Level 3: Foundation

Award: 1 module
Certificate: 6 modules: 6-8 months
Diploma: 8 modules: 8-10 months
Equivalent to A-level

Level 5: Intermediate 
Award: 1 module
Certificate: 6 modules: 6-8 months
Diploma: 8 modules: 8-10 months
Equivalent to undergraduate degree level

Level 7: Advanced
Award: 1 module
Certificate: 4 modules: 10-12 months
Diploma: 8 modules: two years
Equivalent to master’s level

How do the Advanced Diplomas compare to the

existing CIPD Level 7 options?
As with Level 5, the CIPD have two routes, whether you wish to specialise in HR or L&D. They
have also kept the 4 core modules that you take on both routes relatively similar (although no
more exams!). Although there are new options including diversity and inclusion, well-being and
working in an international context you will only be able to pick one optional module within the
CIPD Level 7 Diploma.

I have completed Level 7 Certificate in HR under the current suite of CIPD qualifications. I wish to
pursue Level 7 Diploma under the new suite of CIPD Qualifications starting from 1 st April 2021. Does
this make me eligible for an exemption from 4 modules or will I have to appear for 8 modules under
the new qualification ?
How will you be assessed and how
has this changed for the CIPD
2021 qualifications?
There are still written assessments at each level which are set by the CIPD, often in the form of a
report. The idea is that they look a little like a document you might submit to senior leadership to
put forward a recommendation on a new idea or system.

At level 3 and 5 these written assessments follow the learning objectives for the module.
Whereas at level 7 the learning objectives are more intertwined throughout the assessment.

The CIPD Level 3 no longer includes practical in class assessments. If you study with Acacia we
will still give you the opportunity to will work with your tutor and peers to perfect these skills in a
safe environment.

At Level 7 you will no longer have to complete the two national exams, this content is now
covered via assignment work. There is however still a 7000-word research project on an aspect
of HR or L&D of your choice. 

CIPD Membership from 2021

The CIPD is the largest HR professional body with its head office in the UK. The other option is
SHRM which is stronger across the US. Both bodies offer qualifications and membership
benefits. They are also both trying to expand their reputations internationally. 

Membership of the CIPD gives you access to their resources Knowledge Hub, community forums
and local events. As a member you will have free access to an employment law and wellbeing
helpline for advice and guidance. Depending on your membership level you may also be able to
use the designation CIPD after your name. 

Associate and Chartered membership: you can move to these membership levels either by
completing a CIPD Level 5 or Level 7 qualification respectively or through an experience
assessment. At Chartered level you also need to have recently worked in a strategic role within
the People Profession. The added benefit (other than its uber status) with Chartered membership
is that you will gain access to senior networks not available at other levels. 

What is a Postgraduate Certificate? A postgraduate certificate is an educational

credential that adds advanced skills in a specific area of specialization for a student.
Basically, a postgraduate certificate will give you the eligibility to practice a profession.
As a professional, a part-time PGCert can provide you with valuable vocational training as
you continue to advance your career.
These certificates can attract employers and help you get a job – particularly if the job
requires some education, but not a degree.
https://www.cipdcareerhub.co.uk/members
While the MBA is suited to students from any academic or professional background who
want greater career flexibility, management roles, or business
ownership, Masters programmes are the better option for students who want highly
specialised knowledge in a specific area.
A CIPD Level 7 diploma/certificate is an advanced qualification in human resources,
developed by the prestigious Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
CIPD Level 7 is the equivalent to earning a postgraduate degree and is the next step for
those who have already completed their Level 5 intermediate qualification.
By enrolling on a CIPD Level 7 course, you’ll gain valuable insights into advanced areas of
HR, including leadership skills and writing detailed and accurate reports aimed at persuading
key stakeholders to adopt new policies. This programme is ideal for those with significant HR
experience and who are looking for a way to prepare themselves for strategic senior roles in
human resources.

What is a postgraduate certificate?

A postgraduate certificate (also called a professional certificate) is an educational

credential that provides students advanced skills in a specific area of specialisation.
Basically, a postgraduate certificate gives you the eligibility to practise a profession.

For instance, paralegals are required to earn a postgraduate certificate and English
teachers that want to start training students whose native language is not English,
will need an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) postgraduate
certificate.

Other students who apply for a postgraduate certificate are simply interested in
exploring a new field, without having to commit to a Master’s programme.

Some of the most popular countries for postgraduate certificates are:

 Postgraduate Certificate in the U.K. 

 Postgraduate Certificate in Canada 
 Postgraduate Certificate in Australia 
 Postgraduate Certificate in the U.S. 

Unlike a Master’s degree that provides a broader view of a subject area and more
career options, a postgraduate certificate focuses on a few areas of a subject.

Benefits of a postgraduate certificate

Financially, a postgraduate certificate is more affordable compared to a Master’s

degree. You will only have to attend between three and seven courses, that only
target topics in a particular area of the field, and so, you will acquire skills that can
help you land a new career.
Should you acquire a Postgraduate certificate?
The postgraduate certificate (also known as Pg Cert) is a type of vocational qualification on the
level of a Master's Degree, which provides a niche variety of tools and skills specific to a
profession.
both the Postgraduate Certificate and Postgraduate diploma are excellent options that can help
you build your credibility.

Google “ post graduate certificate vs postgraduate diploma”

The Masters degree is generally more broad than the post-graduate certificate or
diploma. You might take a Masters degree in Accounting (MAcc), while you might take a
Postgraduate Certificate in Cybersecurity or a Postgraduate Diploma in Forensic
Accounting.

If you already have an HR-related degree or extensive industry experience,

the CIPD may be less of a necessity, but it remains a very well-respected qualification.
As such, CIPD training could be a worthwhile step to take, particularly if you want to
get into HR from another business function.
It appears that a solid combination of experience combined with qualifications is always a
good route where possible.
The outstanding benefit for many hiring managers is that the CIPD qualification acts as an
indicator of your technical skills and – perhaps more importantly – your commitment to a
career in HR.

CIPD LEVEL 7 ADVANCED CERTIFICATE IN HUMAN

RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
The Level 7 Advanced Certificate in Human Resource Development is a great
way to show you can study at Level 7, and is perfect if you are thinking
strategically, but can only dedicate 1 year to the course rather than 2. You
simply complete 4 out of the 8 modules from the Diploma, and you can always
top up with the other 4 modules at any time, to achieve a full Diploma.