Join through studying a qualification

Develop your knowledge and abilities and support your future professional ambitions

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Is studying for me?

Completing a CIPD qualification will advance your learning in HR or L&D and is the most frequent route into CIPD membership. When you study a CIPD qualification, you’ll be invited to become a Student Member and at the end of your studies, you’ll move up the membership grades.

Inspire others

The rewards of study

Our HR and L&D qualifications help you to develop the knowledge and abilities that employers look for. We currently have more than 25,000 professionals studying a CIPD qualification to show they’ve achieved recognised industry standards.

  • Increases your career prospects and earning potential.

  • Builds your confidence and professional credibility to handle your organisation’s people management and development issues.

  • Extends your learning and supports your future ambitions.
Community

See what our members say


'I absolutely believe that the CIPD qualification has increased my confidence at work…and given me recognition in the industry and the organisation that I am working in.'

Emma Smart, Chartered MCIPD

What does it involve?

There are four straightforward steps to studying a CIPD qualification and gaining membership.

Step 1: Choose a qualification to suit your goals

Our qualifications offer varying levels of complexity and different study modules.

Step 2: Find a Study Centre

Locate a Study Centre that works for you, including digital learning centres.

Step 3: Join as a Student Member

Once you’ve registered for a qualification, join the CIPD as a Student Member and benefit from extensive member resources and support.

Step 4: Complete your qualification

Once you finish your studies, you’ll be awarded Foundation or Associate Member grade, depending on your qualification. Renew your membership each year, upgrade as your career progresses and keep the CIPD as your lifelong career partner.

Start your journey
Apprenticeships

Find a qualification

The CIPD offers a number of qualifications which lead to Foundation or Associate Membership. Some of our qualifications could take you to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow grade if you have the right experience to upgrade.

When registering for a qualification you’ll initially join the CIPD as a Student Member.

New qualifications

  • CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
  • CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning and Development

You’ll become an Associate Member on successful completion. If you have at least one year’s experience working at Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow level, you can then apply to upgrade your membership.

New qualifications leading to Associate Member grade

  • CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management
  • CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development

Our new CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is the only qualification leading to Foundation Member grade, upon successful completion.

Find a qualification
Pay book

How much does it cost?

Study a qualification Fee
Qualification fee Set by individual study centres
12-month Student Member fee* £99
Joining fee £40
Total Qualification fee and £139

For an idea of what you can expect to pay for your CIPD qualification, please contact your chosen Study Centre.

Once you finish your qualification, you’ll start paying the Foundation or Associate Member fee at your next renewal on 1 July.

*Depending on when you join in the year, we offer different membership fee options.

Studying not for you?

Explore Experience Assessment, our direct route into membership. It’s designed to assess your professional experience and skills, and involves no studying or exams.

Ask about membership through qualification

Call +353 1 513 6796 *

Or

Call +353 1 513 6796 * Contact us

* Calls are routed through to the UK

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