Preparing for the March 2025 CIPS Exams: Tips for Success

The March 2025 CIPS exams are just around the corner, and whether you’re sitting Objective Response (OR) or Constructive Response (CR) exams, careful preparation is the key to success. In this article, I will cover general revision tips and specific strategies for tackling CR exams to help you maximise your performance.

General Advice for Exam Preparation

1. Understand the Exam Format: Familiarise yourself with the structure of both OR and CR exams. Knowing what to expect reduces anxiety and ensures you’re allocating your revision time effectively.
2. Review the Learning Outcomes: Focus your revision on the key learning outcomes outlined in the syllabus. Use these as a checklist to ensure you’ve covered all the necessary material.
3. Practice Mock Papers: Mock papers are invaluable for understanding question styles and identifying areas where you need improvement. Time yourself to simulate exam conditions. You can find these on Udemy.
4. Create a Study Schedule: Plan your revision to cover all topics well before the exam. Leave time for review and practice in the final weeks.
5. Use Active Learning Techniques: Engage with the material actively through methods like summarising notes, teaching concepts to someone else, or creating flashcards.
6. Understand the Marking Scheme: Pay attention to how marks are allocated. For CR exams, focus on providing clear, structured answers; for OR exams, ensure you’re confident in applying concepts quickly and accurately.
7. Join Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can provide fresh insights and keep you motivated.
8. Watch Revision Videos on YouTube: There are numerous CIPS related revision videos available online. These can help clarify complex concepts and offer practical examples of exam techniques.

Specific Advice for Constructive Response (CR) Exams

CR exams require essay style answers that demonstrate depth of understanding and practical application of concepts. Follow these tips to excel:

Use the PEEL Technique:

• Point: Begin each paragraph with a clear point that answers the question.
• Explain: Expand on your point to show understanding.
• Example: Provide a relevant example to illustrate your explanation. Where possible, link this to the case study provided or a real world scenario.
• Link: Conclude the paragraph by linking back to the question or the overarching theme of your answer.

Link Answers to the Case Study:

If the exam includes a case study, ensure your answers reference it explicitly. For example: "As highlighted in the case of Company X…" or "This approach aligns with the challenges faced by [case study company] when…"

This demonstrates your ability to contextualise theoretical knowledge.

Provide Real World Examples:

Where no case study is provided, draw on your own experience or well known companies. For instance: "In a large retail organisation like McDonald’s…" or "A technology company such as Apple may adopt this strategy to…"

Ensure you explain the type of company and how your example relates to the question.

Plan Your Answers:

Spend a few minutes planning each answer before writing. Jot down the main points you want to include to ensure a logical flow.

Be Concise and Clear:

Avoid waffle. Use straightforward language and keep your answers focused on the question.

Practice Case Study Analysis:

Practice analysing case studies and identifying the key issues and opportunities they present. Develop the skill of linking these insights to procurement concepts.

Review and Refine:

Leave time to review your answers. Check for clarity, relevance, and whether you’ve addressed all parts of the question.

Final Thoughts

The CIPS exams test not only your knowledge but also your ability to apply it in a structured and meaningful way. By following these tips, you’ll be better prepared to tackle both OR and CR exams with confidence. Remember, success comes from a combination of thorough preparation, strategic revision, and effective exam techniques.

Good luck with your studies and the March 2025 CIPS exams!

What are your go to revision tips and techniques for tackling CIPS exams? Share your strategies in the comments and help others on their journey!