New CIPD qualifications launching in 2021

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.

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

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 a currently studying a CIPD qualification

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for me as a student who is already studying one of the current qualifications?

When you have successfully completed your studies, you will still hold one of the most respected and valued qualifications in your field. Since the new Profession Map was launched in November 2018, your learning provider has been incorporating it wherever relevant. The new qualifications will not affect the outcome of your current studies. For example, if you’re studying a Foundation qualification, you will still be eligible for Associate membership.

Q: Will there be transition arrangements in place so that students taking the current qualifications, and wishing to move over to a new qualification, will be able to use what they have already achieved?

Download our transition guidance to determine which units can be used as part of your transition to the new qualifications.

Then, contact your current Study Centre or centre of your choice for advice on the transition arrangements relevant to you. Make sure you have evidence of what you have achieved to date.

Q: Are those who have previously, or are currently, studying a CIPD Level 3 qualification allowed to remain in the Associate Membership grade?

Yes, anyone who has previously obtained a Level 3 certificate or are a Student Member registered for a Level 3 certificate before late summer 2021 and successfully complete their studies by summer 2023, will be awarded Associate Membership.

Q: When will students be able to register for the new qualifications?

Students will be able to register from January 2021 at centres who are offering the new qualifications. Teaching will start in March 2021.

Q: When will the current qualifications end?

It will not be possible to register to start a current qualification after late Summer 2021.

I'm thinking about studying a CIPD qualification

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for me as a student who is thinking about studying a CIPD qualification?

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 a 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. This means that you need to consider you own criteria when deciding which qualifications to undertake, for example, your timeline, your desired outcomes etc.

Q: When will students be able to register for the new qualifications?

Students will be able to register from January 2021 at centres who are offering the new qualifications. Teaching will start in March 2021.

Q: When will the current qualifications end?

It will not be possible to register to start a current qualification after late Summer 2021.

I'm an employer planning development for teams

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for my employees who are already studying the current qualifications?

When students have successfully completed their studies, they will still hold one of the most respected and valued qualifications in their field. Since the new Profession Map was launched in November 2018, learning providers have been incorporating it wherever relevant. The new qualifications will not affect the outcome of their current studies. For example, if they're studying a Foundation qualification, they will still be eligible for Associate membership.

Q: What do the new CIPD qualifications mean for those employees who I’m thinking about supporting through a CIPD qualification?

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 your employee achieves will both enhance and prove their capabilities as a people professional so there's no need to wait. This means that you as an employer need to consider you own criteria when deciding which qualifications to support your employees through, for example, your timeline, your desired outcomes etc.

Q: When will students be able to register for the new qualifications?

Students will be able to register from January 2021 at centres who are offering the new qualifications. Teaching will start in March 2021.

Q: When will the current qualifications end?

It will not be possible to register to start a current qualification after late Summer 2021.

Q: How can I find out more information about using CIPD qualifications to develop my team?

You can leave your details with us, and one of the team will get in touch with you to discuss your requirements.

I'm a Centre representative

Please visit the Centres Hub for more information.

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New CIPD qualifications

Why are we developing new CIPD qualifications?

What does this mean for you?

Current CIPD qualifications