CIPD Profession Map: A Complete Guide

If you’re looking to boost your career with a CIPD course in Human Resources (HR) or CIPD Learning & Development (L&D) certification, the CIPD Profession Map is an important tool to have on hand. 

In this blog, we’ll break down the core abilities and behaviours you’ll need to thrive in a variety of HR and L&D roles.  

It doesn’t matter if you’re a new learner, established professional, or just interested in a career in HR – the Profession Map can give you some valuable insight into the skills needed to thrive in whichever role you choose. 

We’ll discuss different aspects of the CIPD Profession Map, what they involve, and how they help you identify areas for improvement.  

By the end, you’ll understand how to navigate and progress your career in HR, as well as the importance of continuing professional development for success. 

Let’s get started! 

What is the CIPD Profession Map?   

Created by the Chartered Insitute of Personnel and Development, the CIPD Profession Map is a framework which outlines the must-have knowledge, skills, and core behaviours for every HR or L&D professional. 

Reviewed twice per year to keep up with changes in industry standards and challenges, the Profession Map offers valuable insights into what it really takes to succeed in different HR and L&D jobs, from entry level to strategic leaders.  

Benefits of the CIPD Profession Map  

The CIPD Profession Map is a super useful tool for HR and L&D professionals at all levels.  

It helps to outline clear paths for career progression, as well as the skills you’ll need to advance in any given role.  

Put simply, the Profession Map helps you see where you’re at in your career, where you want to go, and what you need to do to get there. 

Evaluating your strengths and weaknesses allows you to work on key skills and align your own growth with organisational goals, which also increases your value on any team.  

The map supports ongoing learning and continuing professional development (CPD) to keep you up to date with industry changes, while also underlining core purposes and values to build better workplaces and working lives.  

Structure of the CIPD Profession Map 

1 

HR purpose and values 

At its core, the Profession Map is designed to support better work and working lives within the HR and L&D profession. This is all part of the CIPD’s professional purpose and values. 

That’s why you’ll find ‘Purpose’ right at the centre of the map!  

Around it sits the three key values of the CIPD:  

Principles-led: always looking beyond just policy and procedures to do what’s truly right. 

Evidence-based: consulting a variety of data, evidence, and expertise to make sure that decisions are backed up by facts and knowledge.  

Outcomes-driven: encouraging and prioritising work which adds value to the daily operations of people and organisations alike. 

Core knowledge of HR 

Core knowledge describes the essential ideas and concepts that every HR and L&D professional needs to understand. Regardless of your role, specialism, sector, or career experience – these are must-know concepts for everyone in the industry! 

CIPD core knowledge includes:;  

• People practice 

• Culture and behaviour 

• Business acumen 

• Evidence-based practice 

• Technology and people 

Core behaviours 

Core behaviours are the standards of professional conduct which help to uphold the key values of the CIPD. Like core knowledge, these apply to every professional, in any position or stage of their career.  

CIPD core behaviours include:;  

• Ethical practice 

• Professional courage and influence 

• Valuing people 

• Working inclusively  

• Passion for learning  

Specialist knowledge 

Specialist knowledge outlines specific skills and insights needed to become an expert in a particular field or specialism.  

The amount of specialist knowledge you need can depend on your role. For example, if you’re interested in breaking into a specific industry niche, you might need to have a few specialisms under your belt.  

However, if you want to work more broadly - as an HR Generalist or HR Business Partner, for example – you might not need to specialise at all. You have the flexibility to make the right choice for your goals.  

Some examples of CIPD specialist knowledge include:;  

• Employee experience 

• Employee relations 

• Learning and development 

• Equality, diversity and inclusion 

• Talent management 

How to use the CIPD Profession Map 

So, you understand the structure, but you might still be wondering how to use the Profession Maphow to use the CIPD Profession Map.   

Don’t worry! In this section, we’ll explain how to get the most out of the map. To use the CIPD Profession Map effectively, follow these simple steps: 

Find your current level 

Begin by identifying the CIPD level you are currently at in your HR or L&D career.  

The CIPD levels include Foundation level, Associate level, Chartered Member level, and Chartered Fellow level.  

The Profession Map includes a list of skills and experience needed for each level, so compare your abilities, knowledge, and expertise to these criteria to find the right one for you.  

This step is really important for setting actionable and achievable personal development goals.  

If you’re not sure which level you’re at (and aren’t a CIPD member yet), the CIPD’s free self-assessment tool can help you out. 

Set development goals 

After you’ve found your level, the next step is to create clear, actionable goals for your professional growth and development. 

Focus on areas where you think you need improvement, or something you’d like to specialise in.  

For example, if you want to pursue a career in Learning & Development, concentrate on developing skills in areas like digital learning, coaching and mentoring, and learner engagement. 

Find quality learning resources 

The CIPD Profession Map can help you identify areas to deepen your knowledge – especially if you’re considering completing a CIPD certification.  

Once you know the level and area you want to learn in, it’s time to find a quality provider for your learning experience.  

Here at MOL, we have a range of fantastic CIPD Human Resources and CIPD Learning & Development qualifications, from beginner (Level 3 Foundation Certificates) to strategic and senior levels (Level 7 Advanced Diplomas).  

Our courses focus on the essential skills, behaviours, and knowledge highlighted in the CIPD’s Profession Map, so you’ll have everything you need to succeed at any stage or role within the industry.  

Review your progress regularly 

Like in any industry, continuing professional development is a must-have for anyone who wants to achieve serious success in the fields of HR and L&D. 

As you develop new skills and knowledge, use the Profession Map to check your progress and adjust your goals where needed.  

It’s important to celebrate your wins, so try to reflect on how your enhanced abilities have improved your performance, affected your role, and supported the goals of your organisation. 

To learn more about this topic, read our article on why you need continuing professional development. 

Enrich your career with a CIPD course from MOL  

If you’re ready to use the Profession Map to take the next step in your career, a CIPD qualification from MOL can help make it happen.  

With flexible study options to suit learners at all levels, our CIPD courses are designed to suit your goals and schedule.  

Discover how MOL can help take your career to new heights! Explore our CIPD qualifications in Human Resources and Learning & Development and get enrolled with us today.