At DPG, we get asked all the time about the best qualifications to boost your career. We know it's important to pick the right qualification to support both your personal and professional growth – and we're here to help!
We’ve put together answers to the most commonly asked questions to guide you. If you have a question we haven’t covered, don’t hesitate to get in touch – we'd love to hear from you!
With over 30 years of experience, we’ve helped thousands of professionals achieve their career goals through flexible, no-nonsense training.
Our innovative approach to learning makes getting qualified as easy and stress-free as possible, so you can learn at your own pace without the pressure.
Plus, our friendly support team is always here to cheer you on and keep you on track.
Whether you're looking to upskill, switch careers, or climb the ladder, DPG is here to help you make it happen!
Yes! Most of our courses are 100% online, allowing you to study whenever you want, from any device.
For CIPD courses only, we offer two ways to study – 100% online or a blended learning approach.
With online learning, you can work through materials at your own pace, accessing everything via our virtual platform, mystudyspace, with expert tutor support.
If you prefer more structure, our blended learning combines online materials with engaging in-person workshops led by expert tutors.
No matter your schedule or commitments, we give you the flexibility to study when and how it suits you. That’s the DPG Difference.
For more info, get in touch with our friendly course advisors!
At DPG, we pride ourselves on helping you get qualified without breaking the bank.
If you’re paying for your course yourself, you can spread the cost over time, and you won’t pay any extra – all our payment plans are completely interest-free*.
They also come with low deposits, making it easy and affordable to get ahead in your career.
If your employer is paying for your course (or if you’d like them to!), our advisors can help you write a business case showcasing the benefits of studying with us.
Good news – you can get moving right away!
With DPG, there’s no waiting around. As soon as you enrol, you’ll gain instant access to your online course materials, so you can dive in and start learning at your own pace.
Whether you’re ready to power through or take it step by step, we’ve got you covered.
So why wait? Your career glow-up starts today!
We prioritise bringing you phenomenal support before, during, and after your course.
Once you’ve enrolled, you’ll be assigned a tutor whose job is to make sure you’re successful in getting qualified.
Plus, on top of 24/7 access to our online learning platform, you'll have unlimited access to our Career Hub, offering you thousands of resources to help you impress employers and build your dream career.
For CIPD qualifications, you’ll need to become a CIPD Student Member (but don’t worry, it’s worth it!). Your annual membership fee gives you access to loads of resources, support, and career-boosting perks. Membership fees vary, so check the CIPD website for the latest details.
The same goes for CMI management qualifications.
If you’re studying a PRINCE2 project management qualification, the only extra cost would be for exam resits – but we’ll give you everything you need to pass the first time!
At DPG, we’re proud to have supported over 25,000 individuals in achieving their career goals, with 96% saying they’d study with us again!
With more than 30 years of experience in helping professionals develop their strategic career skills, we offer dedicated tutor support across all our online courses.
And the best part? You'll have 24/7 access to your online learning materials, so you can study from anywhere, on any device!
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, better known as CIPD, is the leading professional body for HR (Human Resources) and L&D (Learning & Development) training.
With over 160,000 members worldwide, CIPD sets the gold standard for those in the people profession, offering globally recognised qualifications and resources designed to kickstart and advance their careers.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to take your expertise to the next level, CIPD provides the tools, insights, and networking opportunities to help you succeed.
A CIPD qualification is a professional certificate or diploma awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the only Chartered body for people professionals in the world.
Recognised as the gold standard for L&D and HR training, CIPD qualifications are respected in the UK and internationally. They’re also the most straightforward way to gain CIPD membership, enhancing your career prospects in a competitive industry.
Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
Level 5 Associate Diplomas (HR or L&D)
Level 7 Advanced Diplomas (HR or L&D)
No matter where you are in your career, there’s a CIPD qualification for you!
CIPD qualifications and membership are a big win for your career – and employers know it too! Being CIPD-accredited gives hiring managers confidence that they’re bringing talented, skilled, and up-to-date people professionals on board who can make a real impact in their organisation.
Don’t just take our word for it – a quick scroll through HR job listings will show you that many roles either require a CIPD qualification or expect candidates to be working towards one.
Starting your CIPD qualification is a brilliant way to open doors to new career opportunities and stand out in the competitive world of HR and L&D.
Ready to take the next step? Slide into our DMs and level up your career today!
How long it takes to complete your CIPD qualification will vary depending on the course you choose, your learning method, and the time you have to dedicate to your studies. However, on average:
Becoming CIPD-qualified enhances your credibility and industry expertise, proving to employers that you have the gold-standard knowledge and skills to succeed in your chosen role.
