The Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) is an internationally recognised professional organisation in procurement and supply. CIPS qualifications are designed to develop professional knowledge and competencies, support recognised standards of practice and enhance career development opportunities.
SCM by BMS – Official CIPS Study and Exam Centre
SCM by BMS holds CIPS Approved Study Centre and CIPS Approved Computer-Based Exam Centre status in Azerbaijan.
Our centre provides preparation for CIPS qualifications and access to relevant computer-based examination opportunities.
Your Qualification
The CIPS Level 4 Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a professional qualification designed for individuals seeking to develop their procurement and supply knowledge and skills.
The programme covers the procurement cycle, commercial contracts, supplier sourcing, negotiation, supplier relationships, asset management and the practical application of professional procurement principles.
Level 4 provides a foundation for progression to the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma.
Who Is It For?
This qualification is suitable for individuals planning a career in procurement and supply, professionals working in operational roles, and those supervising or managing procurement activities.
What Will I Learn?
Learners develop the ability to analyse procurement and supply processes, apply practical and theoretical knowledge in the workplace, address complex non-routine problems and evaluate the effectiveness of procurement decisions.
Entry Requirements
According to the CIPS syllabus, applicants should meet one of the following requirements:
A minimum of two A-level qualifications or their international equivalent;
A CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate qualification;
Alternatively, at least two years of relevant experience in a business environment.
Credit Values
The Level 4 Diploma consists of eight compulsory core modules totalling 60 credits.
One credit represents 10 hours of total learning time. Individual modules carry either 6 or 12 credits.
Examination Formats
Objective Response (OR): A computer-based examination in which learners select answers from available response options.
Constructed Response (CR): An examination requiring learners to develop written responses, which may include essays or case-study-based answers.
Study Commitments
For the complete Level 4 qualification:
Total Qualification Time (TQT): 600 hours
Guided Learning Hours (GLH): 250 hours
Self-Study Requirement (SSR): At least 335 hours recommended
Total Exam Time: 15 hours
These figures apply to the full Level 4 qualification rather than to each individual module.
Core Module · 6 Credits · 60 Hours Total Learning Time · Constructed Response (CR) Exam: 1.5 Hours
L4M2 — Defining Business Need
About the Module
This module focuses on identifying business requirements, developing procurement business cases, analysing supply markets and preparing effective specifications for goods and services.
Course Content
1. Developing a Business Case
1.1. Business needs and procurement decisions
New purchases
Modified rebuys
Straight rebuys
Procurement's role in business case development
1.2. Estimating costs and prices
Market and pricing information
Direct and indirect costs
Estimated procurement budgets
Whole-life costs
1.3. Business case criteria
Costs and benefits
Alternative options
Competitor and market analysis
Stakeholder requirements
Timescales
1.4. Financial budgets and cost models
Financial modelling
Cash flow
Budget control
Budget variances
2. Supply Market Management
2.1. Different markets
Manufacturing and construction
Retail and financial services
Agriculture and service industries
2.2. Competitive forces
Buyer and supplier bargaining power
Substitute products
Threat of new entrants
2.3. Cost and price information
Comparing direct and indirect costs
Gathering pricing data
Budget preparation
Assessing price variability
3. Procurement Specifications
3.1. Types of specifications
Technical standards and drawings
Samples and brand requirements
Functional and performance specifications
Sustainability requirements
3.2. Specification structure
Scope
Description of requirements
Testing and acceptance
Change control
ESG criteria
3.3. Specification risks
Over-specification and under-specification
Specification monitoring
Risk mitigation
3.4. Improving specifications
Standardisation
Value analysis
Value engineering
Guidance for internal stakeholders
Learning Outcomes
Learners develop skills in defining business needs, estimating procurement costs, analysing supply markets and producing effective specifications.
