CIPS Level 4
Diploma in Procurement
and Supply Operations
About this course:
Through studying the Level 4 Diploma you will be equipped with an essential range of knowledge and tools to utilise within an organisation. You will learn how to apply a practical, theoretical and technical understanding to procurement and supply, and develop the ability to address complex problems. This course focuses on organisational procedures and processes including planning, negotiation, risk management and data analysis.
Flexible Start Dates and Study Schedule
Average Completion Time of 12 months
Unlimited Study and Exam Support Package
Access your Course via Online Material
Facts at Your Fingertips
Important information about the CIPS 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply Operations
Start Date
Begin your course as soon as you wish
Average Completion Time
12 - 15 months
Material Format
A combination of CIPS approved E-book material and online resources via the DLC Learning Hub
Support Package
Unlimited award winning support package. Click here to find out more
Support Period
24 months
Study Schedule
Flexible to fit around you
Assessment
All exams for this qualification are computer-based. You will be required to complete a mix of Objective Response and Constructed Response exams, 1 exam required to be completed per unit.
Credits Required
60 Credits
Is this course right for me?
This is the only entry point to the CIPS Diploma qualifications (and to MCIPS status via qualification completion).
A minimum of at least two A-levels (or equivalent) or a CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate is required. Alternatively, a minimum of two years’ relevant experience in a procurement/business role.
Material and support are provided online and via e-book, therefore you must have access to the internet.
We recommend speaking with one of our course advisors to make sure this is the right course for you.
No formal entry requirements, but you must be at least 18.
Material and support are provided online and via e-book, therefore you must have access to the internet.
We recommend speaking with one of our course advisors to make sure this is the right course for you.
Your Payment Options
Our course packages are high quality, and great value. We have a range of payment options available to suit every learner.
£1945.00 (inc vat)
Choose to pay for your course upfront and benefit from zero delay in your course start, or study progression rate
£1945.00 (inc vat)
Deposit Payment £389.00
Monthly Payments 10 x £155.60
Available for self-funded learners only
Bespoke Fee
Receive up to 20% discount
Become part of the DLC Business Rewards Club and you’ll receive discounted course fees and a host of other benefits
Additional fees for CIPS Membership and Examinations. Click here for the pricing structure.
If you’d like to discuss an alternative payment plan, schedule a call with our Course Advisory team here
What will I study?
The course comprises of EIGHT core units totalling 60 credits.
This unit is worth 12 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to understand and analyse:
- Added value that can be achieved through procurement and supply chain management
- Key steps when procuring goods or services
- Aspects of organisational infrastructure that shape the scope of procurement and supply chain functions
- The need for compliance with requirements when undertaking procurement activities in different sectors
This unit is worth 6 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will understand:
- How to develop a business case for requirements to be sourced from external suppliers
- Market management in procurement and supply
- The use of specifications in procurement and supply
This unit is worth 6 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will understand:
- Legal issues that relate to the formation of contracts
- Fundamentals of specifications and key performance indicators that are included in contractual arrangements made with suppliers
- Key clauses that are included in formal contra
This unit is worth 6 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will understand:
- Options for sourcing requirements from suppliers
- Key processes that can be applied to the analysis of potential external suppliers
- Compliance issues with sourcing from suppliers
This unit is worth 6 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will understand:
- Key approaches in the negotiation of commercial agreements with external organisations
- Know how to prepare for negotiations with external organisations
- How commercial negotiations should be undertaken
This unit is worth 6 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will understand:
- The dynamics of relationships in supply chains
- Processes and procedures for working successfully with stakeholders
- The concept of partnering
This unit is worth 6 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will understand:
- Methods for the storage and movement of inventory
- Key elements of effective inventory control
- The concept of whole-life costing
This unit is worth 12 credits
Upon completion of this unit, you will be able to demonstrate the application of:
- The procurement cycle
- The stages of the procurement process
- Whole-life asset management
- Environmental, social and governance principles in a range of sectors and industries
Your CIPS Exams
Each Level 4 unit is assessed by a single exam, 6 by multiple choice (Objective Response) and 2 by essay based (Constructive Response) examination.
You can choose whether to sit your exams online using CIPS remote invigilation, or in person at a CIPS examination centre. We can support you in deciding which option is best for you, and you’ll pay CIPS a fee for each exam.
There are 4 examination sessions each year*;
March, May, July, November
*You can sit multiple exams in one session, providing the scheduled time of these exams do not overlap
You will have the opportunity to speak with your study support advisor about your planned examination dates to ensure we can provide you with the right support you require in the timescale you need it.
| Unit | Assessment Type | Credits | Exam Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply | CR | 12 | 3 Hours |
| Defining Business Need | OR | 6 | 1.5 Hours |
| Commercial Contracting | OR | 6 | 1.5 Hours |
| Ethical and Responsible Sourcing | OR | 6 | 1.5 Hours |
| Commercial Negotiation | OR | 6 | 1.5 Hours |
| Supplier Relationships | OR | 6 | 1.5 Hours |
| Whole Life Asset Management | OR | 6 | 1.5 Hours |
| Procurement and Supply in Practice | CR | 12 | 3 Hours |
Guided Learning Hours (GLH)
250 hours
Self-Study Requirement (SSR)
335 hours
Assessment Time
15 hours
Total Qualification Time (TQT)
600 hours
Level 4 is equivalent to NVQ Level 4 Higher National Certificate