Is CIPD Level 7 Right for Me?

Are you working in Human Resources (HR) but want to take your career to the next level? If you are, you’ve probably heard of CIPD Level 7 before.  

As the highest qualification on offer from the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development), Level 7 is designed for ultra-ambitious professionals who want to move into senior HR or leadership roles.  

But is it the right choice for you? 

Well, the answer really depends on your experience, career goals, and how much time you’ll be willing to commit to learning. A CIPD Level 7 course will give you the strategic skills and knowledge you need to thrive at the top of the HR profession, with many benefits, but does require commitment to achieve.. 

You might also be wondering “can I do Level 7 CIPD without Level 5?” or “will this qualification really boost my career?”- don’t worry! We’re here to answer all the important questions. 

In this guide, we’ll break everything down – from CIPD Level 7 entry requirements to the jobs you can land with this qualification. By the end, you’ll have a clear idea of whether it’s the right path for you. 

What is CIPD Level 7? 

CIPD Level 7 is the highest qualification in HR and people management – it's equivalent to a master’s degree.  

It’s designed for experienced HR professionals who want to develop strategic leadership skills, influence business decisions, and work towards achieving Chartered Membership (MCIPD).  

Level 7 goes beyond day-to-day, hands-on HR tasks, focusing more on big-picture thinking, organisational development, and advanced people management strategies. 

If you strive to enter a senior HR role, an HR consultancy position, or a leadership role in people and culture, a CIPD Level 7 course will give you the credibility you’ll need to excel at the very top of the profession. 

To put it simply, if you enjoy planning, tactical thinking, and structure – Level 7 is for you! 

What are the CIPD Level 7 entry requirements? 

To enrol in CIPD Level 7, you’ll usually need: 

• Experience in HR or a related field 

• A previous HR qualification (but it’s not always essential) 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills 

Can I do Level 7 CIPD without Level 5? 

Yes! You don’t necessarily need to complete Level 5 CIPD before moving on to Level 7, but it definitely helps. If you have extensive HR experience or a degree or qualification in a relevant field, you may be able to qualify for CIPD Level 7 directly.  

The best way to find out if you can qualify for CIPD Level 7 without having done Level 5 first is to contact our team of advisors. 

What do you learn on a CIPD Level 7 course? 

A CIPD Level 7 course will cover advanced HR and Learning & Development topics, such as: 

• Strategic workforce planning – managing people at an organisational level 

• Employment law – staying compliant and protecting businesses 

• Organisational development – improving company culture and performance 

• HR leadership – leading teams and making key business decisions 

The CIPD Level 7 course is designed to make you feel ready for high-level HR roles, where strategic thinking and strong decision-making are crucial. 

CIPD Level 7 jobs – where it can take you 

A Level 7 CIPD qualification can open doors to some of the most senior-level HR and L&D jobs, such as: 

• HR Director - taking on leadership of HR functions within a company  

Salary: from £74,000 per year 

• People & Culture Manager - shaping company culture and employee experience from the inside 

Salary: from £48,000 per year 

• HR Business Partner - collaborating with company leadership or boards to drive HR strategy 

Salary: from £44,000 per year 

• Talent & Development Lead - managing and monitoring employee growth and progression 

Salary: from £40,000 per year 

How much can you earn with CIPD Level 7? 

As you can see, salaries vary, but CIPD Level 7 jobs often pay £40,000+ per year, with HR Directors earning significantly more than that.  

In fact, it’s well known that CIPDs can increase your salary – one of the major benefits of earning one! 

Should you do CIPD Level 7 Human Resources? 

If you’re interested in working in human resources, a CIPD qualification can be ideal. 

A CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Human Resources course could be the right choice if you: 

• Want to progress into senior HR leadership 

• Enjoy strategic thinking and problem-solving 

• Want to make organisational decisions that will influence a company 

• Are ready to study at a postgraduate level (equivalent to a master’s degree) 

Level 7 might not be the best fit for you if you: 

• Are new or inexperienced in strategic HR 

• Prefer hands-on HR tasks over organisational planning 

• Don’t have time for in-depth study 

If this sounds more like you, a CIPD Level 3 or CIPD Level 5 course might be perfect for you instead!   

How to choose the right CIPD Level 7 course 

When you’re choosing a CIPD Level 7 course, you should always consider a few key things. 

How do you want to study? Do you prefer online learning, part-time study while you work, or a full-time course to complete it more quickly? Different providers offer different options, so always check first. 

How flexible is the course? Will you be able to balance your studies with your job and personal commitments? Most courses will take 12-24 months to complete, so you’ll need to make sure you’re ready to give the time and effort required to complete it successfully.  

Choose a course provider that’s CIPD-approved to make sure your qualification is recognised. The best CIPD-accredited providers (like us here at MOL!) offer trusted and reliable learning experiences, so you know you’ll get the highest standard of education, and your qualification will hold weight in the industry. 

CIPD Level 7 FAQs 

What is CIPD Level 7 equivalent to? 

A CIPD Level 7 qualification is equivalent to a master’s degree or postgraduate degree in HR or Business Management.  

How hard is CIPD Level 7? 

CIPD Level 7 is challenging but will be manageable if you’re committed and have relevant experience. 

Is Level 7 CIPD worth it? 

Yes! If you want to move into senior HR roles, CIPD Level 7 is one of the best ways to invest in your career. 

Is CIPD Level 7 right for you? 

CIPD Level 7 is a fantastic way to develop advanced HR strategy skills, drive your career prospects, and work towards CIPD Chartered Membership. 

If you have the experience, motivation, and time to commit, this qualification could be your next big career move. It’s a super valuable investment in your future, setting you up for long-term success in the HR field. 

Ready to begin? Explore our CIPD Level 7 courses at MOL and get enrolled to join our network of HR learners just like you. Take the first step on your path to becoming an HR leader with us today!