HR Career Hub

HR Career HubHR Career HubHR Career Hub

HR Career Hub

HR Career HubHR Career HubHR Career Hub
  • Home
  • HR Careers
  • CIPD Support
  • Events
  • FAQs
  • About me
  • Blog
  • More
    • Home
    • HR Careers
    • CIPD Support
    • Events
    • FAQs
    • About me
    • Blog
  • Home
  • HR Careers
  • CIPD Support
  • Events
  • FAQs
  • About me
  • Blog

How to choose a CIPD provider

Choosing the correct level of study and the right provider is important. Getting either wrong will mean that you might not achieve what you hoped from the qualification and some students may opt to abandon the course.


I often get asked "which level should I study" and "who would you recommend"? The first question is easier to answer, and really depends on your objectives for completing the qualification. When choosing a provider, the most important thing is to find the right fit. Many of us will look for the cheapest option, but if they aren't the right fit for you, you might regret your decision.

Which level?

CIPD Level 3

CIPD Level 3

CIPD Level 3

This is an A-Level equivalent course and great for those who either:

  • Haven't ever studied after school / want to ease themselves back into study
  • Work in HR and want an HR qualification on their CV but aren't planning on career progression in the near future
  • Have a general interest in HR 


CIPD Level 5

CIPD Level 3

CIPD Level 3

This is a Degree level course and perfect for those who either:

  • Have completed an unrelated Degree and have since moved into HR 
  • Want to career change into HR at an Advisor level or above
  • Want to progress from HR Administrator to HR Advisor
  • Already work in HR in an Operational role 'doing' the HR

Which CIPD Provider?

Support

Support

Support

Realistically, how much support do you need? If you have worked in HR for 20 years and have previously completed a Degree or above, then you're likely to need a different level of support than someone that's never worked in HR and hasn't studied for 20 years. 


Pace

Support

Support

 Some people need deadlines, they work better under pressure and if there's a fixed deadline in place that will motivate them. Others prefer complete flexibility, with or without a suggested plan as a backup. If you have family commitments, hobbies, are moving house, changing jobs, you're likely to prefer the flexible option. 

Resources

Reputation

Reputation

 What does the provider give you access to, and does this work for you? You cannot reference the learning material from your provider, you must do external research. So, if you prefer the safety net of your provider giving you plenty of material, you will opt for a different provider than someone that's willing to work off the brief and indicative content guide then set themselves loose on Google. 

Reputation

Reputation

Reputation

 Look at reviews and see what students are saying. Often negative feedback is a result of the learners' needs above not being met by their chosen provider. Bypass these and really think about the 3 factors above. If all of the complaints are about a lack of structure and deadlines and that's something that you want, then it's not the provider for you. 

My Recommendation

Ad. I have been researching providers for the last 12 months as this question often comes up and I wanted to be able to point learners towards a provider. I am partnering with HRC Online. They are a smaller provider and I have met with their MD, James a few times and feel that they are a great option for these reasons:
✅ They provide accessible support to their learners
✅ Learners have a mentor who can help them create a study plan, but this plan is flexible in case life gets in the way
✅ Learners have 2 years to complete the course, which is 33% more than other providers
✅Their reviews are excellent and back up the above.

And, really key for me - ✅ They still provide feedback on questions that have passed, and will continue to do this, so that learners can benefit from knowing what they did really well. The CIPD changed the rules recently and the big providers have stopped doing it. I'm a big believer in providing feedback as knowing what we've done well or not so well will mean we perform even better next time.


Do consider HRC Online as part of your research and if you choose to sign up, get 15% off Level 3 or 5 courses using the code HRCAREERHUB (not available on payment plans)

Find out more

Use the links to navigate to the HRC Online pages
Level 5 Level 3

Copyright © 2025 HR Career Hub - All Rights Reserved.

Powered by

  • Privacy Policy

This website uses cookies.

We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.

DeclineAccept