The CIPD Certificate in Personnel Practice - Fast Track programme is made up of two non-residential modules, each of five days.

Format of the Fast Track programme

• Month 1 - Module 1 (includes skills-based assignment 1). Submit project proposal to personal tutor.
• Month 2 - Submit assignment 1 and continue with self-study materials.
• Month 3 - Module 2 (includes skills-based assignment 2). Begin work on project.
• Month 4 - Continue work on project.
• Month 5 - Submit assignment 2.
• Month 6 - Submit project and self-assessment exercises

Throughout the programme you must keep up to speed with the self-study and self-assessment exercises. You will have support from your personal tutor for the duration of the programme.

Module 1

Day 1

• Overview of the Certificate
• Overview of the HR function
• The role of the individual in HR
• HR planning
• Flexible working practices

Day 2

• Absence management
• Analysing and interpreting information
• Introduction to the law
• Employment tribunals
• Discrimination legislation
• Contracts of employment

Day 3

• Unfair dismissal
• Data Protection Act
• Health and safety
• Introduction to skills based assignment (SBA)
• Recruitment and selection
• Competency-based approach
• Methods of gathering information
• Attracting applicants
• Shortlisting

Day 4

• The approach of the selectors
• Practical skills for interviewing
• Decision-making process
• Records of the interview
• Legislation underpinning recruitment

Day 5

• Preparation for Skills-based assignment 1
• Skills-based assignment 1 – assessed exercise
• Module 1 review and action planning.