The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is an entry-level qualification and this CIPD course is ideal if you are starting your career in HR or Leadership and Development. Whether you’re looking to move into a role for the first time or you’re already in a junior position, the CIPD Foundation Certificate will provide the training you need.

Through this CIPD Level 3 course, you will be introduced to a wide range of content within people practice, including culture, importance of managing change and the essentials of people practice.

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice typically takes 8-12 months to complete. Upon completion of the CIPD Foundation Certificate you will be well placed to move into roles such as Human Resources Assistant, Organisational Development Officer, or Learning Administrator.

CIPD Level 3 – Foundation Certificate

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Study Options and Start Dates

Online On-Demand
From £1560 +VAT

Online Live Learning
From £2000 +VAT

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate modules can be studied in any order. If you choose Online Live Learning, there are various start times throughout the year. If you wish to study via Online On-Demand, you can start at any time.

Next Online Live start date: w/c 25th January 2027

What’s Included

Up to 3 years to complete your course

Free project management course

Interest-free payment options

Tutor support from an experienced trainer

Unlimited support access and personal tutor support

What’s Involved

To gain the CIPD Level 3 you will need to complete 4 mandatory units. All units are assessed by written assessment.

Business, culture and change in context

This unit examines how external pressures can affect businesses as well as how this can shape the culture within it. It also looks at how to plan and manage change internally, and the impact this can have on people in the workplace.

Principles of analytics

This unit focuses on how business can utilise a range of data and evidence to make informed decisions. You learn how creating organisational value benefits employees, customers and other stakeholders.

Core behaviours for people professionals

This unit examines the core behaviours for people professionals with an emphasis on how ethical principles inform approaches to work. You will learn how to promote respect and inclusive working, as well as how to create positive working relationships.

Essentials of people practice

This unit considers the employee lifecycle and various roles within it, as well as how you can support the successful selection and appointment of individuals. You will also examine how legislation affects employment relationships.

Download the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice Syllabus

To gain the full CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate you will complete 4 written assessments, 1 for each unit.

An assignment support tutor is assigned for each unit you complete.

Each unit is assessed as a Pass or Fail.

You will be able to re-submit 2 times per unit.

Online On-Demand
From £1560 + VAT with 3 years of support

Online Live Learning
From £2000 + VAT with 3 years of support

Please Note: Prices do not include your CIPD membership fees.

We offer regular start dates throughout the year. Browse our upcoming timetables below.

Start month Timetable
October 2026 View the October 2026 timetable
January 2027 View the January 2027 timetable
April 2027 View the April 2027 timetable
June 2027 View the June 2027 timetable

There are no formal entry requirements for this course. However, it is best suited to those who would like to move into a career in people practice or those who are currently working in a junior HR or L&M role.

You must also be over the age of 16 to study this qualification.

Try our online learning system for free!

Our online learning system provides study support for all our students. Complete the form below to gain your two-week free trial that includes access to our interactive learning materials, recorded webinars, podcasts, course notes, reading resources as well as analysis of exam questions and self-progress tests.