Our CIPD pass rate is 93%†

CIPD Level 3

Foundation Certificate in People Practice

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Essential

Enhanced

Elite

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€116/month interest-free*

Payments
12 months

Deposit
€115

Total Price
€1,507

Price Match Guarantee
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€160/month interest-free*

Payments
12 months

Deposit
€115

Total Price
€2,029

Price Match Guarantee
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€183/month interest-free*

Payments
12 months

Deposit
€127

Total Price
€2,319

Price Match Guarantee
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Learn 100% online at your own pace

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Start anytime with no fixed enrol dates

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Average completion time 7–9 months

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Support period 12 months

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Additional fees CIPD Student Membership

Icon Wifi Fill Gradient

Learn 100% online at your own pace

Icon 24 7 Fill Gradient

Start anytime with no fixed enrol dates

Icon History Fill Gradient

Average completion time 7–9 months

Icon Contact Fill Gradient

Support period 12 months

Icon Membership Fill Gradient

Additional fees CIPD Student Membership

Icon Wifi Fill Gradient

Learn 100% online at your own pace

Icon 24 7 Fill Gradient

Start anytime with no fixed enrol dates

Icon History Fill Gradient

Average completion time 7–9 months

Icon Contact Fill Gradient

Support period 12 months

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Additional fees CIPD Student Membership

  • Study CIPD independently online, on your terms
  • Gain the fundamental HR skills organisations and employers value
  • Qualify for entry-level roles like HR/L&D Assistant or HR Administrator
  • Study online with structured support to keep you on track
  • Gain the fundamental HR skills organisations and employers value
  • Qualify for entry-level roles like HR/L&D Assistant or HR Administrator
  • Study online with access to personalised tutor support
  • Gain the fundamental HR skills organisations and employers value
  • Qualify for entry-level roles like HR/L&D Assistant or HR Administrator

Why is this CIPD course right for you?

Looking to launch a rewarding career in Human Resources (HR) or Learning and Development (L&D)? Then this online CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice will help you get there, on your terms.

As a CIPD-qualified people professional, you'll gain the essential skills, practical knowledge, and industry credibility you need to: 

  • Stand out: 97% say CIPD has helped their CV shine for employers
  • Earn more: 73% of our CIPD students saw a salary boost with HR training
  • Grow your confidence: 90% say they're more capable and ready at work 
  • Take the next step: 82% are now in a role where CIPD is preferred or essential

You don’t need to wait for the "right" time, you just need the right support – and a qualification that opens doors. That’s why 95% of our students recommend studying a CIPD course!

CIPD Level 3 Course Details

There are no formal entry requirements for you to enrol on this CIPD Level 3 Foundation course. 

It’s perfect if you’re just getting started in your HR or L&D career and want to develop the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful people professional. 

If English is your second language, we recommend that you have achieved one of the following (or an equivalent):

  • IELTS: 5.5 overall score with a minimum of 5.5 in each category
  • TOEFL: 71 overall score with a minimum of 17 in each category
  • Cambridge: Grade C or above

However, this isn't mandatory, and we're happy to review your case on an individual basis.

When you study your CIPD Level 3 course, you’ll study four modules in total: 

  • Business, Culture and Change in Context
  • Essentials of People Practice
  • Core Behaviours for People Professionals
  • Principles of Analytics

For more details on what you’ll learn and the tailored support available, download your free CIPD Level 3 course guide.

Please note that any references to legislation and policy in the CIPD Level 3 course are based on UK law.

You’ll complete written assignments for each module that you study. This will allow you to demonstrate the knowledge you’ve gained and the skills you’ve mastered.

However, for your final unit of study, you'll instead be required to conduct a recruitment interview.

You’ll submit your CIPD assignments online, and they’ll be marked by our assessors and moderated by CIPD.

Please keep in mind that Assessment Briefs will be updated each year as part of the CIPD’s Assessment Change Cycle. 

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Spread the cost with our flexible monthly payment plans

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Get started right away with a low deposit

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Company funding – we can invoice your employer directly

Study Options

One recognised qualification. Three tailored learning experiences.

Self-led

Most popular

Structured

Personalised

Features
Features
Programme Hub
Digital Learning Content
Submission Hub
Community Access
Structured Progress Support
Live Induction Session
Assessment Masterclasses
Q&A Drop-In Sessions
Topic Workshops
Personal Tutor
1:1 Tutorials
Marking SLA
Academic Query SLA
Essential

Self-led

Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Not included
Not included
Not included
Not included
Not included
Not included
10 Working Days
3 Working Days
Enhanced
Most popular

Structured

Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Not included
Not included
Not included
7 Working Days
2 Working Days
Elite

Personalised

Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
Included
5 Working Days
1 Working Day
Total Price €1,507
Total Price €2,029
Total Price €2,319

CIPD Student Reviews

250X250 Heather Donaldson
'Thanks to ICS Learn I have been able to begin my journey and learn so much about the field.'
250 250 Roundel 1
'I'm pleased to say that I was able to manage my time effectively and that the self-paced nature of the course allowed me to fit my studies around my existing schedule with no concerns.'
250 250 Roundel 3
'When I started studying... I was an HR Administrator with no experience, however, studying with ICS Learn has helped me progress to Business Partner level (with an additional salary increase) in a short period of time.'

