Study Resources - Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations

Learning outcomes, exam criteria and indicative content

Select a module below to view learning outcomes, exam criteria and indicative content:

Study Guides and eBooks

Each module has a study guide available in hard copy now and as an eBook (available at the end of March 2019).

Following consultation with our studying community we understand that CIPS students learn in a variety of different ways so we’ve completely redesigned our resources. The study text and elearning are aligned to the learning outcomes as set out in each syllabus in a fresh, easy to read format. You can explore key procurement and supply topics in-depth, linking to CIPS Knowledge to provide access to a full range of learning resources.

• Introducing Procurement and Supply (L2M1)
• Procurement and Supply Operations (L2M2)
• Stakeholder Relationships (L2M3)
• Systems Technology (L2M4)
• Inventory, Logistics and Expediting (L2M5)

eLearning
Available from March 2019, CIPS elearning is an additional learning resource which complements our study guides. View sample elearning.

Recommended Reading

• Procurement and Supply Chain Management
  Lysons and Farrington

Check out the format and style of questions that you will encounter in exams:

• Introducing Procurement and Supply (L2M1)
• Procurement and Supply Operations (L2M2)
• Stakeholder Relationships (L2M3)
• Systems Technology (L2M4)
• Inventory, Logistics and Expediting (L2M5)

Access CIPS Knowledge a free member only resource designed to support you as you study for each exam.

Select a module to see related white papers and resources for each learning outcome:

L2M1 | L2M2 | L2M3 | L2M4 | L2M5

1.0  Understand the role of procurement and supply within organisations 

• Procurement team
• Supply chain governance

2.0  Understand the organisational impact of procurement and supply 

• Collaborative working

3.0  Know how products and services are received from suppliers and delivered to customers

• Setting KPIs
• Outsourcing / offshoring and insourcing

4.0  Know the stages of the sourcing process 

• Procurement cycle

5.0  Understand the need for the effective and efficient administration of purchases made with external suppliers 

• Setting KPIs
• Terms and conditions and the developing of contracts

6.0  Know the importance of ethics and responsible procurement in organisations and supply chains

• Ethical and sustainable procurement
• CIPS code of conduct

1.0  Know the types of organisations and how they operate

• Public sector services
• Marketing / marketing services

2.0  Know the components of contractual agreements

• Developing and managing contracts

3.0  Understand sources of information on suppliers and customers 

• Supplier evaluation and appraisal

4.0  Understand pricing methods used for the purchasing of goods or services

• Models (SC / sourcing / procurement / costs)

1.0  Know the stakeholders in procurement and supply

• Stakeholders

2.0  Know the key market factors that impact on a procurement and supply function

• Stakeholders
• Cartels / competition

3.0  Understand the techniques associated with successful and effective communication in procurement and supply

• Soft skills

4.0  Know approaches for conflict resolution with stakeholders in procurement and supply

• Conflict resolution

1.0  Understand the use of systems technology and databases and how they contribute to procurement and supply

• eSourcing / eProcurement systems P2P

2.0  Know types of systems for supplier selection, ordering and payment

• eSourcing / eProcurement systems P2P

3.0  Know why quality management is important in procurement and supply

• Continuous improvement

1.0  Know the key elements of effective inventory control

• Stock control
• Warehousing

2.0  Understand the principles and processes associated with effective logistics control

• Freight

3.0  Know how effective expediting can be achieved in procurement and supply

• Freight

Other study and exam guidance

• In the News - illustrate your exam answers with relevant examples from these highlighted international news stories.
• Exam guidance - make sure you understand how to optimise your study time.
• Networking - get in touch with your local branch and social media networks to get peer support. 
• November 18 Certificate results external report

Having some issues studying a module?

You may want to consider getting further support with a CIPS approved study centre and access structured, tutor-led learning to be certain that you have thoroughly covered the whole syllabus ahead of your exam.

Completed CIPS Certificate in Procurement and Supply?

Progress to the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations or CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply, depending upon your experience.