CIPS examinations
Assessment and examinations
From January 2007 you will be assessed by an examination for each unit (unless you have been granted an exemption). There is currently one exception which is the integrative unit at Level 6, Supply Chain Management in Practice, 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 project option.
It is important to read and refer to the Examination Techniques guide. It gives you valuable information on how to answer questions
Format of examination papers
Each unit will be assessed by a three-hour closed book examination with the exception of the
integrative unit at Level 6. The format of the examination papers will be:
- Section A
A case study scenario with two questions based on the information in the case study, each question worth 25 marks. - Section B
You must answer two questions from a choice of four which test your knowledge and understanding. As with Section A, each question will be worth 25 marks.
Level 3, 4 and 5 integrative unit examination papers
The examination papers for the integrative units at Levels 3, 4 and 5 will consist of a case study scenario for which there will be four x 25 mark questions based on the information in the case study. These questions can be a mixture of role play and/or theory, knowledge and understanding.
Level 6 integrative unit – Supply Chain Management in Practice
For this unit, students who are registered with an approved UK study centre, will be able to choose between a work-based project option and an examination.
Supply Chain Management in Practice examination
The examination paper will consist of a large case study based on a realistic organisation. The case study will be sent out to candidates at least four weeks in advance. The assessment will be a three hour open-book examination comprising four x 25 mark questions based on the case study.
Supply Chain Management in Practice project
The project report will have a maximum of 6,000 words and should be presented to a professional standard and format. The content of the project should include:
An introduction including the background, rationale and objective 600 words - weighting 10%
- Review of the theory and the development of a set of predictions 1,300 words - weighting 25%
- Case analysis, including application and synthesis 3,000 words - weighting 50%
- Conclusions and recommendations 600 words - weighting 10%
- Reflective learning statement 500 words - weighting 5%
Full details on the project will be available from your study centre.
Examination pass marks
The following pass marks and grade bands will apply to all units at levels 3,4,5, and 6. For Level 2, the pass mark is 75%.
- 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.
