CIPS L6M5 Practice Exam Questions & Answers
5 Free Questions
· Last reviewed: September 5, 2026
· Prepared & Reviewed by the ValidExamDumps Editorial Team
Exam Facts
CIPS L6M5 Exam Details
Key details for this exam, checked against the published exam outline
83
Practice Questions (Our Bank)
90 minutes
Exam Duration
- Exam Code
- L6M5
- Full Name
- Strategic Programme Leadership
- Issuing Body
- Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
- Question Format (Our Bank)
- Multiple Choice, Drag & Drop
Practice Questions
Free L6M5 Practice Questions
Each question shows the correct answer and an explanation of why it is right
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Every question and its answer is checked by our L6M5 exam
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Why might a Public Sector Organisation use a PPP style of contract to build a new police station? Select ALL that apply.
Correct Answer:
A, B
Explanation
PPP contracts are used when budgets are tight and to monetise under-performing assets. They are not mandated by law nor do they inherently ensure high quality or less administration.
In which scenario would a Cost Reimbursable contract be most suitable?
Answer Options:
Correct Answer:
A
Explanation
Cost Reimbursable contracts are widely used in research projects where the exact scope is uncertain (p.69). These contracts allow for flexibility in cost adjustments based on project progress. Option B describes a contract using cost-plus pricing, and Options C and D do not fit this contract model. [P.69]
"Persuasion should be a last resort in cultural change." Is this statement true?
Answer Options:
Correct Answer:
C
Explanation
Persuasion is one of the best tools for cultural change (p.204).
Option A is incorrect---persuasion should not involve threats.
**Option B is incorrect---persuasion should be the first approach, not the last.
Option D is incorrect---persuasion is highly effective in large-scale change. [P.204]
Danger Incorporated is estimating the costs for a new project called the Ninja Project using an algorithm based on the project's scope, duration, and complexity. What type of cost estimate is being used?
Correct Answer:
D
Explanation
Using an algorithm based on key parameters is characteristic of a parametric cost estimate.
Skipped
Under what circumstances can Specific Performance be used to compensate an innocent party for a contractual breach? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer:
B, C
Explanation
Specific performance is an alternative remedy to paying damages (i.e., money). It is used when money isn't going to help solve the situation---examples include the sale of land, rare or customized goods.
Option A is incorrect as specific performance can only be awarded if the injured party has 'clean hands' and fulfilled all their obligations.
Option D is incorrect as specific performance is often decided by the court.
Option E is incorrect as specific performance would be used instead of liquidated damages.
See p.128-132 in the study guide.
Domain: 2.3
Domain 1: Strategic Ethical Leadership
This section measures skills of a Procurement Leader and covers essential leadership behaviours and ethical practices required to drive strategic improvements in procurement and supply chains. Develop capability in ethical decision-making across organizational boundaries and stakeholder groups. Understand how leadership character and integrity influence supply chain transformation.
Sample questions from this domain above:
Q2Q4
Domain 2: Global Commercial Strategy
This module targets Commercial Strategists and explores the creation and implementation of global commercial strategies that equip organizations to compete internationally. Learn to analyze market dynamics and develop strategy that addresses regional variations in procurement practice. Build capability in translating corporate strategy into actionable commercial objectives.
Domain 3: Global Strategic Supply Chain Management
Designed for Supply Chain Strategists, this area examines how supply chain management supports corporate strategy and competitive advantage. Understand end-to-end supply chain design from sourcing to delivery and its link to organizational goals. Learn to optimize supply chain networks for both efficiency and resilience.
Domain 4: Future Strategic Challenges for the Profession
This section focuses on Procurement Leaders and examines emerging trends and challenges shaping the procurement profession's future. Analyze disruptive technologies, sustainability pressures, and geopolitical shifts affecting procurement. Develop forward-looking perspectives on how the profession will evolve.
