Should I complete CIPD 5 or CIPD 7? - HR Qualifications and studying - Careers Clinic

2 Should I complete CIPD 5 or CIPD 7?

Liana | 0 Posts

11 Feb, 2025 15:24

Hi everyone! I'm currently working as an HR administrator at a household-name company.

I graduated in 2022 with a degree in Germanic and Hispanic Studies from a good university.

I currently have no HR qualifications, and have come to realise that I'm basically stuck in an admin job until I get some sort of qualification.

I'm unsure whether I should do Level 5 or Level 7.

I'm seeing a lot of conflicting comments from people and I'm worried that if I do level 7, I'll find it overwhelmingly hard. My colleagues have also had conflicting things to say. One said I'd find it straight forward and another said she found it extremely difficult. I just don't know what to think!

I'd rather just get it all out the way and get my qualification, so that I can progress quickly and earn better money. However, I don't want to run myself into the ground, as I work full-time, train Crossfit everyday and like to have time for my hobbies and friends. Unfortunately, I have suffered from severe depression in the past, and currently my medication keeps me stable. I don't want to however risk myself being completely overwhelmed with stress and getting ill again.

Additionally, I'm awaiting my German citizenship (will take about 2 years for them to process the documents), and then I plan on moving to Europe (in about 4 years time). Is the CIPD internationally recognised?

Any thoughts will be greatly appreciated!

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Jackie Allen | 0 Posts

12 Feb, 2025 08:44

Hi Liana - I talk to people all the time about this in my role so am really happy to chat through with you to explore your options and the pros and cons if that would help. Just DM me if you would like to arrange. Jackie
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Hannah | 0 Posts

9 Apr, 2025 09:04

Hi Liana,
I appreciate your post was made a little while ago, but if you are still considering L5 v L7 and unsure on your best route, i would advise giving consideration to what you are hoping to achieve by studying.

If you are hoping that gaining a qualification will help you advance in your career, then i wouldn't bother with L7 right now, as it doesn't make sense for where you're at. You could gain L7 but that doesn't mean you are going to walk into a BP role, as you still don't have the skills and experience.

A good route could be talking to your current Line Manager and letting them know you are keen to progress in your HR career and would love the opportunity to take on any new tasks that will allow for skill development and experience, also advise them that you are considering studying.

That in combination with an appropriate CIPD qualification, either level 3 or 5 dependant (use the online CIPD assessment tool to advise you on the right level for where you are at in your career) could allow for realistic progression, without too much pressure.

With regards to the CIPD qualification being recognised outside of the UK, I am not sure, however, solid understanding of employment law and processes within any country is paramount for securing a role and even if CIPD is recognised, I'd imagine companies would be more interested in seeing that you have a sound knowledge of their employment law and employment practises.

Best of luck
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