CIPD AI Policy: What Students Need to Know About AI in Assignments
Artificial intelligence has transformed how we work, learn, and create content. For CIPD students, this presents both opportunities and significant risks. With CIPD now requiring AI reports alongside all assignment submissions, understanding the rules around AI use has never been more important.
This guide explains CIPD's AI policy, what you can and cannot use AI for, and how People Study Pro helps you submit assignments with confidence.
CIPD's Crackdown on AI Misuse
CIPD has taken a firm stance on academic integrity. All approved centres have been reminded about the policy on AI, assessment writing services, and sharing work—all of which are strictly prohibited when used to complete assignments on your behalf.
There's been a concerning trend in CIPD assessments, with an increasing number of individuals using ChatGPT and other AI applications to either reduce their workload or have AI write their answers entirely. This undermines the purpose of the qualification and puts your professional credibility at risk.
Why This Matters
The purpose of a CIPD qualification isn't just to add credentials to your LinkedIn profile. It's designed to develop genuine expertise in people practice through applied learning. Each assignment challenges you to research, analyse, and articulate your understanding of HR concepts—skills you'll use daily in your career.
When AI writes your assignments, you skip the learning process entirely. You might receive a certificate, but you won't have the knowledge or critical thinking abilities that employers expect. More importantly, when you're advising on redundancy procedures, handling a grievance, or designing a reward strategy, you'll lack the foundational understanding to do the job properly. CIPD's stance on AI protects both the value of the qualification and the professionals who earn it legitimately.
What Does CIPD's AI Policy Actually Say?
While CIPD's formal AI policy was initially published for End Point Assessment (EPA) apprentices, the principles apply equally to students on CIPD Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7 courses. Here's what you need to know:
Appropriate Uses of AI
AI tools may be used for:
Research and information gathering: – Using AI to search for information, gather data, and explore topics relevant to your assignment
Generating ideas and brainstorming: – Using AI to explore different perspectives and generate initial ideas
Revising and editing: – Using AI to check grammar, spelling, and identify areas for improvement in your own written work
Inappropriate Uses of AI
AI tools must not be used for:
Generating written content for submission: – You cannot use AI to write text that you then submit as your own work
Completing questions without understanding: – Using AI to generate responses without having genuine competence in the knowledge, skill, or behaviour being assessed
Submitting AI-generated work: – Any AI-generated text included in your work must be clearly attributed and explained
The Transparency Requirement
CIPD expects students to be transparent about AI use. This includes:
- Acknowledging any AI tools used in your work
- Identifying specific tools and the extent of their use
- Referencing any AI-generated text if included
- Being prepared to answer questions about your AI use
AI Reports Are Now Mandatory
Here's the critical change: assignments submitted to CIPD must now include an AI report. This means training centres need confidence that their students haven't used AI to write their assignments.
When your work goes for moderation, the AI report goes with it. If the report shows high AI detection scores, your assignment could be flagged for investigation—potentially leading to a fail outcome or requirement to resubmit.
The Consequences of Getting It Wrong
Violations of CIPD's AI policy are treated as malpractice. The consequences can include:
Fail outcome: for your assignment or entire qualification
Required resubmission: of your written work
Investigation: by your training provider
Potential removal: from your CIPD course
Damage to your professional reputation:
It's simply not worth the risk. The time you might save using AI to write your answers could cost you your entire qualification.
How People Study Pro Helps You Stay Compliant
People Study Pro was built with CIPD's academic integrity requirements in mind. Here's how our platform helps you submit with confidence:
AI Detection Checking
Before you submit your assignment, you can check your work for AI detection. Our tool analyses your writing and flags any sections that might be detected as AI-generated. This gives you the opportunity to rewrite those sections in your own words before submission.
Plagiarism Checking
AI isn't the only concern—plagiarism has always been a risk. People Study Pro checks your work against online sources to ensure your content is original. You'll see exactly which phrases might need rewording or proper citation.
Comprehensive Reports
When you're ready to submit, People Study Pro generates a comprehensive report that includes:
AI detection score: – Shows the percentage of content that may be AI-generated
Plagiarism score: – Identifies any content matching online sources
Word count: – Confirms your assignment meets the required length
You can submit this report alongside your assignment, giving your training centre the evidence they need for moderation.
Built-In Word Count
No more copying your work into separate tools to check word count. People Study Pro displays your word count as you write, helping you stay within the required limits for each assignment.
Best Practices for Using AI Ethically
AI can be a valuable learning tool when used correctly. Here's how to use it without crossing the line:
Do Use AI For:
Understanding concepts: – Ask AI to explain complex HR theories in simpler terms
Research starting points: – Use AI to identify topics and sources to explore further
Checking your grammar: – Run your finished work through AI grammar checkers
Brainstorming structure: – Ask AI for suggestions on how to structure your argument
Don't Use AI For:
Writing your answers: – Even if you edit AI-generated text, it's still not your work
Paraphrasing sources: – Use your own words to demonstrate understanding
Generating references: – AI often creates fake citations; always verify sources yourself
Completing sections you don't understand: – If you can't write it yourself, you need to study more
The Real Purpose of Your CIPD Qualification
Remember why you're doing this qualification in the first place. It's not just about getting letters after your name—it's about developing genuine competence in people practice.
When you write your own assignments, you:
Deepen your understanding: of HR concepts and theories
Develop critical thinking skills: that you'll use throughout your career
Build confidence: in your ability to analyse and solve problems
Create a foundation: for your professional practice
Taking shortcuts with AI robs you of these benefits. You might pass the qualification, but you won't have the skills to back it up when you're in the workplace.
Preparing for Submission
Before submitting any CIPD assignment, follow this checklist:
- Write your assignment yourself – Use your own words and ideas throughout
- Check for AI detection – Run your work through People Study Pro's AI checker
- Check for plagiarism – Ensure all content is original or properly cited
- Verify your word count – Confirm you're within the required range
- Generate your report – Download the comprehensive report for submission
- Review the report – Check scores are acceptable before submitting
- Submit with confidence – Include the report with your assignment
The Bottom Line
AI is here to stay, and it can be a useful tool for research and learning. But when it comes to CIPD assignments, the work must be your own. CIPD's AI policy is clear: using AI to write your answers is malpractice.
People Study Pro gives you the tools to check your work before submission, ensuring you can demonstrate that your assignment is genuinely yours. With AI detection, plagiarism checking, and comprehensive reports, you can submit every assignment with confidence.
Your CIPD qualification is an investment in your future. Make sure it represents real competence, not just clever use of technology.