Questions about your CIPD Level 3 course?

Our friendly Course Advisors are here to help. 

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CIPD Level 3 Course FAQs

Human Resources (HR) is a vital department within organisations, responsible for managing the entire employee lifecycle, from recruitment to retirement!

HR professionals ensure that businesses attract, develop, and retain the best talent while cultivating a positive work culture in alignment with legal compliance.

Key responsibilities of HR teams include:

  • Recruitment and Hiring: Attracting, interviewing, and selecting top talent for available roles.
  • Employee Relations: Managing workplace relationships and ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations.
  • Training and Development: Offering employees opportunities for professional growth and skills enhancement.
  • Performance Management: Evaluating employee performance, providing feedback, and aligning individual goals with organisational objectives.
  • Compensation and Benefits: Overseeing employee salaries, bonuses, and benefit programs to ensure competitiveness.
  • Workforce Planning: Ensuring that the organisation has the right people in the right roles, addressing any skills gaps.

HR is essential to maintaining a productive workforce, enhancing employee engagement, and aligning people strategies with business goals.

If you're looking to advance your career in HR, our online CIPD HR courses will give you the skills you need to succeed in the people profession.

While HR focuses on managing the overall employee lifecycle, including recruitment, performance, and compliance, L&D specifically concentrates on developing employees' skills, knowledge, and career growth through training and learning initiatives.

L&D professionals design and implement strategies that foster a culture of continuous learning and development within the workforce. For example, core areas of L&D include:

  • Training Design and Delivery: Creating and implementing effective training programs that align with organisational goals and employee growth.
  • Learning Strategies: Developing approaches to enhance skills across different teams, ensuring the right learning opportunities are available.
  • Employee Development: Identifying and nurturing employees' potential for career growth, ensuring they are equipped for future roles.
  • Performance Improvement: Evaluating and enhancing employee performance through targeted training and development initiatives.
  • Organisational Development: Implementing strategies to improve overall organisational effectiveness through learning and training.

As businesses continue to prioritise employee engagement and growth, L&D is becoming increasingly vital to creating a high-performing workforce.

Can't decide if you'd like to progress in HR or L&D after completing the CIPD Level 3 course? Contact our course advisors for advice! 

Yes! We’ve been a leading CIPD provider for 30 years. We're also the world's most experienced distance learning provider, with 130+ years of helping people achieve their career goals. 

Rated 'Excellent' from more than 10,000 independent student reviews, we're the online learning experts you can trust. 

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is an entry-level qualification aimed at people who are looking to start a career in Human Resources (HR) or Learning and Development (L&D).

It's suitable for beginners who have little or no experience working in HR or L&D roles, making it a popular choice for those looking to switch careers and gain an entry-level role in the people profession.

The CIPD Level 3 course, it's the first qualification that most HR and L&D professionals study, providing a strong foundation of essential knowledge to build your career on.

Download your FREE course guide or contact our course advisors for more information. 

The CIPD Profession Map offers a key framework for HR and L&D professionals to follow, providing a clear set of competencies, behaviours, and knowledge required to succeed in the people profession.

Developed by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), it serves as a guide for HR and L&D professionals at every stage of their career, from entry-level to senior strategic roles.

The Profession Map outlines the essential HR skills and L&D functions, ensuring that professionals are equipped to drive organisational success. It covers 10 professional areas, including employee engagement, talent management, and organisational development, and breaks down the key behaviours and values required for success in the industry.

By aligning your learning with the CIPD Profession Map, you can ensure that your qualifications and career development are in line with industry best practices and what employers are looking for.

Whether you’re starting out in HR or advancing to a senior role, the CIPD Profession Map ensures you have the right knowledge, behaviours, and skills to thrive.

At ICS Learn, our online CIPD qualifications are designed to give you with the practical skills and knowledge you need to succeed in the people profession – aligning with the CIPD Profession Map and preparing you for real-world success.

There are three CIPD Human Resources qualifications to choose from, and you can study them 100% online with us - either On Demand or Live Online. 

The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice is designed for those with zero or minimal HR or L&D experience. It’s perfect if you’re looking for your first role in the people profession.

The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is designed for those with some HR experience who are looking for a mid-level HR role. It’s also suitable if you have some experience of HR duties in a non-HR role (for example, as a manager), or if you're new to HR but have a degree and want to begin your studies at a higher level.

The CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management is designed for those with considerable HR experience or an HR degree who are ready to take on postgraduate-level study. It’ll prepare you for strategic senior HR roles and allow you to apply for CIPD Chartered Membership once you have the necessary professional experience.

If you’d like to specialise in L&D, you could also study one of our CIPD Learning & Development courses.

Still not sure which CIPD course is right for you? Contact our CIPD course advisors and they'll be happy to help! 

The online CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is split into four critical modules, where you'll develop the fundamental knowledge and skills you need to begin your HR career:

  • Business, Culture and Change in Context: you'll explore how HR and L&D professionals influence work and employees in different ways. You'll also look at how digital and commercial environments impact businesses, the importance of project planning and how employee behaviour can shape workplace culture.

  • Essentials of People Practice: you'll look at the fundamental principles and functions of the people profession (ie. Human Resources and Learning & Development), as well as legislation and policy. You'll explore areas such as the recruitment process, diversity and inclusion and managing employees.

  • Core Behaviours for People Professionals: examines the key behaviours that are expected from professionals working in HR and L&D roles. Throughout this module, you'll explore how ethical practice can create value and how ethical principles can be applied to various customer-focused business approaches. You'll also learn how to evaluate and reflect on contemporary, professional ethical values.

  • Principles of Analytics: you'll discover how evidence-based practice motivates business outcomes and learn how data analytics is used to inform decision-making within an organisational. 

For more on what you'll learn, download your free CIPD course guide today.

Yes! We offer the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice entirely online, via On Demand or Live Online learning. This means that you can complete your qualification from anywhere, on your terms. 

Online learning with us is well-suited to busy professionals who want to get CIPD-qualified while working part-time or full-time.

All you need to study your CIPD Level 3 course is a stable internet connection and a device where you can access your online course content! 

We make online learning with us simple, flexible and affordable. 

If you’re funding the course yourself, our flexible 0% payment plans allow you to spread the cost with interest-free* monthly instalments.

Plus, with our price match guarantee, we’ll match any provider’s price for a like-for-like CIPD course, so you’ll always get the best deal with us.

If your employer is funding all or part of your course, we can invoice them directly for your course fees – just let your course advisor know and we’ll arrange everything.

We also accept funding through ELCAS for this course. If you’re an Armed Forces member looking to use the Enhanced Learning Credits Scheme, speak to our course advisors for more details.

Your payments will be charged in GBP. The monthly payments listed in your local currency are an estimate based on the current exchange rate from xe.com.

This means that if you set up a monthly payment plan, the amount you’ll pay each month in your local currency may vary based on the current exchange rate.

Your bank may use a different exchange rate from the one listed here, or charge a fee for converting your payments into GBP; we’d advise that you speak to your bank directly for more details.

Right away! When you enrol, you’ll be able to log in within 60 minutes. 

On average it will take you between 7 and 9 months to study the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice, based on a typical study schedule of a few hours a week. 

However, keep in mind that how long it takes you to complete your CIPD Level 3 course comes down to how much time you can dedicate to studying in a week and the tailored study pathway you choose.

Yes, you need to be a CIPD member for the duration of your studies.

We can’t submit your assignments for moderation, give you assessment grades, or award your qualification unless you’re an active CIPD member, so you must register before submitting your first assignment.

We’ll give you full details of how to join as a Student Member after you enrol. You’ll pay an annual Student Membership fee, and our CIPD advisors can provide you with the most up-to-date costs.

When you complete your course, you’ll be eligible to become an Associate Member of the most prestigious HR and L&D organisation in the world, the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

You’ll join a community of 160,000 ambitious, forward-thinking professionals across 120 countries, and have exclusive access to a variety of benefits, including: 

  • HR industry insights
  • Useful HR tools and advice
  • Budget-friendly discounts on events and merch
  • Career guidance from prominent HR and L&D experts

As an ICS Learn student, you'll always have the support you need to succeed. From the moment you enrol, you'll gain access to:

  • Access to all your interactive online course materials
  • Expert academic guidance to support your progress  
  • FREE online study planners
  • Your Programme Hub, full of useful tools, tips, and guidance
  • Live biannual Employment Law updates to keep you informed
  • Our friendly Student Services team for any non-academic questions

Enrol online or get in touch with our CIPD Advisors on 0333 920 6013.

They’ll talk through your experience, education and ambitions to make sure you’re choosing the right course, then get you enrolled with an interest-free* payment plan. You can also verify that your course is budget-friendly when you use our handy affordability calculator

If you have any disabilities which you think might affect your studies or assessments, please tell your Course Advisor before you enrol so we can advise you on whether reasonable adjustments can be made to accommodate your needs.

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