What is a CIPD qualification?

Are you confused about your career but want to pursue something interesting in human resources or people management?

If you're feeling confused about your career path, it's helpful to explore your interests, strengths, and values to determine if a career in HR aligns with your goals.

If you are considering a career in human resources, then pursuing a qualification like CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) can be a valuable step towards entering the field.

The Chartered Institute for Personnel Development (CIPD)

Before answering that, you might want to know what is CIPD?.

CIPD stands for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

It is a professional body for HR (Human Resources) and people practice. CIPD provides a wide range of resources, support, and qualifications for HR professionals, helping them develop their knowledge and strategic skills in the field.

The CIPD plays a significant role in promoting best practices, setting professional standards, and fostering continuous learning and development.

They offer a variety of membership options for HR practitioners at different stages of their careers, ranging from becoming a student member to a chartered member. These memberships provide access to a wealth of resources, research, networking opportunities, and events to support HR members in their roles.

So now the question arises as to what exactly is a CIPD qualification?

A CIPD qualification refers to a certification or qualification offered by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), which is a professional body for HR and people development. CIPD qualifications are globally recognised and highly regarded in the field of human resources management.

They are designed to equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and expertise necessary to excel in HR roles and contribute effectively to organisational success.

CIPD offers a range of qualifications at different levels, including:

• CIPD Foundation Certificate - Level 3
• CIPD Intermediate Diploma - Level 5
• CIPD Advanced Diploma - Level 7

CIPD qualifications can be pursued through various learning methods, including classroom-based learning, online learning, and blended learning options. They typically involve coursework, assessments, and sometimes practical projects or assignments.

By obtaining a CIPD accreditation, individuals demonstrate their commitment as people professionals, gain recognition in the HR field, and enhance their career prospects.

How can obtaining a CIPD qualification help in your career?

Obtaining a CIPD qualification can greatly enhance your career prospects. By gaining in-depth knowledge and skills in talent management, you become a more competitive candidate for HR and L&D roles. A qualification demonstrates your continuous learning, increasing your credibility and standing in the field.

With a CIPD qualification, you open up a wide range of career opportunities in HR, from entry-level positions to senior leadership roles.

Obtaining a CIPD qualification can boost your career in several ways, including:

What skills are required to become CIPD qualified?

Although there are no prerequisites necessarily required for CIPD courses but there are some sets of skills that can be helpful if you are looking for a career in the HR field.

To become CIPD qualified, you will need to develop a range of skills that are essential for success in the field of HR. While specific skills may vary depending on the level of CIPD qualification you pursue, here are some key skills that are useful:

• Communication skills

  Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, are crucial for HR professionals. You should be able to effectively communicate with employees, management, and stakeholders, as well as write clear and concise HR policies, reports, and documentation.

• Problem-solving and analytical skills

  HR often involves dealing with complex issues and making informed decisions. Developing problem-solving and analytical skills will enable you to identify and address HR challenges, interpret data and metrics, and propose effective solutions.

• Business acumen

  Understanding the organisation's goals, strategy, and industry is crucial for HR professionals. It helps you align HR initiatives with the overall business objectives, contribute to strategic decision-making, and demonstrate the value of HR practices to the organisation's success.

• Ethical and professional conduct

  Upholding high ethical standards and maintaining professionalism is essential in HR roles. You should have a strong sense of integrity, fairness, and the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.

• Organisational and time management skills

  HR members often juggle multiple responsibilities and deadlines. Developing strong organisational and time management skills will help you prioritise tasks, manage projects effectively, and meet deadlines.

• Continuous learning and adaptability

  HR is a dynamic field, and staying updated with the latest industry trends, practices, and legislative changes is essential. Being open to continuous learning, adaptability, and embracing new technologies and tools will help you thrive in a rapidly evolving HR landscape.

What are the different levels of CIPD qualifications?

CIPD offers qualifications at different levels to accommodate individuals at various stages of their HR careers.

Each level of the CIPD courses builds upon the previous one, enabling individuals to progress and broaden their expertise in HR.

The different levels in CIPD courses are as follows:

• Level 3: Foundation Level - The foundation level qualifications are designed for individuals who are new to HR or have limited experience in the field. They provide a solid foundation in HR principles and practices.

  Membership attained: CIPD Foundation Member (Foundation CIPD)

• Level 5: Intermediate Level (Associate Diploma) - The intermediate level qualifications are suitable for HR professionals who have experience and want to further develop their knowledge and skills in specialised areas of HR. They cover more advanced topics and provide a deeper understanding of HR practices.

  Membership attained: CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD)

• Level 7: Advanced Level (Advanced Diploma) - The Advanced level qualifications are designed for experienced HR personnel who are looking to enhance their strategic HR leadership skills and contribute to a senior hr role within organisations. These qualifications cover topics such as HR strategy, organisational development, and employment law in greater depth.

  Membership attained: CIPD Associate Member, with the potential to upgrade to Chartered Member (MCIPD) or Chartered Fellow(FCIPD), depending on your experience.

How much you can earn after getting CIPD qualified in different job roles?

Here are some common career roles at entry, mid, and senior levels in HR (Human Resources) that you can consider after successful completion of a CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualification, along with approximate salary ranges.

