CIPD Course Costs Explained
The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is the world’s leading professional body for HR and people development, with over 162,000 members globally.
CIPD qualifications are recognised and respected by employers across industries, demonstrating your commitment to professional development and validating your HR expertise. Whether you’re starting your HR career or advancing to senior leadership, CIPD offers structured learning pathways that significantly enhance career prospects.
Understanding the costs is crucial for planning your professional development journey. While the investment can seem significant, the career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential often make it worthwhile. According to a survey by CIPD, people professionals with a CIPD earn on average 12% more than those without one.
To determine if this qualification is right for you, we’ve broken down the costs for each qualification, allowing you to decide if it’s worth your investment and time.
Types Of CIPD Qualifications
CIPD qualifications are categorised into three levels:
1. Foundation Level or CIPD Level 3
CIPD 3 is perfect for those starting their HR career, covering fundamentals like employment law basics, recruitment, and learning development.
Taking 6-12 months part-time, it’s ideal for those looking for entry-level jobs in HR and L&D.
2. Associate Level or CIPD Level 5
CIPD 5 targets HR practitioners and advisors, covering complex topics like employment relations and reward management.
Completed over 12-18 months, it’s suitable for those with HR experience progressing to advisory or managerial roles.
3. Advanced Level or CIPD 7
CIPD 7 is a postgraduate-level qualification for senior HR professionals and L&D directors, exploring advanced organisational development and strategic leadership. Taking 18-24 months, it demonstrates your ability to operate at senior levels and drive organisational change.
How Much Does A CIPD Qualification Cost?
The cost of CIPD qualifications varies significantly depending on the level you choose, your training provider, and how you prefer to study. Understanding these price ranges helps you budget effectively and choose the option that best fits your financial situation and learning style.
Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect to pay for each qualification level:
A CIPD Level 3 Foundational Certificate: £1300 – £2300
A CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma: £1600 – £3600
A CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma: £3000 – £7000
Although that seems like a huge investment upfront, you can spread the cost of your qualification with a CIPD-approved centre like ours.
Cost shouldn’t be your criterion to choose between providers.
It should also consider factors like:
Materials provided
Access to materials after qualification
Level of support provided
Additional CIPD Costs
1. Mode Of Learning
Your study mode significantly influences what you’ll pay. Traditional colleges and universities generally charge premium rates compared to online providers.
However, price shouldn’t be your only consideration. Think about which learning approach suits you best and fits around your existing responsibilities. Online learning offers considerable flexibility, making it easier to balance studies with full-time work or family commitments, whereas classroom-based courses provide face-to-face interaction and structured schedules that some students find more motivating.
Bear in mind that classroom learning will come with expenses for any textbooks or learning materials you might need to buy, and the additional cost of commuting required.
In our CIPD courses, we offer bite-sized content along with access to learning materials for 18-24 months and a learning engagement mentor with no hidden fees.
2. CIPD Membership
The cost of your CIPD membership depends on the type of membership you want to attain, membership renewals and upgrades.
All membership levels require payment of a one-off joining fee of £40, which is paid when you first become a member or when you rejoin membership after letting it lapse.
The annual membership costs for a CIPD membership vary from:
– £113 for a student membership
– £191 for a Foundation and Associate membership
– £222 for being a Chartered Member
Can Your Employer Fund Your CIPD Qualification?
Many employers recognise the value of CIPD qualifications and are willing to fund all or part of the costs for their employees. This is one of the most effective ways to pursue your qualification without bearing the full financial burden yourself. Some organisations offer full funding with no strings attached, while others may require you to stay with the company for a specified period after completion (typically 1-2 years).
Remember that employers are often more willing to fund qualifications when they can see a direct return on investment, so timing your request around performance reviews or when taking on additional HR responsibilities can improve your chances of securing support.
Choosing The Right CIPD Provider
Choosing the right provider shouldn’t be based on cost alone. Consider what materials are included in the price, whether you’ll retain access to resources after qualification, and the level of tutor support provided. Check pass rates, student reviews, and what support is available if you struggle with assignments.
We’ve been helping learners attain the CIPD qualification with a vision to revolutionise online education for HR professionals. This vision earned our founder a place on HR Magazine’s Most Influential Thinkers 2023 list, making us the first-ever CIPD training provider to receive such an honour.
With us, you get:
Flexible payment options
Unlimited tutor support
Bite-sized content
Assessment-focused learning
18-24 months access to materials
100% Online face-to-face coaching
No hidden fees and prices inclusive of VAT
We have tonnes of resources and learning methods available to help you complete your qualification at your pace, whether that’s a few hours a week or in record time.
Get in touch and we’ll give you a 14-day free trial so you can decide if we’re the right provider for you!
