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Study for Your CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Procurement and Supply

The Level 4 Foundation Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) is a valuable investment for anyone considering progressing to a more senior role within the supply chain management and procurement sector. This course focuses on organisational procedures and processes including planning, negotiation, risk management and data analysis. The CIPS Level 4 Foundation Diploma is the ideal starting point for professionals looking to advance their expertise in procurement and supply management. This globally recognised qualification equips you with the skills to excel in a dynamic and competitive industry.

Through flexible online learning, DLC Training ensures you can achieve your goals while managing your existing responsibilities.

Who is the CIPS Level 4 Diploma for?

The CIPS Level 4 Diploma is perfect for:

  • Procurement professionals seeking formal accreditation.
  • Buyers and senior buyers who are aiming to develop their strategic capabilities.
  • Individuals aspiring to achieve MCIPS status.

Whether you’re new to procurement or looking to advance your career, this course provides a solid foundation in supply chain principles and practices.

Key features of the CIPS Level 4 Diploma

This qualification is designed to:

  • Build your understanding of procurement processes and best practices.
  • Enhance your ability to manage risks and negotiate effectively.
  • Develop skills in strategic procurement planning and data analysis.

Optional units allow you to customise your studies to align with your career ambitions and industry focus.

Study CIPS with flexibility around you

DLC Training’s CIPS Level 4 Diploma offers:

  • Personalised pathways, so you can choose units that best suit your goals.
  • Self-paced learning to help balance studies with work and personal commitments.
  • Dedicated tutor support and resources.

Our guarantee

  • Unrivalled support package

  • Fully flexible study options

  • First class study materials and resources
  • Structured, Constructive Tutor feedback
  • Fully Accredited Professional Qualifications

Course content

When you choose to complete a CIPS course, you will be working towards a qualification from the leading institution in supply chain and procurement training, which will be internationally recognised.

The CIPS Foundation Diploma in Procurement and Supply covers the following units – Click each item to expand the unit content

Scope and Influence of Procurement and Supply (12 Credits)

A significant proportion of costs are accounted for by the purchases of products and/or services, hence organisations see procurement and supply as a key contributor to their value added strategies.

Equally, any organisation will also be managing the supply of products and/or services to their customers, be they internal or those from other external organisations, consumers or the general public.

This module is designed using the CIPS Procurement Cycle as its basis. It will provide those who are interested in developing an informed awareness of different perspectives or approaches within the discipline, an overview of the key stages associated with procurement and supply, and will serve as an introduction for those who are expected to address complex well-defined procurement and supply problems that are non-routine in nature.

The development of a business case and the ability to analyse markets are key if an organisation is to successfully source activity from external suppliers. Similarly, the clear definition of specifications for through life contracts is crucial to overall business achievement.

This module is designed for those who are expected to analyse, interpret and evaluate information on the different types of markets utilised by procurement and
supply. It explores a variety of elements that underpin the development of business cases and specifications and considers the options that should be explored when procurement and supply personnel are involved in defining requirements.

A significant element of procurement and supply activity is based around decisions to internally conduct activity or to source from an external supplier. Hence, the selection of the correct external suppliers is a vital contributor to overall organisational success.

This module enables personnel with roles in procurement and supply to formulate selection criteria and sourcing strategies to ensure that the organisation will make the correct choice of external suppliers. It explains the main options for sourcing, and examines the key processes that can be applied to the analysis of potential external suppliers and to ensure the development of ethically and socially responsible sourcing agreements.

The creation of formalised agreements is a critical part of the success of any organisation. Those involved in procurement and supply activity will therefore be called upon to effectively negotiate with stakeholders and/or suppliers and to understand the methods associated with preparing for and carrying out commercial negotiations.

This module is designed for those who are faced with negotiations. It enables the learner to analyse approaches to the negotiation of agreements made with external parties, how to prepare for them and what techniques are available to ensure successful outcomes.

