Form EC1
CIPS Approved Examination Centre Application Form
To be completed by all applicants wishing to administer CIPS’ examinations
This application form is in four parts.
Please tick the appropriate box(s) below to indicate which parts apply to your application:
To be completed by:
Part 1
Part 2
Centre contact details
Examination Centre Approval
Criteria
Part 3
Online Examination Centre
Approval Criteria
Part 4
Satellite Examination Centre
Approval Criteria
Please tick () as
appropriate for
this application
All applicants, for all types of application.
Applicants seeking Examination Centre approval
for the first time.
Already approved Examination Centres, wishing
to also offer online assessment (OLA) for CIPS
Certificate and/or Advanced certificate
qualifications.
Already approved Examination Centres, wishing
to provide examination facilities at a new venue.

Notes:
1. Approved or registered study centres are not automatically approved as an examination centre. The
approval of examination centres is a separate process, using the form below.
Please note: if you are also applying for study centre approval to deliver CIPS qualifications, you must
complete the relevant CIPS centre approval or registration application form.
For details see: http://www.cips.org/en-GB/Qualifications/study-centres/offercipsqualifications/
2. Approved study centres such as colleges and universities, with experience of administering examinations,
are encouraged to apply for examination centre approval from the outset. Other UK study centres are
expected to apply for examination centre approval within two years. After this time CIPS may charge for
continued use of CIPS regional examination centres.
3. Study centres applying for approval to deliver examinations at a corporate or satellite venue remain
responsible for all aspects of the application, and the subsequent examination arrangements there,
together with any associated costs.
4. Applications for examination centre approval should be made in good time, to allow processing and issue
of contract to be completed before the closing date for examination entries.
5. Note: a centre visit may be required by CIPS, to confirm the details submitted on this form.
Leading global excellence in procurement and supply
Part 1: Application for approval to administer CIPS examinations
Centre Contact Details
1
Examination Centre details
Name and address of applicant organisation:
Telephone number:
Email:
Name and address of proposed Examination Centre (if different from above):
Telephone number:
2
Email:
Contact details
Accountable person (e.g.
Head of Centre)
for quality assurance
of CIPS examinations
[see declaration below]
Name:
Job Title:
Address:
(if different
from above)
Tel:
Email:
Please note: The person named above takes responsibility on behalf of the centre for the quality of examination
administration at the centre, and for ensuring compliance with CIPS requirements as set out in this form, in CIPS’
Exam Centre Agreement and on other guidance material issued from time to time by CIPS.
Name:
Job Title:
Examination Officer
Address:
(if different
from above)
Tel:
Email:
Please note: The person named as the Exam Officer will take receipt and responsibility of the examination
materials under guidance from the accountable person. The address provided above will be the address where the
materials are posted to please ensure the address is accurate.
V10 Feb ‘17
Page 1
3
Declaration
(To be made by the accountable person for quality assurance of the examination process)
I confirm that the information provided in this form, and in the supporting documentation that accompanies it, is
to the best of my knowledge complete and accurate.
By adding my name to this form I accept responsibility on behalf of this examination centre for compliance with
CIPS assessment regulations, processes and practices, and for the safety, reliability and security of all CIPS
assessments. I also accept that breach of any of the criteria in this application constitutes malpractice or
maladministration, and could result in the loss of exam centre approval.
Name of accountable person:
Role of job title:
Date:
4
(New applicants only) Experience of administering examinations
Please list below any other awarding bodies whose examinations/assessments you administer:
Awarding Body
V10 Feb ‘17
Assessment type(s)
(written papers, open book exams, practical
assessments, online assessment, NVQ’s,
etc)
Administering
assessments
since…? (year)
No. of learners
assessed last year
Page 2
Part 2: Examination Centre Approval Criteria (new applicants)
Applicants must be able to provide evidence of meeting the criteria listed below. ALL evidence should be
provided as separate document(s), sent by email with this application form to the address at the end of this
form.
Please note: column 3 should only be used as a cross-reference to the relevant documentation that you have
attached to your application. Please DO NOT use column 3 to write about how you meet the criterion.
Please indicate which exam series you require this application to be considered for. Please tick () as appropriate
Jan
Mar
May
Jul
Nov
Please note: completed applications should be received by CIPS 4 weeks before the exam booking window
opens for the series that you have indicated above.
Please provide a breakdown of the exam centre charge. For example price per person, per exam.
1
Exam centre approval
criterion (all applicants)
EC1
There are reliable
procedures at the centre
to ensure that:
(a) all examination
materials and
candidate scripts are
held securely, and
(b) examinations are
conducted in
accordance with CIPS
examination
procedures
EC2
Resources necessary to
allow CIPS approved
reasonable adjustments
V10 Feb ‘17
2
3
Evidence required from applicant
Title/number of
attached document
containing this
evidence
EC1.1 Please provide a statement confirming that CIPS’
examination regulations and procedures will be adhered to,
including:
a) details of steps that will be taken to ensure the security of
examination materials whilst in the care of the centre
(including lockable storage on premises).
b) the number of people who have access to the lockable
storage (ideally access should be limited to the Exam Officer
plus one other individual).
c) details of steps that will be taken to prevent malpractice
(cheating) during examinations.
d) suitable invigilators will be appointed who have no conflict
of interest or procurement experience.
and, if available:
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)

