CIPD HR Qualifications

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the world’s leading professional body for Human Resources (HR) and Learning & Development (L&D), setting the global standard for people management and workplace excellence.

With 160,000+ members worldwide, CIPD is the only organisation that grants Chartered status to HR and L&D professionals. Every year, over 25,000 learners study a CIPD HR or L&D course to advance their careers.

Start your CIPD journey today and study at your own pace, 100% online. 

A CIPD qualification is the gold standard for HR and L&D professionals, recognised globally by employers and industry leaders.

Whether you're starting your career in HR, aiming for a promotion, or looking to specialise, a CIPD qualification gives you the skills, knowledge, and credibility to succeed.

With 10,000+ independent reviews rating us 'Excellent' on Trustpilot, we think our students say it best! Backed by 130 years in flexible distance learning, we know what it takes to help you succeed.

We’re committed to flexible, career-focused learning that fits your life. With self-paced learning, extended study periods, and personalised expert support, we make it easy to gain your CIPD qualification, no matter what life throws at you! 

That’s why thousands of HR professionals choose us every year: to develop the skills they need for the careers they want.  

We offer the full suite of CIPD HR qualifications, each designed to support your career at different stages:

• CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice: The perfect starting point for those new to HR or L&D. Ideal if you're aiming for an entry-level role like HR Assistant.
• CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management: Designed for those with some HR experience or a background in management. Perfect if you're looking to progress into roles like HR Advisor or HR Manager. This is a great option if you have a university degree and want to start at a higher level.
• CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management: A postgraduate-level qualification for experienced HR professionals or HR graduates ready for senior strategic roles like HR Business Partner, HR Consultant, or HR Director.

If you're interested in specialising in Learning & Development (L&D), we also offer CIPD L&D qualifications to help you advance in this area.

Not sure which course is right for you? Our friendly CIPD Course Advisors can guide you through your options.

The CIPD Profession Map offers a key framework for HR and L&D professionals to follow, providing a clear set of competencies, behaviours, and knowledge required to succeed in the people profession.

Developed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), it serves as a guide for HR and L&D professionals at every stage of their career, from entry-level to senior strategic roles.

The Profession Map outlines the essential HR skills and L&D functions, ensuring that professionals are equipped to drive organisational success. It covers 10 professional areas, including employee engagement, talent management, and organisational development, and breaks down the key behaviours and values required for success in the industry.

By aligning your learning with the CIPD Profession Map, you can ensure that your qualifications and career development are in line with industry best practices and what employers are looking for.

Whether you’re starting out in HR or advancing to a senior role, the CIPD Profession Map ensures you have the right knowledge, behaviours, and skills to thrive.

At ICS Learn, our online CIPD qualifications are designed to give you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the people profession – aligning with the CIPD Profession Map and preparing you for real-world success.

The best study mode for you depends on your learning style, schedule, and preference for structure:

• On Demand learning is ideal if you want complete flexibility. You’ll study at your own pace, with 24/7 course access, recorded lessons, and unlimited tutor support whenever you need it. This is perfect if you have a busy or unpredictable schedule.

• Live Online learning suits those who prefer structured learning with scheduled workshops. You'll join an expert-led virtual workshop per unit of study, interact with tutors and classmates in real time, and study at your own pace in-between.

Both options give you the same globally respected CIPD qualification, expert tutor support, and access to our online learning platform, mystudyspace – so you can choose the approach that fits your lifestyle best.

*Please note that Live Online learning sessions are scheduled in UK time (GST/BST).

If you’re not ready to commit to a full human resources qualification and would like to focus on only the essential modules, you could study one of our CIPD Core programmes.

The CIPD Level 5 Core programme covers 3 modules:

• Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Professional Behaviours and Valuing People

It has an average completion time of 6 months and a support period of 9 months. It costs £1,529 which can be paid in interest-free monthly instalments.

The CIPD Level 7 Core programme covers 4 modules:

• Work and Working Lives in a Changing Business Environment
• People Management and Development Strategies for Performance
• Personal Effectiveness, Ethics and Business Acumen
• Business Research in People Practice

It has an average completion time of 9 months and a support period of 12 months and can be paid in flexible monthly instalments.

Please keep in mind that the Core programme won't make you CIPD-qualified, it only offers you the basic skills for particular HR roles. However, if you complete a Core programme and then decide to move on to the full CIPD Diploma at that level, you can simply complete the remaining modules to achieve your CIPD qualification!

For more information on our CIPD Core programmes, get in touch with our course advisors today.

Yes! We currently offer a CIPD fast-track option for the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management. This is a great course for those looking to progress into Human Resource Management or who want to advance in mid-level HR roles.

If you enrol on our fast-track programme, you'll cover the same content on an accelerated timeline of 10 months, and be expected to study for 8 to 10 hours each week. This includes attending classes, reading, working through content and completing writing assessments.  

For more information on our CIPD fast-track programmes, get in touch with our course advisors.

Ready to get started? Enrol online or chat with our friendly CIPD Advisors.

They’ll take the time to understand your experience, education, and career goals to ensure you choose the right course. Plus, they’ll help you set up a flexible payment plan that works for you.

If you have a disability that may impact your studies or assessments, please let your Course Advisor know before you enrol. They'll be happy to discuss whether reasonable adjustments can be made to support your learning journey.