What does 'part CIPD qualified' mean?

Hi Jennifer... this intrigued me so I checked with colleagues.

Essentially, 'part qualified' is quite an outdated term.

Year ago we used to offer only two levels of qualification - a Level 3 (Certificate in Personnel/Training Practice) and Level 7 (Professional Development Scheme).

Typically, if you had completed the former, you would be 'part-qualified' and an Associate member. The latter - the Level 7 - meant you were 'fully qualified'.

Because our quals and membership structures have changed vastly since then, these are terms we don't really use.

Different employers and recruiters will have their own requirements for levels of qualification. As we now offer Levels 3, 5 & 7 (and also an Experience Assessment route into membership), there is more to it.

Best thing for anyone in this position may be to query the recruiting organisation's definition... and find out exactly what they are looking for. For example, are they looking for a candidate to have a particular level of membership or qualification as a minimum for the role?

Hope this helps?

By the way back in the day it was CPP then PQS, then CPP then PDS. Part qualified never meant Associate! Another thing, I was always surprised how many longstanding HR assistants I met back in the late 90's who were Graduate members!

By the way back in the day it was CPP then PQS, then CPP then PDS. Part qualified never meant Associate! Another thing, I was always surprised how many longstanding HR assistants I met back in the late 90's who were Graduate members!