We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic.
We also share information about your use of our site with our social media,
advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you’ve provided to them or that they’ve collected from your use of their services.
So you’re taking that big step towards progressing your career. “What CIPD qualification should I do?” I hear you cry. It’s not something to take lightly and understandably so. A CIPD qualification is the absolute cornerstone to a successful career in HR and L&D. You’ll gain the relevant experience you need, boosting your skills, knowledge and credibility.
Answering this question can sometimes be tricky. With numerous training providers and tonnes of information online, it’s easy to take the wrong road. That’s why we’ve written this helpful article for you, so you can ensure you’re prepared with all the information you need before you take the leap.
The general misconception is that you should do the levels in order, starting at the bottom and working up. That’s not the case. You can choose whatever level you like, although trying to run before you can walk often ends in disaster. The main question to ask yourself first is ‘What CIPD qualification do I need?’
Level 3 – Whilst there’s no pre-set route, we advise that people at certain stages of their career go for certain levels. For example, the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is perfect for anyone that is fresh to the field. It is entry level and equivalent to an A-level qualification. This level is a great starting place for HR/L&D administrators and trainers who haven’t been in their field for a long time.
Level 5 – The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is a much-needed middle ground. That doesn’t mean you can’t start here though. The Level 5 is equivalent to degree level, delving deeper into the roles of HR/L&D in organization and driving people performance. If you’re an existing HR/L&D manager looking to extend your knowledge, this would be best suited to you. This can also be suitable for people with general management experience or business owners looking to gain some HR knowledge.
Level 7 – The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management is much more advanced than the previous programmes and is equivalent to postgraduate level. In turn, it is highly regarded in the HR/L&D field. This is best suited for HR/L&D directors, or someone that has been in the field for many years and perhaps is already educated to a degree level.
The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is an entry-level qualification. This means that it's designed for people at the very start of their career. It's also suited to people who are wanting to get into HR or L&D for the first time as it doesn't assume any prior knowledge of the field.
The Level 3 Certificate is made up of four compulsory modules:
These modules will introduce you to the basic principles behind human resources, learning and development and people management. It will give you an excellent grounding in the all of the key topics that you'll need to know to build a long-lasting career on.
You'll complete a written online assessment for every module that you study. This means that there will be four assessments you'll submit in this qualification.
In general, it takes students around seven to nine months to complete. The fact that you study the qualification entirely online means that you can take as long as you want to complete it. You can study when and where you want!
At DPG, it costs £1,785 to study the Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice.
You'll be able to apply for entry-level HR roles once you've finished studying the Level 3 Foundation Certificate, like Junior HR Assistant, Trainee HR Administrator or Trainee HR Advisor.
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is focused on HR. It's a specialist, intermediate level degree that's aimed at people who have some experience and knowledge of HR, who are looking to progress their career in the field.
The Level 5 Associate Diploma is made up of seven modules. Six core modules and your choice of one elective module.
Core modules
Elective modules (choose one)
You'll complete one written, online assignment for each module that you study. In terms of the Level 5 Associate Diploma, this means that you'll complete seven assessments.
Most students find that it takes them between 12 to 15 months to complete this qualifciation. It can take shorter or longer depending on how much time you have to devote to your study.
It costs £2,999 to study the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management with DPG.
After you've studied this qualification, you'll be able to apply for intermediate roles like HR Adviser, Trainee HR Consultant and Trainee HR Manager.
The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management is the highest qualification that you can study in human resources. It's designed for HR professionals with significant experience and knowledge of the field, who are looking to improve the strategic aspect of their skills and expertise.
You'll study four compulsory modules and three specialist modules:
You'll also pick one optional module from the following list:
You'll complete an written assessment for every module that you complete. This means that when you're studying the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma, you'll complete eight assessments.
The majority of students find that it takes them around 18 to 24 months to study this qualification
It will cost you £6099 to study the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management with DPG.
After you've studied the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Management, you'll be well-placed to apply for senior positions, like HR Director, Director of People or Senior HR Manager. Once you've gathered the prerequisite industry experience, you'll be able to apply for prestigious CIPD Chartered Status too.
It’s about finding the right level and qualification for you, so it’s important you think carefully about what you want. Research the different options and talk to us.
It can’t be stressed enough how important it is that you think long and hard about what you want to gain from pursuing a qualification. The clearer you are, the more likely it is that you’ll choose the right course, for the right reasons.
So, do your research. Research the course components, what you’ll be looking at, what the time commitments are, how much travelling is involved. Think about how you will fit it in around your everyday work.
Don’t forget to talk to people – talk to colleagues and peers, and talk to your manager. Get their view on what’s important and what the qualification involves. They are there to help people make the right decisions. It’s important that you talk to our programme advisers, talk through any concerns you might have and ask lots of questions. They are there to help people make the right decisions, so make good use of their knowledge and expertise.
Climb the career ladder with a CIPD qualification from DPG. Download your free course guide here.