CIPD Level 5

We find it takes most students around 9 to 11 months to complete the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma. To give you plenty of flexibility, we offer a support period of 12 months.

However, everyone is different, so bear in mind this might change depending on your circumstances and how much time you have to study each week.

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development, contains 3 core units, 3 pathway (specialist) units, and your choice of 1 optional unit: 

Core units: 

• Organisational performance and culture in practice 
• Evidence-based practice 
• Professional behaviours and valuing people 

Pathway units: 

• Support informal and self-directed learning 
• Design learning and development programmes to create value 
• Facilitate structured learning and development activities for groups 

Optional units (choose one): 

• Specialist employment law 
• Advances in digital learning and development 
• People management in an international context 
• Equality, diversity and inclusion 
• Leadership management development 
• Wellbeing at work 

For more details on what you’ll learn on each unit, download your free CIPD Level 5 course brochure! 

For every unit you study, you'll complete a written assignment (up to 4,000+ words). You'll hand these in online where they'll be marked by our assessors and moderated by CIPD.

For the 'Facilitate Structured L&D Activities in Groups' unit, you'll also be asked to conduct an in-person training session, and this must be properly evidenced for submission and assessment.

And don't worry – if you don't pass an assignment the first time, you'll be able to have another go with feedback and advice from your tutor. We’ve got your back!

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is the ideal next step for L&D professionals with some L&D experience or a CIPD Level 3 qualification.

Equivalent to an undergraduate degree, this course is ideal for those looking to enhance their expertise, take on more responsibility, and step into mid-level L&D roles, such as:

• L&D Advisor
• L&D Business Partner
• Talent Development Manager

Each unit is aligned with the CIPD Profession Map, ensuring your learning is up-to-date, practical, and tailored to the skills you need to excel in L&D.

You’ll take an in-depth look into key areas, including identifying and analysing learning needs, creating impactful development strategies, and fostering a culture of continuous learning. The course also develops your ability to align L&D initiatives with organisational goals (a must if you want to advance in the people profession)! 

This globally recognised qualification is also a great stepping stone to the CIPD Level 7 Diploma in L&D, paving the way to senior leadership roles. Whether you’re progressing to a mid-level position or preparing for a more senior-level role in L&D, this course offers you the confidence and skills to make a lasting impact.

Yes, you’ll need to join CIPD as a Student Member before submitting your first assignment for your CIPD Level 5 Diploma. Membership is essential for CIPD to moderate your assignments, issue grades, and award your qualifications – so it’s an important step!

Once you enrol, we’ll guide you through the process of becoming a Student Member. Please note, however, that CIPD charges an annual Student Membership fee that is separate from your course costs with DPG.

Once you complete your CIPD Level 5 L&D course, you'll then be eligible to become a CIPD Associate Member, granting you the added tools, resources and professional credibility you need to get ahead – and stay ahead – in the people profession. 

Yes! CIPD's professional membership designations reflect your skills and knowledge as an HR or L&D professional, showcasing your expertise with the industry’s leading body.

While there are several levels of CIPD membership corresponding with the CIPD Profession Map, as you study the CIPD Level 5 course, you’ll be required to apply for Student membership with the CIPD. This will help you boost your development and career prospects in the process. 

Once you complete the CIPD Level 5 L&D Diploma, you’ll be eligible to apply for and use the professional designation ‘Assoc CIPD’ after your name, demonstrating your credibility in the HR field. 

Absolutely! CIPD qualifications are designed as a progressive pathway, helping you advance up the career ladder from entry-level L&D positions to senior leadership roles.

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in L&D is a mid-level qualification, aimed at people who have some relevant L&D or management experience. Building on the knowledge and skills from the CIPD Level 3 qualification, the CIPD Level 5 course provides learners with the core L&D skills they need to excel in mid-level L&D roles. 

If you wish to progress after you complete the CIPD Level 5 Diploma, you can enrol on the prestigious CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma. It's designed for current or aspiring senior L&D professionals looking to advance their strategic learning and development skills. 

At DPG, we pride ourselves on helping you get CIPD qualified without breaking the bank.

If you’re paying for your course yourself, you can spread the cost over up to 18 months, and you won’t pay any extra – all our payment plans are totally 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 put together a business case showing the benefits of studying CIPD.

Give us a ring on 0330 660 0220 to find out more.