Course Description:
The Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply is the professional body representing those engaged in the purchasing and supply function in industry and the public sector. The first step towards achieving a professional qualification and membership of the Institute is to complete the Foundation Diploma examinations. This course is delivered by module during the evenings. You can choose to complete the course in one year by studying two evenings per week or by spreading your study over a longer period by studying one evening per week.

Private and public sector organisations are placing more and more emphasis on buying the right products and services to fit the longer-term needs of the business, with the expectation of best value and total cost solutions being achieved rather than a simple quick, price-focused fit. There are great opportunities for people at all levels who have the right skills, knowledge, experience and attitude.

Entry Requirements:
You will need to be at least 18 years of age with at least two A Levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, including a Level 2 qualification in English. Applicants without any prior qualifications must be at least 21 years of age with at least two years' experience in a business environment. CIPS do grant exemptions from up to 4 modules.

Course Content:
The course consists of five modules, each assessed by examination held at the end of each module. The Foundation award consists of five mandatory modules:

• Managing Purchasing & Supply Relationships (0052B-1/1)
• Effective Negotiation in Purchasing & Supply (0052C-1/1)
• Measuring Purchasing Performance (0052D-1/1)
• Developing Contracts in Purchasing & Supply (0052E-1/1)
• Purchasing Contexts (0052A-1/1)

Assessment:
Each module is assessed by an examination held as close to the end of the module as possible.

You will need to be a member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply before registering for any exams.

Additional Info:
You will be required to become a student member of the CIPS (approximately £85 per year) and pay the appropriate registration fee for each exam (approximately £70 per exam). These costs are not included in the course fees. We recommend that you purchase a CIPs study guide (available from the CIPS bookshop) for each module - approximately £28 each.

Next Steps:
When you have completed the course you are free to continue onto the CIPS Advanced Diploma in Purchasing & Supply.

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