The time it takes to become a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) professional can vary depending on prior qualifications, experience and study option. The CIPD offer various levels of membership and qualifications. You can achieve your CIPD qualification in anything from 6 months to 3 years. You may study for longer if you need more time or prefer a slower approach.
Here are the general pathways and approximate timeframes to become CIPD qualified:
Foundation (Level 3)
The Foundation level is suitable if you have little or no HR experience. It is designed to help you learn the foundations of people practice before you continue onto the next level. You may already be working in HR, L&D or another kind of People Practice role. It is the first building block in the CIPD qualifications range to help you to work towards your Chartered CIPD membership. It is a great qualification if you:
- have quite a bit of experience but have not studied for a while
- would like to get a firm grasp of the underpinning skills, knowledge and behaviours required before progressing to Level 5
- have studied to degree level but in another subject
- would like to boost your CV with CIPD Foundation membership
- have studied overseas
- have not written assignments in English
- would like to be prepared before you go onto the Level 5 / Associate Diploma qualifications
How Long Does it Take to Become CIPD Foundation Qualified?
It typically takes around 12 months to complete the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice. If you would like to complete it faster that is absolutely fine – you can self study via CIPD Light or get more support via CIPD Turbo. Bear in mind what’s realistic for you in terms of your work and personal life. We have timetabled our most popular CIPD Boost support package at 12 months for Level 3 based on many years experience working with the CIPD.
We take a slower approach because we like to support you with a steady learning path which builds on previous experience. This allows you to network and consolidate your learning and write your assignments confidently. It is how we believe you and most students can achieve your best result in both your qualification and in the impact the qualification has on your career. Our formative development support means you are working towards your assignments in advance. You’ll work on practice questions as you learn about the topic and you will get feedback from your coach as you go. This helps you to really embed your learning before you move onto the next level. That way you can thrive and achieve a better overall learning outcome.
If you wish to study faster please speak to us – you are very welcome to do that. We can advise you how best to speed up your programme and plan timings to achieve your goals.
Once you complete your Foundation Certificate in People Practice you will be awarded Foundation membership of the CIPD. You will then qualify to study for the next level and move onto the Level 5, Associate qualification programmes.
Associate (Level 5)
The Associate level may be suitable for you if you who have some HR, L&D or People Management experience. It usually takes up to 2 years to complete the Associate level qualification. There are two qualifications at Level 5. The CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management if you are working a traditional HR area. And the CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development if you prefer L&D. Look at the topics if you’re not sure. The Level 5 qualifications may be suitable for you if you:
- Have some HR, L&D or People Management experience
- Have studied to degree level but in a different subject
- Are working in a People Management role, eg as an HR Manager
- Have the time, confidence and commitment to study a degree level qualification for two years
- Are confident writing assignments at Level 5 so that you can achieve your best results
- Are working at a more senior level but do not have the capacity to study the Level 7 Advanced CIPD qualifications
- Want to boost your CV with CIPD Associate Membership
- Want to prepare to study the Level 7 qualification so that you can go on to achieve CIPD Chartered Membership
How Long Does it Take To Become CIPD Associate Qualified?
Our CIPD Boost programme is delivered over 20 months with a little time for marking and moderation on your final unit before you get your certificate from the CIPD. If you would like to study faster you are welcome to do that via the CIPD Light or CIPD Turbo options. You can study faster on CIPD Boost. You may need some extra coaching to help you plan your programme and make best use of your time.
If you wish to study faster please speak to us so we can advise you how best to speed up your programme and plan timings to achieve your goals.
Once you complete your Associate Diploma in People Management or Organisational L&D you will be awarded Associate membership of the CIPD. You will then qualify to apply to study for the next level and move onto the Level 7 Advanced qualification programmes once you have relevant workplace experience.
Advanced (Level 7)
The Advanced level is for experienced people professionals working in senior HR, L&D or People Management roles. There is the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management and the Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development (L&D).
These qualifications are mostly suitable if you:
- Have studied the Level 5 CIPD qualification and achieved Associate membership
- Have studied to degree or masters level in a relevant subject
- Are working in a senior people management role, eg People or HR Director
- Have the time, space and support to study a demanding masters level qualification for 2 to 3 years
- Are confident learners with the drive and commitment to achieve this exciting qualification
- Are involved in strategic projects, leading on people policy and strategy in your organisation
How Long Does It Take to Become CIPD Advanced Qualified?
It generally takes around 2 to 3 years to complete the Advanced level qualification with two options at this level. It’s important to note that these timeframes are approximate and can vary based on a variety of factors. Study mode, personal commitments, the support package you choose and the pace and way you complete the required units and assessments make a difference.
Your learning contract will be for the agreed period for your study package allowed for your study option. We allow a little extra over and above your scheduled timetable. This allows time for marking and moderation at the end of your programme and an induction sessions to get you off to a great start. If you need to extend your studies beyond your learning contract period you may need to pay more. Please ensure you take this into account when comparing study options as some centres charge significant fees for extensions.
If you wish to study faster please speak to us so we can advise you how best to speed up your programme and plan timings to achieve your goals.
Once you complete your Advanced DIploma in Strategic People Management or Strategic L&D you will be awarded Associate membership of the CIPD. You will then be eligible to apply for Chartered CIPD Membership.
Find Out More
We’d love to speak with you about what’s best for you. You can be assured of an experienced CIPD study centre with many years experience delivering the full range of CIPD qualifications. We have a small and friendly feel with capped numbers on our live webinars. We are also big enough to deliver to a high standard – and we do! You will have access to great networking opportunities and support from other people professionals. Our support packages offer you an exciting blend of live webinars, formative development, collaborative work and networking. Along with regular one to one coaching to support your own self study. We believe this combination gives you the support you need so that you can succeed. Both in your CIPD qualification and as you develop your career as a people professional in HR, L&D or People Management.
Interested in finding out more? Please request an information pack and you can then we’d love you to book a call to chat through what might work best for you.
