L4M4 CIPS Ethical and Responsible Sourcing Free Practice Exam Questions (2026 Updated)

A full competitive tender ensures fairness, transparency, and equal treatment of all suppliers. Each bidder has an equal opportunity to compete, and award decisions are based on pre-published criteria. This builds trust, prevents corruption, and strengthens market confidence. It is not quick or informal (A), nor does it disclose competitor bids (B). Decision-making is collective and accountable, not unilateral (D). Responsible sourcing stresses fairness and transparency in supplier engagement, ensuring a level playing field and compliance with ethical procurement standards.

Explanation

The C category is the 'tail spend' - it represents a large number of suppliers of small value items.

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A carnet (ATA Carnet) is an international customs document that allows for the temporary, duty-free and tax-free movement of goods across borders, usually for exhibitions, trade fairs, or professional equipment. It is not proof of origin (which is confirmed by a certificate of origin), nor is it an insurance document. It is also not restricted to European exports. By reducing customs paperwork and costs for temporary movements, carnets support trade efficiency but do not replace origin or insurance documents. Responsible sourcing requires procurement professionals to know which trade documents are appropriate for compliance and risk management.

Defining corrective actions and running supplier development programs are effective remedial actions following an audit. These approaches support continuous improvement, aligning with responsible sourcing by helping suppliers meet ethical and performance standards.

Explanation

Incoterms describe the point at which an item is considered 'delivered' and explains who has the risk of what during the transport of the goods.

Explanation

The correct answers are innovation, on time in full deliveries and sustainability.

The other options are pricing mechanisms rather than 'added value'. Added Value is giving the buyer something extra that's not necessarily financial. It can be as simple as delivering orders quicker than expected, or having a dedicated customer service phone line. Something that makes their lives a little easier.

Transparency International provides the Corruption Perceptions Index, which ranks countries based on perceived levels of public sector corruption, offering valuable insights into the anti-bribery risks of a specific country. Additionally, understanding the local anti-corruption legislation helps the buyer assess the legal framework and enforcement mechanisms in place, which is crucial when entering into contracts with suppliers in new jurisdictions.

Exact Extract from Study Guide:

"Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index is a key resource for assessing the risk of corruption in different countries. Local anti-corruption legislation provides the legal context within which suppliers operate, and understanding these laws is essential for ensuring compliance and ethical sourcing."

Explanation

The correct answer is bribery, corruption and the environment.

ESG stands for environmental and social governance. It's the new buzzword for CIPS and is basically everything to do with ethical procurement- so areas such as bribery and corruption are included as well as the environment.

Option 4 is incorrect as economic doesn't come into it.

Explanation

ILO = the International Labour Organisation.

ISO is the International Standardisation Organisation- they also come up in this exam.

Fair Trade is about paying suppliers properly.

WWF is the World Wildlife Foundation, or if you watched wrestling in the 90s, the original WWE. You do not need to know about wildlife or wrestling for this exam.