A CIPD certification can be a crucial asset if you’re looking to take the next step in your career. But there are a lot of options available and choosing the right one can be overwhelming. You’ll need to consider several factors, including your current skill set, circumstances and ultimate career goals. 

That’s why we’ve put together this guide, which will help you find the perfect CIPD course for you. 

What CIPD level should I choose? 

There are three CIPD qualifications, designed to accommodate people professionals at different levels of their career. 

CIPD Level 3 is the foundation level. This is ideal for those who are starting their career, or perhaps looking for a refresher on the basics of people practice. 

CIPD Level 5 is the intermediate level and is roughly the equivalent of an undergraduate degree. It is designed for people who already have some experience in human resources and are thinking about making the step into management. 

CIPD Level 7 is more advanced and could be considered the equivalent of a postgraduate degree. This qualification is designed for senior HR professionals with significant input in an organisation’s strategy. 

The specialist courses 

Avado offer dedicated courses, for professionals looking to sharpen their skills in specific areas with L&D and HR. 

These include: 

Human Resource Management, which helps professionals hone their people management skills. 

Learning and Development (L&D), which teaches professionals how to implement effective training and development strategies. 

Think about your personal and professional goals. 

You should think long and hard about what you want before selecting a CIPD course. Where you see yourself in ten years – would you rather be managing a team or specialising in a particular area? 

Try and write down the five skills you are most proud of, and the five areas you believe you need to improve in. This self-reflection exercise will help you decide which course is best suited for what you need and where you want to go. 

Other factors to consider 

Once you’ve decided what you want from your course, you’ll need to assess the course itself to see if it suits your needs. 

Think about your learning style. Do you prefer the structure, community and collaboration of an online classroom, or would you rather have the flexibility and focus of a self-paced online course? You’ll also need to consider practical factors, such as the price and the duration of the course. 

Avado offers two kinds of online courses. Its Professional courses are cohort-based and tutor-led, with live classes. These are ideal for those who like to engage with others and bounce ideas off their tutors and fellow learners. 

On the other hand, Avado’s Lite courses are 100% self-paced. These courses give learners access to Avado’s vast online resources and allow them to study at their rate. 

Be sure to choose the course that fits you best. 

Do your research 

When it comes to something as important as your career, you’ll want to make sure you’re in the right hands. Be sure to research your course provider before you hand over your hard-earned money. 

Check out reviews and testimonials from past students. These can give you valuable insight into areas like course clarity, the effectiveness of the teachers, and the overall learning experience. 

Websites like Trustpilot can give you a good indication of the general level of quality you can expect. At the time of writing, Avado holds a 4.4 rating after more than 2,700 reviews on Trustpilot.