FAQs

The highest qualification awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the:

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management

(or in Strategic Learning and Development, depending on your focus).

Key facts about the Level 7 Advanced Diploma:

• Equivalent level: Postgraduate/Master’s level (Level 7 on the UK qualification framework).

• Designed for: Senior HR or L&D professionals, or those aiming for leadership roles like HR Director, Head of L&D, etc.

• Leads to: Eligibility to upgrade to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status, depending on your experience.

• Duration: Typically 18–24 months part-time.

Professional Membership Levels Linked to CIPD:

• Associate Member (Assoc CIPD) – after completing Level 3 or 5.

• Chartered Member (Chartered MCIPD) – usually after completing Level 7 + relevant experience.

• Chartered Fellow (Chartered FCIPD) – highest level of membership, for senior professionals with significant strategic impact.

Let me know if you’d like help choosing the right level based on your career stage.

The choice between SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) and CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) depends on your location, career goals, and industry. Here’s a direct comparison to help you decide:

Geographic Influence

Qualifications & Levels

Career Goals

Cost & Time

Final Recommendation:

• Choose SHRM if you want a globally respected HR certification that’s fast to complete and especially valuable in the U.S. or multinational firms.

• Choose CIPD if you’re in or targeting Europe, the UK, or the Middle East, or want a deeper, academic, qualification-based HR route.

Here’s a breakdown of the cost for CIPD Level 3 (Foundation Certificate in People Practice) in the UK:

Price Overview

• Typical range with full support: between £1,750 and £3,000, depending on provider and delivery mode (online, blended, classroom, residential)

• For example:

  • • DPG lists £1,750–£2,500 dpglearn.co.uk.

    • ICS Learn quotes £1,999–£3,000 .

    • Reed shows £1,199–£1,999, with options up to £2,999 for residential .

• Lower-cost online/self‑study options:

  • Reed Business School: as low as £1,199 with interest‑free pay‑monthly

  • Learndirect current discount: around £1,019 (~£60/month)

  • Avado: £1,295 upfront or £162/month

  • MOL Learn: from £266/month (~£2,400 total over 9 months)

• Premium packages (e.g., including 1:1 tutorials, exemptions): up to £3,195 (Avado Plus)

What Affects the Price?

• Study mode: self-study vs. live online vs. classroom or residential.

• Inclusions: one-on-one tutorials, mock tribunals, printed materials, physical workshops or retreats.

• Length & support: faster-paced cohorts or longer support periods.

• Promotions: discounts and early-bird offers (e.g. Learndirect sale).

• Payment plan: upfront vs. monthly.

Quick Example Comparison

Next Steps

• Decide your budget and style: Do you need live teaching or can you self-study?

• Check extras: Materials, tutor feedback, mock exams, retreats.

• Look for discounts: Providers frequently run offers—ask about early-bird or employer-funded options.

• Compare total investment: Consider both upfront cost and monthly payments.

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is widely considered to be equivalent to a UK A‑Level (RQF Level 3). It offers a broad introduction to HR and L&D fundamentals, suitable for those new to the field.

Academic Equivalents

Why It Matters

• University entry: Equivalent to Level 3 (A‑Level), making it a valid stepping stone into higher education.

• Career progression: Employers recognise it as a solid foundational qualification for entry-level HR roles—like HR Administrator, L&D Assistant, or Recruitment Coordinator.

• Membership eligibility: Completing Level 3 grants Foundation CIPD membership

In Practical Terms:

• Duration: Typically takes 6–12 months part-time .

• Difficulty: Comparable in academic challenge to A‑Levels. The focus is on demonstrating understanding and applying HR terminology in written assessments.

So – What’s It Equivalent To?

1. A‑Level (foundation academic level).

2. BTEC National Diploma / NVQ Level 3 (vocational peers)

If you’re aiming for more advanced study or junior-management roles, you’d progress next to Level 5 (undergrad equivalent) and eventually Level 7 (postgraduate equivalent).

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is an entry-level qualification for those starting out in HR, L&D, or people management. It provides a solid grounding in people practice and HR principles.

As of the most current curriculum (post-2021 update), the CIPD Level 3 Certificate includes 4 mandatory core units:

CIPD Level 3 Mandatory Modules:

1. Business, Culture and Change in Context

   • Understand the impact of external and internal influences on business.

   • Explore how organisations respond to change.

   • Examine workplace culture and values.

2. Principles of Analytics

   • Introduction to using data in HR and L&D decision-making.

   • Understand data sources, methods of analysis, and presenting findings.

3. Core Behaviours for People Professionals

   • Focus on ethical behaviour, professionalism, and the CIPD Profession Map.

   • Understand what it means to be a people professional.

4. Essentials of People Practice

   • Covers HR fundamentals such as recruitment, employee lifecycle, performance, and reward.

   • Practical application of people practices in real-life scenarios.

This qualification replaces the older CIPD Level 3 Certificate in HR Practice and L&D Practice, combining them into one People Practice pathway.