Objective Response (OR)
OR exams are graded as:
- Pass mark 70%
Constructed Response (CR)
CR exams are graded as:
- 50% Pass
- 60% Merit
- 75% Distinction
Everything you need to know about preparing for CIPS exams.
This page provides information that will help you prepare for all types of exam questions. The modules you study will be assessed by either Objective Response (OR) exams or Constructed Response (CR) exam formats.
OR exams are graded as:
CR exams are graded as:
In OR exams questions you will select a response from a list of possible answers. You will find these types of exams across all our qualifications.
In CR exam questions, you'll be expected to create or construct your answer in an essay style or case study style. You'll find this format of exam in our Diploma level qualifications.
Firstly, get a clear understanding of what to expect on exam day. We recommend you familiarise yourself with our computer-based exam platform ‘Testreach’ by watching this video.
For more information about computer based exams, please review our Computer based exam guide
Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
Explore our study guides, eBooks, eLearning, sample papers and Intelligence Hub content.
Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations
Explore our study guides, eBooks, eLearning, sample papers and Intelligence Hub content.
Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Explore our new study guides, eBooks, eLearning, eRevision for exam preparation


Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Updated to reflect the refreshed syllabus, these new resources are designed to help you prepare for exam success.
Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply
Explore our study guides, eBooks, eLearning, sample papers and Intelligence Hub content.
CIPS Level 6 update
We are updating the Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply
We're updating the core module learning resources. New study guides, eBooks and elearning will be available from July 2025.
Watch these videos to familiarise yourself with our exam formats and platform.
Watch these videos to familiarise yourself with our exam formats and platform.
Need some more help? Watch our video on YouTube on how to tackle your exams with our techniques and useful study tips.
Providing fair assessments and transparency throughout everything we do. Read through our policies and procedures.
Choose to take your exams in the comfort of your own home or at the office.
Take a look at the upcoming exams in our exam schedule to help you stay prepared.
View the latest results statistics from 2018 onwards, for both Objective Response modules and Constructed Response modules.
These reports are designed to help tutors and learners understand the common trends presented by both strong and weaker answers in relation to the module for the given exam series.
Command words help you understand what the examiner is asking. The language that is used will tell you how to answer each question, assessment or task.