CORE ISM Supply Management Core Exam Free Practice Exam Questions (2025 Updated)
Prepare effectively for your ISM CORE Supply Management Core Exam certification with our extensive collection of free, high-quality practice questions. Each question is designed to mirror the actual exam format and objectives, complete with comprehensive answers and detailed explanations. Our materials are regularly updated for 2025, ensuring you have the most current resources to build confidence and succeed on your first attempt.
A company is about to conduct an opportunity assessment review of the items it purchases. Which of the following categories should be analyzed FIRST?
A supply manager is conducting financial analysis of bidders. The supply manager wants to select the supplier that is most efficient In the use of its assets. Based on the following information, which supplier should the supply manager choose?
For the past two years, XYZ Company has issued Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for event registration mobile apps to be used for the firm's annual conference. In both instances, XYZ ended up using an app developed in-house. While the internally-developed app has met XYZ's requirements, the company believes it may be outdated in comparison with those provided by the suppliers that have submitted responses in the past. XYZ issues a new RFP to assess the suppliers' current capabilities. Responses are requested within four weeks from the date of the RFP.
Which of the following is the GREATEST risk that XYZ may encounter with this strategy?
A supply manager receives negative feedback from internal stakeholders about several suppliers. However, the scorecards for these suppliers have been positive over the past few quarters, and any diminished performance is not reflected. Which of the following MOST likely explains this situation?
Which of the following is the FIRST step in developing a negotiation plan?
DEF, Inc. is a multinational oil company expanding into a new geographic region. The firm's policy is to purchase locally for its operations whenever possible. Thus, DEF needs to find sources of materials, basic equipment, and standard bulk items within the new region. Given this situation, which of the following is the BEST way for DEF to proceed?
A supply manager for JKL, Inc. finds a potential new supplier for an item included In a finished product. Quality and service are comparable to those of the current supplier, and the new supplier's cost per unit is $.03 lower than that of the current supplier. Making the transition to the new supplier will require changes to operations costing approximately $12,000. How many units would JKL need to buy in order to justify changing suppliers?
A supply manager for XYZ, Inc. visits a manufacturer's plant and research division for a general inspection and product review. The supply manager is required to sign in at the registration desk and must acknowledge acceptance of the standard terms of visiting. After the visit, which includes very encouraging discussions, the supply manager returns to XYZ with a sample of a new product—an expensive item of complex design with innovative features. The supply manager must take specific precautions to protect the sample because
A supply management department is looking to standardize purchases across the entire organization and leverage spend with fewer suppliers. Which of the following will be MOST useful for determining historical baseline costs?
During negotiations with a supply manager from FGH Inc., a supplier states that if FGH buys the 200 gigabyte version of its software package at a price of $700, the supplier will include a never-before-sold malware license valued at $147. FGH needs both the malware and the software package. If the supply manager agrees to the offer, FGH may claim a
In portfolio analysis, purchases for which the buying organization consolidates spend with a handful of suppliers but still maintains competition are BEST classified as
A manufacturing plant employs an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system. The supply management staff find the data provided by this system to be incomplete or incorrect. Which of the following should the supply management staff do FIRST In order to obtain more useful information?
A supply manager negotiates an agreement with a salesperson from the supplier's organization. With regard to signing the agreement, which of the following is MOST correct?
A foundation maintains ongoing relationships with agents in several remote locations. The agents are recruited to serve as instructors for the foundation's microbusiness development program. The foundation's supply manager learns that one of the agents has gone outside the defined area of responsibility by having repairs made to the local office after a storm. The agent explains that the building was unusable and potentially dangerous, and had to be repaired. The agent tried to contact the foundation headquarters to request approval for the repairs, but communications were down. Which of the following is the BEST course of action for the supply manager to take?
Smith agrees to work for Acme Company for 12 months on a time and materials contract, with right of termination for convenience. Under the terms of the contract, Smith's fee is payable quarterly. After six months, Smith provides notice of termination. Smith was only paid for the first three months of the contract, and Acme Company is withholding payment of the outstanding balance. If Smith files a lawsuit to recover damages, Smith is MOST likely to be compensated for which of the following types of damages?
A supply management team reviews all documents dealing with processes and procedures for the supply management function. Each team member reviews the documents and reports back to the group on the accuracy of the information, particularly concerning financial transactions. Any discrepancies are documented, updated, and submitted to senior management for approval. Which of the following is the MOST important legal requirement for this activity?
The chief procurement officer (CPO) for a large hospital system is planning to implement a new e-sourcing system. Satellite clinics and specialty centers will be authorized to process small orders through this system, rather than sending requests to the central supply management department, as has been done in the past. Which of the following actions by the CPO will MOST likely support a successful implementation of this system?
A manufacturing company purchases a certain component in quantities of 10,000 units per truckload. The company uses 2,000,000 units annually. The firm's supply manager identifies two possible suppliers of the component, both of which meet service and quality requirements.
Supplier A offers the component at $.69 per unit and charges $2000 to ship one truckload. Supplier B offers the component at $.71 per unit and charges $1500 to ship one truckload. Given this situation, which of the following will be MOST useful to the supply manager in deciding between the two suppliers?
A supply manager Is leading a team in developing a strategic sourcing strategy for the company's corporate-wide desktop and laptop computer procurement. Several business unit managers get into a heated debate over the relative Importance and exposure of desktop computers for their specific business units. Some units consider the desktop computer to be a low risk/low value commodity, while others consider them to be high risk/high value critical items. How should the supply manager proceed?
PQR, Inc. is a small manufacturing firm that is rebuilding its customer base after emerging from bankruptcy. PQR now projects growing demand for its products. PQR's supply manager is planning negotiations with a key supplier that has worked well with the firm in the past. Which of the following is the STRONGEST factor the supply manager can use to improve PQR's negotiating position?
