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06 September 2023 - 3 min read
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the awarding professional body for Human Resources (HR) and Learning & Development (L&D). For professionals who have a passion for people and are truly invested in shaping the future world of work, CIPD qualifications are held in high regard by employers and are recognised across the globe.
In the hope of grasping what the CIPD have stated as a ‘once in the life-time opportunity’ to reshape the working life of professionals, the last year has seen a tighter focus on flexible working, well-being, sustainability and diversity and inclusion. The CIPD have said there’s been no better time to broaden their community, and to engage with more champions who are on the collective mission to better the current workplace.
If you have a keen interest in helping organisations thrive, and a CIPD qualification is of interest to you, in this blog we explore how much it will cost you.
To ensure we are starting off on the right foot, it’s important to first be aware that the CIPD qualification can be gained at three different levels. These are CIPD Levels 3, 5, and 7 and in most cases, these levels follow an ordinary suit:
The Level 3 Certificate in People Practice has been designed for those starting out in their career and have little experience in HR. This qualification helps to create a base layer of knowledge in the people field.
The Level 5 Associate Diplomas, both HR and L&D have been designed with mid-level professionals in mind, and those who are perhaps moving into more managerial roles and looking to build on the existing knowledge and experience they have.
Lastly, the Level 7 Advanced Diplomas, both HR & L&D have been designed for senior professionals, those who are working in managerial roles as well as substantial industry experience.
However, there are some exceptions to this which we will talk about further on.
The CIPD Level 3 Certificate in People Practice has been designed to teach both human resources and learning and development professionals, the foundations of people practise.
This qualification has been designed with beginners in mind, in specific, those looking to learn at a broader but still in-depth level. This qualification is additionally well suited to those who are at the beginning of their people-based career, whether that’s HR or L&D.
You will cover four modules which have been vigorously tested against the CIPD regulations to ensure that they are not only relevant of the current HR & L&D markets but also cover foreseeable trends and core practises. The modules included are:
The average cost of this qualification is between £1,700 and £2,600. This does, however, vary across providers and includes different learning methods such as Live online and classroom learning.
Additionally, providers will allow different methods of payment including monthly instalments, invoicing you employer directly or accepting payments in full. However, it is to each providers discretion and current interest rates can apply.
There are two Level 5 Associate Diploma courses provided by CIPD, including the Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management and the Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development.
The Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management has been designed for those seeking managerial roles within human resources and have a good amount of experience in the field of human resources to date.
Where exceptions often occur would be if an individual holds a university degree in any various subject and has studied at either an undergraduate or post graduate level. Due to the level of skill needed to undertake such degree, they would qualify at Level 5 and be able to proceed with the Associate Diploma.
The Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management covers a total of nine modules, three of which are core, three of which are specialist and three of which are optional, including:
In terms of Learning and Development, the Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development has been designed for those looking to progress further in their L&D career and have experience in an entry level or junior learning and development role.
This qualification will develop both knowledge and key skills, while building confidence at a managerial level and increasing your income potential. There are three core modules, three specialist modules and three optional modules included in the Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development, these are:
As mentioned previously, it’s clear that CIPD are committed to focusing on current critical factors of the modern workplace, such as diversity and inclusion and wellbeing. This is clearly presented through the ‘Diversity and Inclusion and Professional Behaviours and Valuing People modules.
Both the Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management and the Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development vary between the cost of £3,000 and £4,100, for both Live Online and classroom learning, as even though they are different courses, they sit at the same level.
A level 7 qualification is the highest qualification provided by the CIPD and is an advanced diploma. It has been designed specifically for those who have extensive knowledge and experience in either HR or L&D, are at appropriate ‘Head of’ level or are at senior board level.
The CIPD offer the Advance Diploma in Strategic People Management and the Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development.
The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management will teach HR professionals behaviours and practises that they will require to lead and handle complex people management and business decisions.
Once this course is completed, you will be eligible to apply to become a Chartered Member of CIPD, which allows you to use Chartered MCIPD or Chartered FCIPD after your name on your CV and LinkedIn profile. This is a positive way to show your commitment and dedication to HR as a profession.
In terms of the Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Organisational Learning and Development, this qualification has been designed specifically for professionals who are answerable for leadership strategies and policies alike. This qualification includes the best learning and development practises in mind, such as ethics, advanced employment law and creating influential businesses cases for external and internal stakeholder consideration.
Unlike Level 3 and Level 5, Level 7 has four core modules, following three specialist and three optional. These include:
As these are the highest qualifications provided currently, they are the most costly. The prices vary between £6,000 and £8,000 per qualification and like Level 3 and Level 5, the price is dependent on specific learning methods.
CIPD membership is something to be proud of and will only increase your accreditation and reputation within the HR and L&D Community.
When undertaking a CIPD qualification, you’ll automatically be enrolled as a student member, and must pay your joining fee before your first assignment is submitted. The joining fee is a one-off cost, and then your membership fee is paid annually.
There’s an abundance of tools and knowledge readily available for CIPD members, and you will have the opportunity to meet and conversate with likeminded individuals and industry experts of the HR and L&D profession.
The one-off joining fee is £40, and the various grades and annual costs are as follows:
It is worth noting that academic memberships have been designed for academics and researchers of the industry and to proceed at these levels, it is required that you are formally assessed by one of CIPD’s academic assessors.
We know that investing in yourself can be expensive, and that the above CIPD qualifications come with a cost. However, at Acacia Learning, we have our expert advisors on hand to guide you through the process of choosing the right qualification for you, as well as interest free payment plans that suit your individual finances.
This allows you to hit the ground running, taking the necessary steps to become CIPD qualified and take your career to new heights.
Increase your earning potential and enrol on a professional CIPD course with Acacia Learning today.
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