Assessments
Introduction to examinations and work based assessments
Students are assessed by an examination for each unit (unless you are granted an exemption).
The examination questions test the learning objectives of the CIPS unit content for each unit. The Unit Content Guides are available under Awards and Content
Please also refer to the enrolment guidelines for CIPS rules for examinations.
CIPS examinations are paper-based with the exception of the e-test for the Level 2 Introductory Certificate in Purchasing and Supply.
If you wish to self study, please read the Examination Centre Provision for Self Study Learners
Format of examination papers for units within Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6
Each unit will be assessed by a three-hour closed book examination with the exception of L3-05 Purchasing in action and at L6-03 Supply chain management in practice. 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.
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
This unit is an exception, which has an assessment choice of an open book case study examination or a work-based project. Currently only students who are registered with an approved UK study centre, will be able to choose the work-based assessment (project) option. 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.
Question paper format - case study summary
| Qualification Level |
Case study word count |
Case study number of pages |
| Level 3 |
Approx 400 |
Approx 1 |
| Level 4 |
Approx 500 |
Approx 1 - 1/2 |
| Level 5 |
Approx 700 |
Approx 1 1/2 - 2 |
| Level 6* |
Approx 900 |
Approx 2 |
*All units with the exception of L6-03 Supply chain management in practice (see notes above)
Work-based assessments
There is also 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.
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).
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.
Format of examination papers for the units within the International Certificate and International Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply
Each unit will be assessed by a three-hour closed book examination. The format of the examination papers will be:
- Section A - Ten multiple-choice questions, each with four possible options (A, B, C and D) from which candidates have to identify one correct answer. Each question is worth 2 marks.
- Section B - Six short-answer questions which test knowledge. Each question is worth 5 marks.
- Section C - Three essay-style questions which test knowledge and understanding. Question 17 and 18 are each worth 15 marks. Question 19 is based on a mini case study, approximately 300 words in length, giving a scenario upon which to base answers. Question 19 is worth 20 marks in total and is broken down in to several parts.
For past examination papers for each unit please visit the study resources pages within the study and qualify area. Part 3 of The Exam Techniques Guide focusses on examinations for the International Qualification units.
Level 2 Introductory Certificate e-test
Currently only students who are registered with an approved study centre, will be able to take the Level 2 e-test. This qualification is available at UK study centres approved by CIPS to offer e-assessment. The assessment is a one hour e-test, comprising 40 multiple choice questions, each with four possible options from which candidates have to select one correct answer. The pass mark is 75%.
Examination and work-based assessment pass marks and grades
The following pass marks and grade bands apply to all units at for the International Qualification and for the qualifications at Levels 3, 4, 5, and 6. Distinction 75 - 100%
- Credit 60 - 74%
- Pass 50 - 59%
- Fail 0 - 49%
It should be noted that the exit award at each level is not graded.