Introduction
Looking to start your career in HR, or simply cement the HR skills you use in your current role (e.g. Line Manager) with an official qualification?
Then you’re probably wondering if pursuing a CIPD Level 3 is worth it.
We break down everything you need to know so you can be sure of your decision – from who it’s for, to how it’s assessed, to the actual difference it can make to your salary and how that compares to the typical price of the course itself.
Read on to learn whether CIPD Level 3 is the right next step for your career.
What is it?
The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice (or just CIPD Level 3) is an entry-level qualification designed for beginners who want to start a career in HR or Learning and Development.
It covers key topics like recruitment, employment law, and employee relations. These are the core skills you need to work in HR.
This qualification gives you the knowledge needed to apply for entry-level HR roles. It also helps you build a strong starting point before moving on to higher levels.
Who is it for?
CIPD Level 3 is for people who are starting or transitioning into a career in HR.
It’s ideal for:
- Career starters with no experience in HR
- Career changers moving from a different industry
- People already in HR support roles who want to improve their skills
- Small business owners who want to manage HR or Learning and Development better
It’s also a good fit if you are:
- New to HR or Learning and Development
- Looking to formalise your HR experience
- Wanting to progress your career
- Looking for a solid base of knowledge and skills
When do you need to take it (and when do you not)?
Depending on your previous skills and experience, you might not need to take the CIPD Level 3 to apply for your dream job in HR or L&D.
If you have:
- Existing HR experience
- Relevant academic qualifications, such as an HR Degree
- Previous People Management experience (e.g. leading a team) in a non HR role
Then you may be eligible to start directly at CIPD Level 5, and might want to see if a Level 5 CIPD is worth the investment instead.
However, even if you do have previous HR experience, the CIPD Level 3 can be a great way of “formalising” any HR or L&D experience you have in other roles and “making it official”.
What are the benefits of CIPD Level 3?
If you’re considering taking the CIPD Level 3 course to start your HR Career, the qualification offers you multiple benefits.
Industry Recognition:
It is considered the standard entry-level qualification, often listed as essential for HR Assistant or Administrator roles.
Salary Potential:
Data indicates HR roles requiring a CIPD qualification pay an average of 12% more, with entry-level salaries potentially increasing by £5,600 a year.
Practical Skills:
Focuses on practical application (written assignments) rather than exams, covering HR basics, business culture, and analytics.
Foundation for Future Growth:
It prepares you for more senior professional roles and serves as a stepping stone to Level 5, though some with prior experience or degrees may skip directly to Level 5.
What Are The Entry Requirements For A CIPD Level 3?
As the CIPD Level 3 is an entry-level qualification, there is no prior experience required to pursue a CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice.
In terms of education, what is a CIPD Level 3 equivalent to?
CIPD Level 3 is equal to an A-Level in the UK, or an RQF Level 3 in England and Northern Ireland, or an SCQF Level 6 in Scotland.
Basically, it’s an entry-level qualification that gives you the solid foundational knowledge you need to kickstart a career in either HR or Learning & Development.
How Is The CIPD Level 3 Assessed?
CIPD Level 3 is based on written assignments, not exams.
Each unit has several assessment criteria, each linked to a short question.
You will have 275 words to answer each question for each module.
Each answer is scored:
1 = Fail
2 = Low Pass
3 = Pass
4 = High Pass
You must score at least a 2 on every question to pass.
When you finish, you’ll either receive:
PASS
NOT YET PASSED
If you do not pass, you can resubmit your work up to two times per unit.
What Are The Modules In CIPD Level 3?
CIPD Level 3 is made up of four distinct units:
- Business, Culture and Change in Context
What’s in this unit
This unit looks at the importance of people’s behaviour on organisational culture and the ability of said behaviour to drive meaningful change.
What you will learn
- The key external influences that impact businesses
- How and why organisations set goals
- What workplace culture really means and how it is shaped by behaviour
- How organisations work as whole systems and how your actions affect others
- How focused project planning is key to influencing change
Principles of Analytics
What’s in this unit
This unit focuses on how people professionals make decisions using analytics and data to improve working practices.
What you will learn
- How data is used to support decision-making
- The different types of data and how they are measured
- How to interpret basic financial information
- How organisations create value for customers and stakeholders
- How analytics and technology can improve the way people work
Core Behaviours for People Professionals
What’s in this unit
This unit focuses on the behaviours needed to work effectively in HR and how to create value through ethical practice.
