If you’re considering a CIPD qualification, it’s natural to wonder what roles it can lead to – and how to make the most of the opportunity. Based on CIPD’s research, HR roles that request a CIPD qualification offer, on average, up to £4,600 (17%) more than those that don’t. While many articles outline what roles each CIPD level prepares you for, this guide goes one step further. We’ll help you understand not just the job titles, but how to position yourself to access the best opportunities at each stage of your HR or L&D career.

Think Beyond the Qualification: Align Your Learning with Career Goals

Earning a CIPD qualification is only part of the equation. To access better jobs and career growth, it’s vital to align your studies with your long-term goals.

Ask yourself:

• Do I want to be a generalist or specialise (e.g. in L&D or employee relations)?
• Am I aiming for a strategic role or staying operational?
• Where do I want to be in 3–5 years?

By mapping these answers to the qualification levels (Level 3 for entry, Level 5 for mid-level, Level 7 for senior), you can tailor your learning and assignments to your aspirations.

Use Your Qualification Strategically at Work

A common mistake is treating CIPD as a box-ticking exercise. Instead, treat each module as a way to build practical credibility.

Practical ways to apply what you learn:

• Use insights from employment law or people management modules in real workplace decisions
• Volunteer for HR projects that align with your coursework
• Share your learning with your manager and link it to team goals

This positions you for internal promotions and builds a stronger CV.

Build Your HR Portfolio While Studying

Many HR roles are experience-based, so pairing your qualification with real examples is powerful.

Build a career portfolio that includes:

• Assignment extracts showing problem-solving or data analysis
• Evidence of contributing to a workplace initiative
• Reflections on applying CIPD learning to real issues

This gives you a competitive edge when applying for new roles.

What Jobs Can You Actually Get with a CIPD Qualification?

Here’s a deeper breakdown of the types of roles you can target at each level when combined with strategic application and proactive development:

CIPD Level 3 – Best for career starters or support roles

According to CIPD, HR admin-level roles requesting a CIPD qualification pay up to £5,600 (+24%) more than the roles that do not. 

• HR Administrator (£21,000–£28,000)
• Recruitment Assistant (£20,000–£26,000)
• People Coordinator (£22,000–£30,000)
• Onboarding Specialist (£24,000–£32,000)

CIPD Level 5 – Ideal for advisors or specialists

HR job postings for officer-level roles that requested a CIPD qualification offered up to £4,100 (+15%) more compared to job postings that did not request a CIPD qualification. (CIPD)

• HR Advisor (£30,000–£38,000)
• L&D Officer (£32,000–£40,000)
• Resourcing Partner (£35,000–£45,000)
• People Partner (£40,000–£50,000)

CIPD Level 7 – Designed for senior and strategic professionals

• Senior HR Business Partner (£55,000–£70,000)
• Head of HR / People Director (£70,000–£95,000+)
• OD & Culture Lead (£60,000–£85,000)
• Talent & Performance Consultant (£55,000–£80,000)

Explore: HR Salary in the UK (Updated 2025): A Guide to Earnings at Every Career Stage

Your Next Role is Only Part of the Picture

Yes, a CIPD qualification can help you land a new job – but more than that, it positions you as a credible, forward-thinking HR or L&D professional. Employers aren’t just hiring a certificate; they’re hiring the mindset, initiative, and expertise that come with it.

Ready to Take Action?

Whether you’re just starting out or aiming for senior roles, choosing the right provider makes all the difference. At Avado, we’re proud to be a CIPD Platinum Centre – meeting the highest standards of CIPD qualification provision. This recognition means our courses are designed and delivered to rigorous quality benchmarks. Our learners benefit from:

• Dedicated support every step of the way
• Expert tutors with real-world HR and L&D experience
• Flexible online learning that fits around your schedule

Not sure where to start? Book a call back from one of our course advisors, or call us on 020 3906 7100 to map your career goals to the right course!

Explore Avado’s CIPD Courses

• CIPD Level 3 HR Courses: The CIPD Level 3 Certificate in People Practice is ideal for anyone looking to start a career in either HR or Learning and Development.   
• CIPD Level 5 HR Courses: The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management will help you build on your existing HR knowledge.   
• CIPD Level 5 L&D Courses: The CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is the most comprehensive course available for L&D professionals, ideal for you if you want to formalise your existing experience, skills and knowledge.   
• CIPD Level 7 HR Courses: The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma is aimed at expanding learners’ autonomy so they can strategically direct organisations and their people.