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Whether you are starting your journey in HR or L&D or are an aspiring professional, it’s always possible to expand your knowledge to keep up with the growing trends and advancements in your field. CIPD courses provide you with the necessary skills to kick-start your journey, earn promotions, get a raise in your job, and excel in your field.
Let’s unwind the complexities of the information available related to CIPD:
- What is CIPD
- Who should do CIPD courses
- What are the types of CIPD qualifications
- What are the benefits of CIPD qualifications
- How to choose which CIPD qualification you should get
- Guide to choosing your CIPD Qualification
- Are the CIPD qualifications equivalent to a degree
- What are the best CIPD courses in Dubai, and what is their fee
- What are some of the Best Human Resources Courses in Dubai, what is their fee
- What are some Top Dubai Human Resource Companies
- Is SHRM better than CIPD
- What are some of the other highly recognized HR certificates
- How to put CIPD in your CV
What is CIPD
CIPD stands for Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development. It is a well-known professional body for HR and L&D in the UK and worldwide. CIPD is recognized globally for the quality of education it provides.
Who should do CIPD courses
If you are about to set on the journey to start your career in HR or L&D, if you are looking to begin your Qualification in these fields, if you are someone who is already in the field but is looking to advance your career and expand your horizon to gain better opportunities to either get a promotion or to get a better job in the top firms, you need a CIPD qualification.
What are the types of CIPD qualifications
There are three different types of CIPD qualifications. These qualifications are ranked based on the difficulty level and the length of study that will be needed to complete to get the Qualification.
Following are the three different CIPD qualifications
CIPD Award
It is the shortest type of CIPD study. This type of study usually covers one particular topic in great detail. It takes a few months to about a year to cover this study.
CIPD certificate
This type of CIPD study is a broader qualification than CIPD Award. This type of Qualification covers a series of units. The units are covered to give you an overview of the subject but don’t cover the in-depth, more complex details of the entire subject.
CIPD diploma
This type of Qualification is the most advanced type out of all of them. It has the same format as the CIPD certificate but covers complex subjects. The subjects are studied in detail. The diploma takes about 1-2 years to complete.
What are the benefits of CIPD qualifications?
There are many benefits of getting CIPD qualifications, some of which are given below:
CIPD Membership
When a person gets a CIPD qualification, he automatically becomes a CIPD member. This membership opens doors for the candidate to new opportunities, networking resources, and various CIPD communities. The CIPD communities and tools help candidates apply the information in their HR roles.
Flexible Learning
CIPD courses are offered in person and online; therefore, there Is a flexible learning environment. The study courses can easily fit into one’s commitments and be managed alongside work.
Better employment
CIPD qualifications increase the chances of getting hired because they improve a person’s career and are treated as a gold standard for Human resources professionals. It adds to a person’s qualifications, increasing the chances of getting jobs and promotions.
CIPD has about 50 branches throughout the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland, the Isle of Man, Gibraltar, and the Channel Islands. These qualifications are recognized internationally and broaden the horizon of the candidate.
Cost-effective
An undergraduate degree, if started in the UK, costs a person around £27,000, which does not include living costs and maintenance fees. At the same time, the CIPD courses in Dubai start from £1,600. People who can’t move abroad can still get internationally recognized degrees less by getting CIPD qualifications in Dubai.
Time effective
The undergraduate-level degrees abroad take about three years, whereas the CIPD courses can be completed anywhere from 6 months to 24 months. This allows people to get higher-level qualifications and gain skills in less time.
Better skills
The CIPD qualifications equip the candidates with the necessary skills to take up various challenges they or their organization faces in the company. The candidates develop the necessary knowledge that makes them confident to work and excel in their field and make an impact that helps them grow and progress.
How to choose which CIPD qualification you should get
When choosing your CIPD qualifications, there are two questions you should ask yourself.
- Which subject do you want to study? Human resources or Learning and development.
- Which level of study advancement should you study? Foundation level (level 3), Associate level (level 5), or Advanced level (level 7).
