Frequently asked questions for students who’ve finished studying a CIPD qualification
We’ve compiled the most commonly-asked questions students have about our qualifications, including information on CIPD membership, exam results and work experience. We hope you can find all of the information you are looking for.
We check results submissions for accuracy at the verification stage (marked with * on the timeline below); if any discrepancies arise we may return them to your study centre, which may delay the despatch of your certificate.
If you've been waiting for longer than the usual processing time as shown above, call us on +44 20 8612 6208 to check the status of your certificate.
Your qualification and membership certificates will take up to six weeks to process once the CIPD external quality adviser (or centre) submits them to us. If you’ve any questions about how long your centre’s internal quality assurance takes, best speak to them directly (we don’t expect this to take more than six weeks).
The centre will contact you directly to let you know when they will award you with your qualification. Once the centre submits this notification to the CIPD, we’ll issue your membership certificate within six weeks.
If your qualification leads to Foundation or Associate Membership, we’ll issue you with your qualification certificate once we’ve processed your results. You’ll automatically be upgraded to Foundation or Associate Member and will receive your membership certificate within 10 days of it being issued (or longer if we’re posting it to a non UK address).
Foundation Membership starts to build your credibility. It shows you’re serious about your development and that you have a strong base of knowledge to build on. The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice leads to Foundation Membership
Associate Membership recognises HR and L&D professionals who demonstrate excellence in people practice by supporting the delivery of HR and L&D solutions. Many CIPD qualifications lead to Associate Membership
If you've already completed an accredited CIPD qualification but didn’t join the CIPD as a member during your studies, you can join the CIPD now directly at the Foundation/Associate Member grade.
Please note: We’ll require evidence of your achievement from your study centre before issuing your certificate.
Call us on +44 (0) 20 8612 6208 or email us at membershipenquiry@cipd.co.uk to discuss the membership application process.
Anyone who has successfully completed a CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma qualification can apply to upgrade to Chartered Member via the online application route. This is free of charge if done within 12 months of holding the Associate level of membership. If you are unsuccessful at your first attempt, subsequent applications are subject to fees. The first step is to submit your CV for screening. See our page on Upgrading to Chartered Member for more information.
Chartered Member recognises HR and L&D professionals who deliver organisational performance by leading, driving and delivering people plans and solutions
If you have an existing qualification that isn’t recognised by the CIPD, you may be able to apply for an exemption towards a CIPD Awarded qualification that leads to membership.
The application process will involve a mapping exercise between the qualification you studied and the CIPD Awarded qualification you want to study. You can gain up to 50% of a CIPD Awarded qualification through this process; you’ll be required to take the rest of the qualification at a CIPD centre in order to achieve CIPD membership.
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