Document(s) ref:
EC1.2 Evidence of experience of providing examinations for
other awarding bodies/ organisations, a report following
audit/inspection of examinations held at the centre, or other
evidence showing track record of successful delivery of
examinations.
EC2.1 UK ONLY - Written confirmation that the centre will
adhere to CIPS reasonable adjustments policy and the
requirements of current disability legislation.
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)
Page 3
for individual examination
candidates are/will be
identified and provided
for.
or

EC2.2 APPLICANTS OUTSIDE THE UK - Examples of arrangements Document(s) ref:
available at the centre to enable candidates needing special
facilities for examinations to be provided for wherever possible.
EC3.1 Please provide details of the centre’s own CIPS invigilator
appointment procedures, including checking/preventing conflict
of interest.
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)
and
EC3
Suitable invigilators are
appointed and trained
EC4
Equipment and
accommodation used for
examination purposes
comply with the
requirements of relevant
national and local health
and safety legislation
EC5
Accommodation is
provided for candidates
undertaking examinations
which is accessible to all
candidates, suitably quiet,
in an undisturbed
location, with adequate
heating, lighting, and
ventilation, and complies
with the relevant rules
and regulations of CIPS.
V10 Feb ‘17
EC3.2 Details of the centre’s training programme for CIPS
invigilators, to include training on:

role/responsibilities of invigilators

CIPS examination procedures

how to conduct online assessments, including suitable IT
knowledge and skills, if this is offered by the examination
centre

how to prevent, identify and deal with incidents of
malpractice (cheating)
EC4.1 Please provide a copy of the venue’s health, safety and
fire evacuation policy.
and
EC4.2 A statement from a person in authority at the centre
confirming that health, safety and fire evacuation procedures
have been checked/inspected within the last 12 months.
or

Document(s) ref:
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)

Document(s) ref:
EC4.3 A copy of up-to-date health, safety and fire
certificates/reports.
EC5.1 Please provide a plan or photograph of the room(s) where
the examinations will be held. This must show:

the desks/tables layout, spaced appropriately apart

location of invigilators desk

location of clock(s)

location of waiting area

location of lifts or ramps, if above ground floor level

location of fire exit(s)

maximum capacity of the room
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)
and
Document(s) ref:

EC5.2 A plan or map of the external environment of the exam
venue, to confirm:

quiet surroundings

parking facilities

drop-off points for disabled candidates

location of, and distance from, nearest rail and bus station
Page 4
(or bus stop)
Part 3: Examination Centre Approval Criteria – additional criteria for online
assessment (OLA) applicants.
Applicants must be able to provide evidence of meeting the criteria listed below. ALL evidence should be
provided as separate document(s), sent by email with this application form to the address at the end of the
form.
Please note: column 3 should only be used as a cross-reference to the relevant documentation that you have
attached to your application. Please DO NOT use column 3 to write about how you meet the criterion.
Please indicate which qualifications you are applying to provide online assessment for
Please tick () as appropriate
Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (Level 2)
Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (Level 3)


Please provide a breakdown of the exam centre charge. For example price per person, per
exam.
1
Online assessment
approval (OLA) criteria
OLA1
The applicant is a UK
approved CIPS study
centre, or Centre of Merit
or Centre of Excellence
OLA2
The applicant is an
approved CIPS
examination centre with a
current agreement/deed
in place
OLA3
The applicant can provide
the same standard of
examination facilities for
online assessment as are
provided for CIPS written
examinations
V10 Feb ‘17
2
3
Evidence required from applicant.
Title/number of
attached document
containing this
evidence
CIPS staff use
only
No evidence required – CIPS already holds this information.

CIPS staff use
only
No evidence required – CIPS already holds this information.

