YOUR GUIDE TO CIPS QUALIFICATIONS

Shaping your future

INTERNATIONAL

Foreword
Shaping your future

Welcome. You have already taken the important first steps towards professionalism by enrolling to study the qualifications of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply. Here at CIPS we will do all that we can to help you through the next stages which we hope will contribute to a successful career. As a profession, purchasing and supply is increasingly being seen as a strategic business discipline, involving a growing number of highly specialised roles. The supply chain is becoming ever more complex, presenting those in the profession with many new challenges, from changing market structures ushered in by globalisation and the growing economic strength of developing countries, to technology, global events and trends towards ethical and fair trading. CIPS qualifications are widely regarded as an international benchmark of excellence, enhancing standards of professionalism and performance throughout purchasing and supply. We are confident that our education awards will continue to help professionals and organisations meet the new challenges and realise their potential. CIPS is accredited and regulated as an Awarding Body by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual). Ours are vocationally related qualifications within the National Database of Accredited Qualifications. CIPS wishes you every possible success and looks forward to acknowledging each level of achievement. Amanda OBrien Director of Professional Development

Contents
Membership CIPS awards and membership grades Our standards How and where to study Overview of CIPS qualifications Entry requirements Exemptions Assessment and examinations 4 6 7 7 8 8 9 9

CIPS support for students Progression opportunities Equal opportunities Reasonable adjustments Complaints CIPS contacts

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Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to provide you with a reference point for all the queries you may have whilst you are studying for a CIPS qualification. It may not always give you the detailed answer you need, but it will signpost you to other sources where the appropriate information may be found. CIPS makes extensive use of its website www.cips.org to support students. However, if you do not have access to the website then we can arrange to supply the documents referred to in hard copy, so please do ask. The customer services team is available to answer your letters, telephone calls and emails, and to speed up the response to your enquiry, the contact details for the most common enquiries are given at the back of this guide. It is essential that you always quote your membership reference number and ensure that you let us know of any changes to your contact details at home and at work.

Membership
In order to study and take examinations for a CIPS qualification you need to register as a studying member which means you will be able to access a range of membership benefits and study support. As a professional body, CIPS encourages those working in purchasing and supply to achieve an appropriate level of qualification to enable them to do their job better and to strive to improve their career prospects. Ambitions and needs vary and, therefore, all CIPS qualifications are linked to a progressive ladder of awards and membership grades in recognition of achievement at all levels. If you achieve the Graduate diploma in purchasing and supply you will be eligible for full membership which entitles you to use the designatory letters, MCIPS, providing you can evidence at least three years experience in a position of responsibility in purchasing and supply. This experience can be gained prior to or during the study period, and will require simple verification.

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Ambitions and needs vary and, therefore, all CIPS qualifications are linked to a progressive ladder of awards and membership in recognition of achievement at all levels.

Shaping your future

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CIPS awards and membership grades

CIPS international awards International certificate in purchasing and supply International advanced certificate in purchasing and supply CIPS membership grade on completion Certificate member For students registered with international study centres For students registered with international study centres

Diploma member

The following table lists the names of the CIPS awards and the CIPS membership grade gained on achievement of each award. The parity with UK national qualifications and the level in the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ) is also shown. CIPS award Level 3 Certificate in purchasing and supply Level 4 Foundation diploma in purchasing and supply Level 5 Advanced diploma in purchasing and supply Level 6 Graduate diploma in purchasing and supply NDAQ ref 100/6111/3 CIPS membership grade on completion Certificate Member UK national qualifications parity A levels NVQ Level 3 Year 1 of degree programme Foundation degrees Higher National Diplomas Bachelors (Honours) degrees NVQ Level 4

100/6112/5

Diploma Member

100/6113/7

Associate Member

100/6114/9

Full Member (MCIPS) providing 3 years experience in a position of responsibility in purchasing and supply can be evidenced

Entry requirements
Before you start your studies you should consider what level on the ladder is appropriate for you, based on your education and experience. There are no entry requirements for the international qualifications or those at Levels 2 and 3. To start the Level 4 Foundation diploma, you should have at least two A-levels (or international equivalent) or a Level 3 qualification. Students without any prior qualifications must have at least two years experience in a business environment. For individual advice, you should contact our customer services team.

