Qualifications FAQs
Everything you need to know about the new Profession Map's impact on CIPD qualifications
Information for students about CIPD qualifications
Will my qualification be out of date if it’s based on the 2013 Profession Map?
Your qualification will still be relevant. We are currently developing new CIPD qualifications based on the new Profession Map. Any CIPD qualification you achieve will both enhance and prove your capabilities as a people professional so there's no reason to wait to take your next step with us.
See more FAQs below.
What's the difference between having a CIPD qualification and being a CIPD member?
CIPD qualifications assess a person's knowledge at a given point in time but do not constitute a badge of professionalism. However, as part of the work we’re doing on new qualifications, we’ll be simplifying the structure so that people can see more clearly what achieving each qualification means in relation to CIPD membership.
Professional membership is an internationally recognised designation renewed annually and demonstrates your credibility, an ongoing commitment to continuing professional development, and adherence to the CIPD’s Code of Professional Conduct.
What is the value of having a CIPD qualification? How does this compare with a CIPD membership designation?
Most employers look for more than a qualification when recruiting people professionals; they look for a symbol of professionalism that indicates an individual’s commitment to raising their standards of knowledge, capability and ethical practice.
That mark of professionalism often comes in the form of professional membership, of which there are three levels at the CIPD: Associate, Chartered Member and Chartered Fellow. All of these demonstrate to employers that an individual has a certain level of professional knowledge and competence, is committed to their CPD, and complies with the CIPD’s Code of Professional Conduct.
CIPD qualifications are one of the most respected and valued qualifications for people professionals, and demonstrate to employers that an individual has a certain level of professional knowledge. The curriculum is currently underpinned by the 2013 Profession Map.
Will the HR and L&D apprenticeships change on the basis of the new Profession Map?
The HR and L&D apprenticeships have been developed by a group of employers and are managed by the Institute for Apprenticeships; the HR Level 5 Apprenticeship names the L5 Awarded CIPD qualification as part of the programme. The apprenticeship programme will be reviewed in 2021, and we will be working with the Institute for Apprenticeships on the future development of the standard.
Should I still study a CIPD qualification? Will they become less valid? Shall I wait for the new ones to come out
From November 2018, the new Profession Map replaces all previous versions as the international benchmark for excellent people practice. However, the 2013 Profession Map will remain a robust, relevant and useful point of reference, which is why it will continue to play an important role for the next couple of years.
For the time being, the 2013 Profession Map will remain the foundation of all CIPD qualifications and CPD tools whilst membership standards are now aligned to the new Profession Map.
Will there be a cut-off date when the previous membership criteria (based on the 2013 Profession Map) will no longer apply.
All students who enrol in qualifications in 2020 and successfully complete their studies will still achieve Associate membership.
What will happen to My CPD Map?
The self-assessment tool associated with the 2013 Profession Map – My CPD Map – will be phased out as we launch new tools to support your development. There is exclusive member-only learning content based on the new Profession Map, 'how to' guides, support and resources available on the website to help you use the new Profession Map.