What Do You Learn in CIPD Level 3?
Fri 25 Jul 2025

Emily Allen
Product Manager - CIPD
The CIPD Level 3 course is a beginner qualification that teaches you the basics of working in HR or learning and development (L&D).
You'll learn how HR works in a business, including things like recruitment, managing people, handling problems at work and using data to make decisions.
CIPD Level 3 also covers key skills like how to communicate well, work with others and act professionally in a people-focused role.
This course is perfect if you’re:
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New to HR
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Working in an admin role and want to move into HR
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Changing careers and want a fresh start in a people-focused job.
Plus, there are no entry requirements for CIPD Level 3! Just an interest in people and a drive to learn.
In this blog, we’ll look at:
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What’s included in the CIPD Level 3 course
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The modules you’ll do
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How long it takes
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How you’re assessed
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Why MOL is the best provider for the job.
Let’s begin!
CIPD Level 3 course content
The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice teaches you how HR works and how to support people at work.
CIPD Level 3 course content includes:
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How HR supports business culture and change
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How to use data and evidence in your work
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Key behaviours and values in HR
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Everyday people tasks like recruitment, training, and managing performance.
You’ll study a mix of core units (which everyone does) and optional units (which vary depending on your course provider).
CIPD Level 3 module list
There are four main modules in the CIPD Level 3 course:
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Business, Culture and Change in Context (how HR fits into the wider business)
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Principles of Analytics (how to use data and evidence in HR)
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Core Behaviours for People Professionals (how to act professionally and ethically)
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Essentials of People Practice (practical skills for everyday HR work).
At Level 3, these CIPD modules are designed to help you build a strong base for a future career in HR or L&D.
What skills will you gain on a CIPD Level 3 HR course?
On the CIPD Level 3 course, you’ll learn how to support people at work and understand how HR works day to day.
You’ll cover the full employee journey, from hiring and training to dealing with problems, and helping people leave a job in the right way.
You’ll build skills like good communication, working well with others and knowing how to act professionally. You’ll also learn how to use simple data to help make better decisions at work.
These are all useful, real-world skills that can help you get started in your HR career.
Are CIPD courses worth it?
Yes! CIPD qualifications are worth the cost, especially if you want to follow a career in HR or learning and development.
They can really help you get started and people with a CIPD qualification earn around 12% more than those without one. Even in entry-level jobs, a CIPD qualification can boost your salary by about £5,600 a year.
They can also help you get hired! While they’re not always essential for HR roles, having a CIPD certificate can give you a major leg up against the competition by showing employers that you’re skilled, knowledgeable and driven.
What to expect from a CIPD Level 3 Assessment
There are no exams in CIPD Level 3. Instead, you’ll complete written coursework to show what you’ve learned.
CIPD Level 3 assessments might include things like short written tasks, reports, case studies and reflections on your own learning.
The tasks are based on real HR situations, so you’ll be putting your learning into practice. You’ll get support from your tutor and feedback to help you do your best and stay on track. =How long does CIPD Level 3 take?
Most people finish the course in around 6 months, but you can take up to 12 months if you prefer to study at your own pace with On Demand.
At MOL, you can choose a study style that fits around your work, family, or other commitments.
How to choose the best CIPD Level 3 provider
When you’re picking a CIPD Level 3 provider, always look for:
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Official CIPD accreditation
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Amazing tutors and learning support
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Flexible ways to study
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Clear, easy-to-follow resources.
Here at MOL, we give you all of this and more!
With us, you get expert guidance, online learning that fits around your life and the confidence to move forward in your career.
Who is CIPD Level 3 best for?
CIPD Level 3 is a good choice if you’re new to HR, currently work in admin and want to move into a people-focused role, or you want to switch careers and try something new
There are no entry requirements for CIPD Level 3. This means you don’t need any past HR experience, just a good attitude, basic numeracy and literacy skills, and an interest in people!
Here’s how it compares to the other CIPD levels:
CIPD Level |
Best for |
Level 3 |
Beginners, admin roles, career changers |
Level 5 |
People already working in mid-level HR |
Level 7 |
Senior HR professionals, strategic roles |
What can you do with CIPD Level 3?
Once you've finished CIPD Level 3, you can either carry on learning or start looking for a job in HR.
Some people go on to study CIPD Level 5, which goes into more detail and helps you learn even more about HR.
Others use their Level 3 qualification to apply for entry-level HR jobs and build up their work experience.
Jobs you could go for with CIPD Level 3 include:
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HR Administrator
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People Assistant
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Recruitment Assistant
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L&D Coordinator.
Whether you decide to keep learning or want to jump into working right away, CIPD Level 3 is a solid first step that opens the door to many future opportunities in HR.
Start your HR career with a CIPD Level 3 course at MOL
If you’re thinking about working in HR or learning and development, CIPD Level 3 is the best place to start.
CIPD Level 3 teaches you the must-know basics of HR, builds your skills and gives you a recognised qualification that’ll help you take the next step in your learning or career journey.
With MOL, you can study in a way that fits around your life, with expert support and flexible options to keep you on track.
Discover the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice and get started today!

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