CIPD Level 5 – Associate Diploma in People Management

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is the UK’s most widely recognised mid-level HR qualification. If you are looking to move beyond operational HR, step into a management or strategic role, or gain a formal qualification to validate your hands-on experience, this diploma provides the skills and credibility to make that progression.

Whether you have completed your CIPD Level 3, have relevant HR experience, or are already working in HR and looking to formalise your knowledge, this qualification equips you with the expertise needed to excel in HR strategy, people leadership, and employee relations.

Equivalent to a foundation degree (RQF Level 5), this globally recognised qualification leads to CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD), strengthening your professional standing and opening the door to mid and senior-level HR roles.

Qualification Level: Equivalent to a Foundation Degree / Second Year of an Undergraduate Degree (RQF Level 5)

CIPD qualifications offered through our partners e-Careers.

The qualification is made up of 7 units in total, covering 3 core units and 4 specialist units. Each unit is assessed independently.

Core Units

5CO01 – Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice

This unit explores the relationship between organisational structure, strategy, and the wider business environment. You will develop your understanding of what drives change, how to foster inclusive and diverse workplaces, and how people practice aligns with and supports broader organisational goals.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the connections between organisational structure and strategy and the business operating environment
• Understand organisational priorities, how to interpret relevant theories, and what drives change
• Understand how to build diversity and inclusion within organisations
• Understand how people practice connects to and supports broader organisational strategies

5CO02 – Evidence-Based Practice

This unit focuses on applying research, data, and critical thinking to inform HR decisions. You will learn to diagnose organisational challenges, evaluate different approaches, and demonstrate the measurable impact that people practice delivers.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the methods used to diagnose challenges and opportunities within organisations
• Understand critical thinking and how different ethical perspectives can influence decisions
• Understand the benefits and risks of solutions for improving people practice issues
• Understand how to measure the impact that people practice makes on organisations

5CO03 – Professional Behaviours and Valuing People

This unit examines the professional values and behaviours expected of HR practitioners. It equips you with the tools to champion inclusive working, develop positive workplace relationships, and reflect on your own professional development.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to champion inclusive and collaborative strategies
• Understand how to design and evaluate solutions for positive working relationships
• Understand how the role of a people professional is evolving
• Understand how to assess your own strengths, weaknesses, and development areas

Specialist Units

5HR01 – Employment Relationship Management

This unit covers the legal, ethical, and practical dimensions of managing employment relationships. It addresses conflict resolution, employee voice, and the legislative framework that governs the workplace.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to develop practices that support better working lives
• Understand the difference between employee involvement and participation
• Understand emerging trends in conflict, mediation, and arbitration
• Understand how to handle performance, disciplinary, and grievance matters
• Understand employment law and the different forms of employee representation

5HR02 – Talent Management and Workforce Planning

This unit develops your ability to plan and manage the workforce strategically. It covers labour market dynamics, succession planning, retention strategies, and the management of employment contracts and onboarding processes.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand labour market trends and their significance for workforce planning
• Understand the impact of a changing labour market on resourcing decisions
• Understand how to support succession and contingency planning
• Understand turnover and retention trends and how organisations build talent pipelines
• Understand the importance of managing contractual arrangements and effective onboarding

5HR03 – Reward for Performance and Contribution

This unit examines how reward strategies are designed, implemented, and evaluated. It covers the principles of reward, the use of data in benchmarking, and the legislative requirements that shape reward decisions.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the principles of reward and how policies and practices are implemented
• Understand how individual and organisational performance influences reward approaches
• Understand how data is gathered, measured, and used in reward benchmarking
• Understand how to develop reward packages in line with legislative requirements
• Understand the role of people practice in supporting managers to make fair reward judgements

5OS06 – Leadership and Management Development

This unit builds your knowledge of how organisations develop their leaders and managers. It covers the design and evaluation of leadership development initiatives and the competencies required for effective talent development and succession planning.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the relevance of leadership and management, and the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required
• Understand various learning and development approaches used in developing leaders and managers
• Understand how to evaluate the effectiveness of leadership and management development initiatives

This qualification is well suited to:

• CIPD Level 3 graduates looking to step into senior HR roles
• HR professionals with experience seeking a formal qualification to strengthen their strategic HR knowledge
• Those aiming to advance into HR Business Partnering, HR leadership, or HR consultancy roles
• Career changers transitioning into HR from other fields, seeking a globally recognised qualification

Career Progression – Moves you from operational HR responsibilities into more strategic people management work, with access to higher-level roles and greater earning potential.