Domain 5: Strategic Programme Leadership
This elective module is intended for Programme Managers and covers contracting approaches and leadership techniques for major strategic programmes. Learn to plan, govern and execute multi-year procurement programmes across complex organizational structures. Manage stakeholder alignment, resource allocation and change within large-scale initiatives.
Sample questions from this domain above:
Q1Q3Q5
Domain 6: Commercial Data Management
This elective is aimed at Data Specialists and explores big data concepts within procurement, emphasizing data integrity, cyber security, and their effects on the supply chain. Understand how data strategies support decision-making in procurement and commercial negotiations. Learn to manage data governance and security risks.
Domain 7: Supply Network Design
This elective module addresses Supply Network Designers and evaluates the strategic importance of designing and operating supply networks. Learn network topology decisions and their impact on cost, service and sustainability. Understand how to balance efficiency, resilience and agility in network architecture.
FAQ
L6M5 Exam FAQ
Common questions about the exam itself
Is L6M5 Strategic Programme Leadership harder than Level 5 exams?
L6M5 requires you to demonstrate strategic thinking rather than operational competence. The exam expects you to handle complex scenarios involving multiple stakeholder groups, long-term programme governance, and the integration of commercial strategy with supply chain decisions. Most candidates find the breadth of content and the need to make nuanced judgements across all seven objective areas more demanding than Level 5.
What background do I need before taking L6M5?
CIPS typically expects Level 6 candidates to have already completed Levels 4 and 5 or have equivalent professional experience in procurement and supply. You should be working or recently have worked in a mid-to-senior procurement or supply chain role with exposure to strategic decision-making and multi-department collaboration.
Which objective area of L6M5 gives most candidates trouble?
Strategic Ethical Leadership and Global Strategic Supply Chain Management tend to challenge candidates most. The ethical leadership component demands you make defensible choices under competing pressures, not just know theory. The supply chain management area requires you to connect global commercial context, sustainability requirements and organizational capability all at once.
How long should I spend preparing for L6M5?
If you already have strong procurement and supply background from working at this level, 8 to 12 weeks of structured study is typical. If you are moving up from Level 5 or coming from a different specialism, plan for 12 to 16 weeks. Your preparation time depends on whether you are studying alone or in a structured programme.
What does exam day involve for L6M5?
You will have 90 minutes to complete the exam. The format combines multiple-choice questions with scenario-based and short-answer sections that test your judgement in realistic commercial situations. You cannot leave any answers blank and you should manage your time carefully to spend roughly equal time on each objective area.
Can I resit L6M5 if I fail, and what does rescheduling cost?
You can resit the exam as many times as you need. CIPS allows you to schedule resits but each attempt carries a separate exam fee. Check with your local CIPS centre for their rescheduling policy as some centres charge an admin fee if you need to move your booking date.
How long does the L6M5 certification stay valid?
Once you pass L6M5 along with the other required modules at Level 6, you hold the Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply. This qualification does not expire. However, if you want to progress to Chartered MCIPS status you will need to meet additional requirements beyond the diploma.
What job role does L6M5 map to?
L6M5 Strategic Programme Leadership is designed for programme managers, procurement leaders and senior supply chain strategists. It suits people leading major sourcing initiatives, overseeing multi-year supplier partnerships or managing the procurement function for large transformation programmes.
Where does L6M5 sit in relation to other Level 6 modules?
L6M5 is an elective module within the Level 6 Professional Diploma. You must complete four core modules first, then choose three electives from options including L6M5. The Strategic Ethical Leadership core module provides foundation concepts that L6M5 builds on when handling programme governance and stakeholder decisions.
How does L6M5 link to the procurement and supply route after Level 6?
Passing L6M5 along with your other Level 6 modules qualifies you for the Professional Diploma. To become Chartered MCIPS you then need to move into the Chartered stream which involves additional experience verification and a professional reflective practice component. L6M5 gives you the senior-level knowledge base that the Chartered route builds on.
