CIPD Levels 3, 5 and 7 Explained

Past CIPD Qualifications

If you have completed or are currently studying on a CIPD course, your qualification is just as relevant and recognised by employers as ever. 

How will you be assessed and how has this changed for the CIPD 2021 qualifications?

There are still written assessments at each level which are set by the CIPD, often in the form of a report. The idea is that they look a little like a document you might submit to senior leadership to put forward a recommendation on a new idea or system.

At level 3 and 5 these written assessments follow the learning objectives for the module. Whereas at level 7 the learning objectives are more intertwined throughout the assessment.

The CIPD Level 3 no longer includes practical in class assessments. If you study with Acacia we will still give you the opportunity to will work with your tutor and peers to perfect these skills in a safe environment.

At Level 7 you will no longer have to complete the two national exams, this content is now covered via assignment work. There is however still a 7000-word research project on an aspect of HR or L&D of your choice. 

Previous versions of the CIPD qualifications

There have now been two iterations of the CIPD levels and qualifications. The first was made in 2010, a year after the original CIPD profession map was launched. The 2021 changes have now been made two years after an updated profession map. However, all previous versions of the qualifications are of no less value and this is how they compare:

CIPD Level 3

• Certificate in Personnel Practice (CPP) = Foundation Diploma in Human Resource Practice =  Foundation Certificate in People Practice
• Certificate in Training Practice (CTP) = Foundation Diploma in Learning & Development Practice = Foundation Certificate in People Practice

CIPD Level 5

• Intermediate Diploma in Human Resource Management = Associate Diploma in People Management
• Intermediate Diploma in Learning and Development = Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development

CIPD Level 7

• Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Management = Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
• Advanced Diploma in Human Resource Development = Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development

Level 5 and 7 CIPD options did not exist prior to 2010 so (if like me) you studied some time ago you will have either the CPP or CTP. 

CIPD Award, Certificate or Diploma – what are they?

Within their 2021 qualifications the CIPD has removed the option to choose the size of the course at each level. As a result you can no longer choose between an Award, Certificate or Diploma. However, for those currently studying this is what it all meant:

Award: bite-size qualifications designed to build a specific skill or update knowledge. This was also suitable for those who were not a in a position to commit to a full qualification.

Certificate: a certificate was six modules at Level 3 and 5 and four modules at Level 7. This size of qualification is will cover the core skills you need for a career in HR or learning and development.

Diploma: this is the most comprehensive option where you will take eight modules to cover the full spectrum of skills needed for a highly successful career.