Simple Guide to CIPD Levels

Considering a career in Human Resouces (HR) or Learning and Development (L&D)? Or maybe you already work in the industry but want to switch up your role? 

Whatever your goal is, doing a CIPD qualification is a fantastic way to give yourself a leg up in the professional market, no matter what stage you’re at in your career. 

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 are the CIPD levels? 

CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate: for beginners in HR or Learning and Development, this level teaches the essential skills and basic ideas.  

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma: for people who have some experience, this level gets into more complex HR and L&D subjects and how to manage teams. 

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma: for seasoned HR professionals and managers, this level explores strategic issues and how to lead teams at a high level. 

Each qualification adds to what you already know and gives you important skills for different levels of work. By learning what CIPD Levels 3, 5, and 7 have on offer, you can figure out which path is right for you and take the right steps to reach your goals. 

Let’s get started. 

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 Levels are there? 

CIPD offer professional qualifications at 3 levels to suit all ability levels at different points in their career: CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate, CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma, and CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma. 

Want to learn more about the different types of CIPD qualifications? Read our ultimate guide to CIPD courses! 

Are CIPD qualifications worth it? 

Absolutely! CIPD qualifications are definitely worth the cost. 

They’re highly valued in the HR and L&D industry, which 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.  

To put it simply; if you’re looking for a successful, fulfilling career in human recourser or learning & development, a CIPD qualification is a must-have investment for the long-term! 

Benefits of CIPD Qualifications 

While a CIPD qualification is not a legal requirement to get a job in HR or L&D, many employers will not consider candidates who don’t have (or aren’t working towards) CIPD accreditation.  

CIPD qualifications significantly improve your chances of advancing your career and taking on more senior roles requiring more advanced levels of knowledge and skill – they can even boost your earnings! 

To discover more about why CIPD qualifications are the best out there, read our 7 benefits of gaining a CIPD qualification! 

CIPD Level 3 

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. 

How long does the CIPD level 3 qualification take? 

A CIPD Level 3 qualification will take you 6 months – or, with our self-paced On Demand programme, you’ll have up to 12 months to complete. 

How much does CIPD level 3 cost? 

For the latest information on course prices click here. 

CIPD Level 5 

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. 

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? 

CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Level 5) 

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 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (Level 5) 

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?  

For the latest information on course prices click here. 

CIPD Level 7 

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

CIPD Level 7 is equivalent to a postgraduate/masters 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? 

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. 

CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development (Level 7) 

 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? 

For the latest information on course prices click here. 

What are the CIPD membership levels?  

There are 5 levels of CIPD membership: 

Student membership – anyone completing their CIPD qualification will need to apply for this membership level 

Foundation membership – you achieve this CIPD membership level after completing a Level 3 qualification 

Associate membership – you achieve this CIPD membership level after completing a Level 5 or Level 7 qualification  

Chartered membership – you can apply for this CIPD membership after completing a Level 7 qualification and having at least a year of experience at chartered member level 

Chartered fellowship – you can apply for this CIPD membership after completing a Level 7 qualification and having at least a year of experience at chartered fellow level 

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!