This CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma course leads on from the
Level 3 Certificate course, and offers an industry-standard
qualification that demonstrates to employers that you are have
advanced skills in purchasing and supply. It formalises your
existing skills, and builds on them so that you are able to apply
the fundamentals of this fascinating profession to jobs in
purchasing and supply in practically any business or industry.
You'll develop advanced skills in negotiation, and understand
the complexities of contracts and other commercial arrangements.
You'll learn how to measure the effectiveness of supply chains and
analyse their impact on your business, and delve more deeply into
the intricacies of your buyer/supplier relationships. Purchasing
principles are applied in a number of varied contexts, such as
private and public sector, not-for-profit and government: you'll
explore these, and learn how to manage their different needs.
To qualify you need to be at least 18 years of age with a
minimum of 2 A-Levels or equivalent, such as a relevant Level 3
Certificate. If you have no prior qualifications, you must be at
least 21 years of age with a minimum two years' work experience in
business.
Opportunities and salaries for skilled buyers are outstripping
those of many other professions. With an advanced qualification
from the leading industry body, you'll be sought after and could be
on track for a highly lucrative career in purchasing and
supply.
On completion, you'll receive the CIPS Level 4 Foundation
Diploma qualification.
Awarding Body
CIPS is an international organisation serving the purchasing and
supply profession.
Dedicated to promoting good practice, CIPS provides a wide range
of services for the benefit of members and the wider business
community.
You will be required to complete a number of formative
assessments during your course and five exams (set by CIPS) on
completion of your course.
Effective Negotiation in Purchasing and
Supply
- Formative Assessments 1-5
- Formative Assessment 6: a mock exam
- Final Exam 1: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Developing Contracts in Purchasing and
Supply
- Formative Assessments 7-16
- Formative Assessment 17: a mock exam
- Final Exam 2: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Measuring Purchasing Performance
- Formative Assessments 18-27
- Formative Assessment 28: a mock exam
- Final Exam 3: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Managing Purchasing and Supply
Relationships
- Formative Assessments 29-34
- Formative Assessment 35: a mock exam
- Final Exam 4: 2 compulsory questions and 2 (of a choice of 4)
additional questions
Purchasing Contexts
- Formative Assessments 36-40
- Formative Assessment 41: a mock exam
- Final Exam 5: 4 compulsory questions
Notes
All exams last 3 hours and have a pass mark of 50%. The exams
are held in May and November of each year.
Please note that the format of the exams is subject to change.
The details provided are intended only as a guide and should not be
regarded as definitive.
Generally, assessments can be sent to us online via the ICS
Student Community: it's the fastest way to receive your
results.
Because we're experts in home learning, ICS knows about and
offers all the support you need along the way.
You'll receive IAB study materials that have been specially
designed for distance learning by experts in your chosen field.
You'll have access to an experienced personal tutor both online
and over the phone, ready to help you with guidance and
motivation.
You'll also be part of the ICS Online Student Community, where
you'll have access to library materials and your account
information, as well as vital links with your fellow students, with
the chance to discuss your work, ask questions and make new
friends.
250 - 350 hours
That's approximately equivalent to between 2 ½ and 3 ½ hours of
study a week over the 24-month support period.
There are CIPS membership, administration and exam fees that are
additional to your course fees:
- CIPS UK annual membership fee: £84
- CIPS UK administration fee: £40
- UK exam fees: £56 per exam (five in total)
See your course content
You can either pay for your course in full or opt for a monthly
payment plan.
Course fee: £1,299 (excluding discounts)
Or speak to one of our course advisors now for payment
plans.
There are CIPS membership, administration and exam fees that are
additional to your course fees:
- CIPS UK annual membership fee: £84
- CIPS UK administration fee: £40
- UK exam fees: £56 per exam (five in total)