CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice

Our flexible, award-winning courses and apprenticeships are perfectly packaged in a blended learning format we call Online and On Campus, and delivered by approved CIPD centres across the UK. So now you can choose how, when and where you want to study.

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Course overview

Human Resources professionals deliver front-line assistance to managers and employees. They will typically be taking ownership for providing advice to managers on a wide range of HR issues from recruitment through to retirement, using company policy and current law. 

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is the entry level qualification for a career in Human Resources. Learners will be introduced to a wide range of relevant knowledge and expertise in people practice. This course is suited to learners who are:

  • Studying, aspiring to, or embarking on, a career in people practice
  • Working in a people practice support role and wish to develop their knowledge and deliver immediate and short-term value for their organisation
  • Wanting to develop the specialist knowledge, skills and understanding required to be a people professional

What will I learn?

This qualification provides a strong foundation to give people professionals the confidence and capabilities to guide their decision making, actions and behaviours.

Study method

Online, you will study award-winning video lessons, which are available on demand, and can be viewed from your phone, tablet or computer – meaning you can choose how, when and where you want to study. Lessons last for around 45-60 minutes and are accompanied by animations and motion graphics to bring concepts to life. Practice questions, downloadable lesson materials and interactive case studies help to enhance the learning experience further and learners should expect to spend around 3-4 hours studying independently online each week. 

On campus, you benefit from regular classes with a college tutor – without having to commit to attending multiple evenings each week. Your tutor will review what you have learnt during your online lessons and will be on hand to provide guidance on progress and assessment. Regular discussion with classmates will help to reinforce key points while also providing the additional support and motivation that comes from being part of a group.

Units of study

Learners are required to successfully complete all four mandatory core units:  

  • Business, culture and change in context
  • Principles of analytics
  • Core behaviours for people professionals
  • Essentials of people practice

How will I be assessed?

Assignments are set by CIPD for each unit and learners will be required to pass all four units to achieve the qualification.

Entry requirements

Learners will be expected to hold 5 GCSEs at grade 5 (C) or higher. Prior experience may also be considered. Learners should also have achieved qualifications in English and mathematics at GCSE or equivalent. 

Progression

Successful achievement of the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice will allow progression to study higher CIPD Associate Level 5 qualifications. 

Career opportunities

Upon successful completion of the course, learners will be able to undertake a range of roles in HR, including Recruiter, HR Advisor, HR Officer, HR Generalist, HR Coordinator and Training Coordinator.

Successful completion of the CIPD L3 Certificate gives you Foundation Membership of the CIPD. CIPD membership gives you a badge of professionalism that is internationally recognised, showcasing your knowledge and impact within the people profession.

Additional information

The duration of this course is 12 months. On campus attendance is one day per fortnight during term time.

How to apply

Applications can be made via our partner colleges and training providers.

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