A Simple Guide to Understand CIPD Qualification Levels

CIPD qualifications are professional certificates that help you build essential skills, grow your career, and show employers you’re serious about your development.   

Whether you're just starting out, looking to move up, or aiming for leadership roles, there's a CIPD course that matches your experience and goals.  

In this blog, we’ll outline the three main CIPD levels – CIPD Level 3, CIPD Level 5, and CIPD Level 7 – who they’re for, and how they can transform your working life.    

What is a CIPD qualification?  

A CIPD qualification is a well-known certification for anyone working in HR or Learning and Development.   

It shows you’ve got the right skills and knowledge to do the job well and the desire to keep growing in your career.   

Getting a CIPD qualification can help you move forward, feel more confident at work, and stand out to employers. 

What are the CIPD levels?  

There are three main CIPD qualification levels, and each one is designed for a different stage in your HR or L&D career:   

CIPD Level 3 – Foundation Certificate   

CIPD Level 3 is ideal if you’re just starting out. This level covers the basics and helps you build a strong foundation in HR or L&D.   

CIPD Level 5 – Associate Diploma   

CIPD Level 5 might be for you if you’ve got some experience and want to take the next step. At level 5, you’ll learn more about managing people and developing teams.   

CIPD Level 7 – Advanced Diploma   

CIPD Level 7 is best suited for more senior HR professionals. Equivalent to a Master's degree, this level focuses on high-level strategy, leadership, and shaping workplace culture.   

Each CIPD level helps you build on your existing knowledge, develop your skills, and grow your career. The right one for you will depend on your experience and where you want to go next.  

Choosing to do my CIPD qualification with MOL was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. The support from tutors and the flexibility of the course made balancing work and study so much easier. I feel so much more confident in my job! 

What is CIPD?  

The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) is an independent professional body committed to improving working lives by providing the best guidance and training for those working in HR (Human Resources) or L&D (Learning and Development) roles.   

What does the CIPD do?  

The CIPD offers clear pathways for anyone in the HR and L&D industry to develop important skills and qualifications which improve their performance and experience at work.   

By taking a CIPD course, you’ll get to understand lots of HR-related concepts such as employee recruitment, performance management, and even strategic organisational development.  

How many CIPD courses are there? 

CIPD offer professional qualifications at three levels to suit all abilities at different points in their career:   

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate  
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma  
• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma 

Are CIPD qualifications worth it?  

Absolutely! CIPD qualifications are worth the cost.   

They’re highly valued in the HR and L&D industry and can really boost your career and salary prospects.  

Employers recognise CIPD certifications as signs of skill and professionalism, giving you a major competitive edge in a seriously crowded job market.    

If you’re looking for a successful, fulfilling career in human resources or learning & development, a CIPD qualification is a must-have investment for the long-term! 

Benefits of CIPD qualifications  

There are so many benefits of a CIPD qualification!  

While it’s not a legal requirement to get a job in HR or L&D, most employers prefer candidates who have CIPDs.   

The benefits of a CIPD qualification include:  

• Standing out to employers   

• Boosting your career prospects   

• Increasing your chances of promotion   

• Working towards better pay and senior roles.  

To discover more about why CIPD qualifications are the best out there, read our guide on the top benefits of CIPD membership! 

CIPD Level 3 FAQs 

What is a CIPD Level 3 qualification?  

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate provides you with a basic understanding of the skills needed in an HR and/or L&D role.   

Who should study CIPD Level 3?   

A CIPD Level 3 qualification is perfect if you’re in the early stages of your career in HR or L&D, where your day-to-day duties will include delivering on short term goals for your line manager and customers.   

What CIPD level 3 courses are available?   

CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice (Level 3)    

The CIPD Level 3 People Practice course provides a solid and practical foundation in HR and L&D skills including Recruitment, Performance Management, and Coaching and Mentoring.   

What is CIPD Level 3 equivalent to?  

CIPD Level 3 is roughly equivalent to A-levels in the UK.  

How long does the CIPD level 3 qualification take?   

The CIPD Level 3 course usually takes around 6 months to complete.   

If you choose our On Demand option, you can study at your own pace and take up to 12 months to finish the course.  

How much does CIPD level 3 cost?   

With MOL, CIPD Level 3 courses start from £266 per month, with no interest fees.  

What jobs can you do with CIPD Level 3?  

A Level 3 qualification is a great starting point if you're new to HR or L&D.   

It can help you get into entry-level roles like:   

• HR Assistant   

• HR Administrator   

• Learning and Development Administrator   

• Recruitment Assistant 

CIPD Level 5 FAQs  

What is a CIPD Level 5 qualification?  

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma leads to CIPD Associate Membership status and allows you to focus on specific aspects of HR and L&D in more detail.   

