Navigating HR Success: A Guide to CIPD Qualifications

We recently conducted our largest survey of HR professionals in the South West, with a view to benchmarking the employment market, salaries, benefits, and qualifications. Our report found that 62% of HR professionals held a CIPD qualifications, with 20% qualified to degree level.

Those who hold a CIPD qualification can also earn up to 12% more than those without, according to Lightcast. HR roles requesting CIPD Qualifications pay on average £4,400 more than without.

The CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) qualifications in 2025 will remain highly respected in the HR and people management field, with each level corresponding to specific career stages and responsibilities.

Here is a breakdown of the types of jobs employees might hold with CIPD Levels 3, 5, and 7.

CIPD Level 3 (Foundation Certificate)

This is an entry-level qualification that provides a strong introduction to HR and people management.

Typical roles in 2025

• HR Administrator: Handling administrative tasks like maintaining employee records, onboarding, and compliance.
• HR Assistant: Supporting HR teams with recruitment coordination, scheduling interviews, and employee queries.
• Payroll Administrator: Assisting with payroll processing and managing employee data.
• Recruitment Coordinator: Helping with job postings, applicant tracking, and communication with candidates.

Key focus

These roles are primarily operational and involve supporting more senior HR professionals with day-to-day tasks.

CIPD Level 5 (Associate Diploma)

This is a mid-level qualification designed for HR professionals looking to deepen their expertise and take on more strategic responsibilities.

Typical roles in 2025

• HR Officer: Managing employee relations, implementing HR policies, and advising on employment law.
• HR Advisor: Providing guidance to managers on HR best practices, absence management, and employee performance.
• Talent Acquisition Specialist: Taking ownership of recruitment strategies and employer branding efforts.
• Learning and Development (L&D) Coordinator: Designing and delivering training programs and helping employees upskill.
• People Partner (Junior): Supporting people managers with strategy implementation and team development.

Key focus

Level 5 professionals operate in advisory roles with a mix of strategic and operational responsibilities.

CIPD Level 7 (Advanced Diploma)

This is the highest level of CIPD qualification and is equivalent to postgraduate study, preparing professionals for senior leadership roles.

Typical roles in 2025

• HR Business Partner (HRBP): Acting as a strategic advisor to business units, aligning people strategies with organisational goals.
• Senior HR Manager: Overseeing HR functions such as employee engagement, talent management, and change initiatives.
• L&D Manager/Head of Learning and Development: Leading organisational training strategies and ensuring alignment with company goals.
• Head of People/Head of HR: Shaping organisational culture, designing overarching people strategies, and advising C-suite leaders.
• People Consultant: Providing expert advice on organisational transformation, mergers, or workforce planning.
• HR Director/Chief People Officer: Steering overall people strategy, managing complex HR challenges, and sitting on the executive board.

Key focus

These roles are highly strategic and involve influencing organisational goals, workforce planning, and culture at a senior level.

Career Path Progression

1. Starting Point (Level 3): Entry-level HR roles provide foundational experience.
2. Mid-Level (Level 5): Progressing into advisory or specialist roles like HR Advisor, L&D Coordinator, or Talent Specialist.
3. Leadership (Level 7): Moving into leadership positions with responsibilities for shaping and executing HR strategy.

In summary, each level aligns with a specific stage of an HR professional’s career, offering a pathway from operational support roles to strategic leadership positions.

To see the full report in detail and gets insights on the employment market for HR professionals in 2025, click here.