Qualifications & people skills
Clear answers. Your next step.
CIPD Qualifications: Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about Levels 3, 5 and 7, entry requirements, online study, fees and membership. Explore the topics below or ask Bradfield for personal course advice.
Find your answer
Browse by topic.
A quick comparison
Three levels. Different starting points.
Foundation
For beginners and people in HR or L&D support roles. Build practical knowledge in people practice.
Associate
For practitioners developing broader responsibilities. Choose People Management or Organisational Learning & Development.
Advanced
For experienced professionals developing strategic expertise in People Management or Learning & Development.
CIPD qualifications FAQ
Choosing your qualification.
What is CIPD?
CIPD stands for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, the professional body for HR and learning and development. Its qualifications develop knowledge for different stages of a career in the people profession. Read our guide to CIPD ↗
Which CIPD level is right for me?
Level 3 is a foundation for beginners and support roles. Level 5 develops knowledge for practitioners with broader responsibilities. Level 7 focuses on advanced strategic practice. Your experience and readiness matter as well as your job title; discuss your background with a Bradfield advisor.
What is the difference between HR and L&D pathways?
People Management focuses on HR practice, while Learning & Development focuses on workplace learning and capability. Level 3 combines a foundation in both. At Levels 5 and 7, you choose a specialist diploma. Compare Level 5 pathways ↗
CIPD qualifications FAQ
Entry requirements.
Do I need HR experience to start?
Level 3 is designed for people starting out and those in support roles. For higher levels, relevant professional experience can help you understand and apply the learning. Bradfield will discuss your background, language readiness and study needs. Explore Level 3 ↗
Can I study Level 5 without Level 3?
Direct entry may be suitable if you have relevant experience and are ready for the demands of Level 5. Ask Bradfield to assess your background before enrolling; completing every level in sequence should not be assumed to be compulsory. Explore Level 5 ↗
What preparation do I need for Level 7?
Be ready for advanced reading, critical evaluation, written assignments and independent research. Share your qualifications and professional responsibilities with an advisor to assess suitability. Confirm the teaching language and any English-language requirements. Explore Level 7 ↗
CIPD qualifications FAQ
Studying with Bradfield.
Can I study CIPD online?
Bradfield offers online study options. Level 3 includes Online Live and On Demand routes; ask about scheduled online delivery and self-study arrangements for your chosen Level 5 or Level 7 diploma. Availability and support vary by route. Explore Level 3 Online Live ↗
What is the difference between Online Live and On Demand?
Online Live involves scheduled tutor-led sessions alongside independent study. On Demand gives you more control over when you work through learning materials. Confirm deadlines, tutor support and platform access before choosing. Explore Level 3 On Demand ↗
Can I study CIPD in Arabic?
Bradfield offers a Level 3 Arabic pathway. Confirm the language of teaching, materials and assessment for your intake. Arabic availability at Level 3 does not establish availability for Levels 5 or 7. Explore CIPD in Arabic ↗
Can I study alongside full-time work?
Plan regular time for reading, classes and assignments. Ask for the live timetable and expected weekly workload for your chosen route, then consider how these fit around work and personal commitments. Flexible learning still involves deadlines and independent study.
CIPD qualifications FAQ
Time and assessment.
How long does a CIPD qualification take?
Duration depends on the level, delivery route and intake. Request Bradfield’s current teaching timetable and expected completion date. Confirm the tutor-support period and platform-access dates separately, as these may differ from the teaching period.
Are there exams?
Bradfield’s CIPD qualification routes use assignments rather than traditional sit-down examinations. Tasks and requirements vary by unit and level. Your tutor will explain the assessment briefs, evidence required and submission dates.
What happens if an assignment needs resubmission?
Ask your tutor to explain the feedback and what needs to improve. Confirm the resubmission deadline, permitted attempts and any additional charges under your programme’s assessment policy. These arrangements should be clear before enrolment.
What learning support is available?
Support depends on your programme and study route. Ask about tutor contact, assignment guidance, learning resources and the support period. Meet Bradfield’s expert trainers ↗
CIPD qualifications FAQ
Fees and sponsorship.
How much do CIPD courses cost?
Request a current quotation for your chosen qualification, location and delivery route. Ask for the currency, applicable taxes and a breakdown of tuition, resources and support, plus any separate assessment or resubmission costs.
Is CIPD membership included in the course fee?
Confirm whether membership is included or paid separately. Active CIPD membership is required during your studies. Ask about the applicable membership category, renewal arrangements and charges when you request your course quotation.
Can I pay in instalments?
Ask Bradfield about payment plans available for your programme and market. Confirm the deposit, payment schedule, total payable and any conditions in writing before enrolling.
Can my employer sponsor my qualification?
An employer can consider funding your study as part of a development plan. Discuss approval, study time and any repayment terms with your employer. Bradfield can provide programme information and discuss team enquiries. Explore CIPD for Employers ↗
CIPD qualifications FAQ
Membership and careers.
What membership follows completion?
Level 3 leads to Foundation Membership. Associate and Advanced Diplomas lead to Associate Membership. Confirm the membership process with CIPD and keep your membership active during study.
Does Level 7 automatically give Chartered status?
No. Completing an Advanced Diploma leads to Associate Membership. Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow status requires a separate upgrade process and relevant professional experience. Qualification completion and Chartered status are distinct steps.
Is CIPD equivalent to a degree?
A qualification’s level describes the difficulty of study, not an identical award. A CIPD Level 5 diploma is not a bachelor’s degree, and a Level 7 Advanced Diploma is not a full master’s degree. Consider the specific qualification rather than the level alone.
Will a CIPD qualification help me get an HR job?
It can support your professional development and demonstrate relevant knowledge. Employers also consider experience, skills and role requirements. A qualification does not guarantee employment, promotion or a salary increase, and requirements vary by employer and country.
Speak to Bradfield
Start your CIPD journey.
Still unsure which qualification suits you? Tell us about your experience and career goals, and a Bradfield advisor will help you explore your options.
Get help with course selection, entry requirements, study formats and fees.
CIPD course advice
Get help choosing your CIPD level.
Complete the enquiry form below to start a conversation with a Bradfield advisor.
Having trouble viewing the form? Open the enquiry form ↗
We’ll use your details to respond to your enquiry. Privacy Policy.