CIPD Level 3 vs Level 5: Which Qualification Should You Choose?
If you've been eyeing a career in HR, or perhaps you're already working in the field and want to take the next step on the career ladder, you've probably considered getting a CIPD qualification.
However, choosing what's right for you can be tricky. Should you start at the foundation level? Do you need to take each level sequentially? Or can you jump straight to the Associate Diploma?
We get it—it's confusing. That's exactly why we're here to break everything down so you can make the right call for your career goals and current circumstances.
What Factors Should You Consider?
Choosing the right CIPD qualification isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. The best choice for you depends on three main factors: your industry experience, your career goals, and your subject preference.
Your Industry Experience
Your current level of experience is the most crucial factor in this decision.
If you have no relevant work experience or want to switch careers into HR or L&D, CIPD Level 3 gives you the foundational knowledge to hit the ground running. It's designed specifically for complete beginners.
If you have around 6-12 months of relevant experience in an entry-level HR or L&D role, or you've worked in positions that involved elements of people management, then you may be able to skip Level 3 and jump straight to Level 5.
Your Career Goals
Where do you see yourself in the next 2-5 years? This question might feel daunting, but it's essential for making the right choice.
If you're targeting entry-level positions like HR Assistant, Training Coordinator, or HR Administrator, then CIPD Level 3 is your go-to. It's designed for those trying to get their foot in the door.
If you're aiming for mid-level management roles like HR Manager, HR Advisor, or People and Culture Manager, Level 5 is designed to give you the strategic skills you need to step into those positions with confidence.
The key question to ask yourself is: what level of responsibility do I want to target?
Your Subject Preference
CIPD qualifications are available in two main domains: Human Resources (People Practice) and Learning & Development.
At Level 3, you'll study both HR and L&D fundamentals, which makes this level perfect if you're still exploring which path to take. At Level 5, you'll choose between the two diplomas, allowing you to specialise in your preferred area.
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate
The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is the entry-level qualification for anyone looking to get a head start in HR or L&D. As it's the only foundation-level qualification offered by CIPD, it covers both Human Resources and Learning & Development fundamentals.
Who is Level 3 For?
The CIPD Level 3 is ideal for career starters with no prior work experience in HR, career changers who want to transition into HR from other industries, and those in support roles within HR and L&D who want to gain foundational knowledge to be of more value to their organisation.
Entry Requirements
One of the most appealing features of Level 3 is that no prior experience or qualifications are required to start. As long as you're 18 or older, you're good to go. That's it.
What is Level 3 Equivalent To?
The CIPD Level 3 qualification is equivalent to A-Level standard in terms of academic difficulty. It sits at Level 3 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) in England and Northern Ireland, and Level 3 on the Credit and Qualifications Framework (CQFW) in Wales.
Is Level 3 Difficult?
No, CIPD Level 3 is specifically designed for complete beginners, so the difficulty level is intentionally accessible. You don't need any prior HR knowledge to pass. The course starts from the basics and builds your understanding progressively. Most learners find it totally manageable alongside full-time work.
Course Content
The CIPD Level 3 comprises four core modules: Essentials of People Practice, Core Behaviours for People Professionals, Business Culture and Change in Context, and Principles of Analytics.
Assessment
Each module is assessed through written assignments that are submitted online and marked by qualified CIPD assessors. The assessments are designed to help you demonstrate your understanding by applying concepts to real workplace scenarios.
Career Outcomes and Salary
With a CIPD Level 3 certificate, you'll be qualified for entry-level and operational positions such as HR Assistant, HR Administrator, HR Officer, HR Coordinator, Trainer, L&D Assistant, and Training Coordinator.
According to the Hays UK Salaries and Recruiting Trends Report 2025, HR professionals at this level can earn an average annual salary ranging from £22,500 to £35,000, depending on experience, location, and organisation size.
Time to Complete
It takes approximately 7-9 months of part-time study alongside personal and professional commitments to complete CIPD Level 3. The exact timeframe depends on your chosen study method, how much time you can dedicate outside work hours, and your learning pace.
CIPD Membership
Upon successful completion, you become eligible for CIPD Foundation membership, which gives you access to a network of professionals in the industry.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma is a significant step up from the foundational Level 3 course. It's a professional qualification designed to help learners move into managerial and advisory roles.
At this level, you'll choose between two distinct qualifications: the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (HR focus) or the CIPD Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development (L&D focus).
Who is Level 5 For?
The CIPD Level 5 is ideal for professionals with some prior HR experience in an entry-level role (typically 6-12 months or more), those with work experience involving elements of HR or L&D in other job functions, university graduates who want to transition into HR/L&D at a managerial level, and CIPD Level 3 graduates who are ready to progress.
Entry Requirements
Unlike Level 3, the Level 5 qualification requires some foundational knowledge or industry work experience. You should meet at least one of the following criteria: possess some experience in an entry-level HR or L&D role, have work experience involving elements of HR or L&D, hold a university degree and wish to study at an advanced level, or hold a CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate.
What is Level 5 Equivalent To?
The CIPD Level 5 Diploma is equivalent to a foundation degree in terms of academic level. It sits at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). While it's not higher than a Bachelor's degree (which is Level 6), it's still highly valued by employers in the HR and L&D sectors.
Is Level 5 Difficult?
Level 5 is more complex than Level 3 as it's equivalent to a foundation degree. You'll need to demonstrate critical thinking and practical skills, apply theoretical concepts to real workplace scenarios and case studies, and show evidence-based decision-making and strategic thinking.
Course Content
The CIPD Level 5 qualification consists of six core modules plus one elective module (seven total). For the People Management diploma, core modules include Professional Behaviours and Valuing People, Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice, Evidence-Based Practice, Employment Relationship Management, Talent Management and Workforce Planning, and Reward for Performance and Contribution.
Elective options include Specialist Employment Law, Diversity and Inclusion, People Management in an International Context, Leadership and Management Development, and Wellbeing at Work.
Assessment
CIPD Level 5 is assessed through written assignments for each of the seven modules. Each assignment is submitted online and marked by qualified CIPD assessors. The assessments focus on making your learning practical and directly applicable to real HR roles.
Career Outcomes and Salary
With a CIPD Level 5, you can work in mid-level management and advisory positions such as HR Manager, HR Advisor, People & Culture Manager, HR Business Partner, Employee Relations Manager, and Training/L&D Manager.
According to the Hays UK Salaries and Recruiting Trends Report 2025, HR professionals at this level can earn an average annual salary ranging from £30,000 to £70,000, depending on experience, location, and organisation size.
Time to Complete
Typically, students take 8-12 months to complete a CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma while studying part-time alongside a full-time job.
CIPD Membership
Once you've successfully completed the Level 5 Associate Diploma, you're eligible for CIPD Associate membership, denoted by Assoc. CIPD after your name.
Making Your Decision
You don't have to have it all figured out to start your qualification. Whether you're just getting started or ready to step up into management, there's a CIPD qualification that fits your career goals and current situation.
Level 3 gives you the foundation. Level 5 gives you the strategic edge. Both are available online, so you can study at your own pace around your job, family, and life commitments.
The most important thing is to take that first step. A CIPD qualification is a valuable investment in your HR career, whichever level you choose.