CIPS OnDemand courses

Syllabus overview

The Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply equips learners with the essential knowledge and tools to understand and improve organisational procurement. Equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree course, learners will receive an extensive overview of the industry-standard competences required to excel in the procurement, purchasing or supply chain profession.

Course modules

The course is made up of eight core modules worth 60 credits in total. You must pass all eight module exams to receive the full 60 credits required to achieve this qualification. The modules are shown below in the recommended order of study, although you can sit modules 1-7 in any order.

All course materials have been written precisely to reflect the latest syllabus updates.

• 1 Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply (L4M1) - 12 credits Learn to identify the key stakeholders in the sourcing process and analyse the procurement cycle, evaluating the influence that procurement and supply has as a source of added value for the organisation.
• 2 Defining Business Need (L4M2) - 6 credits Understand market management and the use of specifications in procurement and supply, along with how to devise a business case for requirements to be sourced from external suppliers.
• 3 Commercial Contracting (L4M3) - 6 credits Describe the key elements and legal aspects of formal commercial contracts, and analyse and interpret the fundamentals of specifications and key performance indicators that are included in contractual arrangements made with suppliers.
• 4 Ethical and Responsible Sourcing (L4M4) - 6 credits Explain the options and associated processes available for sourcing with external suppliers. Examine the legal and ethical impact and the implications of corporate social responsibility on the final sourcing decision.
• 5 Commercial Negotiation (L4M5) - 6 credits Identify key approaches and strategies to successfully achieving negotiated commercial agreements with external organisations. Learn how to prepare for negotiations, what are the stages and how commercial negotiations should be taken.
• 6 Supplier Relationships (L4M6) - 6 credits Analyse the dynamics of relationships in supply chains, examine the processes and procedures for successfully working with stakeholders and understand the concept of partnering.
• 7 Whole Life Asset Management (L4M7) - 6 credits Explain the methods of inventory storage and control and analyse the concept of whole life cost from concept through to disposal. Understand the key elements of inventory control.
• 8 Procurement and Supply in Practice (L4M8) - 12 credits Demonstrate the practical application of the key elements of the procurement cycle in an integrated manner, within a workplace context.

Download the updated Level 4 syllabus

Who it’s for / Entry requirements

Who is this qualification for?

The Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply is the perfect starting point for graduates new to the profession or individuals with more than two years in a relevant operational role looking to:

• Level-up their career with better skills and enhanced employability
• Gain recognition for existing skills
• Achieve a globally recognised qualification
• Bring value to their organisation by improving its processes
• Work towards MCIPS Chartered Status.

Progression opportunities

MCIPS Chartered Status is recognised worldwide as the gold standard for excellence in procurement and supply. Learners can work towards this by progressing through the CIPS training pathway with the following qualifications:

• Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply
• Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply

These advanced qualification levels further develop the knowledge and skills required to enhance organisational procurement processes and access senior level roles, helping you boost your career and bring value to your profession.

Entry requirements

This course is designed for individuals with any of the following:

• A minimum of at least two A-levels (or international equivalent)
• A CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate qualification
• A minimum of two years’ relevant experience in a business environment.

The course is currently taught in English only.

Accessing my course

MyKaplan - your online study space

When you purchase and register on the course, your learning resources will become accessible via MyKaplan, a dynamic, leading-edge learning management system that enables you to login and learn across multiple devices, anywhere, at any time. Once payment has been taken, access to your course can take up to one hour to become available.

You will receive 12 months access to all eight interactive study modules for the Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply. There is an option to pay to extend the access to your course for six months, if you need a little more time to complete and progress to the next level.

If you are an existing CIPS OnDemand student, you can login to your MyKaplan account to access your resources now.

System requirements

MyKaplan is the digital study space that securely houses all your course materials. It is supported by the latest versions of the following browsers:

• Microsoft Edge
• Mozilla Firefox
• Google Chrome
• Apple Safari

If you attempt to access MyKaplan using an older browser version, you may be prompted with a warning pop up. If you are using an older unmaintained browser version, you will be prevented from accessing the site entirely.