What is CIPD Level 5 equivalent to?  

CIPD Level 5 is equivalent to a foundation degree or the second year of a university degree.  

Who should study CIPD Level 5?    

A CIPD Level 5 qualification is ideal if you’re already working in a HR and L&D role and want to broaden your knowledge or support your experience with a qualification to improve your career prospects.   

What CIPD Level 5 courses are available?   

Here at MOL, we offer two CIPD Level 5 courses:  

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management The CIPD Level 5 People Practice course will teach you how to manage relationships, foster talent, guide strategic planning, and reward performance in employees.   

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development  

The CIPD Level 5 Organisational L&D course focuses on how to organise different forms of learning across your organisation to boost employee confidence and improve their performance and development.   

How long does CIPD Level 5 take?   

A CIPD Level 5 qualification will take you 12 months, or, with our self-paced On Demand programme, you’ll have up to 24 months to complete.    

How much does CIPD Level 5 cost?    

At MOL, our CIPD Level 5 courses start from £210 per month, with no interest fees.  

What jobs can you do with CIPD Level 5?  

If you’ve already got some HR or L&D experience, a Level 5 qualification can help you step up into more specialist or advisory roles, like:   

• HR Advisor L&D Officer   

• Talent Specialist   

• Employee Relations Advisor   

• People Analyst 

CIPD Level 7 FAQs 

What is a CIPD Level 7 qualification? 

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma is the most prestigious qualification you can attain as a HR or L&D professional.    

What is CIPD Level 7 equivalent to?  

CIPD Level 7 is equivalent to a postgraduate/master’s degree and is the only level where you can apply for Chartered CIPD membership.   

Who should study CIPD Level 7?   

CIPD Level 7 is best suited to senior professionals who need to develop and implement high level workplace strategies to deliver long term results for stakeholders.   

What CIPD Level 7 courses are available?   

We offer two accredited CIPD qualifications at Level 7:  

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management   

The CIPD Level 7 Strategic People Management course will develop your knowledge and skills and confidence in employment relations, recruitment and talent retention to support your organisation’s success.   

Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development  

The CIPD Level 7 Strategic Learning & Development course will teach you how to create a learning culture within your organisation enabling growth of leaders from within who will thrive in management positions.   

How long does CIPD Level 7 take?   

A CIPD Level 7 qualification will take you 24 months, or, with our self-paced On Demand programme, you’ll have up to 36 months to complete.   

How much does CIPD Level 7 cost?   

At MOL, our CIPD Level 7 courses start from £276 per month, with no interest fees.  

What jobs can you do with CIPD Level 7?  

A Level 7 qualification is designed for senior professionals, and it can open doors to leadership roles like:   

• HR Manager   

• Head of Learning and Development   

• HR Business Partner   

• HR Director   

• People Strategy Lead 

What are the CIPD membership levels?    

There are five levels of CIPD membership:   

 

CIPD vs other HR qualifications  

There are a few different HR and management qualifications out there, but CIPD is the one most employers ask for.  

Here’s a quick breakdown:  

CIPD: HR and L&D focused, highly recognised, leads directly to CIPD membership.  

ILM: more about leadership and management, not really HR-specific.  

HR degrees: take 3+ years, more academic, less flexible.  

Apprenticeships: learn on the job, good for experience, but will take longer.  

If you’re set on a career in HR or L&D, CIPD is the most direct route and carries the most weight.   

General CIPD FAQs  

Do I always need a CIPD qualification to work in HR?  

Not always, but most employers prefer it. CIPD gives you a strong advantage when you apply for jobs because of its wide recognition in HR.  

Can I skip a CIPD level?  

Yes, you don’t always need to start at Level 3. You can start at the level that matches your experience.  

If you think you’re qualified to go straight to CIPD Level 7, get in touch with us to talk about your options.  

Is CIPD recognised outside the UK?  

Yes! CIPD is well known internationally, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. 

Can I do a CIPD if I’m working full-time?  

Yes, CIPD courses are designed to be flexible so you can fit them around your job.  

What’s the difference between CIPD and CIPD membership?  

The CIPD qualification is the course you study. Membership is your professional status with CIPD once you’ve completed certain levels. 

Start your CIPD journey with MOL   

If you’re considering a career in HR and L&D or want to advance your career in your current role, a CIPD qualification is one of the best options to explore.    

At MOL, we understand the HR and L&D professions like no other training provider - that’s what makes our courses great!  

Our tutors are industry experts and use a wealth of experience to bring your learning to life.    

Interested in doing a CIPD course? Whether you want to do a CIPD Learning and Development course or a CIPD Human Resources course, we’re sure to have the right CIPD course for you!  

Join our learning community and get enrolled today!