Whole life costing takes into account the cost of a product or service over its lifetime, from concept through to disposal including purchase, hire or lease, maintenance, operation, utilities, training and disposal. It is important for those involved in procurement and supply to consider all elements when making decisions and comparing the costs of buying, renting or leasing equipment.

In most cases the purchase costs are a small proportion of operating costs, although there are numerous reasons why organisations elect to hold inventory.

This module is designed for those who will have responsibility for the whole life management of assets and enables learners to analyse the main methods for inventory movement and control and to analyse the concept of whole life cost.

A significant element of the procurement and supply function is based around decisions to source activity from external suppliers. Once agreements have been established the relationship established with the supplier is paramount to overall success. At its highest level outsourcing can take the form of a partnership or joint venture.

This module is designed for those who have responsibility for maintaining and managing relationships with stakeholders and suppliers and for those who may be faced with establishing and developing formal partnerships.

Procurement is the business function that ensures identification, sourcing, access and management of external resources that an organisation needs or may need to successfully fulfil its strategic objectives. It exists to explore supply market opportunities and to implement resourcing strategies that deliver the best possible supply outcomes to the organisation, its stakeholders and customers.

In today’s volatile global trading environments, it is not enough for procurement and supply professionals to simply know the theory behind their profession; they must also be in a position to confidently and effectively apply that knowledge to the benefit of the whole organisation, its stakeholders and customers.

This module is designed to test the practical application of procurement and supply concepts and ideas within the practical environments in which professionals are expected to perform.

To find out more about achieving a diploma in procurement and supply with DLC Training, get in touch with one of our Careers Advisors.

Why Choose CIPS Procurement Training with DLC?

DLC Training is proud to partner with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS), delivering qualifications respected by employers worldwide. 

  • Advance your career with a globally respected CIPS certification.
  • Apply what you learn directly to your role.
  • Access expert tutors and industry-specific resources throughout your journey.

Take the first step toward achieving MCIPS status and unlocking new career opportunities with the CIPS Level 4 Diploma.

Frequently Asked Questions

To achieve your CIPS Qualification you will be required to take an exam for each unit of study. There are frequent opportunities for you to take your exams each year, with exam centres in easy to access locations around the world.

Achieving MCIPS status is the ultimate aim for many individuals studying CIPS Qualifications. To achieve MCIPS status you need to complete the Diploma, Advanced Diploma and Professional Diploma courses. Our expert course advisors can provide you with all of the information you need to understand what is required of you if you would like to have MCIPS status.

The CIPS Diploma is equivalent to a level 4 Qualification. This is the highest entry point students can begin their CIPS training (In exceptional circumstances CIPS will review applications to begin your training at a higher level). Speak with one of our knowledgeable course advisors to find out which level of CIPS course we recommend you begin your studies.

To ensure our courses are accessible to as many individuals as possible we provide a number of affordable payment options to our students. These options include payment in full, Interest free credit and Monthly instalments.

Talk to one of our course advisors to decide which payment option works best for your personal circumstances.

Here at DLC Training, we understand that once you have made the decision to study for a Professional Qualification you will be keen to begin your studies. That’s why we have made our enrolment process quick and easy.

As soon as you have completed your student enrolment you will receive your log in details for our learning platform. Here you will find all of the resources, guidance and tips you need to succeed with your studies.

Our student success rates are outstanding and we believe this is due to our unrivalled support packages. Every student studying with DLC Training has unlimited 1-2-1 access to our Industry expert Tutors, as well as the complete support of a student mentor who is on hand to offer advice and guidance throughout your distance learning journey.

Yes. As well as being accredited by an industry leading Institute, your course is also regulated and approved by Ofqual, the governing body for Qualifications in the UK. This means you can study any of DLC Trainings professional training courses safe in the knowledge that upon completion of your studies you will receive a certificate of your educational achievement which will be recognised globally.

We have partnered with the leading institutes to ensure we can support individuals working at every level of the career ladder to achieve their professional development aims. This means that we have progression routes available for all of our students. Why not talk to one of our expert course advisors to discuss the best route of progression for you?

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