How to deal with different types of CIPS exam questions (Part 2)

25/06/2025 jessica Comments 0 Comment

Understanding all types of CIPS exam questions is necessary. Of course, we cannot predict exactly what the question will ask, but we will feel more confident if we are familiar with the CIPS exam format. In this post, I continue to analyse the different types of exam questions.

Example 4: Data on markets and suppliers can be obtained using two sources, primary and secondary
sources. Which of the following are examples of primary sources of data? Select the TWO that
apply.
a. Trade fairs and exhibitions
b. Economic indices
c. Financial journals
d. Direct communication and networking
e. Published surveys

In this question, you should pay close attention to the final sentence: “Select the TWO that apply.” You will definitely lose marks if you choose only one or more than two options. Additionally, both selected options must be correct in order to score. This type of question is a bit more challenging compared to previous ones.

To answer it correctly, you need to distinguish between primary and secondary sources of data. Although this topic may seem easy, some students still flag it during the exam. We access various types of information daily, and it is important to identify the sources to assess their accuracy and reliability.

Primary information refers to original data that has not been interpreted by others. When you possess primary data, you must process and analyze it yourself. Among the five options, A and D represent places where you can obtain direct information from suppliers. At networking events or trade fairs, many suppliers showcase and introduce their products or services. It’s easy to communicate with them directly to obtain prices and product details.

Example 5: An organisation has a very clear idea of the service it wants and has described the process precisely in terms of how the supplier must deliver it. It is intending to produce an ‘outcome-focused specification’. Is this the right specification approach for the organisation to use?
a. No, with an outcome-focused specification approach the supplier will decide how to deliver the
service
b. No, the best approach would be an open specification
c. Yes, this specification approach allows for maximum control of the supplier
d. Yes, this specification approach states expressly how the service should operate

This question is worded slightly differently from previous types. It offers two “Yes” options and two “No” options, each with an accompanying explanation, but only one is correct.

Now, focus on the final sentence of the question: “Is this the right specification approach for the organisation to use?” As soon as you read this, you need to first determine whether your answer is “Yes” or “No”. If your answer is “Yes”, continue by reviewing options C and D. Conversely, if your answer is “No”, go back to options A and B.

In this question, CIPS presents a scenario where the organisation is developing a specification and asks whether it is outcome-focused. Clearly, if the supplier follows your process to deliver the order, this is a conformance specification. With an outcome-based specification, the supplier determines the process.

Once you decide your answer is “No”, you can eliminate options C and D. In option B, the term “open specification” is unclear or irrelevant, so the correct answer is option A.

As you can see, critical thinking skills are indispensable for all students, as they help them tackle exam questions fluently and accurately. Don’t rely solely on the elimination method, having a deep understanding of the question is essential.

In certain modules such as L4M2, L4M4, and L4M7, CIPS includes a few calculation-based questions. From my experience, these questions often cover topics like financial ratios, stockholding costs, and equilibrium points. For clarity, you can refer to the example I’ll provide below.

Example 6: A supermarket group has estimated that its space cost in the warehouse is £1.50 per cubic metre per day. If the space taken up by a pallet of beer is 0.5 cubic metres and it is stored in the warehouse for 5 days what is the overall storage cost?

a. £3.75

b. £2.75

c. £4.25

d. £2.00

The first thing is to stay calm when tackling a calculation question. Some students feel intimidated the moment they hear the word “calculation.” But trust me, if you remember the formula and think it through logically, you can find the correct answer.

In this question, you’re asked to calculate the storage cost of a pallet of beer with dimensions of 0.5 cubic metres over 5 days. According to the question, the storage cost is £1.50 per cubic metre per day, so the formula is: £1.50 × 0.5 × 5 = £3.75. The correct answer is definitely A.

We provide CIPS practice questions with answers and detailed explanation, besides they are updated regularly to reflect the actual exam. If you want to consolidate your knowledge before the exam, you can check the links below

L4M1: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-l4m1-practice-test-short-learning-guide/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L4M2: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-diploma-l4m2-practice-test/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L4M3: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-diploma-practice-test-commercial-contracting/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L4M4: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-diploma-practice-test-ethical-responsible-sourcing/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L4M5: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-practice-test-commercial-negotiation/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L4M6: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-diploma-practice-test-supplier-relationships/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L4M7: https://www.udemy.com/course/level-4-diploma-whole-life-asset-management-l4m7/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L4M8: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-l4m8-practice-in-procurement-and-supply/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L5M1: https://www.udemy.com/course/updated-l5m1-full-course-managing-teams-and-individuals/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L5M2: https://www.udemy.com/course/cips-l5m2-daniel-do/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L5M3: https://www.udemy.com/course/l5m3-daniel/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L5M4: https://www.udemy.com/course/l5m4-advanced-contract-and-finance/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25

L5M5: https://www.udemy.com/course/l5m5-daniel/?couponCode=STUDYSMART25