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Level 5

CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Grow in confidence as you take your next step towards MCIPS Chartered Status

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What is CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply?

This qualification marks the next step on your qualifications journey to MCIPS Chartered Status. It will help you to grow in confidence, improve organisational procurement and fulfil objectives. You’ll get to grips with key aspects of risks in supply chains, approaches to managing teams and processing and evaluating contracts. This Ofqual regulated qualification is equivalent to ta second year of an undergraduate degree.

 
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Who is it for?

Building on your knowledge and understanding gained at CIPS Level 4 Diploma, your learning will develop to a higher level. You will focus on how to deal with key aspects of risk and mitigation of those risks; processing and evaluation of contracts and their legal implications and impacts. New in 2025 we’ve introduced Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations into this syllabus. On completion of this qualification, you can expect to improve your overall organisational procurement and supply performance to fulfil your organisational objectives.

 

 

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What are the entry requirements?

Following successful completion of the Level 4 Diploma, you’re next step towards applying to become MCIPS Chartered Status is the Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

It is based at the same level as the second year of an undergraduate degree course.

 
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How will it be assessed?

You will need to complete five core modules and then choose three elective modules from a choice of six. Each module will be assessed by computer-based exams which you can choose to take at one of our global exam venues or by remote inviglation in the comfort of your own home or office.

We use Constructed Responses (CR) essay style questions and answers and Objective Response (OR) exam formats.

The OR exam format means that you will be given a choice of answers to the questions, and you will be expected to determine the correct answer.

 
 

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Frequently asked questions

How long will it take to complete this qualification?
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Once you’ve completed the Level 4 Diploma you can start on the Level 5 Advanced Diploma as soon as you’re ready. Our approach to your learning and exam schedule is completely flexible, simply book your exams when you feel prepared. With five exam opportunities each year, we recommend allowing 12- 15 months to finish the qualification.

The notional Ofqual Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 600 hrs, this represents the time you might typically take to complete this qualification.

TQT consists of the following:

  • Guided learning time is 250 hours
    This includes lectures, tutorials, and practicals, as well as supervised study in learning centres and workshops. If you choose to study on your own, we have lots of CIPS member resources for you that will enhance your studies.
  • Self-study requirement is 335 hours
    Additionally, we recommend that you also commit to at least 335 SSR hours. This includes wider reading of the subject areas and revision to give yourself the best preparation for successfully achieving the qualification. This can include resources such as the CIPS Intelligence Hub, attending webinars, listening to relevant podcasts and using our online exam resources.
  • Total exam time is 15 hours
How will I be assessed?
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All modules will be assessed by computer-based exams. We use Constructed Responses (CR) which are essay style questions and answers and Objective Response (OR) exam formats. The OR exam format means that you will be given a choice of answers to the questions, and you will be expected to determine the correct answer.

  • OR exam pass rate 70%
  • CR exam pass rate 50%

    • On successful completion of five core modules and your chosen three modules you’ll become an Associate Member, and your next steps will be the CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply.

    Find out more about our exam formats and the resources and resources policies that will support you.

How should I prepare for my exam?
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We have lots of study and exam resources for you to prepare for exams. This includes study guides, eBooks, eLearning and eRevision. As well as links to our Intelligence Hub for knowledge and guidance linked to learning outcomes in the syllabus. There are also lots of freely available exam resources along with sample exam questions and answers and marker reports.

Find your Level 5 Level 5 Advanced Diploma Study Resources

 

Flexible study options to suit all learning styles

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Self-study

Study on your own

Study our qualifications on your own and at your own pace. We have lots of study resources, guides and social media networks that you can join for some additional support too. If you're choosing to self-study you'll need to book your own exam and manage your learning.

Explore self-study option

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CIPS OnDemand

Guided online course

With a 92% pass rate, this guided online course offers a flexible, yet structured study programme designed to keep you motivated and secure exam success.

Choose to buy individual modules or enrol on a full course. Get your 5-day free trial.​

Access the free trial

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Study centre

Study in a group

Choose to study at one of our approved study centres, either in the classroom or at a distance. Benefit from structured tutor led learning, that will help you prepare for your upcoming exams. You'll join a community of like-minded professionals to share ideas from other industries too.

Find out more

The syllabus

The qualification is worth 60 credits and you’ll need to pass each exam to achieve the award. We are currently updating this qualification.

What are credits?

Credits are a way of quantifying the number of study hours you'll need to complete the qualification. We suggest that for each credit you should plan to dedicate 10 hours of study time. For example a 3 credit module you should plan for 30 hours studying and taking the exam. Five core modules make up 42 of the required credits.Three elective modules will make 18 of the required credits.

Select a module below for more information:

Choose three elective modules to make up the final remaining 18 credits:

Useful links

CIPS qualifications are regulated internationally to ensure we offer a recognised, professional standard in procurement and supply. CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a vocationally related professional qualification. Formal recognition is included within the regulatory frameworks of an increasing number of countries such as the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), Dubai, Trinidad & Tobago, Botswana and Ghana. Further information on this recognition and the details of corresponding qualifications levels for other international qualifications frameworks are detailed here.The qualification accreditation number is Ref: 603/3925/1.
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Find out more about the updates made to this qualification in 2024: Level 5 Advanced Diploma Update