Whether you are just starting out in HR or have more experience, CIPD qualifications are the benchmark for success in the people profession. Not only will they help you stand out when you are job hunting, becoming CIPD qualified will also enable you to upskill in your current role.
Whichever level of CIPD qualification you choose and however you decided to study, naturally there are costs involved. If you are lucky enough for your qualification to be funded by your organisation, you might be a little more relaxed when researching the different options. If you are paying for it yourself, making such an investment is likely to be a major decision.
To help you weigh up all the facts, here’s our guide to the costs of becoming CIPD qualified at each level, the studying methods available, what you get for your money and the different ways to pay.
Professional qualifications open doors to new opportunities. Having a CIPD qualification on your CV demonstrates you have the required level of skills and knowledge to make a real difference to your organisation as well as your career.
CIPD qualification categories
There are three categories of CIPD qualifications:
Foundation or Level 3
Associate or Level 5
Advanced or Level 7
While the Level 3 Foundation Certificate provides a good grounding in all the HR basics, the Associate and Advanced Diplomas offer the opportunity to specialise in aspects of HR and L&D.
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
Ideal for those starting out in the people profession in HR Assistant or L&D administrator roles. Leads to CIPD Foundation Membership.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
Suited to people with some experience who want to progress to mid-level positions such as HR Adviser or HR Manager. Leads to CIPD Associate Membership.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development
Designed to help those who want to become an L&D specialist and perfect if your role involves training and developing people. Leads to CIPD Associate Membership.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
Reach the top of your HR career with this prestigious qualification which will help you excel in leadership and management. Leads to CIPD Chartered Membership.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development
Ideal if you are an experienced people practitioner who wants to improve your ability to influence others and specialise in L&D or Organisational Development. Leads to CIPD Chartered Membership.
How much does a CIPD qualification cost?
The cost of your CIPD qualification depends on the level and the mode of study you select. Costs, which include VAT, are generally as follows but remember to check our website for regular promotions.
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate
Prices range from £1,199 to £1,999
We also offer a residential option for cohorts of eight or more at the Reed Business School in the Cotswolds for £2,999.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma
Prices range from £3,300 to £4,500
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma
Prices range from £6,250 to £7,720
It’s good to know that you can spread the cost of your CIPD qualification via our interest-free monthly payment plans!
What’s included in the cost of your CIPD qualification
Expert tutor support from an industry expert throughout your course
24/7 access to extensive online resources, study skills materials and recorded webinars
Workbooks and all the course materials needed to achieve your qualification
Live webinars for workshop learners
Recorded webinars
Access to a network of people professionals.
Additional costs when studying for your CIPD
Throughout your CIPD course, there will be some additional costs that you’ll want to plan for including:
CIPD Membership
After enrolment on your programme, you will be invited to join the CIPD as a Student Member. Once you have completed your qualification you will be rewarded with either Foundation or Associate Membership of the CIPD, a badge of professionalism that is internationally recognised by employers. Depending on your experience, you can then progress to Chartered Membership or Chartered Fellowship, the pinnacle of the people profession.
Membership fees range from £156 for a Student Member to £264 for an Associate Member for 18 months. Chartered Membership costs £308 for the same period.
There is also a one-off joining fee of £40 when you first become a CIPD member or when you rejoin after a lapse in membership.
CIPD membership is a useful resource as it allows HR and L&D professionals access to excellent resources, expert guidance and networking events at local CIPD branches.
Our different learning methods
As HR and L&D specialists for over 20 years, Reed Learning has supported thousands of people professionals to gain the skills and knowledge they need to accelerate their career. As a result of this experience, we have developed a range of learning methods so there is something for everyone.
The mode of study you choose determines the price of your CIPD course. Ideally, you should put costs aside and consider which approach best suits your learning style when making your decision and choosing your CIPD centre.
All our courses provide value for money but as a rule, our online workshops and fast track programmes are more expensive than opting to study flexibly online. Residential courses at the Reed Business School in the Cotswolds offer a unique learning experience but are more costly.
For example, learning flexibly online when and wherever you want might suit your circumstances better than workshops particularly if you have a busy job and other commitments. On the other hand, if you prefer learning in a group with the additional support of an expert tutor, our workshop programmes will be a better option.
We are one of the few CIPD centres that offer five distinct learning options:
Fast Track
Workshops
100% Online
Tailored
Residential
Whichever method you choose, you won’t be learning alone. All our students are supported throughout their qualification by a dedicated personal tutor who is an HR or L&D specialist. We also offer learning resources, study guides and Q&A forums via our VLE.
Funding your CIPD qualification
Now that you have decided to become CIPD qualified, the next step is to find out how to pay for your course!
Self-funding
If you are a self-funder, you might be interested in our interest-free payments to help you spread the cost of your studies. Simply enrol on your chosen programme, pay a small deposit and start learning straight away!
Look out for our Price Match Guarantee on like for like CIPD courses which means you will never pay more when you study with Reed Learning.
Employer funding
Great news, your employer is paying for your qualification. We will invoice your employer directly for your course fees and you can get started right away.
When applying for your training, don’t forget to present the benefits of becoming CIPD qualified to your boss and show how your new skills will help you excel in your role.
Potential ROI on your CIPD qualification
CIPD qualifications will increase your salary and provide you with the skills and knowledge to accelerate your career. With latest research showing that people professionals with a CIPD qualification earn on average 12% more than those not qualified, it may just be the best investment you ever make!