Guide to choosing your CIPD Qualification
Following is the step-by-step guide to deciding and choosing your CIPD qualification:
Step 1: Choose which subject you want to study
CIPD qualifications are offered in two subjects
1. Human resources, which is also known as People Practice or People Management
This Qualification covers a range of general and special HR skills. This includes skills like recruitment, employment laws, employer-to-employer relationships, and reward management.
2. Learning and development
This type of Qualification is more on the process of planning, delivery, designing, and evaluating the employees, their training, and the organizational development.
Step 2: Choose your level of study
All CIPD qualifications are organized and divided into three advancement levels depending on their complexity and how advanced the study material is.
· CIPD Level 3 Foundation
This Qualification is for people who are beginners in the field and are looking for entry-level roles or operational roles. For example, the role of HR Assistant, L&D trainer, or Practitioner.
· CIPD level 5 Associate
This type of Qualification is for people with a university degree or some level of HR/L&D experience. The people are looking for mid-level roles in the field, like Manager or Advisor.
· CIPD Level 7 Advanced
This is for those people who are HR graduates. People with the Qualification and experienced professionals in the field are looking to get into senior roles. For example, the role of a Consultant, Head of department, Director, or even Business Partner.
CIPD Levels Explained
A Guide to CIPD Foundation Qualifications (Level 3)
The Foundation level has only one CIPD qualification: the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate. It is for HR and L7D both. It is the lowest level of Qualification.
What Experience is required to study CIPD Level 3
This is an entry type of CIPD qualification. This type of Qualification is specifically designed for people new to the Human resources world. People with no prior knowledge of the field or those who have Experience working in this field are suitable for this level of study.
What are the CIPD Foundation Certificate Job roles
- HR Officer
- HR Administrator
- HR Assistant
- HR Coordinator
- Training/L&D Coordinator
- Training/L&D Officer
- L&D Practitioner
- L&D Assistant
- Trainer
What is the approximate salary for those who qualify with a CIPD Foundation certificate?
As per Hays Salary Survey, those who qualify with a CIPD foundation level certificate get an annual salary of £25,000 in the private sector.
What is the CIPD Foundation Certificate duration?
The CIPD foundation certificate level 3 takes 7-9 months to complete. This is the estimated duration for when the candidates study part-time along with their work.
What is the course content for the CIPD foundation certificate in People Practice?
This level of study covers four modules
- Essentials of People Practice
- Business, Culture, and Change in Context
- Principles of Analytics
- Core Behaviors for People Professionals
What membership does the candidate get after completing this level of study?
After completing the CIPD Foundation certificate, the candidate becomes a Foundation Member of CIPD. The candidate qualifies as an associate member of CIPD and can use Assoc. after their name.
A Guide to CIPD Associate Qualifications Level 5
The CIPD associate level qualifications are level 5 due to the increased difficulty level. The qualifications are designed in such a way that they equip the candidate with the necessary skills that they need to take on mid-level roles, for example, advisory or managerial roles in HR/L&D. There are two qualifications at Level 5; one is in L&D, and the other is in HR:
- CIPD Associate Diploma in Organizational Learning and Development
- CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (HR)
What experience/qualifications are required to study CIPD level 5
The candidates who are interested in getting the CIPD level 5 associate diploma qualifications need to have at least one of the following:
- The candidate must have some experience in some entry-level role in HR or L&D
- The candidate has some work experience in any role that has included some elements of HR or L&D
- The candidate has a university degree and wants to pursue their education at a level more advanced than the level 3
- The candidate has a CIPD level 3 foundation certificate
What are the CIPD level 5 Associate diploma job roles
- HR Manager
- HR Advisor
- People & Culture Manager
- People Advisor
- Training/L&D Officer
- Training/L&D Manager
- Training/L&D Advisor
What is the approximate salary for those who qualify for CIPD Associate Diploma
If a candidate gets a CIPD associate diploma and secures a job, the average annual salary is expected to be around £42,000.
