Your first step towards moving forward into an exciting new career
Start your CIPS journey today. Join as a Student member and begin with one of our Level 2, 3 or 4 entry qualifications.
Join CIPSThe syllabus
The qualification is worth 18 credits and you’ll need to pass each exam to achieve the award.
What are credits?
Credits are a way of quantifying the number of study hours you'll need to complete the qualification. For each credit you should plan to dedicate 10 hours of study time. E.G for a 3 credit module you should plan for 30 hours studying and taking the exam. Five core modules make up the required 18 credits.
Select a module below for more information:
For more information, download the full syllabus
Frequently asked questions
Everyone learns at a different pace, and you’ll have your own personal circumstances to consider before deciding to start a qualification. Our approach to your learning is completely flexible, we won’t set a start or end date for your first exam, simply book your exam when you’re ready! Our exams are available five times a year, March, May, July, September (OR exams only) and November and you’ll be able to enter for these exams up to eight weeks before, giving you lots of time to study. Take a look at the typical amounts of time required to achieve this qualification below.
The Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 180 hrs, this indicates the overall number of guided learning hours, additional self-study and assessment time that is required.
TQT consists of the following:
- Guided learning time is 120 hours
The definition of guided learning hours is: ‘A measure of the amount of input time required to achieve the qualification. This includes lectures, tutorials and practicals, as well as supervised study in learning centres and workshops. - Self-study requirement is 54 hours
Additionally, we recommend that you also commit to at least 54 SSR hours. This includes wider reading of the subject areas and revision to give yourself the best preparation for successfully achieving the qualification. - Total exam time is 6 hours
All the modules in CIPS qualifications are assessed by computer-based exams.
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 2 Diploma Study Resources
Your study options
We understand that everyone has a different learning style, circumstances and time available to study, that’s why we have lots of flexible options to choose from. Whether you choose to study independently or with a study centre, we’re here to support you, every step of the way.
CIPS qualifications are regulated internationally to ensure we offer a recognised, professional standard in procurement and supply. CIPS Level 2 Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations 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: 603/3282/7.