CIPD Level 3 vs Level 5:
Which Qualification Should You Choose in 2026?
If you’ve been eyeing a career in HR, or maybe you’re already in it and want to take the next step on the career ladder, you must have considered the CIPD qualification.
However, choosing what is right for you can be tricky, considering the entry requirements and differences in curriculum between the CIPD Level 3 and Level 5.
Should you start at the foundation level?
Should each level be taken sequentially?
Or can you jump straight to the Associate Diploma?
We get it. It’s really confusing.
Exactly why we’re here to break everything down for you so you can make the right call that best suits your career goals and current circumstances.
What Factors Does Choosing a CIPD Qualification Depend On?
Choosing the right CIPD qualification is not a one-size-fits-all approach.
Understanding which level suits your career goals best depends on three main factors:
1. Your Industry Experience
2. Your Career Goals
3. Your Subject Preference
1. Your Industry Experience
Your current level of industry experience is the most crucial of them all:
– No experience?
If you’ve no relevant work experience or want to switch careers into HR or L&D, CIPD Level 3 gives you the foundational knowledge to hit the ground running.
– Some experience?
If you have 6-12 months of relevant experience in an entry-level HR or L&D role, or you’ve worked in roles that involved elements of people management, then you can skip Level 3 and jump straight to Level 5.
2. Your Career Goals
As daunting as it sounds, where do you see yourself in the next 2-5 years?
– Entry-level positions
Do you see yourself working in roles like HR Assistant, Training Coordinator, or HR Administrator?
Then CIPD Level 3 is your go-to.
It’s designed for those trying to get their foot in the industry.
– Mid-Level Management and Career Progression
Do you see yourself in management roles like HR Manager, HR Advisor, People and Culture Manager?
Level 5 is designed to give you the strategic skills you need to step into those positions with confidence.
The key question to ask yourself:
What level of responsibility do I want to target?
3. Your Subject Preference
CIPD qualifications are available in two main domains:
1. Human Resources / People Practice
2. Learning & Development
At Level 3, you’ll study both HR and L&D fundamentals, which makes this level perfect
if you’re still exploring which path to take.
At Level 5, you’ll choose between the two diplomas, allowing you to be a specialist
your preferred area.
What is the best CIPD qualification to choose to get hired?
Let’s break down both levels so you know exactly what you’re getting into.
CIPD Level 3 Foundational Certificate
The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is the entry-level qualification for anyone looking to get a head start in HR or L&D. As it’s the only foundation-level qualification offered by CIPD, it covers both Human Resources and Learning and Development fundamentals.
Who is the CIPD 3 Qualification for?
The CIPD Level 3 is ideal for:
– Career starters with no prior work experience in HR.
– Career changers who want to transition into HR from other industries
– Those in support roles within HR and L&D want to gain foundational knowledge to be of more value to their organisation.
What are the entry requirements for a CIPD 3?
One of the most appealing features of Level 3 is that no prior experience or qualifications are required to start, making it ideal for career starters or changers. As long as you’re 18 or older, you’re good to go. That’s it.
What is CIPD Level 3 Equivalent To?
The CIPD Level 3 qualification is equivalent to A-Level standard in terms of academic difficulty. The CIPD’s Foundation qualification is Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 3 in England and Northern Ireland and Credit and Qualifications Framework (CQFW) Level 3 in Wales.
As an entry-level offering, it’s designed to be accessible for anyone who has completed secondary education and wants to pursue a professional career path.
Is CIPD Level 3 Difficult?
No, CIPD Level 3 is specifically designed for complete beginners, so the difficulty level is intentionally kept low. You don’t need any prior HR knowledge to pass.
The course starts from the basics and builds your understanding progressively.
Most of our learners find it totally doable alongside full-time work.
What are the modules in CIPD Level 3?
The CIPD 3 comprises four core modules:
1. Essentials of People Practice
2. Core Behaviours for People Professionals
3. Business, Culture and Change in Context
4. Principles of Analytics
How is the CIPD Level 3 Assessed?
Each module is assessed through written assignments that are submitted online and marked by qualified CIPD assessors. It’s designed to help you demonstrate your understanding by applying concepts from these modules to real workplace scenarios.
From 2025, instead of a written assignment for the final study unit, you’ll conduct a recruitment interview. It’s all about making the qualification more practical and hands-on.
What job roles can you get with a CIPD Level 3 Certificate?
With a CIPD Level 3 certificate, you’ll be qualified for a range of entry-level and operational positions:
HR Assistant
HR Administrator
HR Officer
HR Coordinator
Trainer
L&D Assistant
Training/L&D Coordinator
Training/L&D Officer
L&D Practitioner
How much can you earn with a CIPD Level 3 Certificate?
According to the Hays UK Salaries and Recruiting Trends Report 2025, HR professionals can earn an average annual salary ranging from £22,500- £35,000, depending on their level of experience, location and organisation size.
How long does CIPD Level 3 take?
