Everything You Need to Know About CIPD’s New 2021 Qualifications

Recognised globally as the gold standard in HR training, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development‘s qualifications are about to be updated. Launching in January 2021, the new look qualifications have been designed to reflect changes in the world of work, as well as the changing role of HR professionals.

So if you’re keen to work in the people profession, or you’re looking to further your HR career with an CIPD online HR course, read on, as we provide a comprehensive overview of the new qualifications and the professional map at their core.

Currently, you can choose from 17 CIPD qualifications across three levels. When the new range launches, there will only be five qualifications on offer, but you’ll still be able to study at three different levels; foundation, intermediate or advanced.

The CIPD presently offers 6 foundation level qualifications. Awards, certificates and diploma sized qualifications are available, and you can study HR Practice or Learning and Development separately.

Opt for the new CIPD qualifications and you’ll have access to one comprehensive certificate that incorporates both HR and L&D. It also comes with foundation membership.

The two diploma sized qualifications on offer at this level will replace 7 different sized intermediate level qualifications. Each diploma will consist of a common core, plus a block of specialist units that will focus on people management or learning and development. You’ll also be able to choose an extra specialist unit from a variety of options. Associate level qualifications come with associate membership.

The CIPD currently offers three different sized advanced qualifications in Human Resources, and a diploma sized L&D qualification. In 2021, these will be replaced by two advanced diplomas that will include a common core and a block of specialist units in people management or L&D. A further specialist unit will also be on offer. 

Advanced level qualifications come with associate-level membership. However, if you have enough relevant professional experience, you’ll be able to apply to upgrade to chartered membership.

Designed to respond to the changing role of people professionals, the emergence of new employment models and our increasing use of technology, the CIPD’s 2018 Profession Map underpins all of the organisation’s new qualifications. 

The map aims to help people professionals face the future with confidence, by setting out the knowledge, values and behaviours they’ll need to thrive in a changing world. If you’re working in HR or L&D, it will help you to make good decisions, perform at your best, further your career and drive change in your workplace.

There are four key elements at the heart of the Profession Map.

1.Purpose-Having a shared purpose will give you a strong sense of collective identity and help you to know what you stand for. It will also enable you to play your part in improving people’s working lives.

2.Core knowledge-The map identifies six core areas of knowledge you’ll need to create value, drive change and positively impact your workplace.

3.Core behaviours-The map defines eight ways of thinking and acting that will enable you to become an effective professional.

4.Specialist knowledge-The map also Identifies 9 areas of specialist knowledge within the people profession.

As well as defining the key elements at its core, the CIPD’s Profession Map identifies four levels. It also describes the knowledge and behaviour you’ll need to have a positive impact at each level.

At this level, your day-to-day work will involve tasks that provide short-term, instant value for managers and colleagues. You’ll carry out research and use the information you find to understand your work, your employer and the people profession. 

The foundation level standards will also help you to develop your skills and learn about the career opportunities on offer.

If you’re an associate-level HR professional, you’ll use your expertise to deliver short-term to medium value for a wider range of people. You’ll be expected to analyse and use information from multiple sources, and some of your tasks will be complex.

Employment at this level also involves contributing to wider conversations about the work you’re doing. The new professional standards will enable you to improve your performance, explore opportunities to develop your career and provide extra value to stakeholders.

Become a Chartered Member of the CIPD and you’ll be using your expertise to deliver medium to long-term value for a variety of stakeholders. Membership at this level requires the ability to think strategically, drive change, influence other people professionals and evaluate information from a range of sources.

If you’re a Chartered Fellow, your work will be almost entirely strategic. You’ll create long-term value for many people, as you’ll be helping a wide range of HR and L&D professionals to shape the way they view their employees. The Chartered Fellow standards will enable you to lead confidently, gain industry-wide recognition as a thought leader and promote the people profession.

If you study one of the CIPD’s new HR qualifications, you’ll automatically become a member of the organisation. As well as providing professional credibility and recognition, membership comes with a range of valuable benefits including:

Already studying a CIPD qualification? There’s no need to worry, as you’ll still hold a highly respected, valuable qualification once you’ve completed your course. However, if you’re keen to transition to a new CIPD qualification, you’ll be glad to know that CIPD has provided plenty of guidance to help you determine which units you can use as part of your transition. Check it out here.