often referred to as
exemption, and this is on a unit by unit basis.
You can apply for unit exemptions from any level
at the start of your studies, if preferred, or as you
commence each level.
If you believe that you have achieved the standard
and content of a particular unit or level, please ask
our Customer Services Team for details of the
exemption application process or see
www.cips.org. A fee will be payable for each unit
exemption.
Shaping
your
future
Assessment and examinations
Some units can be assessed by an examination or
by work-based assessment. CIPS examinations are
paper-based with the exception of the one hour
online test for the Level 2 Introductory certificate in
purchasing and supply.
The examination questions (or work-based
assessment tasks) test the learning objectives of
the unit content for each unit. Unit content guides
for each level are available to download from
www.cips.org
Refer to the study resources section of the website
which gives you valuable information on studying
and examination or assessment preparation. Dont
forget to take appropriate 'tools' to the
examination with you, for example a non-
programmable calculator as some units test
financial aspects of purchasing and supply and
there may be the requirement to undertake
calculations. Please refer to the enrolment
guidelines for CIPS rules for examinations.
www.cips.org YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS 9
 Shaping Format of examination papers for units within
Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6
your Most units will be assessed by a three-hour closed
future book examination, the format of the examination
papers is:
Section A - A case study with two questions
based on the information in the case study. Each
question is worth 25 marks.
Section B - Two questions must be answered
from a choice of four which test knowledge and
understanding. Each question is worth 25 marks.
The exceptions are L3-05 Purchasing in action and
at L6-03 Supply chain management in practice.
L3-05 Purchasing in action
This unit is assessed by a three-hour closed-book
examination. The format of the examination is a
case study scenario with four questions based on
the information in the case study. Each question is
worth 25 marks. These questions can be a mixture
of role play and/or theory, knowledge and
understanding.
L6-03 Supply chain management in practice
A case study based on a realistic organisation is
sent out to candidates and published on the
website at least four weeks in advance of the
examination date to allow candidates to analyse
the information and prepare for the examination.
The case study is approximately 20 pages in
length. The assessment will be a three hour open-
book examination comprising four questions
based on the case study. Each question is worth 25
marks.
Work-based assessment
There is an opportunity to sit some units by work-
based assessment instead of by examination.
Currently only students who are registered with an
UK study centre approved to offer work-based
assessment are able to choose the work-based
assessment option. Full details on work-based
assessment will be available from your study
centre.
Format of work-based assessments for units
within Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6
Level 3 Certificate - Purchasing in action
Section A compulsory task worth 50% of the
available marks (1,200 words)
Section B two tasks from a choice of three,
each worth 25% of the available marks (750
words each)
Section C compulsory reflective learning
statement (300 words).
10 YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS www.cips.org
Level 4 Foundation diploma All units
Section A compulsory task, worth 50% of the
available marks (1,700 words)
Section B two tasks from a choice of three,
each worth 25% of the available marks (1000
words each)
Section C compulsory reflective learning
statement (300 words).
Level 5 Advanced diploma Improving supply
chain performance
Section A compulsory task, worth 45% of the
available marks (2,200 words)
Section B two tasks from a choice of three,
each worth 25% of the available marks (1250
words each)
Section C compulsory reflective learning
statement, worth 5% of the available marks (300
words).
Level 6 Graduate diploma Supply chain
management in practice
Based of the other two Level 6 core units L6-01
Leading and influencing in purchasing and L6-02
Strategic supply chain management; the project
report will have a maximum of 6,000 words and
should be professionally presented. The project
tasks are as follows:
Task 1 An introduction including the
background, rationale and objective (600
words) worth 10% of the available marks
Task 2 Review of the theory and the
development of a set of predictions (1,300
words) worth 25% of the available marks
Task 3 Case analysis, including application and
synthesis (3,000 words) worth 50% of the
available marks
Task 4 Conclusions and recommendations (600
words) worth 10% of the available marks
Task 5 Reflective learning statement (500
words) worth 5% of the available marks.
Note - CIPS has produced guidance documents to
assist candidates undertaking work-based
assessment. Candidates should ask their tutor for
these guidance documents.
 The website www.cips.org is a valuable source of information whilst you are
studying. Visit it regularly to find information.