What is the CIPD Associate Diploma qualification course duration
The students who study part-time to get this diploma and work take around 9-12 months to complete their studies.
What are the course contents of the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management
If a candidate opts for a CIPD associate diploma in people management, they will have to cover the following modules:
Core modules:
- Professionals’ Behaviors and Valuing People
- Organizational Performance and Culture in Practice
- Evidence-Based Practice
- Employment Relationship Management
- Talent Management and Workforce Planning
- The reward for Performance and Contribution
Elective modules (the candidate must choose only one):
- Specialist Employment Law
- Diversity and Inclusion
- People Management in an International Context
- Leadership and Management Development
- Wellbeing at Work
What CIPD membership does one get at this level
The candidate gets Associate membership after completing the CIPD associate diploma level 5 qualification. The candidate can use the title of Assoc. CIPD with their name after completing this Qualification.
A guide to CIPD Advanced qualifications Level 7
This level of study is for people looking to progress to a senior HR or L&D role, those responsible for designing the policies and strategies for their company. The course is especially for people who have a long and extensive experience in the field of HR or L&D.
There are two types of CIPD qualifications at level 7, one is in Human Resources, and the other is in L&D.:
- CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management (HR)
- CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development
What type of qualifications or experiences are required to become eligible for CIPD level 7
This type of study is of a higher caliber and requires the candidate to have one of the following experiences:
- The candidate must have significant and extensive experience working in good roles in HR or L&D.
- The candidate has an HR degree
- The candidate has a CIPD level 5 associate diploma
- The candidate should have the time and skills required to take on such a complex level of study
What are the job positions one can work at after completing CIPD level 7
After completing the CIPD level 7 study, the candidate can climb the top of their career ladder by applying for one of the following positions:
- HR Business Partner
- HR Consultant
- Head of HR
- Head of People and Culture
- HR Director
- Training/L&D Director
- Head of Training/L&D
- L&D Consultant
What is the typical salary id candidates who get CIPD level 7 advanced qualifications?
The candidates who complete their CIPD level 7 advanced qualifications work for senior roles in their company, where they plan and design strategies and work for their implementation. The average annual salary for such a role is around £65,000, but it varies depending on the level and complexity of one’s job and the nature and seniority of the role.
What is the CIPD Advanced Level 7 diploma course duration
The candidates who study part-time and with their full-time jobs can complete the CIPD level 7 advanced diploma in around 18-24 months.
What is the Course Content for the CIPD Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management
If the candidate opts for the CIPD advanced diploma level 7 qualification, the candidate will have to complete four core modules and their choice of four elective modules.
Core modules:
- Work and Working Lives in a Changing Business Environment
- People Management and Development Strategies for Performance
- Personal Effectiveness, Ethics, and Business Acumen
- Business Research in People Practice
- Resourcing and Talent Management to Sustain Success
- Strategic Reward Management
- Strategic Employment Relations
Elective modules (the candidate must choose only one):
- Advanced Employment Law in Practice
- Learning and Development Practice
- Managing People in an International Context
- Technology-Enhanced Learning
- Advanced Diversity and Inclusion
What is the course content for CIPD advanced diploma in Strategic learning and development?
If the candidate opts for CIPD advanced diploma in Strategic Learning and Development level 7, the candidate will have to complete four core modules and four of their choice from the list of elective modules.
Core modules:
- Work and Working Lives in a Changing Business Environment
- People Management and Development Strategies for Performance
- Personal Effectiveness, Ethics, and Business Acumen
- Business Research in People Practice
- Organizational Design and Development
- Leadership and Management Development in Context
- Designing Learning to Improve Performance
Elective modules (the candidate must choose only one):
- Technology-Enhanced Learning
- Advanced Diversity and Inclusion
- Advanced Employment Law in Practice
- Managing People in an International Context
What is the membership offered at CIPD advanced diploma level 7 qualification
If the candidate completes the CIPD level 7 diploma and gets the required professional Experience, the candidate becomes a chartered member of CIPD.
