Should You Complete a CIPD in HR or Learning & Development?

After completing the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice, you may be wondering what to do next. While the level 3 qualification is the same for both Human Resources and Learning and  Development  routes, for your CIPD Level 5 qualification you will need to decide between a Human Resources course or a Learning and Development course.  

What do you learn on a CIPD Level 5 qualification? 

Both of the CIPD Level 5 qualifications cover topics on organisational performance, evidence-based practice and professional behaviours. While around half of what you will learn on both CIPD Level 5 courses will be the same, the other half is made up of  specialist modules around either managing employees or improving learning. 

What will you learn on the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management course? 

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management qualification has been designed to broaden your knowledge of specific areas of Human Resources  as well as enhance your professional development.  

The specific modules covered include: 

• Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice  
• Evidence-based Practice  
• Professional Behaviours and Valuing People  
• Employment Relationship Management  
• Talent Management and Workforce Planning  
• Reward for Performance and Contribution. 

What will you learn on the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development? 

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development qualification focuses on how to organise different forms of learning across your organisation to boost colleague confidence and improve their performance and development.  

The specific modules covered include: 

• Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice  
• Evidence-based Practice  
• Professional Behaviours and Valuing People  
• Supporting Self-directed and Social Learning  
• Learning and Development Design to Create Value  
• Facilitate Personalised and Performance Focused Learning. 

What jobs can you get with a CIPD Level 5 qualification? 

There is no legal requirement for Human Resources or Learning and Development roles to have a specific qualification so, depending on your experience and transferable skills, you may be able to switch between Human Resources and  Learning and Development roles in the future at your employer’s discretion.  

However, most of the time employers will favour candidates with the relevant qualification to support their experience.   

CIPD Level 5 Human Resources Roles: 

• Human Resources Business Partner 
• People Analyst 
• Employee Relations Manager 
• Diversity and Inclusion Manager 
• Human Resources Specialist 
• Resourcing Business Partner  
• Benefits Manager 
• Talent Manager 

CIPD Level 5 Learning and Development Roles:

• Learning and Development Business Partner 
• Learning and Development Consultant 
• Organisation Design Specialist 
• Organisational Development Business Partner 
• Employee Experience Manager 
• Learning and Development Designer.  

What responsibilities are involved with a CIPD Level 5 qualification? 

Both Human Resources and Learning and Development professionals are focused on people within the business, but the specific responsibilities vary.  

CIPD Level 5 Human Resources responsibilities: 

• Identifying and nurturing talent 
• Conflict resolution 
• Improving performance Human Resources through culture and employee benefits. 

CIPD Level 5 Learning and Development responsibilities: 

• Identifying skills gaps 
• Developing personalised learning paths 
• Improving performance Human Resources through upskilling. 

Should you do a CIPD Level 5 qualification for Human Resources or Learning and Development? 

The CIPD Level 5 Human Resources course is the best route to help you in building relationships with employees, exploring performance incentives and developing the company culture Human Resources through recruitment and business initiatives.  

If you choose the CIPD Level 5 Learning and Development course,  this is ideal to increase your knowledge inevaluating the capabilities of others and putting plans in place to help them improve their skills.  

We want to help you accelerate or kickstart your career through professional development courses and tailored tutor-led support.  

Ready to take the next step? # 

Call one of our Qualification Advisors on 03452 032 103 or browse our range of CIPD qualifications to find out which level is right for you.