CIPD FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Have you decided to start or advance a career in Human Resources (HR) or Learning & Development (L&D)? Congratulations! It’s a great choice.  

If you’ve researched your new path in HR, you’ve probably heard of CIPD. But what is it, and why does it matter?  

Whether you’re just starting out or already have some experience and want to move up the career ladder, understanding CIPD qualifications can put you on the right track to success.  

So, let’s cover the basics. 

What does CIPD stand for? 

CIPD is short for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – they’re the UK’s leading body for HR and L&D professionals (like you). 

What is a CIPD qualification? 

CIPD qualifications are industry-recognised certifications that can help you to develop the skills, knowledge, and experience you need to thrive in the world of people management. 

Is it worth doing a CIPD qualification?  

Yes! If you want to boost your career, stand out to employers, develop confidence in your role, and generally set yourself up for success, then a CIPD qualification is definitely worth considering. 

In this blog, we’ll answer some of the most common questions about CIPD, from choosing the right level to how it compares with other qualifications like SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management). 

Let’s begin! 

What is CIPD? 

CIPD is a globally recognised standard-bearer for the HR and L&D industry, setting the standards for best practice, ethics, and professional development in people management. 

With over 160,000 members worldwide, CIPD is a figurehead of HR, shaping the industry through their research, guidance, training, and – most importantly – internationally respected qualifications. 

What does CIPD do?  

CIPD is more than just a qualification provider – they’re a major driving force behind continuing professional development (CPD) in HR and L&D.  

Here are some of the key areas the CIPD’s work spans: 

• Setting industry standards – CIPD establishes best practices for HR and L&D professionals, making sure businesses follow ethical and effective people management strategies. 

• Offering qualifications – CIPD provides globally recognised certifications at different levels (Foundation, Associate, and Advanced), helping professionals at all career stages. 

• Providing research and insights – CIPD conducts research on workplace trends, employment law, and HR practices, influencing policies and shaping the future of work. 

• Advocating for better work and working lives – CIPD promotes ethical people management and supports businesses in creating healthier, more productive work environments. 

Why is CIPD important? 

As you might have guessed by now, CIPD qualifications hold a lot of weight in the HR and L&D industries because they focus on practical, real-world skills rather than just theory. 

Employers especially value CIPD-qualified professionals because they know they’ll bring proven expertise in recruitment, people skills, employee development, and organisational strategy to the table. 

Is a CIPD qualification only recognised in the UK? 

While CIPD is based (and heavily respected) in the UK, their influence goes much further beyond that! 

Lots of multinational companies and organisations recognise and look for CIPD qualifications internationally – particularly in Europe, the Middle East, parts of Asia, and Africa. 

Some employers in Australia, Canada, and the US will also acknowledge CIPD qualifications, although SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management) certifications tend to be more common amongst HR professionals in North America.  

What are the benefits of CIPD membership? 

It’s safe to say that there are loads of benefits of becoming a CIPD member! 

Becoming a CIPD member (which you automatically are when you study for a CIPD qualification) will give you access to: 

• An expansive and valuable network of like-minded HR and L&D professionals, boosting your career growth and networking opportunities. 

• Exclusive industry insights and the latest research on workplace trends. 

• Legal support and professional advice on employment law and any new HR policies which emerge. 

• Ongoing training, webinars, and resources to help you stay ahead of the crowd in your career. 

How can CIPD help your career? 

No matter whether you’re an HR/L&D newbie, looking to move into management, or aiming for a senior leadership role, CIPD brings the training, knowledge, and credibility you’ll need to succeed. 

A CIPD qualification can:  

• Boost your employability – lots of HR jobs are now requiring or preferring CIPD qualifications of their candidates. In fact, the number of job posts asking for a CIPD qualification has more than doubled since 2021! 

• Increase your earning potential – HR professionals with CIPD qualifications often earn higher salaries. On average, HR roles requesting a CIPD qualification pay up to £4,400 more (+16%) on average than those that don’t, with admin roles offering up to £5,600 more (+24%). 

• Provide career progression opportunities – CIPD opens doors to leadership roles and strategic HR positions, taking your career opportunities to a whole new level you might never have expected. 

Which CIPD level should I do? 

When you’re shopping around for a CIPD course, it’s important to know which path is best for you.  

We offer certified CIPD courses at Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7 – the right level for you will depend on your experience, current role, and career goals. 