Examination and work-based assessment The examination entry dates are as follows:
pass marks
The following pass marks and grade bands will
2010 schedule Entry closure Exam period Results
apply to all units at Levels 3-6.
date published date
Distinction 75 - 100% July 3 June 11 18-20 July 11 5 October 11
Credit 60 - 74%
Pass 50 - 59% November 23 September 11 14-18 November 11 1 February 12
Fail 0 - 49%
January 9 December 11 23-25 January 12 11 April 12
It should be noted that the exit award at each Level
is not graded. March 20 January 12 5-7 March 12 23 May 12

Past examination papers May 23 March 12 14-18 November 1 August 12

Past examination question papers and
examination reports for each unit are available on
the website.
UK Examination timetable
We hold five examination sessions each year, to a
set timetable, which cannot be varied under any
circumstances. Full examination timetables and
unit titles are published on the website.
As long as you are registered as an active student,
we will send you SMS and email alerts to advise
you when exam entry is open. Its important to
ensure that we have your up to date contact details.
Available examination centres and fees are clearly
shown at www.cips.org/cipsexaminations
You may enter for as many units as you wish in
one sitting, but obviously you cannot enter for two
units which may be scheduled to take place at the
same time.
Examinations are held across the world but if there
is no examination centre listed in your region,
please contact the CIPS examinations team.
UK work-based assessment timetable
There are three WBA sessions each year; February,
May and October. Contact your study centre for
entry dates and entry details.