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We want you to have the best possible chance to achieve the award that you set out to study

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Our standards
The standards of all CIPS qualifications are extremely important, not only to maintain the integrity of the Institute itself, but to raise the standards of those working in the profession so that they are able to make a valuable contribution to their organisations and so achieve greater recognition. Qualifications which you obtain from CIPS must therefore be fit for purpose and have good quality assurance systems in place. The regulatory authorities for qualifications in the UK provide a service to the public which is designed to give confidence to you and your employer in those awarding bodies and qualifications which gain recognition through their systems and procedures. CIPS is accredited and regulated as an Awarding Body by the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulator (Ofqual). Ours are vocationally related qualifications within the National Database of Accredited Qualifications (NDAQ). More information can be found on the CIPS website and on www.ofqual.gov.uk. For full details on the NDAQ visit http://www.accreditedqualifications.org.uk CIPS qualifications are in the Business, Administration and Law sector of the NQF, Sector 15.3

How and where to study

Once you have established and agreed where your starting point is, and which units you need to complete in that qualification, you will need to look at the options for studying. You may already have been to a local college or CIPS approved study centre and enrolled on the most suitable programme for you. Do check that this corresponds with the CIPS assessment of your starting point. However, if you have not yet enrolled at a college, you will need to assess the various study options and how they might suit you, your personality, your working practices, your personal life and general accessibility. CIPS believes that choice is important. Because of this, as well as local provision in approved study centres, distance learning, intensive modular programmes, flexible study and self-study opportunities exist. CIPS approved study centres are listed on our website. Contact the centre directly for programmes offered, start dates and timetables, together with general information on fees and facilities.

Progressing through the levels

It is advisable to progress through the levels in sequence so that you gain the under-pinning knowledge as you move up the qualifications ladder. You must complete all the units for a level before you will achieve that award and its certificate.

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Overview of CIPS qualifications

Unit content guides for each level are available on the website www.cips.org and printed copies are also available. The guides detail the statements of practice, learning objectives and the guided learning hours for each unit. International Certificates each have five compulsory units. At Levels 3 to 6 you need to complete five units for each level. Level 3 and 6 have an integrative unit, designed to draw together the knowledge and understanding achieved in the other units and to demonstrate how these units combine and integrate in a working environment. It is strongly recommended that integrative units (highlighted with a * below) should always be taken after the core units have been completed. CIPS Award International Certificate in Purchasing and Supply Units to be studied Understanding purchasing principles Selecting the right supplier Effective negotiation in purchasing and supply Managing inventory The business environment for purchasing and supply Analysing the supply market An Introduction to purchasing strategy Preparing and managing contracts International logistics Measuring performance in purchasing and supply Understanding the purchasing environment Purchasing operations Client and supplier relationships Securing supply Purchasing in action*

International Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply

Level 3 Certificate in Purchasing and Supply

Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

Effective negotiation in purchasing and supply Developing contracts in purchasing and supply Measuring purchasing performance Managing purchasing and supply relationships Purchasing contexts Management in the purchasing function Risk management and supply chain vulnerability Improving supply chain performance Optional units, choose two: Marketing for purchasers Storage and distribution Operations management in the supply chain The machinery of government Contracting in the public sector Sustainable procurement Leading and influencing in purchasing Strategic supply chain management Supply chain management in practice* Optional units, choose two: Legal aspects in purchasing and supply Advanced project management Finance for purchasers Strategic public sector programme management Public sector stakeholders and governance

Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

Level 6 Graduate Diploma in Purchasing and Supply

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Exemptions
Before you commence your studies, you need to consider if you could gain exemption from any of the CIPS units. We recognise that you may have had previous experiences and qualifications which have contributed to your learning and development, and that recognition should be given if you can evidence these to be relevant to specific units within the CIPS qualifications. We do not wish you to repeat studies unnecessarily, but want to ensure that you have the right level and depth of knowledge and understanding of each unit. Such recognition is often referred to as exemption, and this is on a unit by unit basis. You can apply for unit exemptions from any level at the start of your studies, if preferred, or as you commence each level. If you believe that you have achieved the standard and content of a particular unit or level, please ask our Customer Services Team for details of the exemption application process or see www.cips.org. A fee will be payable for each unit exemption.