You can also take the following steps to boost your learning experience:

• Enable Javascript and cookies within your browser
• Disable pop-up blocking applications, as they may prevent learning content from loading successfully
• Use broadband for a faster, more reliable connection.

MyCIPS - your membership account

When you register for a CIPS OnDemand course, you should also apply to become a CIPS student member on the CIPS website. You will need membership status to book your exams when you are ready.

Once you become a student member, you will receive a login to your MyCIPS account, where you can manage your exams and membership.

Learn more about membership and MyCIPS at www.cips.org

Costs and payment

What does my fee include?

This fee includes 12 months access to online guided learning for all eight modules within the Level 4 course, complete with your suite of digital study resources in MyKaplan and unlimited access to support from subject experts.

There is an option to pay for a course extension to extend your access once for six months if you need a little more time to study and prepare for your exams.

The fee does not include exams or CIPS membership. Visit the CIPS Cost of Studying page to learn more about exam costs and membership fees.

How can I pay for my course?

The current methods of payment available for online purchases are credit/debit cards and Paypal, Visa, Mastercard and AMEX payments are also accepted.

If you are living in the UK, there is also an option to invoice your employer or to take out a payment plan.

Learn more about funding and payment

Exams and CIPS membership

Exams

Am I ready to take my exam?

Once you have worked through the study resources for each learning outcome within a module and completed the knowledge check quizzes, exam-based questions and practice assessment, you should feel confident and fully prepared to take your exam.

And we’re here to ensure you don’t forget to book it.

As part of the guided learning experience offered by CIPS OnDemand, you will receive helpful prompts at key moments during your studies to book your exam. Another reason to study with CIPS OnDemand.

How can I book my exams?

CIPS OnDemand courses do not include exams or CIPS membership.

To book an exam with CIPS, you first need to become a CIPS student member. Membership offers a wealth of benefits in addition to easy exam booking, some of which are outlined in the membership section below.

You can apply to become a student member by completing a form on the CIPS website.

Once your membership status is confirmed, you will receive login details for your MyCIPS account, which you can access from CIPS’ website. You can now book your exam using CIPS online booking tool.

Once you have booked your exam, you will receive confirmation in the MyExams area of your MyCIPS account, where you can also view your exam result when it’s published.

When can I take my exams?

CIPS exams are computer-based and are available to sit four or five times per year. Depending on the type of exam you are sitting, you can enter for your exam sitting in March, May, July, September or November. You can enter for these exams up to eight weeks before, giving you lots of time to study and prepare.

View the full CIPS exam schedule along with result publication dates at cips.org

Where can I sit my exams?

Find your nearest exam centre from 400+ globally accessible locations worldwide.

If you would prefer not to travel to an exam centre, you can choose to sit the exams remotely. More information on booking your remote invigilation is available at cips.org.

CIPS membership

It’s easy to apply to become a CIPS student member. You simply complete the form on CIPS’ website and wait for email confirmation. As a member, you will enjoy a wealth of benefits including:

• Easy exam booking and access to results from your MyCIPS account
• Professional recognition of your skills as member of the globally recognised standard for procurement and supply
• Exclusive access to CIPS member resources, networking events and expert insights
• Member discounts on CIPS products and services including skills training courses to enhance your potential

Apply to become a CIPS student member now or book your exams at cips.org.

CIPS study materials

CIPS OnDemand courses provide access to interactive study modules and resources with full syllabus coverage, so when exam time arrives, you'll be prepared to pass. CIPS Level 4 Study Guides are not included.

Although not necessary, if you feel you need to supplement your learning, you can buy Study Guides from the CIPS online bookshop and also access the latest industry research and tips, organised by topic, in the Intelligence Hub.

CIPS online bookshop

CIPS Intelligence Hub