The core modules that are being updated are:
- Strategic Ethical Leadership (L6M1)
- Global Commerical Strategy (L6M2)
- Global Strategic Supply Chain Management (L6M3)
- Future Strategic Challenges of the Profession (L6M4)
Qualifications
Updates to our Level 6 Professional Diploma
What's new?
We're updating the core syllabus modules and introducing a new elective module in our Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply. These changes reflect the dynamic nature of the profession, keeping the syllabus relevant and aligned with global industry trends.
New Elective Module (6 Credits)
We're introducing a new elective module
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles (L6M11)
In this new module, you'll learn about ESG principles: what they are, why they matter worldwide, and how they apply to procurement and supply. We'll also cover how a company's culture helps keep these ESG principles strong across the entire supply chain.
Updated Version 2 syllabus
We’ll publish the updated syllabus by Thursday 31 July 2025.
The updated core syllabus modules will ensure that your skills will continue to meet the needs of organisations worldwide. Plus, we're refreshing the learning resources for all core modules, updating both the content and the format to enhance your learning experience.
How does this affect you?
Key timeline of the changes
June
2025
CIPS announces updates to L6 Professional Diploma syllabus and study resources.
July
2025
Updated Version 2 syllabus published. New Study Guides, eBooks and eLearning will be available to purchase on cips.org by 31 July 2025.
You can use the current or updated versions of the study resources to prepare for your exams.
October
2025
The new elective module L6M11 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles resource will be available on cips.org by 31 October 2025.
You can use the current or updated versions of the study resources to prepare for your exams.
November
2025
Final opportunity to take the CR exams based on the existing syllabus.
You can use the current or updated versions of the study resources to prepare for your exams.
March
2026
All exams will be based on the updated syllabus including the new elective module. We recommend using the updated resources to prepare for these exams.
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Frequently asked questions
What have you changed in the updated syllabus?
Taking input from learners, tutors and industry-wide experts, we’ve enhanced the syllabus to address global challenges across the procurement and supply chain management profession.
- We've refined some of the learning outcomes and indicative content to align with best practice.
- We’ve introduced a new elective module – L6M11 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles.
When will the new learning resources be available to buy online?
See the updated key timeline above about availability.
For Future Strategic Challenges for the Profession (L6M4), we’ll provide further guidance closer to the release date.
What if I have already bought my study resources – when will I need the new resources?
If you've already purchased study resources, you can continue to use them until the November 2025 exam series.
Because we have not updated the syllabus content in the existing elective modules, you will not need to replace the study resources for them.
From the March 2026 exam series onwards, you should transition to the new core learning resources for exam preparation. Because we have not updated the syllabus
If you choose to use your current core module resources, we recommend supplementing your learning with the CIPS Intelligence Hub, where topic links will be updated after the November 2025 exams. We remind you that you must expect to do wider reading and your own research when preparing for all CIPS exams.
Will number of exams questions change in the updated CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply?
No, the size and structure of the qualification has not changed. The number of Constructed Response (CR) and Objective Response (OR) exam questions will stay the same.