CIPD Learning & Development Qualifications

Choose Your Qualification Level

How Do I Choose The Right Level Of Qualification?

Foundation

If you’ve just moved into an L&D role, are looking to do so, or you are already in an L&D support level role, such as L&D Co-ordinator, then the Foundation level qualification is your starting point.

The Foundation Certificate in People Practice is designed for those following either a learning and development or HR career pathway, helping you to develop the generic knowledge, skills and behaviours needed by everyone in the people management profession.

As well as setting the scene for understanding the role that L&D and HR professionals play in the context of the organisation, you’ll build your expertise and confidence in dealing with a range of people-related situations through work-related activities and scenarios.

Once you’ve been successful in completing the qualification, you will be awarded Foundation Membership of the CIPD.

Associate

Taking the L&D pathway at Associate Level 5 means expanding your knowledge of this specialist field, understanding the performance and culture of the business, adding value through your design of L&D interventions, and using advances in technology to enhance L&D. You will also develop your problem-solving, planning, and analysing skills and techniques, along with your understanding of organisations and ability to evaluate L&D models and practices.

Once you’ve finished your qualification, you’ll be awarded Associate Membership of the CIPD.

Advanced

The Advanced level qualification in strategic learning and development will give you the knowledge and skills to create a learning culture, develop leaders and managers and manage talent and careers through evidence-based practice.

You will learn how to develop strategy and policy, drive change initiatives, and really add value in the workplace through your personal effectiveness. 

Studying at postgraduate level greatly expands your depth of knowledge and understanding of the strategic context of L&D, and the leadership, management, and development of employees. You will take your abilities in critical analysis and reflection to another level and be able to develop L&D strategy to drive organisational performance.

The Advanced level qualification in strategic learning and development is set at Masters-level, which means you will need to commit to an extensive programme of study and be capable of studying at this academic level. Self-motivation and self-discipline are key to ensuring you make good progress throughout your studies and have a successful outcome.

Successful completion of the Advanced programme leads to Associate Membership of the CIPD.