Quick answer: Choose CIPD Level 3 if you’re new to HR or L&D and want foundational knowledge. It’s the entry point for people starting out. Choose CIPD Level 5 if you already have some experience and want to move into a management role; it’s roughly equivalent to an undergraduate degree. Choose CIPD Level 7 if you’re a senior HR professional shaping organisational strategy; it’s roughly equivalent to a postgraduate degree. Beyond level, you’ll also need to decide between an HR or L&D specialism, a tutor-led or self-paced format, and a provider you trust. All of that is covered below.

A CIPD certification can be a crucial asset if you’re looking to take the next step in your career. But with three qualification levels, two specialist tracks, multiple study formats, and a range of providers to choose from, narrowing it down can feel overwhelming. This guide walks through each decision point so you can land on the course that actually fits your goals, experience, and circumstances.

There are three CIPD qualifications, each designed for people professionals at a different career stage.

CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice This is the entry point. It suits people starting out in HR or L&D, or anyone wanting a structured refresher on the fundamentals of people practice before moving further.

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management The intermediate level, roughly equivalent to an undergraduate degree. It’s built for people who already have some HR experience and are ready to step into a management-level role.

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Management The most advanced qualification, roughly equivalent to a postgraduate degree. It’s designed for senior HR professionals who already have meaningful input into an organisation’s strategy.

Not sure which one applies to you? A rough rule of thumb: if you’re asking “how do I get started in HR,” you want Level 3. If you’re asking “how do I get promoted into management,” you want Level 5. If you’re asking “how do I shape strategy at board level,” you want Level 7.

Once you’ve picked a level, you’ll usually also choose a specialism:

• Human Resource Management sharpens core people management skills, including recruitment, employee relations, performance management, and the day-to-day and strategic work of an HR course.
• Learning and Development (L&D) focuses on designing and implementing effective training and development strategies within an organisation, covered in Avado’s L&D courses.

If your day-to-day work (or the work you want to move into) is about hiring, managing, and developing people generally, HR is the better fit. If it’s specifically about designing how people learn and grow within a business, L&D is the more targeted route.

It’s also worth knowing that HR and L&D are evolving quickly alongside workplace AI adoption. How organisations use AI in recruitment, performance data, and training design is now a live part of both specialisms, so a course with genuinely current, business-relevant content matters more than it used to.

Before selecting a course, think honestly about where you want to end up. Would you rather be managing a team, or becoming a specialist in one particular area?

A useful exercise: write down the five skills you’re most proud of, and the five areas you know need work. This kind of self-reflection makes it much easier to see which level and specialism actually matches where you are, and where you’re trying to go.

Once you know what you want from the course, it’s time to assess how you’ll actually study it.

Think about your learning style. Do you prefer the structure, accountability, and community of live classes? Or the flexibility of working entirely at your own pace? You’ll also want to weigh up practical factors like price and course duration.

Avado offers two formats:

• Professional courses are cohort-based and tutor-led, with live classes. A good fit if you like engaging with tutors and fellow learners in real time.
• Lite courses are 100% self-paced, giving you access to Avado’s full library of resources so you can study entirely on your own schedule.

Choose whichever format you’ll actually stick with. The “best” course on paper is only useful if it fits around your working life.

Cost is often the deciding factor, and it’s worth knowing you may not have to cover it entirely yourself. Many employers will co-fund or fully fund CIPD study as part of staff development, and if you’re based in Wales, the Flexible Skills Programme (FSP) offers government funding support for eligible learners. It’s worth checking both routes before you commit to paying out of pocket.

When it comes to something as important as your career, you want to be confident you’re in the right hands. Before handing over your money, research the provider properly:

• Read reviews and testimonials from past students for insight into course clarity, teaching quality, and overall experience.
• Check independent review platforms like Trustpilot for a general sense of quality. As of writing, Avado holds a 4-star rating from over 3,250 reviews on Trustpilot.
• Look for a track record with CIPD itself. Avado has partnered with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development for over a decade and has supported more than 50,000 learners toward their qualifications.

What’s the difference between CIPD Level 3, 5, and 7? Level 3 is foundational and suited to those starting out in HR or L&D. Level 5 is intermediate, roughly equivalent to an undergraduate degree, and suited to those moving into management. Level 7 is advanced, roughly equivalent to a postgraduate degree, and suited to senior professionals shaping strategy.

How long does a CIPD course take? Duration varies by level, provider, and study format (self-paced vs. tutor-led), typically ranging from several months to around two years. Check the specific course page for exact timelines.

Can my employer pay for my CIPD course? Many employers support staff development financially, in full or in part. It’s worth asking your employer directly, and in Wales, checking eligibility for Flexible Skills Programme funding.

Is Avado a good CIPD course provider? Avado has partnered with CIPD for over a decade and supported more than 50,000 learners, with a 4-star Trustpilot rating from over 3,250 reviews as of writing.

Related reading: Worried About CIPD Costs? Your Employer Might Be Willing to Help, What Jobs Can You Get with a CIPD Qualification?, Study a CIPD Qualification in Wales with Flexible Skills Programme Funding