The Procurement Academy | Procurement and Supply Chain Training | CIPS Qualifications | Procurement Apprenticeships

Choose how you study

• CIPS Level 4 in Leeds: classroom study at Novotel Leeds, a short walk from Leeds station, with Dr Paul Wright MCIPS.


• CIPS Level 4 in Nottingham: classroom study at Leonardo's Hotel, next to Nottingham station, with Mike Donnelly FCIPS.


• CIPS Level 4 in Doncaster: classroom study at the Mount Pleasant Hotel, Rossington, with secure parking, with Steve Campbell MCIPS.


• CIPS Level 4 online: live, tutor-led sessions you can join from anywhere in the UK or further afield, with Mike Donnelly FCIPS.

Classroom study days run from 09:30 to 15:30, and online study days from 09:30 to around 15:00. Whichever you choose, you get the same course, the same support and the same tutors' experience.

How the course works

The course runs over 14 months, with 15 tutor-led study days in total. It's built around the CIPS exam series, with three study days before each set of exams, spread over six to eight weeks:

1. Study days one and two cover the learning outcomes in depth, using real procurement examples and group discussion.


2. Study day three is for revision and exam preparation, including exam technique and what CIPS questions look like.


3. You then sit the CIPS exam, with your next block of study days to follow.

Between study days you have our Google Classroom, with revision and study resources, and your tutor is there to support you throughout the course. Because study days are spread out, most of our learners fit the course around a full-time job.

Who the course is for

Level 4 suits anyone whose job involves buying, sourcing or managing suppliers, such as buyers, procurement officers, contracting officers and supply chain analysts. It's the highest level you can start CIPS at, so you don't need Level 2 or 3 first.

To join, CIPS asks for two A levels, the CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate, or at least two years' relevant experience in a business environment. If you're not sure Level 4 is the right starting point, talk to us and we'll advise you.

What you'll study

The Diploma has eight compulsory modules, worth 60 credits in total:

• L4M1 Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply


• L4M2 Defining Business Need


• L4M3 Commercial Contracting


• L4M4 Ethical and Responsible Sourcing


• L4M5 Commercial Negotiation


• L4M6 Supplier Relationships


• L4M7 Whole Life Asset Management


• L4M8 Procurement and Supply in Practice

Six modules are assessed by 90-minute multiple choice exams, with a pass mark of 70%. L4M1 and L4M8 are assessed by three-hour written exams, with a pass mark of 50%. For more detail on each module, read our guide to CIPS Level 4 modules, exams, study time and cost.

Your tutors

All of our CIPS tutors are FCIPS or MCIPS Chartered, and each brings years of real procurement experience into the room.

• Mike Donnelly FCIPS is a former Chief Procurement Officer at Shell, with executive roles at Shell and Arla and experience leading large international teams.


• Dr Paul Wright MCIPS has worked across the public and private sectors and is co-author of Excellence in Public Sector Procurement.


• Steve Campbell MCIPS is an IT Category Manager in local government, with a background in the military and aviation.

Start dates

New Level 4 groups start four times a year, in January, March, June and September. You'll find the full timetable on each location page.

What our learners say

"The team was well-organized and always open to helping me balance study time alongside full-time employment. The sessions themselves were excellent."

Ben Greenfield, Peter Cook International

"The Procurement Academy have made it easy to complete my studies and ensure that my performance at my job hasn't suffered, and has even improved my performance."

Ben Bodycombe, Office Depot

For employers

Many of our Level 4 learners are funded by their employer, and we regularly train groups from the same organisation. We've trained teams at the NHS, DfE, DHSC, Barclays, Burberry, DB Cargo and JN Bentley. We're also a Crown Commercial Service supplier.

If you're developing someone new to procurement, our Level 4 Procurement Practitioner Apprenticeship is worth a look too.

Fees

Your quote shows tuition, exam fees and books as separate lines, so you can see exactly what you're paying for. You'll also need CIPS student membership before you sit your exams. Ask us for a Level 4 quote.

Ready to start? Request a brochure using the button on this page, enrol now or get in touch to talk it through.

CIPS Level 4 course FAQs

How long is the CIPS Level 4 course?

Our course runs over 14 months, with 15 tutor-led study days. CIPS recommends allowing about 12 months of study for the full Diploma.

Can I study CIPS Level 4 while working full-time?

Yes. Most of our learners work full-time. Study days are spread over each exam series, and you have tutor support and online resources between them.

What's the difference between classroom and online study?

The course content, study days and support are the same. Classroom study happens in Leeds, Nottingham or Doncaster. Online study is live and tutor-led, so you can join from anywhere.

When does the next CIPS Level 4 course start?

We start new groups in January, March, June and September. See each location page for the full timetable.

How much does the CIPS Level 4 course cost?

Your quote covers tuition, exam fees and books as separate lines. You also need CIPS student membership. Contact us for an itemised quote.