The educational route is the most popular way to become a member of the CIPD. A network of CIPD centres offer a range of full-time, part-time and/or flexible learning courses based on CIPD professional standards.
Click here to find out more about studying for CIPD courses.
The CIPD qualification is becoming increasingly popular among employers and CIPD qualified graduates earn, on average, more than those without the qualification. There are, it would seem, both financial and career related benefits associated with CIPD study and qualification.
So how do students view the benefits of qualification?
Tania Bayes completed the CPP programme and received an award from the branch for outstanding performance in her group. Looking back on her college course Tania comments:
"There was never a day I didn’t want to go to class, even after a long day at work, and even though we were at college from six to nine. It was such a supportive learning environment and I felt my knowledge and confidence grow enormously. The CPP was key in helping me get my first HR job".
Hayley Brindley received the CIPD Branch award for the best management report. Students on the DPD programme are required to undertake research into an issue of strategic significance within their organisation and to produce a report evaluating the issue and offering realistic and feasible proposals for addressing it.
Hayley is the Training and Development Manager at Excel Logistics with specific responsibility for the company’s Homebase contract. She is responsible for managing the training and development process for all employees on the contract and for designing and implementing appropriate training and development initiatives. A key part of her role is implementing management development throughout the organisation. Hayley’s management report was focused on the process of succession planning in the organisation and ensuring the development of a pool of talent to meet future organisational goals and objectives.
Hayley said, "completing the DPD has provided a thorough knowledge of all aspects of HR which has enhanced my contribution to the HR team as a generalist, and also my knowledge and abilities as a trainer and manager.’"
Kevin Holt, HR Director, having completed his CIPD Diploma studies returned to complete a Masters degree. Kevin’s dissertation research was focused on developing a performance management system for the organisation. The MA HRM has been specifically designed for HR professionals such as Kevin and enables them to build upon their professional qualifications and experience to obtain a valuable Masters degree.
Commenting on his Masters studies Kevin said:
"Doing the MA has developed my analytical skills and strategic thinking skills and has made me much more results focused. Most HR work these days is project based and the MA has given me the confidence to tackle large projects in tight deadlines and to achieve results".
Membership grades
There are varoius grades of CIPD membership. Information on these grades and how to develop your membership can be found on the main CIPD website.
Click here for more information on membership grades
What is CPD?
CPD is the conscious updating of professional knowledge and the improvement of personal competence throughout your working life. This shows a commitment to being professional, and keeping up to date and continuously seeking to improve. It is a means of optimising career opportunities. It is a requirement that professionally qualified members provide evidence of CPD when applying to upgrade their membership.
Further information and advice on upgrading go to the main CIPD site homepage. The Northamptonshire Branch has also produced a CPD record for use at Branch meetings and events.
Click here for more information on upgrading
Individual members wanting advice or support in upgrading should contact the Northamptonshire CPD Adviser, Izabela Robinson.