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CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply

Demonstrate professionalism

What is CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply?

This qualification will help you to make a real impact in your career. It will take you all the way on your professional journey to becoming MCIPS Chartered Professional. Based on the Leading band of our Global Standard, it’s recognised by employers world-wide for producing competent and confident procurement and supply professionals. This is an Ofqual regulated qualification and is equivalent to an honours level degree.

Who is it for?

Building on your knowledge and understanding gained at CIPS Level 4 Diploma and Level 5 Advanced Diploma this represents the highest level of CIPS qualifications for those working towards achieving MCIPS Chartered status. It equips you to become a strategic leader with the vision to inspire teams and steer organisational success. By mastering complex theoretical frameworks and critical analysis, you will possess elite competencies that are in-demand by modern employers, from policy influence to transformative leadership.

What are the entry requirements?

Following successful completion of the Level 4 Diploma and Level 5 Advanced Diploma this is your next step towards applying to become MCIPS Chartered Professional. It is based at the same level as an honours degree (HONS).

How will it be assessed?

You will need to complete four core modules and then choose three elective modules from a choice of six. Each module will be assessed by computer-based exams which you can choose to take at one of our global exam venues or by remote invigilation in the comfort of your own home or office. We use Constructed Responses (CR) essay style questions and answers and Objective Response (OR) exam formats. The OR exam format means that you will be given a choice of answers to the questions, and you will be expected to determine the correct answer.

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Frequently asked questions

Once you’ve completed the CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma, start this qualification as soon as you’re ready. Our approach to your learning and exam schedule is completely flexible, simply book your exams when you feel prepared. With six exam opportunities each year, we recommend allowing 12- 15 months to complete the qualification.

The notional Ofqual Total Qualification Time (TQT) is 600 hrs, this represents the time you might typically take to complete this qualification.

TQT consists of the following:

Guided learning time is 250 hrs
This includes lectures, tutorials, and practicals, as well as supervised study in learning centres and workshops. If you choose to study on your own, we have lots of CIPS member resources for you that will enhance your studies.
Self-study requirement is 335 hrs
Additionally, we recommend that you also commit to at least 335 SSR hours. This includes wider-reading of the subject areas and revision to give yourself the best preparation for successfully achieving the qualification. This can include resources such as the CIPS Intelligence Hub, attending webinars, listening to relevant podcasts and using our online exam resources.
Total exam time is 15hrs

All modules will be assessed by computer-based exams. We use Constructed Responses (CR) which are essay style questions and answers and Objective Response (OR) exam formats. The OR exam format means that you will be given a choice of answers to the questions, and you will be expected to determine the correct answer.

OR exam pass rate 70%
CR exam pass rate 50%

On successful completion of four core modules and your chosen three elective modules you’ll become eligible to apply for MCIPS Professional status.

Find out more about our exam formats and the resources and policies that will support you.

We have lots of study and exam resources for you to prepare for exams. This includes study guides, eBooks, eLearning and eRevision. As well as links to our Intelligence Hub for knowledge and guidance linked to learning outcomes in the syllabus. There are also lots of freely available exam resources along with sample exam questions and answers and marker reports.

Find your Level 6 Professional Diploma Study Resources

Flexible study options to suit all learning styles

Self-study

Study on your own

Study our qualifications on your own and at your own pace. We have lots of study resources, guides and social media networks that you can join for some additional support too. If you're choosing to self-study you'll need to book your own exam and manage your learning.

CIPS OnDemand

Guided online course

With a 92% pass rate, this guided online course offers a flexible, yet structured study programme designed to keep you motivated and secure exam success.

Choose to buy individual modules or enrol on a full course. Get your 5-day free trial.

Study centre

Study in a group

Choose to study at one of our approved study centres, either in the classroom or at a distance. Benefit from structured tutor-led learning that will help you prepare for your upcoming exams. You'll join a community of like-minded professionals to share ideas from other industries too.

The syllabus

The qualification is worth 60 credits and you’ll need to pass each exam to achieve the award.

What are credits?

Credits are a way of quantifying the number of study hours recommended in the TQT. For each credit you should plan to dedicate 10 hours of study time. E.G for a 12 credit module you should plan for 120 hours studying and taking the exam.

Four core compulsory modules that are worth 42 credits of the required credits.

Three elective modules from a choice of six to complete the remaining 18 credits.

Select a module below for more information:

CORE Level 6 Strategic Ethical Leadership (L6M1)

Global Commercial Strategy (L6M2)

CORE Level 6 Global Strategic Supply Chain Management (L6M3)

CORE Level 6 Future Strategic Challenges of the Profession (L6M4)

Choose three elective modules to make up the final remaining 18 credits:

ELECTIVE Strategic Programme Leadership (L6M5)

ELECTIVE Commercial Data Management (L6M7)

ELECTIVE Innovation in Procurement and Supply (L6M8)

ELECTIVE Supply Network Design (L6M9)

ELECTIVE Global Logistics Strategy (L6M10)

NEW ELECTIVE Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles(L6M11)

DOWNLOAD FULL SYLLABUS DOWNLOAD PREVIOUS FULL SYLLABUS

We've introduced a new elective module

Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Principles (L6M11)

In this brand-new optional module, you'll learn all about ESG principles: what they are, why they're important globally, and how they apply to procurement and supply. This module will be available for the March 2026 exam series.

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Intelligence hub Exam schedule Help me choose

Exam policies Exam resources

CIPS qualifications are regulated internationally to ensure we offer a recognised, professional standard in procurement and supply. CIPS Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply is a vocationally related professional qualification. Formal recognition is included within the regulatory frameworks of an increasing number of countries such as the UK (England, Wales and Northern Ireland), Dubai, Trinidad & Tobago, Bahrain, Botswana and Ghana. Further information on this recognition and the details of corresponding qualifications levels for other international qualifications frameworks are detailed here.The qualification accreditation number is Ref: 603/39256/3.
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