CIPD Entry Requirements Explained

If you’re thinking about starting or advancing your career with a CIPD course in Human Resources (HR) or CIPD course in Learning & Development (L&D) - or just want to know more about them – understanding the entry requirements for CIPD courses is important.  

In this blog, we’ll go over everything you need to know about getting started with each CIPD qualification level, including the entry requirements for CIPD Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7.   

From total newbie to seasoned professional; understanding the entry requirements will help you choose the right CIPD level for your professional development and success. 

Join us as we get into what it takes to get started with a CIPD qualification! 

Choosing the right CIPD level with MOL means you're investing in your future with a qualification that matches your skills, experience, and career goals. Start where you are, and we'll help you get to where you want to be. - Keri Brennan, CIPD tutor

What is CIPD? 

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the top organisation for HR and L&D professionals – in the UK and around the world!  

A CIPD qualification can help you to improve your skills, know-how, and job prospects – but it’s really important to pick the right one for you.  

CIPD offers different levels of accreditation for people in different stages of their learning and career journey. Levels are based on experience, starting at CIPD Level 3 for entry-level beginners, and going up to CIPD Level 7 for those at senior levels with more experience.  

Choosing the right CIPD level doesn’t just help you reach your goals and enrich your learning; it makes sure you meet the CIPD requirements for moving forward in your career journey.  

CIPD Level 3 entry requirements 

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is where most people begin if they’re new to HR or L&D.  

So, what do you need to get into CIPD Level 3? Do you need any experience or previous qualifications? We’ll cover everything in this section.  

The good news is that the entry requirements for CIPD Level 3 are pretty flexible.  

There are no formal entry requirements for a Level 3 CIPD Foundation course, but there are a few things you’ll need to have in order to apply.  

What you need for CIPD Level 3 

• You must be aged 16+ 

• You must have strong literacy and numeracy skills  

• You must be able to show a high standard of spoken and written English 

If English isn't your first language, we suggest you meet one of these criteria, or something similar:  

IELTS: Overall score of 6.0 with at least 5.5 in each section  

TOEFL: Overall score of 79 with a minimum of 17 in each section  

Cambridge: Grade C or higher  

That said, it's not a strict requirement, and we're open to looking at your situation individually. 

Level 3 is perfect for anyone in support roles or entry-level HR jobs, as well as anyone who wants to enter the field for the first time. The course will provide you with the essential CIPD knowledge and practical skills to advance your career. 

Tips for applying to CIPD Level 3 

• Highlight any relevant experience you have, even if it’s voluntary or not in the exact field you want to learn about.  

• Show that you have ambition and a real interest in progressing your career.  

• Express your enthusiasm for HR or Learning & Development, and your excitement to learn – that's key for beginners! 

CIPD Level 5 entry requirements 

Next up is CIPD Level 5 – the ideal level for people who already have a bit of a background in HR or L&D, or for anyone who’s already completed Level 3.  

You might be wondering if you can go straight to CIPD Level 5 without completing Level 3 first – the answer is yes! If you have enough working experience in the field or relevant qualifications, you can bypass Level 3 and begin Level 5.  

What you need for CIPD Level 5 

If you want to take on the CIPD Associate Level 5 course, you typically need to meet one of the following requirements:    

• You have some experience in an L&D or HR position   

• You have managerial experience that included aspects of HR or L&D   

• You have a relevant degree  

• You have a keen interest in advancing your studies in people management beyond the CIPD Foundation Certificate.  

A CIPD Level 5 certification can give you access to job opportunities for middle-level roles like HR Manager or Employee Relations Manager.  

Make your CIPD Level 5 application stronger 

• Emphasise any hands-on experience you have in the HR or L&D industry, especially if it goes above and beyond the basics. 

• Show your eagerness to progress and take on more responsibility in your role - it should be clear that you’re ready to take your skills to the next level! 

CIPD Level 7 entry requirements 

CIPD Level 7 is the highest level of CIPD accreditation and is roughly equivalent to a postgraduate degree. 

Level 7 is perfect for seasoned HR experts who really know their stuff and want to develop specialised knowledge and move into strategic or board-level positions.  

What you need for CIPD Level 7 

To get into the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma, you usually need: 

• A solid background in HR or people management, with relevant experience at a strategic level 

• A CIPD Level 5 qualification or something similar is usually expected, but it’s not always a must-have. 

• Having a related degree is generally a plus - you should show that you can manage tough academic work. 

• Keep in mind that requirements may differ between providers, so it’s a good idea to reach out to them for specifics. 

Some job titles you might find at the CIPD Advanced Diploma level include Head of HR, Director of People, or Senior HR Advisor.   

What to know when applying to CIPD Level 7 

• It’s important to demonstrate that you have strong leadership experience and a sound understanding of HR or L&D principles.  

• If your goal is to reach high-level, strategic HR positions, Level 7 will give you the tools and knowledge to get there.  

Choose the right CIPD qualification with MOL 

The first step in your HR or L&D career journey is choosing the right CIPD level for you.  

Whether you’re looking at CIPD Level 3, CIPD Level 5, or CIPD Level 7, picking the right one is really important to en sure you learn the right things, at the right level. If you’re not sure which level to start at, the CIPD Experience Assessment will assess your HR experience and recommend the right CIPD level for you. 

At MOL, we offer a selection of CIPD certifications at all three levels, to match your career goals and experience level. No matter where you begin, we’re here to help you succeed.  

Ready to jump in? Explore MOL’s CIPD courses now and get enrolled to start your journey today!