If you’re aiming to start or advance your career in HR or learning and development, a CIPD qualification can be a crucial stepping stone. With courses available in both HR and L&D, enrolling in a CIPD programme can take you from being an industry novice to an expert in no time.

The CIPD qualification cost depends on several factors, including the level you choose and your preferred study method. To help you make an informed decision, here’s a breakdown of the costs for CIPD qualifications at Avado, so you can see if one of these esteemed qualifications aligns with your goals.

The Different Types of CIPD Qualifications

CIPD qualifications are offered at three levels—Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7—each tailored to different stages of your career.

Level 3: Ideal for beginners in HR or L&D, looking to secure entry-level roles like HR Assistant or Training Practitioner. For example, the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice.

Level 5: Suited for those with some HR or L&D experience or a degree, aiming for mid-level roles such as HR Manager or L&D Advisor. Examples include the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management and the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development.

Level 7: Designed for experienced HR professionals or those with an HR degree, preparing you for strategic senior roles like HR Director or L&D Consultant. An example is the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management.

How Much Does a CIPD Qualification Cost?

When considering a CIPD qualification at Avado, it’s important to understand the full range of costs, payment plans, and flexible options available. Each course comes with a standard price, but Avado also offers significant discounts, making it more affordable to advance your career.

CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice 

For the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate, the standard cost is £2,280 (including VAT). However, if you sign up now, you can benefit from a discounted price of £1,596 (including VAT), saving you up to £684 with a 30% discount.

Avado offers two payment plans for this course:

• Lite Plan: For a one-off payment of £1,200 or £140 per month (Interest-free monthly payment plans), you’ll have flexible, unlimited access to all course materials and tutor sessions. This plan includes 100% online study, a comprehensive resource library, pre-assessment briefings, and support with referencing and academic writing.

• Professional Plan: For a one-off payment of £2,280 or £280 per month (Interest-free monthly payment plans), you’ll experience a structured, cohort-based programme with live tutor sessions. This plan also offers live classes, access to Avado Connect, instant assignment feedback through QuickScore, and continuous support from Ava, your 24/7 AI-powered assistant.

CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management and CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development

For those aiming at the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management or the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development, the standard price is £3,729 (including VAT).

With the current discount, the cost is reduced to £2,610 (including VAT), allowing you to save up to £1,119.

To make this qualification more accessible, Avado provides a flexible 11-month payment plan (10 months + deposit) with 0% interest. You can choose to make a one-off payment of £3,729 or opt for a payment plan that begins with an initial deposit of £339, followed by ten monthly instalments of £339.

By choosing this plan, you can focus on your studies without the stress of upfront full payment, and with the benefit of 0% interest, you can manage your finances more effectively.

CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management is priced at £7,315 (including VAT).

However, if you enrol now, you can take advantage of a 32% discount, bringing the cost down to £4,974 (including VAT), saving you up to £2,341.

Avado offers a straightforward payment plan to help you manage this investment. You can either make a one-off payment of £7,315 or choose the 0% finance plan, which requires an initial deposit of £665, followed by ten monthly instalments of £665.

Price vs Quality

When comparing CIPD course providers, it’s important to recognise that not all are the same. Lower-cost options might seem appealing, but they often come with limited resources. Some providers only offer access to online PDFs and self-study materials, without the support of tutors or an interactive learning platform. This can leave learners feeling unsupported, particularly when tackling more complex topics or assessments.

However, course providers such as Avado take a more comprehensive approach to learning. In addition to offering structured content, they provide ongoing support from expert tutors and access to innovative tools like QuickScore, which delivers instant feedback on assignments, and Ava, an AI-powered assistant available 24/7 to answer questions. Learners also benefit from Avado Connect, a growing community of HR and L&D professionals that provides further resources and networking opportunities. These features make the learning experience more engaging, accessible, and effective, helping learners stay on track and succeed in their studies.

Employer Sponsorship Options

At Avado, we recognise that many employers prioritise professional development. To support this, we offer the flexibility for your employer to fully or partially fund your training. Employer sponsorship can significantly ease the financial burden on you and demonstrate your value to your organisation. Discuss the possibility of sponsorship with your employer and explore how investing in your CIPD qualification can benefit both you and your workplace.

These flexible payment options are designed to make high-quality education accessible, ensuring you can focus on your studies without financial stress. Avado’s payment plans, combined with comprehensive course features, provide a valuable and economical path to achieving your CIPD qualification.