Here’s a quick guide to help you decide: 

CIPD Level 3 (Foundation Certificate) - this is best for beginners, or anyone who’s new to HR or L&D. If you’re starting out in your first HR role or still thinking of entering the industry, CIPD Level 3 is a fantastic entry point. 

CIPD Level 5 (Associate Diploma) - the ideal course if you have some HR or Learning & Development experience and want to progress into a management or advisory role. It’s also a great choice if you’ve studied HR in some capacity before and want to deepen your knowledge. 

CIPD Level 7 (Advanced Diploma) - this is the highest level of study available with CIPD, and it’s designed for senior professionals with lots of experience. It focuses more on strategic leadership and is approximately equivalent to a master’s degree.  

If you’re looking for a more in-depth look at what’s available, read our simple guide to CIPD levels! 

What is CIPD Level 3 equivalent to? 

CIPD Level 3 is equivalent to A-levels or a BTEC National Diploma. It’s an introductory qualification, designed for people who are new to HR or L&D.  

It covers the basics of people management, employee relations, and learning & development, making it a solid starting point for an HR career. 

What is CIPD Level 5 equivalent to? 

CIPD Level 5 is equivalent to a foundation degree or higher national diploma (HND). It’s aimed at anyone with some HR or L&D experience, or people looking to move into management.  

This level provides more in-depth knowledge of things like employment law, talent management, and organisational development, so it’s a solid choice for mid-level HR pros who want to step up into more senior roles. 

What is CIPD Level 7 equivalent to? 

CIPD Level 7 is equivalent to a master’s degree and is the highest level of CIPD qualification. It’s designed for senior HR and L&D professionals who work in strategic and decision-making roles.  

Completing a Level 7 CIPD course is a major achievement and can lead to MCIPD (Chartered Member of the CIPD) status, which is highly valued by employers! 

Is CIPD equivalent to a degree? 

CIPD qualifications aren’t exactly the same as a university degree, but they are highly respected and career-focused.  

• CIPD Level 3 is below degree level (similar to A-levels).  

• CIPD Level 5 is equivalent to a foundation degree.  

• CIPD Level 7 is equivalent to a master’s degree. 

Unlike academic degrees, CIPD qualifications focus on practical, workplace-ready skills that are immediately useful in HR and L&D roles – just another reason that they’re the ideal choice for anyone who wants to get stuck into their professional development right away. 

Which is better: CIPD or SHRM? 

CIPD and SHRM are both respected HR certifications, but they’re tailored to different regions and career paths.  

• CIPD is the standard-bearer for the UK, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and North Africa. 

• SHRM is a US-based certification and is most commonly recognised in North America. 

So, if you want to work in the UK, Europe, or internationally, CIPD is definitely the better choice! CIPD courses are more comprehensive, widely respected in global job markets, and (best of all) focus on realistic, hands-on HR and L&D training.  

If your goal is to work in the US or Canada, you might want to think about a SHRM certification. 

Which online HR courses can I study? 

If you’re looking for certified, flexible, online HR CIPD courses, we’ve got you covered!  

At MOL, we offer a range of CIPD-accredited courses, allowing you to study at your own pace while gaining a valuable, globally recognised HR qualification. 

At MOL, we currently offer the following CIPD Human Resources online courses: 

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice (from £266 p/m) 

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management (from £210 p/m) 

• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management (from £276 p/m) 

Which online Learning & Development courses can I study? 

If Learning & Development is your preferred choice, we also offer some fantastic online CIPD courses that cover organisational learning, coaching, and training strategies.  

These courses are specifically designed to help L&D professionals develop the essential skills needed to progress and succeed! 

At MOL, we currently offer the following CIPD Learning & Development online courses: 

• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational L&D (from £210 p/m) 

• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development (from £276 p/m)  

Take the next step with a CIPD course from MOL 

If you’re serious about advancing your career in HR or Learning & Development, a CIPD qualification can open doors, increase your earning potential, and give you the confidence to succeed in your role.  

Whether you're just starting out or aiming for a senior position, there's a CIPD course that’s right for you. 

We all know that choosing the right training provider is just as important as choosing the right qualification.  

With MOL Learn, you can study a CIPD-accredited course online, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace while balancing work and other commitments. 

If you’re ready to kickstart your journey to success, explore MOL’s CIPD courses and get enrolled to join our community today!