CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in Learning and Development Practice - Fast-track programme

The qualification is ideal if you are:

• working in the field of L&D in a support role and wish to develop your knowledge and skills
• responsible for L&D activities and decisions within your organisation
• looking to further your L&D career with a professional qualification.

There are two options available for you to complete this qualification; modular and fast-track programmes. The fast-track programme more intensive and for professionals who wish to gain the qualification in a shorter space of time. This web page features details of the fast-track programme. Find out more about the modular programme here.

On successful completion of the qualification, you will:

• have a sound understanding of the knowledge, skills and behaviour required of a professional L&D practitioner
• understand how L&D activities support an organisation’s strategy and assist in the achievement of business objectives and how these are shaped by internal and external factors
• have a practical understanding of how a learning needs analysis forms the basis for recommending learning solutions and how various methods and models assist in identifying gaps between the skills and knowledge of the workforce and organisation objectives
• be able to identify the principles, purposes and scope of evaluation within a learning and development context including ways of assessing return on investment (ROI)
• know how to prepare and design effective learning and development activities
• know how to deliver planned learning and development activities, for example one-to-one, small group and large group sessions
• understand broad concepts that underpin coaching within the workplace.

The fast-track programme is made up of two, five-day modules spaced approximately three months apart:

Module 1 covers the following areas:

Introduction and Developing Yourself as an Effective L&D Practitioner

Provides a thorough introduction to the programme, ensuring that you are fully prepared for the modules and assessed assignments, and are able to make the most of the resources and support available.

On completion of this part of the module, you will:

• understand the knowledge, skills and behaviours required to be an effective L&D practitioner
• know how to deliver timely and effective L&D services to meet users’ needs
• be able to reflect on your own practice and development needs and maintain a plan for personal development.
   

Understanding Organisations and the Role of L&D

This part of the module provides an introduction to the role of L&D operations within an organisation and environmental context.

On completion of this part of the module, you will understand:

• the purpose of an organisation and its operating environment
• the structure, culture and functions of an organisation
• how L&D activities support an organisation.

Recording, Analysing and Using L&D Information

This part of the module develops your understanding of the important contribution that accurate data, whether stored manually or electronically, can make to the HR function. It is intended to span the remit of data management for all areas electronic record management for L&D.

On completion of this part of the module, you will:

• understand what data needs to be collected to support L&D practices
• know how L&D data should be recorded, managed and stored
• be able to analyse L&D information and present findings to inform decision-making. 

Undertaking a Learning Needs Analysis

This part of the module provides you with a practical understanding of how a learning needs analysis can form the basis for recommending learning solutions. Specifically, it enables you to recognise the various methods and models available that assist in identifying gaps between the skills and knowledge of the workforce and organisation objectives.

On completion of this part of the module, you will be able to:

• identify the learning and development needs of individuals and groups that reflect individual and organisational objectives
• recommend appropriate learning and development solutions to meet the identified needs of individuals and groups.

Module 2 covers the following areas:

Developing Coaching Skills for the Workplace

This part of the module provides you with broad concepts that underpin coaching within the workplace. It is intended to provide you with an introduction to the theoretical aspects of coaching and an opportunity to develop coaching techniques where appropriate, for example in the capacity of line manager.

On completion of this part of the module, you will:

• understand the nature and purpose of coaching
• know how to use a coaching style to improve performance in the workplace
• be able to identify the ways in which coaching can be implemented in an organisation.

Evaluating L&D Activities

Evaluation of learning and development is a key component of the learning process. This part of the module provides an introduction to the principles, purposes and scope of evaluation within a learning and development context.

On completion of this part of the module, you will:

• understand the nature and purposes of evaluation, including return on investment and expectation
• understand different approaches to evaluation
• be able to design and use tools for evaluating learning and development activities
• be able to develop an action plan following evaluation of a learning and development activity. 

Preparing and Designing L&D activities

This part of the module provides you with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare and design effective learning and development activities.

On completion of this part of the module, you will:

• be able to prepare and design effective learning and development activities
• understand how a learning needs analysis is used to inform the design process.
  
  

Delivering L&D Activities

This part of the module will provide you with the knowledge and skills required to deliver planned learning and development (L&D) activities, for example one-to-one, small group and large group sessions.

On completion of this part of the module, you will:

• be able to create an environment conducive to learning
• be able to plan and deliver learning and development
• programme activity to individuals and groups
• know how to review learning and development activities.

In addition to the modules the programme includes:

• written assessments
• practical skills demonstrations
• pre- and post-workshop activities
• CPD log.

To successfully gain the qualification through the fast-track route you must:

• attend all the face-to-face course modules and workshops that make up the programme - two, five-day face-to-face course modules taken within a six month period
• successfully complete assignments and assessed work - a range of short wrotten assignments, practical skills demonstrations and CPD logs
• complete the requirements of the programme within a specified time period.

There are no examinations for this qualification.

First-class tutors 

Whether you’re doing a course, qualification, or in-house programme, the tutors you will meet have in-depth knowledge of their subject, and combine academic expertise with years of hands-on business and industry experience. They are passionate about their specialist areas, and have proven time and time again their ability to facilitate top-quality learning and provide the best possible learning experience. So, whilst theory and models matter (and you’ll get them), they are skilled in helping you ‘translate’ them into your day-to-day reality.

Take a look at the Tutors tab on this page to view biographies of just some of the tutors you’re likely to meet on the programme. Why not look them up on Google – we’re proud of the fact that many of our tutors are among the UK’s leading experts in their specialist area.

Unlimited support from your personal tutor

When you start your qualification programme, you’ll be assigned a personal tutor, who will provide support, guidance and encouragement throughout your studies by phone or email – invaluable when you’re juggling the challenge of studying with a busy home and work life.

Comprehensive additional resources – on and offline

You’ll be provided with comprehensive documentation and reference material to support you in your studies, including textbooks (where relevant), in addition to which (on most programmes) you’ll also have access to an online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE includes extensive additional learning resources and links to articles, research, surveys and practical tools relevant to your studies. It also enables you to network with your fellow learners and participate in networked discussion forums facilitated by your tutor between face-to-face learning days. Plus you’ll find tips and guidance on how to do assignments, and for exam-based qualifications, revision tips, past exam papers, examiner’s reports, online exam tutorials and much more.

A blended approach

Most of our programmes take a blended approach – combining face-to-face learning with self-study and online working (via the Virtual Learning Environment). This powerful mix is one of the best ways to achieve sustained skills enhancement, and also minimises the time you need to spend away from the office.

Practical and applicable

For your learning to work, it has to be relevant to your workplace. That’s why our programmes focus on providing you with the knowledge, skills and confidence to apply your learning back at work straight away. You’ll explore your own needs and issues, as well as share experiences, challenges and insights with other participants and your expert tutor. We constantly update and improve our programmes, to ensure they are aligned with your changing needs and prepare you for the issues facing your profession.

You’ll be given extensive resources to help you put your learning into practice as soon as you return to work. Our qualification programmes provide you with comprehensive documentation and reference material to support you in your studies.