What makes an L&D qualification "the best" for you?
The best learning and development qualification is not the same for everyone. It depends on your experience, your career goals, how you want to study, and whether the qualification is recognised by employers and professional bodies. A Level 3 qualification suits someone starting out, while a Level 7 qualification suits an experienced L&D leader moving into a strategic role.
What types of L&D qualifications are there?
Learning and development qualifications generally fall into four types: professional body qualifications such as CIPD, academic qualifications such as a degree or Master's in HRD, management qualifications such as CMI or ILM, and apprenticeships, which combine paid work with study. Most L&D professionals build their career around a CIPD qualification and add other credentials as they specialise.
The best learning and development qualifications compared
Here is how the main CIPD learning and development qualifications compare, before we look at each one in more detail.
| Qualification | Best for | Equivalent to |
|---|---|---|
| CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice | Starting out in L&D or HR | A Levels |
| CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development | Moving into L&D management or advisory roles | Undergraduate degree |
| CIPD Level 5 Organisational L&D & Fast-Track CMI Level 5 Certificate | Combining L&D expertise with a leadership qualification | Undergraduate degree plus CMI Level 5 |
| CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development | Senior and strategic L&D roles | Master's degree |
CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice
Best for: those new to learning and development, with little or no prior experience. The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice covers both HR and L&D, so it is a good choice if you are still deciding which route to specialise in. It builds the core knowledge employers expect from entry-level L&D roles and leads to CIPD Foundation Membership, an entry-level professional grade awarded by the CIPD.
CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development
Best for: L&D professionals with some experience who are ready to move into management or advisory roles. The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development covers how learning creates value for organisations, how to design performance-focused development programmes, and the professional behaviours expected at this level. It leads to CIPD Associate Membership. Read more about which CIPD level is right for you.
CIPD Level 5 Organisational L&D & Fast-Track CMI Level 5 Certificate
Best for: L&D professionals who want a CIPD qualification and a leadership qualification at the same time. The CIPD Level 5 Organisational L&D & Fast-Track CMI Level 5 Certificate combines the Level 5 L&D syllabus with a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership, so you graduate with dual accreditation rather than studying two separate courses from scratch.
CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development
Best for: experienced L&D professionals moving into senior or strategic roles. The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic Learning & Development is the highest-level CIPD qualification available, covering learning strategy, organisational design and leadership development. It leads to eligibility for CIPD Chartered Membership and can support a move into roles such as Head of L&D, where salaries typically range from £83,000 to £94,000.
What is the best certification for learning and development professionals?
For most L&D professionals in the UK, a CIPD qualification is the best certification, because it is recognised by employers and leads to a CIPD membership tier. If you want a leadership crossover, the CIPD Level 5 Organisational L&D & Fast-Track CMI Level 5 Certificate adds a CMI Level 5 Certificate at the same time. Research cited by the CIPD suggests L&D professionals with a CIPD qualification earn 12% more on average than those without one.
Other learning and development qualifications worth knowing about
CIPD is not the only option. Depending on your career goals, these are also worth considering.
CMI qualifications
CMI qualifications, from the Chartered Management Institute, suit L&D professionals moving into broader people-management or leadership roles. Reed Business School delivers CMI qualifications alongside CIPD courses, so you can study with the same CIPD-approved centre either way. Explore our CMI leadership and management courses.
University degrees and Master's in HRD
University degrees and Master's programmes in Human Resource Development (HRD) suit those wanting an academic route or a specialist research focus, though they take longer to complete than a CIPD qualification and are not always aligned with CIPD's own membership standards.
ILM qualifications
ILM qualifications, from the Institute of Leadership and Management, focus specifically on leadership and coaching skills. They are worth considering if your L&D role is shifting towards people leadership rather than L&D delivery itself.
ATD certifications
ATD certifications, from the US-based Association for Talent Development, are useful if you work for a global organisation or an international L&D team, though they are less widely recognised by UK employers than a CIPD qualification.
Is CIPD or CMI better for a career in L&D?
For a career focused specifically on learning and development, a CIPD qualification is generally the better choice, since it is built around the L&D profession and leads to CIPD membership. CMI qualifications are stronger if your role is shifting towards broader people management or leadership. Or you do not have to choose: the CIPD Level 5 Organisational L&D & Fast-Track CMI Level 5 Certificate lets you gain both in a single qualification.
Learning and development apprenticeships
If you would rather learn while you earn, an apprenticeship is worth considering. The CIPD Level 3 L&D Practitioner Apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with study towards a CIPD qualification, and employers can often fund it through the apprenticeship levy. Explore Reed Learning's Learning & Development apprenticeship programmes to find out more.
How to choose the right learning and development qualification for you
To choose the right learning and development qualification, work through the following steps.
Step 1, assess your experience: if you are new to L&D, start at Level 3. If you already have some experience, Level 5 or 7 will suit you better.
Step 2, decide on HR crossover: keep your options open across HR and L&D at Level 3, or specialise in L&D from Level 5 onwards.
Step 3, choose your study method: pick a study method that fits around your job, from online and on-demand to live online, classroom or residential.
Step 4, check accreditation: confirm the course is delivered by a CIPD-approved centre, so your qualification and membership are recognised.
Step 5, factor in cost and funding: compare course fees and payment plans, and check whether an apprenticeship or your employer's training budget can cover the cost.
Study your learning and development qualification with Reed Business School
As a CIPD-approved centre and CIPD Platinum centre with more than 20 years' experience, Reed Business School has helped thousands of learners become CIPD qualified. You get a dedicated personal tutor, a 99% pass rate, and the choice to study online flexibly, live online, in the classroom, or residentially at Reed Business School in the Cotswolds. Explore our learning and development courses in the UK, or speak to a learning adviser to find the right level for you.