It takes approximately 7-9 months of part-time study alongside personal and professional commitments to complete the CIPD level 3.
The exact time frame depends on factors like:
– Your chosen study method (online, in-person, or blended learning)
– How much time can you dedicate outside your work hours
– Your learning pace and prior educational experience
CIPD Membership at Level 3
Upon successful completion of a CIPD level 3, you become eligible to switch to a CIPD Foundation member from a CIPD student membership, which gives you access to a network of professionals in the industry.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma qualification is a major step up from the foundational Level 3 course and is a professional qualification designed to help learners move into managerial and advisory roles.
At this level, you’ll choose between two distinct qualifications:
– CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (HR focus)
– CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development (L&D focus)
Who is the CIPD 5 Qualification for?
The CIPD Level 5 is ideal for:
Professionals with some prior HR experience in an entry-level HR or L&D role (typically 6-12 months or more)
Those with work experience involving elements of HR or L&D in other job functions.
University graduates (in any subject) who want to transition into HR/L&D at a managerial level.
CIPD Level 3 graduates who are ready to progress in their careers.
What are the entry requirements for a CIPD 5?
Unlike Level 3, Level 5 HR qualification requires some foundational knowledge or industry work experience.
To pursue a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma qualification, you should meet at least one of the following criteria:
– Possess some experience in an entry-level HR or L&D role.
– Have work experience involving elements of HR or L&D.
– Hold a university degree and wish to study at an advanced level (beyond Level 3).
– Hold a CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate.
What is CIPD Level 5 Equivalent To?
The CIPD Level 5 Diploma is equivalent to a foundation degree in terms of academic level. It sits at level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF).
A CIPD level 5 is not higher than a Bachelor of Arts degree, as a BA is a level 6 qualification. However, it is still highly valued by employers in the HR and L&D sectors.
Is CIPD Level 5 Difficult?
Level 5 is more complex than Level 3 as it’s equivalent to a degree, while Level 3 is equivalent to a certification. The prerequisite to take the course involves work experience or prior foundational knowledge to build upon.
You’ll need to demonstrate critical thinking and practical skills
Apply theoretical concepts to real workplace scenarios and case studies
Show evidence-based decision-making and strategic thinking
What are the modules in CIPD Level 5?
The CIPD Level 5 qualification consists of six core modules plus one elective module (seven total), allowing you to specialise based on your interests and career goals.
Course Content for CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (HR):
Six Core Modules:
Professional Behaviours and Valuing People
Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice
Evidence-Based Practice
Employment Relationship Management
Talent Management and Workforce Planning
Reward for Performance and Contribution
Elective Module Options:
Specialist Employment Law
Diversity and Inclusion
People Management in an International Context
Leadership and Management Development
Wellbeing at Work
Course Content for CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development:
Six Core Modules:
Professional Behaviours and Valuing People
Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice
Evidence-Based Practice
Support Self-Directed and Social Learning
Learning and Development Design to Create Value
Facilitate Personalised and Performance-Focused Learning
Elective Module Options:
Leadership and Management Development
Wellbeing at Work
Diversity and Inclusion
People Management in an International Context
Specialist Employment Law
How is the CIPD Level 5 Assessed?
CIPD Level 5 is assessed through written assignments for each of the seven modules (six core modules plus one elective). Each assignment is submitted online and marked by qualified CIPD assessors.
The CIPD 5 in L&D also now requires students to conduct an in-person training session for the ‘Facilitate Structured L&D Activities in Groups’ unit, in place of one written assignment.
It’s all about making your learning practical and directly applicable to what you’ll be doing in the role, and about evaluating solutions that bring positive working relationships.
What jobs can you get with a CIPD Level 5 Certificate?
With a CIPD Level 5, you can work for mid-level management and advisory positions.
Typical roles include:
HR Manager
HR Advisor
People & Culture Manager
People Advisor
HR Business Partner
Employee Relations Manager
Training/L&D Officer
Training/L&D Manager
Training/L&D Advisor
How much can you earn with a CIPD Level 5 Certificate?
According to the Hays UK Salaries and Recruiting Trends Report 2025, HR professionals can earn an average annual salary ranging from £30,000 to £70,000, depending on their level of experience, location, and organisation size.
How long does CIPD Level 5 take?
Typically, students take 8 to 12 months to complete a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma while studying part-time alongside a full-time job.
CIPD Membership at Level 5
Once you’ve successfully completed the Level 5 Associate Diploma, you are eligible for a CIPD Associate membership, denoted by Assoc. CIPD after your name.
Take Your First Step Towards A CIPD
You don’t have to have it all figured out to start your qualification.
Whether you’re just getting started or ready to step up into management, there’s a CIPD qualification that fits your career goals and current situation.
Level 3 gives you the foundation.
Level 5 gives you the strategic edge.
Both are available online, so you can study at your own pace around your job, family, and life commitments.
Got questions?
Not sure which level is right for you?
Our team is here to help you map out your next move and get you one step closer to that dream HR or L&D role.
