CIPD Level 5 – Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is a mid-level qualification designed for L&D professionals ready to step into more senior, strategic roles. Whether you have completed your CIPD Level 3 or already have relevant training and development experience, this diploma equips you with the advanced knowledge and skills needed to lead learning strategy, improve performance management, and drive effective digital learning across organisations.

Equivalent to a foundation degree (RQF Level 5), this internationally recognised qualification leads to CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD), significantly enhancing your professional credibility and career prospects within the L&D field.

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: 3 core units, 3 specialist units, and 1 optional unit. Each unit is assessed independently.

Core Units

5CO01 – Organisational Performance and Culture in Practice

This unit explores the factors that influence organisational performance and the dynamics of workplace culture. You will develop the skills to improve performance, align people practice with strategic objectives, and apply effective communication strategies that support organisational success.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the relationships between organisational strategy and structure
• Recognise the drivers of change, organisational priorities, and relevant theoretical frameworks
• Understand how to promote inclusivity and diversity within organisations
• Recognise the links between people practice initiatives and broader organisational objectives

5CO02 – Evidence-Based Practice

This unit examines how research, data, and critical thinking inform decision-making in professional practice. You will develop the ability to evaluate evidence, apply research findings in real-world contexts, and strengthen the quality of people practice decisions.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the techniques used to identify problems and opportunities within organisations
• Recognise the importance of critical thinking and how ethical considerations affect professional decisions
• Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of potential approaches to people practice challenges
• Understand how to measure and communicate the contribution of people practice to organisational outcomes

5CO03 – Professional Behaviours and Valuing People

This unit focuses on the real-world impact of professional behaviours in the workplace. It equips learners with the tools to communicate effectively, foster collaboration, and navigate the complexities of modern organisational environments with confidence and integrity.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand approaches to promoting inclusive and collaborative working practices
• Know how to develop and evaluate solutions that support productive working relationships
• Recognise the evolving nature of the people professional role
• Know how to assess your own strengths, development areas, and opportunities for growth

Specialist Units

5LD01 – Supporting Self-Directed and Social Learning

This unit focuses on creating environments where self-directed and social learning can flourish. You will gain practical insights and techniques to encourage learners to take ownership of their development and support a culture of continuous learning within organisations.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the principles underpinning self-directed and social learning
• Recognise the actions organisations can take to encourage a learning culture
• Understand how technology enables and supports self-directed learning

5LD02 – Learning and Development Design to Create Value

This unit provides the knowledge and skills needed to design effective learning and development programmes. You will consider organisational needs, stakeholder perspectives, and learner engagement when crafting solutions that deliver measurable value.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the key considerations when designing learning and development interventions
• Know how to identify and assess learning and development needs within an organisation
• Understand how to conduct a stakeholder analysis in relation to learning and development
• Know how to design engaging and effective learning solutions

5LD03 – Facilitate Personalised and Performance-Focused Learning

This unit develops your ability to create accessible, personalised learning resources and apply effective facilitation techniques. It also addresses the critical role of line managers in ensuring that learning is successfully transferred back into the workplace.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand how to design a range of adaptable and accessible learning materials
• Know how to apply facilitation strategies that meet diverse learner needs
• Understand how to deliver inclusive learning activities that achieve performance goals
• Recognise the concept of learning transfer and the role of line managers in supporting it

Optional Unit

5OS06 – Leadership and Management Development

This unit builds the knowledge and skills required to support leadership and management development within organisations. It covers effective development strategies, managerial skill enhancement, and the competencies needed for talent development and succession planning.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand the implications, risks, and challenges associated with technological change in the workplace
• Know how to develop engaging digital learning content and understand the available learning delivery platforms
• Recognise the competencies required to support online learning and incorporate these into a personal development plan

This qualification is well suited to:

• L&D professionals looking to advance into learning strategy, coaching and mentoring, or leadership development.
• Career changers or HR professionals seeking to move into Organisational Learning & Development roles.
• CIPD Level 3 graduates or those with relevant training and development experience, aiming for senior L&D positions.
• People managers responsible for training needs analysis, learning technologies, and performance improvement.

Those with degree-level education looking to specialise in Organisational Learning and Development.

Career Advancement – Moves you beyond entry-level HR into strategic L&D roles, including L&D Manager, Training Manager, and Learning Consultant.

Professional Recognition – Leads to CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD), a globally respected professional designation valued by employers across the UK and internationally.

Strategic Expertise – Builds the analytical and strategic thinking skills needed to design, deliver, and evaluate impactful learning and development programmes.

Flexible Study – Fully online and self-paced, designed to fit around your existing career and personal commitments.

Salary Progression – CIPD-qualified professionals are widely recognised as commanding stronger earning potential, with Associate-level status opening doors to higher-salaried mid and senior roles.

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.

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

This diploma is designed for professionals with prior L&D experience or a CIPD Level 3 qualification. Those with degree-level education looking to specialise in Organisational Learning and Development are also welcome to apply.

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 the right fit for you.

Please note: You will need to hold either a CIPD Student Membership or a Professional Membership for your assignments to be marked. 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 ample time to engage fully with the course content and complete your qualification without unnecessary pressure.

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 practice and tutor review 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 round-the-clock access to all course materials, from any device

Interactive eLearning Platform – Includes videos, structured resources, briefings, and assignment guidance throughout

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

Career Support – Dedicated career support to help you take the next step after qualification

Completing the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development prepares you for a wide range of mid to senior-level L&D roles, including:

• L&D Manager
• L&D Business Partner
• Training Manager
• Learning Consultant
• Instructional Designer
• Talent Development Specialist
• Organisational Development Advisor

CIPD Associate Membership (Assoc CIPD) is widely recognised by employers as a mark of professional credibility, and CIPD-qualified professionals consistently achieve stronger earning potential than those without a formal qualification.

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

What is the CIPD Level 5 L&D equivalent to? The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is equivalent to a foundation degree, or the second year of an undergraduate degree (RQF Level 5). It demonstrates a strong level of professional competence in L&D.

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 self-paced study, unlimited tutor support, and comprehensive learning resources available throughout, 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 it sooner by dedicating more study time each week.

What roles can I move into with a CIPD Level 5 L&D qualification? This qualification opens the door to mid and senior-level roles such as L&D Manager, Training Manager, Learning Consultant, Instructional Designer, and L&D Business Partner.

Does a CIPD qualification increase salary? Yes. CIPD qualifications are highly regarded by employers across the UK and internationally. Professionals holding a CIPD qualification typically command higher salaries than those without, with Associate Membership further strengthening your position in the job market.

Is there a payment plan available? Yes. You can spread the cost with 0% finance options, subject to eligibility, or choose to pay in full upfront. Contact us to find out which plan works best for you.