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Human Resources
07 September 2023 - 2 min read
The cost of a CIPD qualification can vary based on a number of factors, from the level you study to how you study it. We’re here to give you an overview of CIPD qualification costs, so you can decide if one of these prestigious qualifications is right for you.
There are three levels of CIPD qualification, known as Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7. These levels roughly relate to the experience level of the student, with the higher levels suitable for more experienced HR or L&D practitioners.
Within each of these levels, there are also three lengths of qualification to choose from.
These are each individually priced with varying costs for each level. The Certificate is always cheaper than the Diploma at each level, with the largest price difference at Level 7.
The mode of study that you choose can also impact the price of your CIPD course. Generally, colleges are more expensive than online courses.
Aside from the price, you should also consider which mode of learning is most suitable for your learning style and other commitments. Learning online can be much more flexible than taking a classroom-based course, which is ideal if you're working full-time or have a family; however, if you'd prefer a more regimented learning style then you may struggle with motivation in a self-led environment.
You can find out more about these methods of studying and how they can impact grades and completion rates by checking out this comparison of online versus classroom learning.
Remember to consider the cost of any textbooks that you’ll be required to buy for a college course. eBooks are supplied with our online CIPD courses at no extra cost, but this may not be the case in a more traditional learning environment.
Throughout the course of your CIPD studies, there will be some additional costs that you’ll want to plan for.
To study your course, submit your assignments, and sit any exams you have, you’ll need to have a student membership with the CIPD.
This incurs an annual fee, so if you’re studying a course that lasts longer than a year then you’ll need to pay a renewal fee. In return, you’ll get access to excellent resources, factsheets, and resources that can really help you in your studies.
The annual cost of a student membership with the CIPD is currently approximately €160. It’s entirely up to you if you want to progress to a full Associate or Chartered membership when you complete your course.
Many HR professionals find their membership to be an extremely useful resource, as it allows them to access expert guidance on HR and employment law, attend networking events and local CIPD groups, and continue their professional development.
The only CIPD Level which involves exams is Level 7 Advanced. Exams currently cost approximately €85 each if sat in the UK, and increase slightly every July.
If you study the full Level 7 Diploma, you’ll be required to sit two in-person exams. If you study the shorter Certificate, you may be required to sit one or both exams depending on which modules you choose to study.
Similarly, if you choose one of the two exam-assessed modules to study as an Award, you’ll need to sit the related exam to achieve your qualification.
If you're studying CIPD from outside the UK, you may need to pay more to sit your Level 7 exams. Contact your local British Council for more information on your nearest CIPD centre.
Some online CIPD providers include workshops as part of their courses. These can be optional, or a mandatory part of the course. The cost of a workshop can vary greatly, as their duration and course content will be set out by the learning provider.
Only one of our CIPD courses involves a workshop - the rest are 100% online, so you won’t need to worry about any workshop fees.
If you're studying the L&D Level 3 Diploma, you'll attend one workshop which will cost around €116; if you'd like to study L&D Level 3 but would prefer not to attend a workshop, you can avoid this by studying the shorter Level 3 Certificate.
If you’d like to enrol on a CIPD qualification, you can take advantage of these funding options to make your course more affordable:
Some providers, like us, allow you to spread the cost of your CIPD course into manageable monthly instalments. These interest-free payments can also help you to split your membership fees across the duration of your course.
All you need to do is pay a small deposit and you’ll get access to your CIPD course almost instantly.
View all our CIPD courses for full details of our interest-free payment plans.
If you’d like your employer to fund your course, then we can help. We can invoice your employer directly for your course fees so you can focus on attaining your new qualification.
Check out this blog for helpful templates and tips for asking your boss to cover the cost of training.
CIPD qualifications offer you the opportunity to greatly improve your salary, your career prospects, and your professional capabilities - and with flexible interest-free payment plans to help you spread the cost, they don't have to break the bank.
With the huge benefits it will bring, your CIPD qualification may be the best investment you ever make.
Find out more about our flexible online CIPD qualifications.
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