Global Recognition – A CIPD Level 5 qualification is respected by employers across the UK and internationally as a benchmark of HR competence and professionalism.

Practical, Applicable Skills – Develops expertise directly applicable to employee relations, workforce planning, reward management, and leadership development.

CIPD Associate Membership – On completion, you gain Assoc CIPD status, a professional designation that supports long-term career growth and employer confidence.

Flexible Study – Fully online and self-paced, built around the demands of a working professional’s life.

Cost & Payment Options – You can choose to pay upfront or spread the cost with 0% finance, subject to eligibility. A price match guarantee is also available — if you find this course cheaper elsewhere, we will try our best to match it.

Enquire to find out more or to discuss your options, including any available discounts.

This diploma is designed for HR professionals with prior relevant experience or a CIPD Level 3 qualification.

If English is not your first language, the following are recommended (though not mandatory):

• IELTS: 6.0 overall score
• TOEFL: 79 overall score
• Cambridge: Grade C or above

We are happy to discuss your individual circumstances if you are unsure whether this course is right for you.

Please note: CIPD membership is required for your assignments to be marked. For Level 5, you will need either a CIPD Student Membership or a CIPD Professional Membership if you already hold one. Membership fees are not included in the course price and are paid directly to CIPD.

Average completion time: 12–15 months

Course access: 18 months from enrolment

Total Qualification Time: 420 hours

The extended access period is designed to give you the flexibility to engage fully with the course content and complete your qualification at a pace that suits your professional and personal commitments.

There are no exams. Assessment is entirely written assignment-based — one assignment per unit, seven in total.

• Draft assignments are included in the course for tutor review and feedback before final submission
• You have up to three attempts to pass each assignment
• Resubmissions are included at no additional cost
• All assignments are submitted online

Number of assessments: 7

Grading: Pass or Fail per unit

Self-Paced Learning – Study at your own speed with 24/7 access to all course materials, from any device

Interactive eLearning Platform – Includes videos, interactive quizzes, practical demonstrations, structured resources, and assignment guidance throughout

90+ HR & L&D eBooks – Access the Kogan Page digital library covering a wide range of people practice and HR topics

Live Online Classes – Optional live sessions for assignment preparation and Q&A; all sessions are recorded for later viewing

Unlimited Tutor Support – Expert guidance available at every stage of your learning journey

Microsoft Excel Training – Complimentary Excel training is included to develop your data management and HR reporting skills

Assignment Support – Structured guidance and draft feedback from enrolment through to final submission

Completing the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management positions you for a wide range of mid to senior-level HR roles, including:

• HR Business Partner
• HR Manager
• People Manager
• HR Consultant
• Talent Acquisition Manager
• Talent Manager
• HR Advisor (Senior Level)

Typical salary expectations:

• HR Business Partner roles are commonly advertised at around £54,000–£66,000
• People Partner positions average around £46,000–£72,000
• Talent Manager roles often sit in the mid-£50,000s and above

Salaries vary by role, sector, and location, with London and specialist sectors typically offering higher remuneration. CIPD Level 5 represents a strong step forward for those looking to increase their earning potential alongside their move into more strategic HR responsibilities.

This diploma also provides a clear pathway to the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma, for those looking to progress into senior strategic and leadership roles within people practice.

What is the CIPD Level 5 equivalent to? The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is equivalent to a foundation degree, or the second year of an undergraduate degree (RQF Level 5). On successful completion, you will gain CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD).

Is the CIPD Level 5 difficult? It is more advanced than Level 3 and requires a greater degree of strategic thinking and critical analysis. However, with comprehensive online learning resources, unlimited tutor support, and flexible self-paced study, it is very manageable for motivated learners.

How long does the CIPD Level 5 take to complete? The average completion time is 12–15 months, with 18 months of course access provided. Some learners complete the diploma sooner by dedicating more study time each week.

What roles can I move into with a CIPD Level 5? This qualification opens the door to roles such as HR Business Partner, HR Manager, HR Consultant, Talent Acquisition Manager, and other mid to senior-level HR positions.

Can I get funding for the CIPD Level 5? Funding options vary. We recommend researching government grants, employer sponsorship, and professional development loans. Contact us for information on any current funding opportunities.

Can you fail the CIPD Level 5? Assignments must meet the required standards to pass. However, you have up to three attempts per assignment, with tutor feedback provided to support your resubmission should it be needed.

Is there a payment plan available? Yes. You can spread the cost with 0% finance options, subject to eligibility, or choose to pay upfront. Contact us to discuss the option that best suits your budget.