Assessment and examinations

Each unit is assessed by a three hour examination (unless granted an exemption). CIPS examinations are paper-based. The examination questions test the learning objectives of the CIPS unit content for each unit. The unit content guides are available to download from www.cips.org Refer to the study resources section of the website which gives you valuable information on studying and examination preparation. Dont forget to take appropriate 'tools' to the examination with you, for example a non-programmable calculator as some units test financial aspects of purchasing and supply and there may be the requirement to undertake calculations. Please refer to the enrolment guidelines for CIPS rules for examinations.

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Format of examination papers for the units within the International Certificate and International Advanced Certificate in Purchasing and Supply Each unit will be assessed by a three-hour closed book examination. The format of the examination papers will be: Section A Ten multiple-choice questions, each with four possible options (A, B, C and D) from which candidates have to identify one correct answer. Each question is worth 2 marks. Section B Six short-answer questions which test knowledge. Each question is worth 5 marks. Section C Three essay-style questions which test knowledge and understanding. Question 17 and 18 are each worth 15 marks. Question 19 is based on a mini case study, approximately 300 words in length, giving a scenario upon which to base answers. Question 19 is worth 20 marks in total and is broken down in to several parts. Format of examination papers for units within Levels 3, 4, 5 and 6 Each unit will be assessed by a three-hour closed book examination with the exception of L3-05 Purchasing in action and at L6-03 Supply chain management in practice. The format of the examination papers is:

Section A A case study with two questions based on the information in the case study. Each question is worth 25 marks. Section B Two questions must be answered from a choice of four which test knowledge and understanding. Each question is worth 25 marks. L3-05 Purchasing in action This unit is assessed by a three-hour closed-book examination. The format of the examination is a case study scenario with four questions based on the information in the case study. Each question is worth 25 marks. These questions can be a mixture of role play and/or theory, knowledge and understanding. L6-03 Supply chain management in practice A case study based on a realistic organisation is sent out to candidates and published on the website at least four weeks in advance of the examination date to allow candidates to analyse the information and prepare for the examination. The case study is approximately 20 pages in length. The assessment will be a three hour openbook examination comprising four questions based on the case study. Each question is worth 25 marks.

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The website www.cips.org is a valuable source of information whilst you are studying. Visit it regularly to find information.

Examination pass marks The following pass marks and grade bands will apply to all units at Levels 3-6. Distinction Credit Pass Fail 75 - 100% 60 - 74% 50 - 59% 0 - 49%

The examination entry dates are as follows:

2011 & 2012 schedule Entry closure Exam period Results published

July 27 May 11 18-20 July 11 5 October 11

November 16 September 11 14-18 November 11 1 February 12

May 16 March 12 14-18 May 12 1 August 12

It should be noted that the exit award at each Level is not graded. Past examination papers Past examination question papers and examination reports for each unit are available on the website. International Examination timetable We hold three examination sessions each year, to a set timetable, which cannot be varied under any circumstances. Full examination timetables and unit titles are published on the website. As long as you are registered as an active student, we will send you SMS and email alerts to advise you when exam entry is open. Its important to ensure that we have your up to date contact details. Available examination centres and fees are clearly shown at www.cips.org

You may enter for as many units as you wish in one sitting, but obviously you cannot enter for two units which may be scheduled to take place at the same time. Examinations are held across the world but if there is no examination centre listed in your region, please contact the CIPS examinations team.

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Results and Certificates Examination results for external examinations will be mailed to you. They will also be made available on the CIPS website simultaneously and you will be able to access these by using your membership number and password. Certificates for each level of qualification will be issued approximately one month after the results have been made available. When you have completed the award of Level 6 Graduate diploma you will also be asked to have your experience verified so that you can be upgraded to full membership (MCIPS) if appropriate. Assessment appeals If you disagree with the grade awarded for a unit, you may wish to appeal against it. You may apply using an application form from the website and your assessment will be marked again by a different assessor. For more information and details of the fee, go to qualifications/policies and procedures section on www.cips.org If the grade originally awarded is changed as a result of the appeal, the fee will be refunded. Please go to www.cips.org to download the current Assessment Appeals Procedure, which can be found in the qualifications/policies and procedures section of the website.

