7 Jobs You Can Do with a CIPD Qualification

Are you looking to advance your career in Human Resources or Learning & Development, or are you eager to embark on a journey in the People Profession?

If the answer is yes, a CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification may be the key to unlocking a world of personal and professional development opportunities.

Here, we will explore the nature of CIPD qualifications, the tiered system they follow, and the exciting career paths they open.

What is a CIPD qualification?

CIPD, or the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, is an internationally recognised organisation, which is often considered to be the ‘gold standard’ for professional attainment within the sector of HR (Human Resources).

CIPD qualifications signify excellence in the field; not only elevating your ability, but also signifying your commitment to professionalism in HR and Learning & Development.

Obtaining a CIPD award at any level equips industry professionals with comprehensive knowledge, while also highlighting their dedication to consistently upholding ethical standards and engaging in continuous personal and professional growth.

Being a part of the CIPD network opens doors to expansive opportunities on a global scale, extensive career progression routes, and connections with HR experts. As such, a CIPD qualification is an invaluable asset for career advancement within the field of human resources and personnel management.

What are the three levels of CIPD?

CIPD offers qualifications in three different levels: Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7. All CIPD qualifications are designed for those in the field of HR and Learning & Development, with the three levels offering development routes for those at an early, intermediate, or experienced stage in their career.

CIPD Level 3 (Foundation Certificate)

CIPD Level 3 is the firmest foundation for your career in the field of people management, incorporating elements of both HR and L&D (Learning & Development). Tailored to those at the beginning of their career journey, CIPD Level 3 will set you up with the fundamental knowledge you need to kickstart your progression in the field.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About CIPD Level 3

CIPD Level 5 (Associate Diploma)

If you already work in an HR or L&D operational role and are ready to take the next step in your career, a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma is the ideal qualification to deepen your knowledge, elevate your skills, and progress your career.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About CIPD Level 5

CIPD Level 7 (Advanced Diploma)

The most advanced qualification on offer for high-level or senior professionals; CIPD Level 7 is the highest distinction available to those in HR and Learning & Development. It’s on par with a postgraduate or master’s degree and is the only level which enables you to apply for exclusive Chartered CIPD membership.

Read more: Everything You Need to Know About CIPD Level 7

How long does it take to complete a CIPD qualification?

The estimated completion time for a CIPD qualification varies depending on the course level, typically ranging from 6 to 24 months on a standard learning schedule. However, if you value flexibility when it comes to learning, MOL Learn has still got you covered.

With On Demand, Live Online, and Classroom Based (UK learners) CIPD study modes, you have the freedom to choose how and where you learn, at your own pace.

7 Jobs you can do with a CIPD qualification

A CIPD qualification will open the door to many personal and professional benefits, including enhanced career opportunities, elevated earning potential, and increased professional credibility - to name a few!

CIPD qualifications are recognised by employers as a global benchmark of merit in HR and Learning & Development - they symbolise an individual commitment to excellence, knowledge development, and dedication to upholding vital ethical practices in the field.

Additionally, obtaining a CIPD qualification puts you in increasingly high demand as a candidate; the number of jobs requesting CIPD qualifications has grown by 115% in the last decade alone.

So, what are some of the jobs a CIPD qualification will lead to?

1. HR Manager

Qualification: CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma

Average Salary (Manchester): £45,000

As an HR Manager, you’ll oversee Human Resource operations, drive talent development, and oversee workplace compliance. In this role, you’re responsible for identifying and recruiting the best people for your teams, developing HR policies, and making sure workplace compliance and labour laws / regulations are followed – just to name a few.

HR Managers also play a big part in shaping company culture and encouraging development for everyone in the workplace.

2. Learning & Development Specialist

Qualification: CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma

Average Salary (Manchester): £48,000

Learning & Development Specialists are at the heart of employee growth and development. In this role, you’re expected to design and implement training programmes and initiatives which encourage employees to learn new skills to advance their careers.

From identifying skill gaps, creating engaging training activities, and evaluating the performance and impact of initiatives – you'll contribute significantly to talent development and overall success within teams and organisations.

3. Talent Acquisition Specialist

Qualification: CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma

Average Salary (Manchester): £35,000

In any high-performing team, Talent Acquisition Specialists are usually found working behind the scenes. Working in talent acquisition you’ll source, recruit, and retain the very best talent – matching the skills and expertise of each candidate to the overall goals of the organisation.

This typically involves writing appealing job descriptions, overseeing the interview process, creating talent strategies designed to attract quality candidates, and generally building a diversely skilled and dynamic workforce which consistently delivers successful results.

4. Employee Relations Advisor

Qualification: CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma

Average Salary (Manchester): £35,000

Employee Relations Advisors play a crucial role in supporting balance, positive workplace relationships, and mitigating conflicts within teams or relationships. As the mediators of the professional world, ER Advisors resolve conflicts and disputes within teams, or between employees and management.

In this role, you’ll drive open communication, address grievances, and ensure equal treatment for all team members – promoting a balanced and harmonious work environment which supports productivity at its core.

5. HR Consultant

Qualification: CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma

Average Salary (Manchester): £40,000

As a Human Resources Consultant, you can enjoy the flexibility of working as an independent advisor in the field; supplying expert Human Resources advice to board members and organisations alike.

This role usually involves offering guidance on complex and strategic HR issues such as organisational development, employee management, and critical workforce planning. Overall, you’ll play a key role in helping teams and organisations mitigate challenges and optimise HR operations.

6. Head of Compensation and Benefits

Qualification: CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma

Average Salary (Manchester): £70,000

As a Head of Compensation and Benefits, you’ll lead the strategic development and execution of the compensation and rewards programmes within an organisation. Your role involves making sure all compensation, rewards, and benefit packages are competitive, aligning with employee performance, market standards, and overall business goals.

From overseeing team and delivering insights to senior staff, to staying current with market trends and industry standards for employee rewards – you’ll play a pivotal role in driving acquisition and retention, shaping talent management strategies, and driving the overall success of your organisation from within.

7. Head of Diversity and Inclusion

Qualification: CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma

Average Salary (Manchester): £62,000

A vital role within any organisation; the Diversity and Inclusion Head leads efforts to consistently promote diversity and inclusion amongst employees and teams, creating a fair work environment for all members of staff.

Here, you’re responsible for strategising diversity and inclusion initiatives, driving understanding of the importance of equality both in and out of the workplace, and implementing policies to promote an inclusive environment where all employees will thrive.

Advance your career with MOL Learn

At MOL Learn, we’re committed to helping you achieve new heights in your personal and professional journey. Our CIPD professional qualifications are designed to empower learners with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the fields of HR and Learning & Development.

Countless individuals have already transformed their careers with CIPD qualifications. Our learner stories stand as a testament to the versatility of CIPD skills; with past graduates unlocking a new world of job opportunities, salary increases, and even opportunities to venture onto entirely new professional paths.

Ready to take the next step toward a rewarding career in Human Resources or Learning & Development? Discover your potential with a CIPD course from MOL Learn.

If you want to learn more about what a CIPD qualification will do for you, read our Ultimate Guide to CIPD Courses.