| Exam Code | L4M5 |
| Exam Name | Commercial Negotiation |
| Vendor | CIPS |
| Total Questions | 223 |
| Last Updated | 26-Oct, 2026 |
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Free L4M5 Practice Questions
Explore 5 free practice questions for the CIPS L4M5 exam and review the answers and explanations to support your preparation.
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Question 1
Single answerWhen developing a negotiation approach, according to recognised theory (for example Mendelow), how should stakeholders with high interest but low power be managed?
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Option A:Correct
Minimal effort
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Option B:Correct
Key player
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Option C:Correct
Keep informed
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Option D:Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: C
Explanation
According toMendelow’s Matrix, stakeholders withhigh interest but low powershould be keptinformed. Their interest means they care about the negotiation ' s outcome, but their low power means they can ' t significantly influence it. Keeping them informed avoids alienation and ensures smoother implementation of negotiated agreements.
“Stakeholders with high interest but low power should be managed by keeping them informed. They may become powerful advocates or opponents in the future, so engaging them is a strategic approach.”
(L4M5 Commercial Negotiation, 2nd edition, Section 1.5 - Stakeholder Management in Commercial Negotiations)
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Question 2
Single answerWhich of the following would cause a demand curve for a good to be price inelastic?
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Option A:Correct
There are a great number of substitutes for the good
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Option B:Correct
The consultancy service
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Option C:Correct
The luxury goods
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Option D:Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Essential goods and services such as electricity, fuel, basic food stuffs, commuter transport and habitual products such as tobacco, alcohol and sugar-based drinks are often sited as facing a relatively inelastic demand curve. This means when the price goes up, the quantity demanded does not decrease very much and so they are often the target of government taxation.
LO2, AC 2.2
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Question 3
Single answerWhich of the following would cause a demand curve for a good to be price inelastic?
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Option A:Correct
There are a great number of substitutes for the good
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Option B:Correct
The consultancy service
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Option C:Correct
The luxury goods
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Option D:Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Essential goods and services such as electricity, fuel, basic food stuffs, commuter transport and habitual products such as tobacco, alcohol and sugar-based drinks are often sited as facing a relatively inelastic demand curve. This means when the price goes up, the quantity demanded does not decrease very much and so they are often the target of government taxation.
LO2, AC 2.2
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Question 4
Single answerA negotiation meeting between a buyer and supplier has taken several hours. Both parties believe the negotiation is starting to reach a close. Before the supplier makes their closing statements, they are most likely to be doing which of the following?
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Option A:Correct
Gathering information and data
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Option B:Correct
Watching for verbal and visual buying signals
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Option C:Correct
Establishing connections and building rapport
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Option D:Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: B
Explanation
As negotiations near closure, skilled negotiators carefully observe for buying signals—verbal cues (“That sounds reasonable…”) and non-verbal cues (nodding, smiling, leaning forward). These indicate readiness to agree and confirm whether it is the right time to close. At this stage, both sides usually stop gathering data or building rapport, as the focus is on confirming alignment and avoiding last-minute derailments. Closing too early may risk missing concessions, but delaying risks cooling momentum. Recognising buying signals ensures closure occurs at the optimal point, aligning with preparation and tactical awareness.
[Reference: CIPS L4M5 (2nd ed.), LO 2.2 – Negotiation stages: opening, testing, bargaining, closing; cues to close., , , ] -
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Question 5
Single answerA garden furniture supplier who is currently in negotiations for a high-value contract has offered the procurement manager a visit to their site. The supplier suggests that during this visit, they can undertake the contract negotiation. What would be an appropriate response from the procurement manager?
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Option A:Correct
Accept the offer as this would be an ideal opportunity to see what the supplier can offer and will provide the supplier with familiarity while negotiating
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Option B:Correct
Accept the offer as this would save time; a supplier visit and negotiation could be done at the same time
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Option C:Correct
Decline the offer as it would take too much time to go and visit the supplier
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Option D:Correct
Show Answer & Explanation Hide Answer & Explanation
Correct Answer: D
Explanation
Negotiating at the supplier ' s site can give the supplier a psychological advantage due to their familiarity with the setting. To ensure a neutral and balanced negotiation environment, it’s preferable to conduct negotiations in a neutral location or through structured channels, as recommended in CIPS ' s guidance on negotiation settings.
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