Can I Do Level 5 CIPD Without Level 3?

Yes! In some cases, you can do a CIPD Level 5 course without doing Level 3 first.  

CIPD qualifications are made to support people at all stages of their HR or L&D careers, and you don’t always need to follow a strict path from Level 3 to Level 5.  

In fact, if you already have some experience, you might be able to jump straight into Level 5.  

Whatever level you start at, CIPDs are worth the cost. In fact, Reed’s 2024 HR Salary Guide shows that people with CIPD qualifications can earn up to £6,000 more per year, especially in adviser and manager roles. 

In this blog, we’ll explain what CIPD Level 5 is, whether it’s the right fit for you, and how it compares to other options. 

What is CIPD Level 5? 

CIPD Level 5 is an intermediate-level qualification in HR or L&D.  

It’s designed for people who already have some experience in the field or work in jobs which involve managing or developing people.  

CIPD Level 5 covers core areas like:  

• Employment law  

• Managing change  

• Using evidence to support people-led decisions  

• Professional behaviours in the workplace. 

It’s a great choice if you want to build on your existing knowledge, take on more responsibility at work, switch careers, or move into a more senior role. 

Can I do Level 5 CIPD without Level 3? 

Yes, you don’t always need to complete a Level 3 CIPD foundation certificate before you get started on Level 5. 

At MOL, we’ll look at things like your current role, experience, and career goals, rather than just your qualifications.  

For example, if you’ve worked in HR or L&D for a year or more, or if you manage a team as part of your job, you’ll likely be able to start at Level 5. 

Can you do CIPD Level 5 without experience? 

It’s possible to do CIPD Level 5 without experience, but we don’t always recommend it. 

Level 5 is more advanced, and most people find it easier if they already have some experience in HR, L&D or people management.  

If you’ve never worked in HR before, you might find the course content and assessments harder to get to grips with. In that case, it might make more sense to start with Level 3. 

Which CIPD level matches your experience? 

Your experience	Best CIPD level for you
No or little HR experience	Level 3
Some experience in HR (1 year or more) or experience in people management (non-HR)	Level 5
Senior HR professional with multiple years of experience or a degree (or equivalent) in a related field	Level 7

 

CIPD Level 3 vs Level 5 – what’s the difference? 

If you’re deciding between CIPD Level 3 and Level 5, it helps to understand how they compare in terms of content, difficulty, and who they’re aimed at. 

FEATURE	CIPD LEVEL 3	CIPD LEVEL 5
Level	Foundation level	Intermediate level
Who it’s for	People new to HR or L&D	People with experience in HR, L&D, or people management
Topics	HR basics like recruitment and policies	More advanced subjects like HR strategy, workforce planning, and employment law
Assessments	4 (1 per unit)	7 (1 per unit)
Careers you can do with this CIPD level	Entry-level roles like HR Assistant or L&D Coordinator	Mid-level roles like HR Adviser, L&D Business Partner, or People Manager

 

Level 3 is a great starting point if you’re new to HR or want to understand the basics before stepping into a specialist role.  

Level 5 is more in-depth and will be more suitable if you’re already in the HR profession or managing people, and you want to build strategic skills and progress in your careers. 

If you’re not sure which CIPD level to go for, think about your current experience and where you’d like to be in the next 12–18 months.  

For more information, read our simple guide to CIPD qualification levels! 

CIPD Level 5 certificate vs diploma   

When you study CIPD Level 5, you can choose between a Certificate or a Diploma. The main difference is how many units you study and how long the course takes. 

The CIPD Level 5 certificates is shorter and covers fewer topics, and it’s a good option if you want to build your skills in a specific area or take the next step in your current role.  

The CIPD Level 5 Diploma in either HR or L&D includes all the Level 5 units - it takes longer to complete but will give you a broader understanding of HR or L&D.  

It’s the better choice if you want a full qualification or plan to move into a more senior job. 

CIPD Level 5 Diploma equivalent - what level is it? 

The Level 5 Diploma is a Level 5 qualification on the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework).  

It’s roughly equal to:  

• A foundation degree  

• Year 1 or 2 of an undergraduate degree  

This makes it a solid qualification for moving up in your career or applying for higher level jobs in HR or L&D. 

CIPD Level 5 course content 

CIPD Level 5 goes beyond the basics. It focuses on developing your knowledge of people management or learning and development at a more strategic level.  

You’ll study a mix of core, specialist, and optional units, depending on whether you choose the HR or L&D route. 

Common CIPD core topics 

• Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice 

• Evidence-Based Practice 

• Professional Behaviours and Valuing People 

• Employment Relationship Management. 

You’ll learn how to apply this knowledge in real situations and develop skills to bring into the workplace from day one. 

CIPD assessments:  

There are no exams included in CIPD qualifications. Instead, you’ll complete written assignments, usually based on workplace scenarios or case studies.  

Everything you study is specially designed to help you do your job better and prepare for the next step in your career. 

Get started with MOL 

You don’t always need to complete CIPD Level 3 to do a  CIPD Level 5 Diploma in either HR or L&D, especially if you already have some experience in HR, L&D or people management.  

Level 5 is ideal if you're looking to build on your skills and move forward in your career. If you're just starting out, Level 3 gives you a solid foundation and is a great place to begin.  

At MOL, we offer flexible, fully supported CIPD courses at both Level 3 and Level 5, designed to suit your experience and career goals. Explore our CIPD HR courses and L&D courses, find the right fit, and get started today.