Whether you're starting out or looking to boost your career prospects, enroling on a CIPD course is your first step toward a thriving career in the people profession!
A CIPD qualification is very likely to increase your salary because it helps you:
While it won’t double your salary overnight, these HR training qualifications are a proven way to develop your career and earnings in the long run!
Don't believe us? Check out how much you could earn with our CIPD salary calculator!
Yes, you’ll need to join CIPD as a Student Member before submitting your first assignment for your CIPD Level 3 Certificate. Membership is essential for CIPD to moderate your assignments, issue grades, and award your qualifications – so it’s an important step!
MCIPD stands for 'Member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development', and it’s a big deal in the world of HR and L&D!
Earning 'MCIPD' status shows the world you’re a top-tier HR or L&D expert, opening doors to exciting career opportunities, higher salaries, and leadership roles – and CIPD is the only organisation that can award Chartered Member status!
If you’ve completed a CIPD Level 7 qualification and have relevant work experience, you can apply for a membership assessment. Once you pass, you’ll be upgraded to Chartered Member (MCIPD), a prestigious title that proves you're a highly skilled and experienced HR or L&D professional.
No CIPD Level 7 qualification? No worries! You can also achieve MCIPD status after gaining several years of industry experience.
To become CIPD qualified, you need to successfully gain a CIPD qualification at either Foundation, Associate, or Advanced level.
And guess what? As one of CIPD's trusted course providers, we offer flexible study options to suit you!
Study 100% online at your own pace, or go for our blended learning option with virtual workshops if you prefer a bit of structure to your learning.
Download your free course guide today for more info!
PRINCE2 stands for 'PRojects IN Controlled Environments', and it's the go-to project management framework used by both private and public sector organisations in over 100 countries!
Whether you're managing small or large projects, the PRINCE2® methodology provides a proven framework for success, helping professionals plan, manage, and deliver projects.
A PRINCE2® qualification is the gold standard project management qualification, trusted by professionals around the world.
Whether it's managing projects in HR, tech, healthcare, or even government, those who are skilled in project management are highly sought-after by employers, making PRINCE2 a valuable asset on your CV.
The PRINCE2 Foundation is your intro to the basics of project management, giving you the essential knowledge to understand the methodology.
The PRINCE2 Practitioner takes it up a notch, teaching you how to apply PRINCE2 in real-world projects like a pro!
We give you a flexible amount of time to complete your course, so how long it takes to complete a PRINCE2® project management qualification will vary for each person.
However, on average:
To become a PRINCE2® Practitioner, you need to pass the Practitioner exam. You can enrol on the Practitioner course, where you focus purely on mastering the application of PRINCE2®, or the Combined course, which covers both the Foundation and Practitioner levels in one go.
However, to stay registered as a PRINCE2® Practitioner, you'll need to renew your certification every 3 years. This ensures you're up-to-date with the latest best practices and can continue managing projects effectively.
The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is the leading professional body for management and leadership in the UK. For 75 years, they've provided globally recognised professional training and certifications to help current and aspiring managers gain the leadership skills they need to succeed in their careers.
With a focus on practical leadership, professional development, and industry-recognised accreditation, studying a CMI qualification demonstrates strong leadership capabilities, boosting your career prospects and business savvy.
Plus, CMI is the only organisation that can award Chartered Manager status – the highest industry award for managers and leaders.
A Chartered Manager (CMgr) is the gold standard of leadership excellence, proving you have the skills, experience, and impact to drive real business success.
If you're a data-driven, high-performance leader who delivers results, CMgr status gives you the professional recognition you deserve!
To gain prestigious Chartered Manager status, you'll have to gain either the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership or the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice, accompanied by 3+ years of management experience.
You got this!
If you're wondering whether a CMI qualification is worth it, the short answer is: absolutely!
Employers around the world highly value CMI because it proves you have the leadership, management, and strategic thinking skills needed to thrive in today’s workplace.
Whether you’re aiming for a promotion, career change, or leadership role, a CMI qualification can open doors to exciting new opportunities!
Thinking about developing your management career? Download your free CMI course guide to find out how.
A CMI qualification opens up a world of benefits for aspiring leaders!
Whether you're looking to boost your career, earn a promotion, or just upskill, a CMI course will give you the knowledge and confidence to lead with real influence:
You’ll gain industry-recognised credentials that employers love, while also unlocking networking opportunities with fellow managers.
Ready to take the next step? Slide into our DMs to level up your career today!
We know everyone learns at their own pace, so you get flexible time to complete your course—no pressure! On average, though:
Download a FREE course guide for full details of our online CIPD, CMI or PRINCE2 qualifications.
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