CPSM Exam 1 study plan

Map the full sourcing cycle from spend analysis through award and identify the decision point at each stage

Classify a sample spend portfolio into the four Kraljic quadrants using spend value and supply risk criteria

Distinguish make-versus-buy-versus-outsource criteria and write the decision rule you would apply to three scenarios

Calculate category spend concentration and identify the top three consolidation opportunities

Evaluate supply base rationalization levers and justify when to reduce, dual-source, or develop a new supplier

Construct a should-cost model for one manufactured item, separating material, labor, overhead, and margin

Distinguish cost elements from price elements and list the questions that expose a supplier's cost build-up

Assess supplier financial and capacity risk using a checklist you build yourself

Build a total cost of ownership model that includes acquisition, logistics, quality, inventory, and end-of-life costs

Calculate learning-curve and volume-discount effects on unit price across three order quantities

Differentiate price analysis, cost analysis, and value analysis and select the right technique for four given buying situations

Quantify the cost of poor quality and switch costs in a supplier change decision

Compute break-even volumes and payback for two sourcing alternatives

Re-solve missed cost-analysis items and record the error pattern for each

Integrate sourcing strategy and cost findings into a single award rationale

Complete a timed 40-question mixed set covering Domains 1 and 3

Map the purchase-to-pay cycle and identify the control point that fails most often at each handoff

Draft an RFP section covering scope, evaluation criteria, and submission requirements

Select the correct procurement method for six scenarios based on value, risk, and urgency

Distinguish the contract types (fixed-price, cost-reimbursable, time-and-materials, incentive) and match each to a risk profile

Identify the clauses that carry the most commercial risk and explain the remedy each triggers

Differentiate warranties, indemnities, liquidated damages, and limitation-of-liability provisions

Plan a contract administration cadence including change control, performance review, and closeout

Resolve three dispute scenarios by identifying the breach, the remedy, and the escalation path

Design a weighted supplier scorecard covering quality, delivery, cost, and compliance

Distinguish the seven quality tools' procurement applications and select sampling and inspection approaches by risk

Apply a code of ethics to four conflict-of-interest and gift-acceptance scenarios

Identify the legal and regulatory exposures that attach to sourcing decisions, including competition and liability issues

Complete two full-length timed practice exams under test conditions

Rank your weakest sub-topics by error rate and re-drill only the top five

Reconstruct from memory the key formulas: TCO, break-even, learning curve, and weighted scoring

Write a one-page exam-day time-allocation and question-triage strategy