Starting Level 5 CIPD Diploma in HRM

I've been in HR around 16 years (mainly at Assistant level), have a non HR related degree and prior to starting my Level 5 had already successfully completed Level 3 and Level 4 (NVQ - no longer recognised under CIPD qualification levels). So I had previously raised a post on here as to whether I should start at Level 5 or Level 7 as different providers were advising different levels. In the end I started at Level 7 but as mixed mode /distance/work based learning found that I just couldn't evidence enough experience at Manager/Business Partner/Director level however much opportunities etc. I would be given, so the provider then dropped me down to Level 5.

Whilst I had the HR experience , it was still challenging enough to push me but not set me up to fail. For me it was about getting familiar with the requirements of the assignment - what to include and exclude within relatively short word limits for these kind of topics as well as reading, researching and referencing. Though the CIPD guidance (student area) helped a lot with this.

I was also really lucky in that I work in a large public sector HR team who had all previously studied CIPD qualifications as well as being assigned a mentor. So if you feel you are lacking HR knowledge read/research and make the most of sharing other's knowledge 'if' you work in large team as well as using the CIPD Student area.

I've been in HR around 16 years (mainly at Assistant level), have a non HR related degree and prior to starting my Level 5 had already successfully completed Level 3 and Level 4 (NVQ - no longer recognised under CIPD qualification levels). So I had previously raised a post on here as to whether I should start at Level 5 or Level 7 as different providers were advising different levels. In the end I started at Level 7 but as mixed mode /distance/work based learning found that I just couldn't evidence enough experience at Manager/Business Partner/Director level however much opportunities etc. I would be given, so the provider then dropped me down to Level 5.

Whilst I had the HR experience , it was still challenging enough to push me but not set me up to fail. For me it was about getting familiar with the requirements of the assignment - what to include and exclude within relatively short word limits for these kind of topics as well as reading, researching and referencing. Though the CIPD guidance (student area) helped a lot with this.

I was also really lucky in that I work in a large public sector HR team who had all previously studied CIPD qualifications as well as being assigned a mentor. So if you feel you are lacking HR knowledge read/research and make the most of sharing other's knowledge 'if' you work in large team as well as using the CIPD Student area.

Hi Claire, thank you for getting in touch.

I have heard how difficult the Level 7 can be and do know how demanding this level is so your comments do not surprise me at all, it's great that you were able to complete the Level 5 instead.

Your suggestions are very helpful. I should be starting in November so I will be doing a lot of reading and research to prepare, hopefully this will help me!

Thanks again and have a lovely day :)