How Much Does a CIPD Qualification Cost?

A CIPD qualification has the power to unlock the next stage in your HR or L&D career, giving you the credibility you want and the skills you need to become a successful people professional. 

The cost of a CIPD qualification can vary based on a number of factors, from the level you decide to study at to how you choose to study it.

To provide you with some further insight, below we give you an overview of how much CIPD qualifications cost so you can decide if one of these prestigious qualifications is right for you.

The Different Types of CIPD Qualifications

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.

• Level 3 qualifications are ideal for HR or L&D beginners looking for entry-level roles like HR Assistant or Training Practitioner.
• Level 5 qualifications are suited to those with some HR/L&D experience or a degree looking for mid-level roles like HR Manager or L&D Advisor.
• Level 7 qualifications are set at the postgraduate level. It's designed for those with significant HR experience or an HR degree and prepares you for strategic senior roles like HR Director or L&D Consultant.
  
  

How Much Does a CIPD Qualification Cost?

• A CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate generally costs between £1,999 and £2,500.
• A CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma generally costs between £3,300 and £3,700.
• A CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma generally costs between £6,700 and £7,200.
  
  

Bear in mind that you can spread the cost of your CIPD qualification – many providers (like us!) offer affordable interest-free monthly payment plans.

How Much Does CIPD Cost Internationally?

You can study CIPD from anywhere in the world, but depending on where and how you study, the cost might vary - but we've still got you covered! Here you can find out:

• How Much CIPD Costs in Dubai
• How Much CIPD Costs in Saudi Arabia 
• How Much CIPD Costs in Ireland 

Studying Online or in a Classroom

The mode of study that you choose can heavily impact the price of your CIPD course. Colleges and universities, for instance, are typically more expensive than online courses.

Cost aside, you should also consider which mode of learning is most suitable for your learning style and what will work best together commitments. Learning online can be much more flexible than taking a classroom-based course, which is often 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 and materials that you’ll be required to buy for a college course. eBooks, for example, are supplied with our online CIPD courses free of charge, but this may not be the case in a more traditional learning environment.

You should also consider the potential cost of your commute if you prefer studying in a classroom. If you're open to online learning, however, you have the opportunity to study from the comfort of your own home (so long as you have Wi-fi), at no extra cost to you. 

Additional Costs When Studying CIPD

Throughout the course of your CIPD studies, there will be some additional costs that you’ll want to plan for, including: 

CIPD Membership

The total cost of membership is dependent on whether you're a first time member, looking to re-join, renewing your membership, or upgrading to a different grade of membership, such as the Associate or Chartered Membership. 

To study your course and submit your assignments, however, first and foremost you’ll first 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, however, you’ll get access to an abundance of excellent online resources and factsheets that will support and enhance your studies at every stage

The annual cost of a CIPD Student Membership is currently £144 in total, and their membership year generally runs from 1st July to 30th June. 

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.

Workshop Fees

When you enrol on a CIPD course with us, you won't have to worry about workshop fees, though some other online CIPD providers include workshops as part of their courses, and these can either be an optional or mandatory part of gaining your qualification.

The cost of a workshop can vary greatly, as the duration and course content involved will be set out by the learning provider - so these fees are something to look out for when shopping for the qualification that best suits your budget. 

CIPD Payment Options: How to Fund Your CIPD Qualification

If you’d like to enrol on a CIPD qualification, you can take advantage of these funding options to make your course more affordable. 

Interest-Free Payment Plans

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.

Employer Funding

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 and becoming a more valuable asset to your organisation.

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 increase your salary, improve your career prospects, and master the in-demand industry skills that will help you stand out and excel as a people professional - all without having to break the bank. 

With the major benefits becoming CIPD-qualified will bring to your life and career, enrolling on a CIPD qualification may just be the best investment you ever make. 

Discover how you can invest in your career today with an online CIPD qualification with us. Get your free online CIPD course guide today to get started.