Existing CIPS examination centres please provide:
OLA3.1 A statement from the accountable person at the centre
that this will be the case. (Including details of who the
invigilator will be for online assessments)
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)

Document(s) ref:
Page 5
Please indicate which qualifications you are applying to provide online assessment for
Please tick () as appropriate
Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (Level 2)
Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations (Level 3)


Please provide a breakdown of the exam centre charge. For example price per person, per
exam.
1
Online assessment
approval (OLA) criteria
2
3
Evidence required from applicant.
Title/number of
attached document
containing this
evidence
CIPS staff use
New applicants:
only
We will refer to part 2 of this application for the required
information.

V10 Feb ‘17
Page 6
OLA4
The centre can provide
the technical and
administrative
environment to set up
and maintain online
assessment
Please detail below the name and contact details of the
person(s) with technical expertise to:

set up and maintain the location and equipment for online
assessments

assist candidates in understanding how to use the
technology

deal with any technical breakdowns during online
assessments (either resolving the problem or referring to
online assessment support)
CIPS staff use
only
Name

Tel:
Based at:
OLA5
The centre has internet
and computer
specifications as
prescribed by CIPS (as
shown to the right)
OLA6
The centre can provide
individual computers for
the number of candidates
entered, in a layout that
does not allow any
candidate to see the
screen of another
candidate during the
exam.
V10 Feb ‘17
Internet
connection:
Broadband
Windows Internet Explorer 7 or above
Web browser:
Latest version of Chrome, Firefox or
Safari
Cookies enabled
Browser settings:
JavaScript enabled
Screen resolution: 1024 x 768 or higher
OLA6.1 Please provide a room plan/layout showing the number
of computers and precautions against viewing others’ screens.
The number of candidates per online assessment session will be
determined by the number of computers available.
Please tick the
box below to
confirm that the
IT equipment
used for
examinations
meets the
criteria

Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)

Document(s) ref:
Page 7
Part 4: Criteria for Satellite Examination Centre Approval
Applicants must be able to provide evidence of meeting the criteria listed below. ALL evidence should be
provided as separate document(s), sent by email with this application form to the address at the end of the
form.
Please note: column 3 should only be used as a cross-reference to the relevant documentation that you have
attached to your application. Please DO NOT use column 3 to write about how you meet the criterion.
Please indicate which exam series you require this application to be considered for. Please tick () as appropriate
Jan
Mar
May
Jul
Nov
Please note: completed applications should be received by CIPS 4 weeks before the exam booking window
opens for the series that you have indicated above.
Please provide a breakdown of the exam centre charge. For example price per person, per exam.
1
Exam centre approval
criterion (all applicants)
SEC1
The applicant can provide
the same standard of
examination facilities for
the satellite examination
centre as are provided at
the main CIPS approved
examination centre
V10 Feb ‘17
3
Evidence required from applicant
Title/number of
attached document
containing this
evidence
SEC1 A statement from the Exam Officer at the main
examination centre confirming the following:




SEC2
If applicable, examination
materials supplied to the
main examination centre
are stored and
transported securely to
2
the proposed satellite examination centre has a health a
safety policy in place
fire evacuation procedures are in place and safety checks
are carried out yearly
suitable invigilators will be appointed and trained to the
required CIPS standards
the name and job title of the person at the satellite centre
who will take responsibility for the examination material
and ensure its safekeeping before, during and after the
examinations
SEC2 A written procedure for maintaining the security of
examination materials which includes completed answer
booklets, including:

receipt and storage at the main centre before and after
examination
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)

Document(s) ref:
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)

Page 8
and from the satellite
centre.
SEC3
Accommodation is
provided for candidates
undertaking examinations
which is accessible to all
candidates, suitably quiet,
in an undisturbed
location, with adequate
heating, lighting, and
ventilation, and complies
with the relevant rules
and regulations of CIPS.


transporting to and from the satellite centre
receipt and storage whilst at the satellite centre, before and
after the examination.
SEC3.1 Please provide a plan or photograph of the room(s)
where the examinations will be held. This must show:

the desks/tables layout, spaced appropriately apart

location of invigilators desk

location of clock(s)

location of waiting area

location of lifts or ramps, if above ground floor level

location of fire exit(s)

maximum capacity of the room
and
SEC3.2 A plan or map of the external environment of the exam
venue, to confirm:

quiet surroundings

parking facilities

drop-off points for disabled candidates

location of, and distance from, nearest rail and bus station
(or bus stop)
Document(s) ref:
Document(s)
included with
this application
(please tick)

Document(s) ref:
Please keep a copy of the completed application form for your own records and email a copy together with all
the documents forming supporting evidence for your application to:
[email protected]
Tel: 01780 756777
Fax: 01780 751610
V10 Feb ‘17
Page 9