Overview
CIPS, the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, is a UK-based professional body for procurement and supply chain staff. It offers qualifications at Level 2, Level 3, Level 4 (Diploma), Level 5 (Advanced Diploma) and Level 6 (Professional Diploma). The Level 4, Level 5 and Level 6 qualifications are Ofqual regulated, and CIPS describes Level 6 as equivalent to an honours degree. Level 4 is the highest entry point, and finishing Level 6 makes you eligible to apply for MCIPS status.
Each qualification is built from modules. You sit one computer-based exam per module and must pass every module exam to earn the award.
Who can apply
Level 4 Diploma: CIPS says this suits people with two or more years of business experience in a business environment. It is the highest entry point into the CIPS qualifications.
Level 5 Advanced Diploma: This follows the Level 4 Diploma.
Level 6 Professional Diploma: CIPS suggests starting it once you have completed the Level 5 Advanced Diploma.
Level 2 and Level 3: The Certificate and Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations. Check the CIPS qualifications page for their entry rules.
CIPS also offers qualification exemptions; see its website for how they work.
Levels or stages
Level 2 Certificate and Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
These two operations-focused certificates sit below the Level 4 Diploma. See the CIPS qualifications page for their modules.
Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Eight compulsory modules worth 60 credits, each assessed by a computer-based exam, including Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply, Defining Business Need, Commercial Contracting, Ethical and Responsible Sourcing, and Commercial Negotiation. Total exam time is 15 hours, and CIPS suggests about 12 months, with five exam opportunities a year. Passing all eight modules makes you a Diploma Member.
Level 5 Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Five core modules worth 42 credits: Managing Teams and Individuals, Managing Supply Chain Risk, Managing Contractual Risk, Advanced Contract and Financial Management, and Managing Ethical Procurement and Supply. You then choose three electives worth 18 credits, such as Category Management, Achieving Competitive Advantage Through the Supply Chain, Project and Change Management, or Operations Management.
Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Four core modules worth 42 credits: Strategic Ethical Leadership, Global Commercial Strategy, Global Strategic Supply Chain Management, and Future Strategic Challenges of the Profession. You then choose three of six electives worth 18 credits in total: Strategic Programme Leadership, Commercial Data Management, Innovation in Procurement and Supply, Supply Network Design, Global Logistics Strategy, and Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles.
The qualification is worth 60 credits and has a notional total qualification time of 600 hours. CIPS suggests allowing 12 to 15 months to finish it, given six exam opportunities a year.
Exam pattern
At Levels 4, 5 and 6, each module is assessed by a computer-based exam, with a total exam time of 15 hours per qualification. You can take it at a CIPS exam venue or by remote invigilation. Exams use one of two formats.
| Format | Description | Pass mark |
|---|---|---|
| Objective Response (OR) | Question types that are marked objectively | 70% |
| Constructed Response (CR) | Essay-style written answers | 50% |
Marking and results
You must pass each module exam separately. Pass marks are 70% for Objective Response exams and 50% for Constructed Response exams. Passing every module required for a qualification earns the award.
Important dates
Exam sessions in 2026 and their booking windows, as listed on the CIPS exam schedule:
| Session | Booking window | Exam dates |
|---|---|---|
| July 2026 | 26 May to 16 June 2026 | Objective Response 13 to 17 July; Constructed Response 21 and 22 July |
| September 2026 | 11 to 18 August 2026 | Objective Response only, 14 to 18 September |
| November 2026 | 22 September to 13 October 2026 | Objective Response 9 to 13 November; Constructed Response 17 and 18 November |
CIPS lists further sessions, so check the exam schedule page for the full list.
Fees
Exam venue fees apply from September 2026 to October 2027, and membership fees apply from 1 November 2026 to 31 October 2027. Remote invigilated exams cost slightly more than exams at CIPS exam centres. Exact amounts depend on the module, level and country, so check the CIPS exam and member fees page.
How to apply
Choose your qualification and check the entry requirements for your level.
Check whether you qualify for any CIPS qualification exemptions.
Book each exam through the CIPS exam booking page within the booking window, choosing a venue or remote invigilation.
Take your exams and track your results in your CIPS account.
Preparation tips
CIPS publishes study guides, eBooks and eLearning for each module, so use the materials for your level.
Learn how Objective Response and Constructed Response papers differ. Their pass marks are 70% and 50%.
Plan around the booking windows, which close well before each exam week.
CIPS suggests about 10 hours of study per credit. Plan your timetable on that basis.
FAQs
How many levels does CIPS offer?
Five, from Level 2 (Certificate) to Level 6 (Professional Diploma).
Can I take the exams online?
Yes. Computer-based exams can be taken at a CIPS exam venue or by remote invigilation.
What is the pass mark?
70% for Objective Response exams and 50% for Constructed Response exams.
How long does the Level 6 Professional Diploma take?
CIPS suggests 12 to 15 months, with about 600 hours of study.