Exam Enrollment Forms

Exam Timetable

Assessment and examinations

From January 2007 registered students will be assessed by an examination for each unit (unless they have been granted any exemptions by CIPS).

There is currently one exception to this which is the integrative unit at Level 6, L6 – 03 Supply Chain Management in Practice. Currently International students will be assessed by an open book case study examination while students who are registered with an approved UK study centre will be able to choose the work-based project option.

Please note it is important to read and refer to the Examination Techniques guide [1.8MB; PDF; New window] for all exams as it gives valuable information on how to answer questions.

Format of examination papers

With the exception of the integrative unit L6 – 03 at Level 6, each unit will be assessed by a three-hour closed book examination. The format of the examination papers will be:

* Section A

A case study scenario with two questions based on the information in the case study, each question worth 25 marks.

* Section B

You must answer two questions from a choice of four which test your knowledge and understanding. As with Section A, each question will be worth 25 marks.

Level 3, 4 and 5 integrative unit examination papers

The examination papers for the integrative units at Levels 3, 4 and 5 will consist of a case study scenario for which there will be four x 25 mark questions based on the information in the case study. These questions can be a mixture of role play and/or theory, knowledge and understanding.

Level 6 integrative unit – Supply Chain Management in Practice

For this unit, students who are registered with an approved UK study centre, will be able to choose between a work-based project option and an examination.

Supply Chain Management in Practice examination

The examination paper will consist of a large case study based on a realistic organisation. The case study will be sent out to candidates at least four weeks in advance. The assessment will be a three hour open-book examination comprising four x 25 mark questions based on the case study.

Supply Chain Management in Practice project

The project report will require a maximum of 6,000 words and should be presented to a professional standard and format. The content of the project should include:

An introduction including the background, rationale and objective of around 600 words - weighting 10%

• Review of the theory and the development of a set of predictions. approximately 1,300 words - weighting 25%

• Case analysis, including application and synthesis of around 3,000 words - weighting 50%

• Conclusions and recommendations of approximately 600 words - weighting 10%

• Reflective learning statement of 500 words - weighting 5%

Examination pass marks

The following pass marks and grade bands will apply to all units at all levels.

* Distinction 75 - 100%
* Credit 60 - 74%
* Pass 50 - 59%
* Fail 0 - 49%

It should be noted that the exit award at each level is not graded.

Procedures

Details on examination procedures and key dates

There are two opportunities during the year to take exams, in May and November. CIPS examinations are available to the student members around the world during the third week of May and third week of November each year. There is a charge for each exam that is attempted. To book examinations, External Examination Entry Forms should be submitted to CIPS by 17 March or 17 September respectively. These exams are called external examinations, and as long as you are a registered student member of CIPS, you can submit your examination enrolment form for either date for as many, or as few, subjects as you wish. The only restriction is the examination timetable itself, which cannot be varied. Examination fees must be paid at the same time when the enrolment form is submitted.

Special assessment needs

CIPS are happy to accommodate and approve special assessment and examination arrangements to enable all candidates to demonstrate their full achievement.

Reasonable adjustments policy

Should you have the need for additional support in an examination to help you achieve your full potential, CIPS has a reasonable adjustments policy in operation. Click on the following links for complete details related to self study students [PDF;148 KB; New window] or those registered with a tutor centre [PDF;130 KB; New window]. The information does not apply to students studying by distance and flexible learning.

Dates for examinations

CIPS currently offers external examinations in May and November each year, to a set timetable, which cannot be varied under any circumstances. (please see time-table below)

A very small number of colleges and providers have approval, for special reasons, to offer CIPS examinations outside these normal arrangements. If you are studying at a college the course leader will let you know if alternative arrangements can be made for you.

External examination results are issued during the first ten days of August (following the May exams) and February (following the November exams), and appropriate certificates and diplomas are issued within the following eight weeks. Results are also posted on the CIPS website.

Taking Exams

We will provide you with a course and tutor support, but it is CIPS that you have to contact in order to take exams.

You will need to sit a three hour exam in each module. To sit exams, you will need to register as a member of CIPS and register for the exams themselves. There is a charge for each exam that you take.

Level 6 Supply Chain Management in Practice - If you are planning to take the Case Study or The Project, please remember that the arrangements and charges are different.

Please also refer to the enrolment guidelines [PDF;128 KB] for CIPS rules for examinations [PDF; 70 KB] before completing your examination enrolment form.

November 2010  -  Timetable