www.cips.org YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS 11

 Shaping Results and Certificates
Examination results for external examinations will
your be mailed to you. They will also be made available
future on the CIPS website simultaneously and you will
be able to access these by using your membership
number and password.
Certificates for each level of qualification will be
issued approximately one month after the results
have been made available. When you have
completed the award of Level 6 Graduate diploma
you will also be asked to have your experience
verified so that you can be upgraded to full
membership (MCIPS) if appropriate.
Assessment appeals
If you disagree with the grade awarded for a unit,
you may wish to appeal against it. You may apply
using an application form from the website and
your assessment will be marked again by a
different assessor. For more information and
details of the fee, go to qualifications/policies and
procedures section on www.cips.org If the grade
originally awarded is changed as a result of the
appeal, the fee will be refunded.
Please go to www.cips.org to download the
current Assessment Appeals Procedure, which can
be found in the qualifications/policies and
procedures section of the website.
CIPS support for students
Whichever study method you decide is best for
you, CIPS offers course books and essential
reading material to support you. Whichever
qualifications you are aiming to achieve, it is
always good practice to read and investigate the
topic as widely as possible.
Study packs are available from the CIPS online
bookshop for all qualifications. You can also
purchase all essential and desirable reading books
from www.cips.org/bookshop
12 YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS www.cips.org
CIPS website
The website www.cips.org is a valuable source of
information whilst you are studying. Visit it
regularly to find information on:
Examination timetables
Book your assessment online or download
a form
Past papers for revision purposes
Knowledge Works professional resources for
students and practitioners
Supply Management magazine
Every month you will receive Supply Management
as part of your membership benefits. You can also
access an online daily news update. It gives you
relevant news, views, opinions and articles
covering all areas of purchasing and supply chain
management and again is a valuable source of
additional reading and inspiration throughout your
study period. You can also access it online at
www.supplymanagement.com where you can
search the content archive of over 6,000 articles
dating back for five years.
Qualifications update
A further publication especially for students is the
newsletter Qualifications update. Here we bring
you information on examinations and study tips
together with news of fellow students, colleges
and CIPS support network.
CIPS training courses
Many of the CIPS training courses can help to
supplement your studies. They concentrate on
specific areas and can sharpen your knowledge
and skills. Additionally you can benefit from
discounted rates for members. See www.cips.org
for details.
CIPS Branch and member only events
We offer regional member-only events on topical
issues and over 50 UK branches and nine overseas
branches also arrange their own events.
These events offer you the opportunity to meet
other CIPS members. The name of your nearest
branch appears on your membership card and the
website lists forthcoming events and contacts.
Graduation Ceremony
There is an Annual Graduation ceremony to
celebrate your success with your family and
friends.
Progression opportunities
In response to the increasing demand by CIPS
graduates for progression opportunities, CIPS has
built up valuable relationships with a number of
Universities which offer specialist Masters degrees
to CIPS graduates. A full list of these is provided
on the CIPS website, and you should contact the
University direct for further information as the
format, timing and content does vary.
These programmes are also often open to non-
CIPS graduates, providing they can meet the
Universitys standard entry requirements by
qualification and/or experience. Such candidates
can also qualify for MCIPS following the award of
the accredited Masters degree providing they can
evidence three years experience in a position of
responsibility in purchasing and supply.
Equal opportunities
CIPS has responsibilities under the Equal
Opportunities Act, Disability Discrimination Act
and the Office of Qualifications and Examinations
Regulator regulations to ensure that all its
candidates have equal opportunities to reach their
full potential. This means that no candidate will
receive less favourable treatment on the grounds
of gender, colour, ethnicity or national origin,
socio-economic background, disability, religious or
political beliefs, family circumstances, sexual
orientation or other irrelevant distinction.
Reasonable adjustments Shaping
In some instances candidates may require your
adjustments to the assessment process or will
require special consideration at the marking stage future
to give them an equal opportunity.
Please contact your study centre in the first
instance.
The reasonable adjustments policies are available
as downloads from the website.
Complaints
If you are enrolled with a study centre and have
cause to complain about any aspect of the service
you have received, you should take up the
complaint directly with the centre in the first
instance, and follow their formal complaints
procedures. However, you should also ensure that
the CIPS Education Network Manager
(ENM@cips.org) is kept informed through copies
of emails, letters and notes of any meetings held.
CIPS is only able to take up your complaint with a
study centre if you have followed their formal
procedures.
CIPS is committed to offering a high standard of
service to all its customers and a statement
relating to those studying for CIPS qualifications is
available on the website. If you have cause to
complain about the service you have received
from CIPS, you should write, in the first instance to
the Customer Service Manager, who will ensure
that appropriate action is taken.
www.cips.org YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS 13
 Shaping CIPS contacts
your Should you need to contact CIPS see below.
future
Query type Email/telephone

To change any of your contact details

Telephone:
To enquire about subscriptions or renewing your membership +44 (0)845 880 1188
crc@cips.org
To request an examination enrolment form, find a local examination
centre or obtain the conditions of entry to CIPS examinations

For information about alternative routes to membership, including Telephone:

NVQs, accredited degrees and the Management Entry Route or if you
have completed any of these programmes and wish to apply for a +44 (0)1780 756777
membership upgrade customer.services@cips.org

For details of the CIPS qualifications and unit content information

To apply for, pay for or request information on exemptions

Contact: Education Network

Complaint against a study centre
Manager

Complaint about CIPS qualifications Qualifications Manager

Contact: Customer Service

Complaint about customer services
Manager

14 YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS www.cips.org

 Easton House, Easton on the Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3NZ UK
+44 (0)1780 756777 +44 (0)1780 751610 info@cips.org

10/520 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia

1300 765 142 / +61 3 9629 6000 1300 765 143 / +61 3 9620 5488 info@cipsa.com.au

Ground floor, Building B, 48 Sovereign Drive, Route 21 Corporate Park,

Irene X30, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa
+27 12 345 6177 +27 12 345 3309 infosa@cips.org.za

Suite F56, Block 2, Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE

+971 (0) 44 289405 info@cips.org

www.cips.org
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