
New CIPD qualifications
In January 2021 we'll be launching new CIPD qualifications with the new Profession Map at their core

Why are we developing new CIPD qualifications?
The world of work is shifting fast. Innovation and change is happening everywhere. The future will raise new questions, but also new opportunities.
In November 2018 we launched the new Profession Map which provides a strong foundation giving people professionals the confidence and capabilities to guide their decision making, actions and behaviours.
In January 2021 we'll be launching new CIPD qualifications. At the core of the new qualifications is the new Profession Map.
What does this mean for you?
All current and future CIPD qualifications are up to date and fit for purpose and every qualification carries the CIPD stamp of approval.
Any CIPD qualification you achieve will both enhance and prove your capabilities as a people professional so there’s no need to wait to take your next step with us.
If you’re currently studying a CIPD qualification, you will still hold one of the most respected and valued qualifications in your field. The new qualifications will not affect the outcome of your current studies.
If you are thinking about studying a CIPD qualification, consider your own criteria when deciding which qualifications to undertake.
The table below highlights the main differences between the current and new CIPD qualifications.
Current CIPD qualifications
Overview: 17 qualifications to choose from
Foundation
- Six possible qualifications
- Awards, certificate or diploma size qualifications available in both Human resources practice and Learning and Development
- Associate Membership outcome
Intermediate
- Seven possible qualifications
- Award, certificate or diploma size qualifications available in Human resources practice, Learning and Development and/or Applied Human Resources
- Associate Membership outcome
Advanced
- Four possible qualifications.
- Award, certificate or diploma size qualifications available in Human resources
- Diploma size qualification in Learning and Development
- Associate Membership outcome. Upon successful completion, candidates with the relevant professional experience can apply to upgrade to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow
New CIPD qualifications
Overview: Five key qualifications
Foundation
- One certificate size qualification
- A comprehensive foundation in People Practice, (incorporates HR and L&D)
- Foundation Membership outcome
Associate
- Two Diploma size qualifications
- Each consist of a common core
+ a block of specialist units in either people management or learning and development
+ a further specialist unit to select from a list of possible options - Associate Membership outcome
Advanced
- Two Advanced diploma size qualifications
- Each consist of a common core
+ a block of specialist units in either people management or learning and development
+ a further specialist unit to select from a list of possible options - Associate Membership outcome. Upon successful completion, candidates with the relevant professional experience can apply to upgrade to Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow
What next?
We'll update this page with more information over the coming months.
In the meantime look through our Frequently Asked Questions.


I'm thinking about studying a CIPD qualification

I'm an employer planning development for teams
