Professional qualifications

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Gain internationally recognised professional accreditation in HR or L&D

Increase your career prospects and earning potential by gaining the skills, knowledge and tools to support your organisation on the most pertinent people management and development issues. Register for a CIPD qualification, and you’ll join over 20,000 professionals developing their expertise in HR and L&D.

Our professional qualifications are sought after by employers and go hand-in-hand with CIPD membership to give you the resources and support to excel in your field. CIPD professional membership gives you the edge in a competitive job market, empowering you to make a real impact in the world of work.

When you start studying a certificate or diploma programme you’ll enrol as a CIPD Student member, gaining access to exclusive resources that support your studies. Complete a CIPD certificate or diploma and you’ll be awarded Associate professional member status. If you complete the CIPD Advanced Diploma, you can then work towards CIPD Chartered membership.

Study and achieve Associate status

Find a qualification

Study one of the qualifications listed below and on successful completion of your studies you will:

  • possess the skills and knowledge employers are looking for
  • be entitled to use the letters Assoc CIPD after your name
  • increase your career prospects and earning potential.

Find an approved study centre near you

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Overview of certificates and diplomas leading to Associate membership

A certificate provides you with the essential knowledge and skills employers are seeking while a diploma lets you expand your knowledge and skills through a broader range of subject areas.

Foundation (Level 3) - equivalent to A-level

  • Level 3 Certificate in Human Resources Practice (QCF) QAN 501/0759/8
  • Level 3 Certificate in Learning & Development (QCF) QAN 601/5172/9
  • Level 3 Diploma in Human Resources Practice (QCF) QAN 501/7063/X
  • Level 3 Diploma in Learning & Development (QCF) QAN 601/5173/0

Intermediate (Level 5) - equivalent to foundation degree/HND level

  • Level 5 Certificate in Human Resource Management (QCF) QAN 601/7870/X
  • Level 5 Certificate in Learning & Development (QCF) QAN 601/5161/4
  • Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management (QCF) QAN 601/7871/1
  • Level 5 Diploma in Learning & Development (QCF) QAN 601/5162/6
  • Level 5 Diploma in Applied Human Resources (Higher apprenticeship)

Advanced (Level 7) - equivalent to Master's level

  • Level 7 Certificate in Human Resources


Become a CIPD member

Already found a qualification? Get instant access to essential study resources. Join Student membership today. 

Want to raise your profile? Learn about the benefits of professional membership.

Study and work towards Chartered status

Study a postgraduate-level qualification and on successful completion of your studies you'll be awarded Associate membership status. You can then apply to upgrade your membership to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow, provided you have achieved the Advanced Diploma and can demonstrate you have a minimum of three years’ experience working consistently at this level.

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Study with CIPD Training

Learn more about progressing your membership


Advanced (Level 7) qualifications - equivalent to Master's-level

A certificate provides you with the essential modules employers are seeking while a diploma lets you expand your knowledge further with extra subjects.

  • Level 7 Certificate in Human Resources
  • Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Management (HRM)
  • Level 7 Diploma in Human Resource Development (HRD)

Study one or two modules

You can pick and choose single modules which lead to an 'Award' in the relevant subject. These are useful if you are looking for a bite-size or taster course or want a course to study as part of your continuing professional development (CPD). They can also be used as a building block towards a full certificate or diploma programme.

but they do not lead to professional accreditation by themselves.

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Study with CIPD Training

Choose how you want to study

Our qualifications are delivered in a variety of flexible study modes. You choose the study mode that suits you or your organisation:

  • Blended - study in your own time, using a mixture of support materials including online with periodic face-to-face tutorials and group workshops.
  • Block - attending a series of taught sessions, usually delivered in blocks of three to five consecutive full days.
  • Digital - qualifications delivered fully online.
  • Full time - attending taught sessions during the day at least 21 hours per week.
  • Part time - attending one or two taught sessions per week of between three to four hours.
  • Mixed mode study - aimed at experienced individuals and enables use of workplace evidence alongside a mixture of learning input and support to suit the needs of the candidate.

Find an approved study centre near you

Study with CIPD Training

Choose who to study with

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