CIPS Level 4
Diploma
The CIPS Level 4 Diploma is equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree. It is essential learning for anyone in the procurement, purchasing or supply chain profession. CIPS Level 4 Diploma provides comprehensive coverage of all of competences required for excellence in procurement. 95% of CIPS students say CIPS qualifications are recognised as the industry standard.
This is the highest CIPS entry level when working towards your MCIPS. As a student you are required to complete 60 credits to achieve the Diploma qualification.
Please take a moment to view our CIPS Training Courses and materials via a short video demonstration to experience the high level of support available to you.
Entry requirements
Two years’ experience or two A levels
Or a CIPS Level 2 or 3 qualification. Graduates can also start at Level 4.
Exams
8 online exams, one per module
Six multiple-choice exams and two written exams, sat at a CIPS centre or remotely.
Credits
60 credits to achieve the award
Your first step towards MCIPS. Once complete, you can progress to Level 5.
Modules in the CIPS Level 4 Diploma
You’ll study eight core modules, each with its own exam, with our MCIPS-qualified tutors, revision webinars and videos supporting you throughout. L4M1 and L4M8 are 12-credit modules with a three-hour written exam; the other six are 6-credit modules with a 90-minute multiple-choice exam.
L4M1
Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply
Understand how procurement and supply adds value to an organisation, the strategies used to achieve it, and how the function influences and works with the wider business.
L4M2
Defining Business Need
Learn how to work with stakeholders to define what the business needs, devise a business case for sourcing and turn requirements into clear specifications.
L4M3
Commercial Contracting
Understand the legal issues involved in forming contracts, the terms used in commercial agreements and how contracts with suppliers are put in place.
L4M4
Ethical and Responsible Sourcing
Explore the options for sourcing from suppliers, the stages of the sourcing process and how to analyse potential suppliers, with ethical and responsible practice built in.
L4M5
Commercial Negotiation
Learn the key approaches and strategies used to negotiate commercial agreements with suppliers, from preparing for a negotiation through to reaching an agreement.
L4M6
Supplier Relationships
Understand the dynamics of relationships in supply chains, how to manage supplier performance and when a partnership approach is the right choice.
L4M7
Whole Life Asset Management
Learn the methods used to store and move inventory, the key elements of inventory control and the concept of whole life cost.
L4M8
Procurement and Supply in Practice
Bring together what you’ve learnt across the Diploma and apply it to practical procurement and supply scenarios, from identifying need through to managing the contract.
Want the full module detail?
The Level 4 Unit Guide covers every module in full, so you can see exactly what you’ll study.
Study Options
Choose the way you want to study CIPS, all with Interest free credit via Direct Debit
Live, timetabled lessons over Zoom or Teams, taught by our MCIPS-qualified tutors. You get the structure and interaction of a classroom without the travel, so you can ask questions and get feedback as you go.
- Live, interactive classes on a set timetable
- Join from your laptop, tablet or phone
- Ideal if work or family commitments make travel difficult
Face-to-face classes at our study centres, mixing tutor-led teaching with group work and quizzes. Working through the content with your tutor and fellow learners helps the theory stick and builds your confidence for exams.
- Small classes of no more than 20 learners
- Weekly or fortnightly sessions
- Presentations, revision videos and past papers on Moodle
Our most cost-effective way to study CIPS. Work through the modules independently at your own pace, choosing resources only or adding support from an MCIPS tutor.
- Presentations covering every learning objective
- Sample exam questions and exam technique guidance
- Optional tutor support for up to 18 months
Ready to start your CIPS Level 4?
Talk to our course advisors about study options, start dates and interest-free payment by Direct Debit.
What our CIPS Level 4 learners say
CIPS Level 4
Currently studying my Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply at the Chamber of Commerce in Clayton-le-Moors. Great communication by Beth, Bex, Robson and the team to sort and invigilate exams. Jack, my tutor, is incredibly helpful and always willing to go above and beyond to assist with learning or questions, to ensure you enjoy the course as well as succeed. All round, a really well run business and I’m looking forward to completing my studies.
CIPS Level 4
Enrolled onto CIPS Level 4 recently. My tutor Jack is great and always happy to support. Also, Beth is a great contact at Chamber Business Training and always gets back to any queries I have in a very timely fashion, which is always appreciated. I would encourage anyone who wants to undergo a CIPS qualification to definitely consider Chamber Business Training for that edge.
CIPS Levels 4–6
I have studied with them throughout Levels 4, 5 and 6 and the team has been really helpful, especially Beth, who has really helped me to get a schedule together that worked for me. The tutors I had have been great, offering insight into the real world as well as teaching the academic models and theory.
Our learners work at organisations including:
CIPS Level 4 FAQs
The CIPS Level 4 Diploma is for people in a buying, procurement or supply chain role who are looking to progress their career. It also suits people looking to enter the profession.
Typical roles include:
- Buying
- Procurement and purchasing
- Contracts
- Supply chain and inventory
- Logistics
You can start at Level 4 if you have completed the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate, have two years’ relevant business experience, or have two A levels. Graduates and those with qualifications in procurement or related areas are also considered.
The Level 4 Diploma, followed by the Level 5 Advanced Diploma and Level 6 Professional Diploma, is the most common route to full MCIPS membership. As a CIPS Centre of Excellence, we’ll help you develop the skills, knowledge and competencies employers are looking for.
Payment is normally required before starting the course. We offer an interest free instalment plan for our self-funding students. We also offer payment by module if required but, this incurs a small admin charge. To enquire about our current cost structure and options available please contact us.
We offer 3 options for Level 4 training, CIPS Online Classroom, CIPS Classroom and CIPS Distance Learning. Our MCIPS tutors offer outstanding guidance, advice and comprehensive support. We give you unrivalled access to our videos, revision webinars, and in-depth course material. We aim to make your CIPS studies enjoyable, informative and successful.
Our support team are also available to help throughout your studies. Our learning resources are rated “extremely high” by our students.
Most students complete their Level 4 Diploma over an academic year in line with our timetabled classes and CIPS exams. However, due to our structure being modular, students can achieve the required 60 credits at their own pace if required.
Now you have decided to join our programme, complete the online registration form HERE. Once completed we will forward your invoice for your Level 4 Diploma course, followed by an induction date and your online resources. During induction you will receive all dates and course information ready to start your CIPS journey.
Each module has its own computer-based exam, taken at a CIPS online regional exam centre or remotely at a location of your choice.
- 6-credit modules (L4M2 to L4M7) are assessed by a 90-minute objective response exam, which is a multiple-choice format.
- 12-credit modules (L4M1 and L4M8) are assessed by a three-hour constructed response exam, where you write essay or case study style answers.
