Hello CIPD peeps
I have been asked a few times exactly what the Chartered CIPD qualification is equivalent to in academic terms, and am struggling to evidence this online here.
Is it a post graduate diploma? At what level is it considered?
Any pointers helpful - many thanks.
I have followed this discussion with interest and agree it can be confusing when trying to ascertain what 'CIPD qualified' actually means, so I hope I can clarify a few key points.
The achievement of academic qualifications and being recognised as a fully qualified professional are not the same thing.
The CIPD qualifications are an important way of gaining the necessary knowledge HR professionals need to draw upon, but it is what a person actually does, and how they do it that denotes a 'fully qualified' and competent HR professional.
For the 3 Professional levels of CIPD membership we need to assess Knowledge, Activities and Behaviours. The relevant CIPD qualification means the knowledge requirement has been met - but it is through the upgrade process that we assess experience to confirm that the Activities and Behaviours have also been met. Professional recognition is not awarded just on the basis of a qualification alone.
For the Chartered levels of membership the minimum level of CIPD qualification required to cover the Knowledge requirement is the advanced diploma (delivered as a postgraduate diploma or as a Masters qualification) level 7 on QCF framework.
Once a student has completed their advanced/postgraduate diploma, they can apply to upgrade to any of the three professional grades of membership - Associate, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow. The grade for which they apply will be dependent on the level of professional experience they have.
The CIPD Intermediate (minimum QCF level 5) or Foundation (minimum level 3) qualifications cover the knowledge necessary for Associate membership, and again students can apply for the upgrade if they have the right experience. (Without a level 7 qualification they cannot upgrade into a Chartered grade).
We're working hard to promote the message about the value of the three professional grades of membership, and in time our aim is that Associate, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow will replace the use of 'CIPD qualified', signifying the importance of both practical experience and knowledge gained, maintained through ongoing CPD. This approach is in line with most other professions.
We do have an alternative route to gaining a professional grade of membership for those who already hold the practical experience, but not the qualification. Experience Assessment allows you to use your current and previous work experience to demonstrate you meet the criteria at the relevant level.
For further advice on individual enquiries, or membership progression, our customer services team will be happy to help, and can be contacted on 020 8612 6208.
Thanks.
Frances Overton, Membership Manager, CIPD
I have followed this discussion with interest and agree it can be confusing when trying to ascertain what 'CIPD qualified' actually means, so I hope I can clarify a few key points.
The achievement of academic qualifications and being recognised as a fully qualified professional are not the same thing.
The CIPD qualifications are an important way of gaining the necessary knowledge HR professionals need to draw upon, but it is what a person actually does, and how they do it that denotes a 'fully qualified' and competent HR professional.
For the 3 Professional levels of CIPD membership we need to assess Knowledge, Activities and Behaviours. The relevant CIPD qualification means the knowledge requirement has been met - but it is through the upgrade process that we assess experience to confirm that the Activities and Behaviours have also been met. Professional recognition is not awarded just on the basis of a qualification alone.
For the Chartered levels of membership the minimum level of CIPD qualification required to cover the Knowledge requirement is the advanced diploma (delivered as a postgraduate diploma or as a Masters qualification) level 7 on QCF framework.
Once a student has completed their advanced/postgraduate diploma, they can apply to upgrade to any of the three professional grades of membership - Associate, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow. The grade for which they apply will be dependent on the level of professional experience they have.
The CIPD Intermediate (minimum QCF level 5) or Foundation (minimum level 3) qualifications cover the knowledge necessary for Associate membership, and again students can apply for the upgrade if they have the right experience. (Without a level 7 qualification they cannot upgrade into a Chartered grade).
We're working hard to promote the message about the value of the three professional grades of membership, and in time our aim is that Associate, Chartered Member or Chartered Fellow will replace the use of 'CIPD qualified', signifying the importance of both practical experience and knowledge gained, maintained through ongoing CPD. This approach is in line with most other professions.
We do have an alternative route to gaining a professional grade of membership for those who already hold the practical experience, but not the qualification. Experience Assessment allows you to use your current and previous work experience to demonstrate you meet the criteria at the relevant level.
For further advice on individual enquiries, or membership progression, our customer services team will be happy to help, and can be contacted on 020 8612 6208.
Thanks.
Frances Overton, Membership Manager, CIPD