Are the CIPD qualifications equivalent to a degree
The CIPD level 3 qualification is equivalent to A-levels study. The CIPD level 5 qualification is equivalent to the first two years of undergraduate study. The CIPD level 7 qualification is equivalent to postgraduate degree study.
What are the best CIPD courses in Dubai, and what is their fee
Fee: AED 30,000 – 44,500
Duration: 4 to 8 months
- CIPD – HR Business Partner
USD 2,550
Duration: 3 Days
- CIPD Foundation Diploma in L&D – Level 3
AED 37,500
Duration: 6 months
- CIPD Level 3 – Diploma in Learning and Development
AED 37,500
Duration: 6-9 months
- CIPD Level 3 HR Awards
AED 2,500
Duration: 1-2 days
- CIPD Level 3 L&D Awards
AED 2,500
Duration: 1-2 days
- CIPD Level 5 – Certificate/Diploma in HR Management
AED 37,500
Duration: 6-9 months
- CIPD Level 5 Diploma in L&D
AED 45,500
Duration: 6 months
- CIPD Level 5 HR Awards
AED 2,800
Duration: 1-2 days
What are some of the Best Human Resources Courses in Dubai, and what is their fee
Some of the best Human Resources courses in Dubai and their fee are given below:
Institute: YourOwn Institute Dubai
Fee: AED 2,500
- Associate Professional in Human Resources – International (aOHRi)
Institute: Learners Point Academy
- Certified Compensation & Benefits Management (CCBM)
Institute: Learners Point Academy
- Certified Human Resources Manager (CHRM)
Institute: Learners Point Academy
- Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP)
Institute: learners Point Academy
- GPHR – The Global Professional in Human Resources
Institute: YourOwn Institute
Fee: AED 4,000
- HR Policies and Procedures
Institute: Global Business Advisors
USD 4,500
- Human Resource and Performance Management
Institute: Global Business Advisors
Fee: USD 4,500
- Human Resource Information System (HRIS)
Institute: Learners Point Academy
- Human Resource Management MA/PG Dip (full time)
Institute: De Montfort University Dubai
Fee: AED 78,750
What are some Top Dubai Human Resource Companies
- Lucky Hunter
- Tiger Recruitment Ltd.
- ALLSTARSIT
- Emerald Technology
- People Prudent Consulting & HR Solutions LLC
- Farahat & Co.
- Hyperlynx
- CFT Consulting
- IMC Group (A Member Firm of Andersen Global in UAE, Singapore, and India)
- N R Doshi & Partners
- Cross Link International
- Accel HR Consultants
- FACTS Computer Software House LLC
Is SHRM better than CIPD
SHRM is mainly focused on the US, and its global reach is much less than CIPD. It needs to be internationally recognized at the level of CIPD. Therefore, CIPD is much better and more widely accepted and respected than CIPD.
What are some of the other highly recognized HR certificates
- HRCI Certification PHR.
- SHRM Certification.
- HRCI Certification SPHR.
- AIHR Organizational Development.
- CPLP-Certified Professional in Learning & Performance.
- AIHR Strategic HR Leadership.
- Upstart Entry Level HR Course.
- Cornell Human Resources Certificate Program.
Learn more about getting scholarships and free education in the Middle East:
Building a Bright Future in the Middle East: Khalifa University Scholarship Application Guide
How to put CIPD in CV
When writing a CV, we start with the most recent qualifications and go backward. So when Adding CIPD to your qualifications, you should write about the examining body, which is CIPD, the starting date, the completion date, and the exams you passed to earn the Qualification.
Final Thoughts
CIPDs are the gateway to entering the HR field with no prior experience and education and making your way up the career ladder in the most time-efficient way. CIPD courses allow people interested in HR and L&D to step into the field as amateurs and gain the necessary knowledge, education, and skills to excel. CIPS advanced and diploma level courses allow those who are already in the field to get higher education, polish their skills, and learn advanced level strategy planning and all the necessary skills required to face all the challenges one could face in their position in HR and L&D. These courses always help specialists qualify to get to the top of their career ladder.
