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 · Objective Response (OR) Exam: 1.5 Hours
L4M4 — Ethical and Responsible Sourcing
About the Module
This module examines supplier sourcing strategies, tendering, supplier evaluation, international procurement requirements and responsible sourcing principles.
Course Content
1. Supplier Sourcing Strategies
1.1. Sourcing options
Sourcing and outsourcing
Make-or-buy decisions
Strategic and tactical sourcing
Outsourcing benefits, costs and risks
1.2. Sourcing approaches
Single, dual and multiple sourcing
Tendering methods
Direct negotiations
1.3. Supplier evaluation
Selection criteria
Financial statement analysis
Profitability, liquidity and gearing
Supplier financial viability
1.4. Contract award criteria
Price and whole-life costs
Technical merit
Added value
ESG and ethical considerations
2. Evaluating Potential Suppliers
2.1. Market intelligence
Spend analysis
Economic and commodity price indices
Secondary market data
Limitations of financial statements
Credit ratings
2.2. Quotations and tenders
Advertising requirements
Requests for information and quotations
Formal tender procedures
2.3. Bid evaluation
Weighted scoring systems
Technical and commercial proposals
ESG compliance
Added-value assessment
Contract award procedures
3. Ethical and Legal Compliance
3.1. Regulatory requirements
Public, private and third-sector regulation
Bribery, corruption and fraud
Human rights and modern slavery
3.2. International sourcing
Import documentation
Customs duties and tariffs
Incoterms
Currency risks
Letters of credit and payment mechanisms
Applicable law and jurisdiction
3.3. Responsible sourcing
CIPS Code of Conduct
ESG requirements
Contract provisions and supplier monitoring
KPIs
3.4. Ethical audits
Supplier audits
Identifying non-compliance
Supplier improvement dialogue
3.5. Sustainability objectives
People, Planet, Profit
ESG standards
Sustainability reporting
Social and environmental value for money
Learning Outcomes
Learners develop skills in supplier selection, tender evaluation and integrating ethical, legal, environmental and social requirements into sourcing decisions.