It is essential to note that these salary figures are indicative and can vary depending on factors such as location, industry, company size, and individual experience:

Entry-Level Roles:

• HR Administrator/Assistant

  This is an entry-level position that involves providing administrative support to the HR department.

  Average salaries are £24,700 per year (Source: Glassdoor).

• Recruitment Coordinator

  As a Recruitment Coordinator, you assist with various aspects of the recruitment process, such as coordinating interviews, managing job postings, and conducting initial screenings.

  Salaries may range from £20,000 to £28,000 per year (Source: Reed).

• HR Coordinator/Officer

  HR Coordinators/Officers handle a wide range of HR tasks, including employee onboarding, maintaining HR records, and assisting with HR programs and policies.

  Salaries can range from £22,000 to £30,000 per year (Source: Talent).

Mid-Level Roles:

• HR Advisor/Generalist

  As an HR Advisor or Generalist, you provide guidance and support to employees and managers on HR matters.

  Salaries typically range from £25,000 to £40,000 per year (Source: Glassdoor).

• HR Business Partner

  In this role, you work closely with business leaders to align HR strategies with business performance and objectives.

  Average salaries are around £52,000 per year (Source: Glassdoor).

• Learning and Development Specialist/Manager

  Learning and Development Specialists/Managers focus on employee training and development.

  Salaries may range from £30,000 to £50,000 per year (Source: Glassdoor).

Senior-Level Roles:

• HR Manager

  HR Managers oversee the HR function within an organisation, manage HR teams, and develop HR strategies.

  Salaries can range from £40,000 to £70,000 or more per year (Source: Glassdoor).

• HR Director

  As an HR Director, you provide strategic HR leadership, oversee all HR activities, and contribute to organisational growth.

  Salaries may range from £70,000 to £120,000 or more per year (Source: Talent).

• HR Consultant/Senior Consultant

  HR Consultants work independently or with consulting firms, providing expert advice to organisations.

  Average salaries are £60,000 per year (Source: Glassdoor).

What are the future career growth opportunities for someone who is CIPD-qualified?

Studies consistently show that individuals with advanced qualifications, such as CIPD certifications, tend to have better prospects for career progression and higher earning potential in the HR field. This suggests that investing in a CIPD qualification can significantly enhance one's marketability and increase the likelihood of securing senior-level positions with greater responsibilities.

As the demand for skilled HR experts continues to rise worldwide, CIPD-qualified individuals can expect a multitude of growth opportunities and a competitive edge in the evolving job market.

The future is the expanding scope of HR beyond traditional organisational boundaries. As businesses become more interconnected and globalised, HR members with CIPD qualifications have the chance to work in diverse settings. They can pursue opportunities in emerging industries, such as technology or sustainability, where HR practices are still evolving. Moreover, the gig economy and remote work trends create new challenges that require innovative HR solutions.

CIPD-qualified professionals who embrace these changes and possess the skills to navigate complex employment landscapes will find themselves at the forefront of shaping the future of work.

This presents an exciting prospect for CIPD-qualified individuals to have a direct impact on the evolving nature of HR and contribute to shaping the workplace of tomorrow.

Why choose e-Careers?

Are you looking for a training provider that can ensure you high-quality CIPD learning experience?

Do you want to get specialist knowledge in human resource management and want to become an HR professional through flexible study?

As a widely trusted and respected CIPD approved training provider, e-Careers is the training provider of choice for over 615,000 learners from all around the world.

With a prestigious record in the field of providing the highest quality of online learning, e-Careers is an award-winning, trusted leader in the industry.

Here are the reasons why you should not think twice before choosing e-Careers as your education partner:

• Accreditation: e-Careers is an accredited provider of CIPD qualifications, ensuring that their courses meet the standards set by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. Choosing an accredited provider ensures your qualification is recognised and respected within the HR industry.
• Flexibility and accessibility: e-Careers offers online learning options, providing flexibility for individuals who prefer to study at their own pace and convenience. This can be particularly advantageous for those who are working or juggle a busy lifestyle.
• Range of course options: e-Careers provide a variety of CIPD qualification levels, from foundation to advanced levels, allowing individuals to choose the course that best matches their current experience and career goals.
• World-class learning platform: e-Careers offers a world-class CIPD training environment, provided high quality learning content, supported by industry leading tutors. Having access to these resources can enhance the learning experience and help individuals prepare for their CIPD qualification more effectively.
• Reputation and track record: It's important to research the reputation and track record of any training provider you consider. Look for reviews, testimonials, and success stories from past students to assess the quality of their training and other learners' experiences.
• TOTUM PRO Student Discount Card: Every e-Careers CIPD student gets access to a TOTUM PRO Student Discount Card, which opens doors to a broad range of discounts and deals on everything from dining, fashion, tech to travel, and daily essentials. The TOTUM platform offers over 400 discounts and deals, with more exciting brands being added every month.
• Growth Masterclasses: For those looking to start a career in HR, or change roles, every CIPD student will get access to exclusive Growth Masterclasses where our expert career coaches will equip you to make yourself a highly employable candidate.

If you want more information about CIPD courses, you can contact us at +44 (0) 20 3198 7700 or visit our Human Resources page.