CIPS website The website www.cips.org is a valuable source of information whilst you are studying. Visit it regularly to find information on: Examination timetables Book your assessment online or download a form Past papers for revision purposes Resources professional resources for students and practitioners

Supply Management magazine Every month you will receive Supply Management as part of your membership benefits. You can also access an online daily update. It gives you relevant news, views, opinions and articles covering all areas of purchasing and supply chain management and again is a valuable source of additional reading and inspiration throughout your study period. You can also access it online at www.supplymanagement.com where you can search the content archive of over 6,000 articles dating back for five years. Qualifications update A further publication especially for students is the newsletter Qualifications update. Here we bring you information on examinations and study tips together with news of fellow students, colleges and CIPS support network. CIPS training courses Many of the CIPS training courses can help to supplement your studies. They concentrate on specific areas and can sharpen your knowledge and skills. Additionally you can benefit from discounted rates for members. See www.cips.org for details.

CIPS support for students

Whichever study method you decide is best for you, CIPS offers course books and essential reading material to support you. Whichever qualifications you are aiming to achieve, it is always good practice to read and investigate the topic as widely as possible. Study packs are available from the CIPS online bookshop for all qualifications. You can also purchase all essential and desirable reading books from www.cips.org/bookshop

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CIPS Branch and member only events We offer regional member-only events on topical issues and over 50 UK branches and nine overseas branches also arrange their own events. These events offer you the opportunity to meet other CIPS members. The name of your nearest branch appears on your membership card and the website lists forthcoming events and contacts. Graduation Ceremony There is an Annual Graduation ceremony to celebrate your success with your family and friends.

Reasonable adjustments
In some instances candidates may require adjustments to the assessment process or will require special consideration at the marking stage to give them an equal opportunity. Please contact your study centre in the first instance. The reasonable adjustments policies are available as downloads from the website.

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Complaints
If you are enrolled with a study centre and have cause to complain about any aspect of the service you have received, you should take up the complaint directly with the centre in the first instance, and follow their formal complaints procedures. However, you should also ensure that the CIPS Education Network Manager (ENM@cips.org) is kept informed through copies of emails, letters and notes of any meetings held. CIPS is only able to take up your complaint with a study centre if you have followed their formal procedures. CIPS is committed to offering a high standard of service to all its customers and a statement relating to those studying for CIPS qualifications is available on the website. If you have cause to complain about the service you have received from CIPS, you should write, in the first instance to the Customer Services Manager, who will ensure that appropriate action is taken.

Progression opportunities
In response to the increasing demand by CIPS graduates for progression opportunities, CIPS has built up valuable relationships with a number of Universities which offer specialist Masters degrees to CIPS graduates. A full list of these is provided on the CIPS website, and you should contact the University direct for further information as the format, timing and content does vary. These programmes are also often open to nonCIPS graduates, providing they can meet the Universitys standard entry requirements by qualification and/or experience. Such candidates can also qualify for MCIPS following the award of the accredited Masters degree providing they can evidence three years experience in a position of responsibility in purchasing and supply.

Equal opportunities
CIPS has responsibilities under the Equal Opportunities Act, Disability Discrimination Act and the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulator regulations to ensure that all its candidates have equal opportunities to reach their full potential. This means that no candidate will receive less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, colour, ethnicity or national origin, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political beliefs, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.

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CIPS contacts Should you need to contact CIPS see below.

Query type Update your contact details Web/email/telephone

www.cips.org/MyCIPS
Renew your membership Book assessments online or to request an examination enrolment form, find a local examination centre or obtain the conditions of entry to CIPS examinations For information about alternative routes to membership, including NVQs, accredited degrees and the Management Entry Route or if you have completed any of these programmes and wish to apply for a membership upgrade For details of the CIPS qualifications and unit content information To apply for, pay for or request information on exemptions Complaint against a study centre Complaint about CIPS qualifications Complaint about customer services Contact: Education Network Manager Qualifications Manager Contact: Customer Service Manager Telephone: +44 (0)845 880 1188 crc@cips.org

Telephone: +44 (0)1780 756777

customer.services@cips.org

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Easton House, Easton on the Hill, Stamford, Lincolnshire, PE9 3NZ UK +44 (0)1780 756777 +44 (0)1780 751610 info@cips.org

10/520 Collins Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Australia 1300 765 142 / +61 3 9629 6000 1300 765 143 / +61 3 9620 5488 info@cipsa.com.au

Ground floor, Building B, 48 Sovereign Drive, Route 21 Corporate Park, Irene X30, Centurion, Pretoria, South Africa +27 12 345 6177 +27 12 345 3309 infosa@cips.org.za

Suite F56, Block 2, Knowledge Village, Dubai, UAE +971 (0) 44 289405 info@cips.org

www.cips.org
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