Guidance for those who are about to study

We’ve compiled the most commonly-asked questions potential students have about our qualifications, including information on funding, exemptions and work experience. We hope you can find all of the information you are looking for.

My study centre has advised that I need to register my qualification and join as a Student member. What does this mean?

So that we know you’re completing a CIPD qualification, your centre will have provided us with the details of the qualification you’re studying with them, which you’ll need to confirm in order to complete your registration with us.

You’ll have received an email from the CIPD with a link to register as a Student member and confirm your qualification details (if you aren't already a member). Follow this link, and log in using the email address the centre provided when they gave us your qualification details. You’ll then be able to view your qualification details and confirm them (or query them if necessary). You'll also be able to amend any contact details at this time.

If you haven’t received an email with this link, call us on +44 (0) 20 8612 6208.

What if I’ve forgotten my email address or password for the CIPD website?

If you already have a CIPD web account:

• but have forgotten your password, reset your password.
• but have changed (or forgotten) the email address you used, call us on +44 (0)20 8612 6248 so we can resolve the issue.

Can I get funding to do my qualification?

For most grants and bursaries you’ll need to apply directly to your study centre.

CIPD Student Bursaries

In 2018/2019, we’ll be offering Student Bursaries to a limited group of students who fit the criteria and are looking to get into the profession by starting on a Level 3 course. If you’re interested in this, you’ll need to apply directly through your study centre (and not the CIPD).

Government Advanced Learner Loans

The Government offers Advanced Learner Loans for those undertaking Foundation Level 3 or Intermediate Level 5 CIPD qualifications. Visit GOV.UK for information on the eligibility criteria and application process (which needs to be made directly through the Government).

Can I get funding if I’m not from the UK?

Please note that not all of the above applies to you if you’re not from the UK. However, some UK colleges and universities offer limited financial aid for international students; your best option is to contact the school directly for more information.

Can I gain any exemptions for a qualification I already have?

If you have an existing qualification that isn’t recognised by the CIPD, you may be able to apply for an exemption towards a CIPD Awarded qualification that leads to membership.

The application process will involve a mapping exercise between the qualification you studied and the CIPD Awarded qualification you want to study. You can gain up to 50% of a CIPD Awarded qualification through this process; you’ll be required to take the rest of the qualification at a CIPD centre in order to achieve CIPD membership.

The CIPD accepts international qualifications if they’re accompanied by a comparability statement and certificate from the UK National Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC) confirming the equivalent UK level.

To check the UK equivalent level of your qualification, visit UK NARIC or call UK NARIC on +44 (0)871 330 7033.

For further information and application forms, call the CIPD’s Qualification and Membership team on +44 (0)20 8612 6208 or email membershipenquiry@cipd.co.uk

Many employers are asking for HR work experience. How can I gain this?

A great way to make yourself stand out is to gain some work experience while you study. St John’s Ambulance, along with many other charities, is often looking for volunteers to work in HR for them; this can be as little as three hours per week.

We also have a list of volunteering jobs available, which you can view on the People Management website.