Associate diplomas

An Associate Diploma is for existing people professionals who are ready for the next step and are looking to drive change within their organisation.  

Choose between an Associate Diploma in People Management or Organisational Learning and Development.

An Associate Diploma typically takes 12-16 months to complete.

Qualification fees vary depending on where, how and with which centre you choose to study. In the UK, an Associate Diploma typically costs between £1600 - £3600 

The CIPD's Associate level qualifications are Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) Level 5 in England and Northern Ireland. Credit and Qualifications Framework (CQFW) Level 5 in Wales. Comparable to Level 7 in Ireland on The Irish National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ), Level 9 in Scotland, Level 5 European Qualifications Framework (EQF). Find out more

Step 1 Decide which qualification is right for you. If you're not sure, use our handy quiz to find the correct level of qualification you should be taking. Take quiz  

Step 2 Once you've decided what to study, decide where to study. Consider whether you want to study online, in a classroom, or maybe a mix of both. Find a study centre using our Centre Finder.

Step 3 Contact your chosen study centre for details. For example, to find out the cost of the qualification, timeframes, and study options. They'll also confirm their enrolment process. Once you've enrolled with your study centre, they'll register you with us.  

Step 4 Once your study centre registers you with us (and if you're not already a member) we'll invite you to join CIPD. We'll send you an email asking you to join Student Membership. For the CIPD to moderate your work, you'll need to be in active membership throughout your studies.