What you will learn
- How to apply ethical principles in your work
- How to work in a respectful and inclusive way
- How to recognise and respond to problems and issues
- How to communicate your views clearly and appropriately
- How to take responsibility for your actions and support others
Essentials of People Practice
What’s in this unit
This unit covers the core areas of people practice, including the employee lifecycle, recruitment, and organisational practices.
What you will learn
- How to support recruitment, selection, and onboarding
- The different methods used to attract and assess candidates
- The importance of employment law and organisational practices
- How diversity and inclusion impact employee relationships
- How performance management and appraisal work
What Jobs Can You Get With A CIPD Level 3?
Once you’ve got your CIPD Level 3 certificate, you’ll qualify for a wide range of entry-level positions across HR and L&D.
Such as:
HR Assistant
You support the HR team with administrative tasks, handle basic employee enquiries, and assist with the recruitment process.
HR Administrator
You maintain employee records, assist with payroll processing, and provide general clerical support to the HR department.
HR Coordinator
You manage specific HR tasks such as onboarding new hires, coordinating training sessions, and supporting employee processes.
L&D Assistant
You support the Learning and Development team by organising training sessions, managing materials, and assisting with e-learning platforms.
Recruitment Assistant
You support the recruitment process by posting job adverts, screening CVs, and coordinating interviews.
Training Coordinator
You organise training sessions, liaise with trainers, and make sure all resources and venues are in place.
Employee Relations Assistant
You support the HR team with employee relations issues, help ensure compliance with employment law, and assist with resolving workplace issues.
Payroll Assistant
You support payroll processing, help ensure accurate payments and deductions, and respond to payroll queries.
HR Support Officer
You support a range of HR tasks, from answering employee questions to helping with HR projects and day-to-day operations.
Talent Acquisition Assistant
You help identify and attract candidates, support interviews, and assist with onboarding new employees
Want to learn more about jobs and salaries you can get after you get a CIPD Level 3 qualification? Read our blog here.
Introduction
Let’s go back to the entry-level HR roles we looked at earlier and what their typical salaries are:
Job Role | Salary Range |
HR Assistant | £23,000 – £33,000 |
HR Administrator | £22,000 – £32,000 |
HR Coordinator | £25,000 – £32,000 |
L&D Assistant | £22,000 – £30,000 |
Recruitment Assistant | £22,000 – £30,000 |
Training Coordinator | £24,000 – £32,000 |
Employee Relations Assistant | £24,000 – £32,000 |
Payroll Assistant | £24,000 – £32,000 |
HR Support Officer | £25,000 – £35,000 |
Talent Acquisition Assistant | £23,000 – £32,000 |
Please note, salaries may vary based on location, experience, industry and company size.
In short:
Most entry-level HR roles pay around £25,000 to £30,000. With experience, this can increase to £30,000 to £40,000 and above. CIPD Level 3 is often required or preferred for these roles.
How quickly can you complete the CIPD Level 3?
Typical time most people take to complete CIPD Level 3:
6 to 9 months part-time
Typical study time:
8 to 10 hours per week
Some people take over a year, others finish in as little as 3 months.
It all depends on:
- How much time you can study each week
- Your learning pace
- Your study method
If you take the course with us at HRC Online, you’ll get access to the course for 18 months. This gives you time to study at your own pace or take breaks if needed.
Is CIPD 3 Really Worth The Investment?
Let’s look at the numbers:
- The total cost of CIPD Level 3 is around £2,450.
- You can pay monthly, with options from £125 to £250 per month.
- Entry-level HR roles pay around £25,000 to £30,000.
- Roles with a CIPD qualification can pay more, with increases of up to £5,600 per year.
Even a modest increase of £2,000 to £3,000 per year can easily translate to an extra £130 to £200 per month in income.
TLDR:
CIPD Level 3 course can pay for itself within the first year of working in HR.
Studying your CIPD Level 3 with HRC Online
Taking the CIPD Level 3 course is a big time commitment, but if you’re looking to start a career in HR and don’t already have any formal training or experience, it’s definitely the right path to take.
And, the improvement it can make to your potential earnings can easily cover the costs of taking the course itself.
If you’re ready to kickstart your HR career and want more information on CIPD Level 3, click here and have a read through all the information.
At HRC Online, we offer you:
- Free 14-day trial of the first CIPD 3 module
- Payment plans from £125 per month
- The chance to qualify in less than 4 months
- Personalised support every step of the way
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to get in touch!
