Introduction
If you want to uplevel your HR career in 2026, a CIPD qualification can help you do exactly that.
The UK job market has changed drastically over the last few years. What was once a ‘nice-to-have’ credential has now become an essential criterion for so many HR roles.
In this guide, we’ll break down each CIPD qualification level, what it means for your career, and most importantly, what jobs you can apply for during or after you’ve qualified.
Whether you’re starting from CIPD Level 3 or ready to step up to CIPD Level 5, understanding the opportunities available at each level will help you plan your path to landing your dream job and widening your career prospects.
What is a CIPD Level 3?
CIPD Level 3 (Foundation Certificate) is the entry-level qualification for professionals new to HR or currently in support roles who want to refresh foundational HR knowledge.
Equivalent to A levels, a CIPD Level 3 provides foundational HR knowledge, employment law basics, and core people management principles.
Key details of a CIPD Level 3 are as follows:
- No prior HR experience required.
- Duration: 9 to12 months part time.
- Qualifies you for the CIPD Foundation membership.
What Jobs Can You Get with a CIPD Level 3?
A CIPD Level 3 qualifies you for support and administrative HR roles where you’ll execute tasks, maintain records, and provide frontline assistance.
According to CIPD, HR admin roles requesting a CIPD qualification pay up to £5,600 (24%) more than those that do not.
Here are a few roles that a CIPD Level 3 can help you land:
- HR Administrator/ HR Assistant
Salary: £ £22,600- £33,500 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Maintain employee records and HR databases.
- Process starter and leaver paperwork.
- Coordinate recruitment administration.
- Support HR projects and initiatives.
- Manage HR correspondence.
- Recruitment Officer/Coordinator
Salary: £23,700 – £40,600 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Post job advertisements across platforms.
- Screen applications and CVs.
- Schedule interviews and assessments.
- Liaise with candidates and hiring managers.
- Maintain applicant tracking systems.
Similar roles include:
- Training Administrator
- HR Support Officer
- Payroll Administrator (HR focus)
The salary and responsibilities vary depending on the size of the company you are applying for and the region you are focusing on.
What is a CIPD Level 5?
CIPD Level 5 (Associate Diploma) is the intermediate qualification and professional standard for HR practitioners.
Equivalent to a foundation degree level, it’s designed for those who want to target more senior HR roles focused on advisory work, problem-solving, and influencing organisational decisions.
Key details of a CIPD Level 5 are as follows:
- Requires some HR experience (1-2 years) or Level 3 completion.
- Duration: 12-18 months part-time.
- Qualifies you for Associate membership (Assoc CIPD).
Level 5 covers evidence-based practice, organisational performance and culture, people management strategies, employment relationship management, resourcing and talent planning, learning and development practice, and reward management.
What Jobs Can You Get with a CIPD Level 5?
Level 5 opens doors to practitioner, advisory, and specialist positions with greater responsibility, autonomy, and significantly higher salaries.
HR roles requesting CIPD associate membership are offered up to £4,400 and, on average, £3,000 more than those not requesting CIPD membership (CIPD).
Here are the top six best jobs you can land with a CIPD Level 5 qualification:
- HR Advisor
Salary: £31,700 – £44,600 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Provide expert guidance on complex employee relations issues.
- Interpret employment law and HR policy.
- Support disciplinary and grievance processes.
- Conduct workplace investigations.
- Contribute to HR strategy development.
2. HR Business Partner
Salary: £47,000 – £69,300 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Align people strategy with business objectives.
- Provide strategic HR consultancy to business units.
- Lead organisational change initiatives.
- Analyse workforce data and metrics.
- Develop solutions to complex people challenges.
3. Talent Acquisition Specialist /Manager
Salary: £32,000 – £69,100 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Develop recruitment strategies.
- Manage end-to-end recruitment processes.
- Build talent pipelines and employer brand.
- Implement assessment and selection methods.
- Analyse recruitment metrics and effectiveness.
4. Learning and Development Manager
Salary: £43,600 – £66,100 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Identify organisational learning needs.
- Design training programs and interventions.
- Facilitate workshops and coaching sessions.
- Evaluate learning impact and ROI.
- Develop leadership and talent strategies.
5. Employee Relations Advisor/ Manager
Salary: £29,800 – £75,100 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Manage complex ER cases.
- Provide guidance on disciplinaries and grievances.
- Conduct workplace investigations.
- Negotiate with employee representatives.
- Advice on employment law compliance.
6. Reward Manager
Salary: £58,100 – £91,900 (Reed)
Responsibilities:
- Design pay and benefits structures.
- Conduct salary benchmarking and analysis.
- Manage performance and bonus schemes.
- Ensure pay equity and compliance.
- Advice on total reward strategies.
Which CIPD Level Should You Pursue?
Choose Level 3 if you:
- Have no HR experience.
- Are exploring HR as a career option.
- Need foundational knowledge first.
- Are targeting support roles initially.
Choose Level 5 if you:
- Have 1-2 years of HR experience.
- Hold Level 3 already.
- Have transferable skills from other roles.
- Want to accelerate into practitioner roles.
- Are ready for intermediate-level study.
Level 3 provides the foundation and opens entry-level doors.
Level 5 establishes you as a professional practitioner and expands your job opportunities.
Most HR professionals complete both sequentially, though some enter directly at Level 5 with relevant experience.
Conclusion
Your CIPD qualification level directly determines the roles that will be available to you.
Level 3 qualifies you for administrative positions and provides essential experience for career development.
Level 5 opens practitioner and senior roles where you’ll influence decisions and shape strategy.
Understanding these pathways helps you plan your professional development strategically, ensuring your qualifications align with your career ambitions.
Ready to make 2026 the year you land your dream job?
We’re here to help you position yourself as an expert in your field with a CIPD qualification.
At HRC Online, we’re more than just a CIPD training provider. We offer:
– A 14-day free trial to a CIPD module, so you’re sure of the decision you’re making.
– Flexible payment plans so you can pay as you go.
– Your own Learning Engagement mentors for when you need support anytime during your study sessions
– Bite-sized content for when you feel overwhelmed with modules and want to brush up on topics.
Still unsure where to start?
Reach out to us in the form below, and we can help you get started today!
