All about the CIPD Level 5 Qualification in Learning and Development – My Personal Viewpoint (Not so long read)

I love writing in a simple, candid and genuine manner. I believe these are good principles and, the readers find it meaningful and enjoyable at the same time. Over the last few months, a significant number of HR and L&D professionals within my network have reached out to know more about the CIPD Level 5 Diploma which I completed last year. There have been a range of questions like:

1.     How will it add value to your L&D career?

2.     What is the right time for you to take up this course?

3.     Will this guarantee a good career growth once you qualify?

4.     Does this ensure a positive impact on your the remuneration?

5.     Will this help you in securing a job abroad?

6.     How do you manage your work with the study and assessments?

I had similar questions in my mind when I had enrolled in the course two years ago. Infact, even today these questions help me to reflect and reinforce my learning. The real fun begins after you complete a course or a qualification as, that now is the time to apply to reap the tangible as well as intangible benefits that you have been looking for. I am answering some crunch questions by sharing my opinion (highly personal but, useful). I am not going to present the topics/content since that is available online but instead will focus on the benefits.

Why this course? I enrolled in the course not primarily for receiving a certificate, or becoming an Assoc CIPD but, for a greater purpose of “Learning and Upskilling”. I consider this to be the most important question since learners are looking for a lot of benefits like commercial/financial, growth, international assignment/job abroad, new project, promotion etc. If you look at the questions I have come across, they are usually related to some tangible or meaningful benefits which the person will receive. The biggest benefit from this course or as a matter any course is learning. You should be doing this course if you are ready to unlearn what you have learned before since the way we do things is changing faster than ever. You should be doing this course if you love to relearn as you may often come across things that you already know but are good to refresh. Lastly, you should do the course to learn plenty of new things about the emerging L&D and how you can best utilize it at your workplace and in your life.

I’d like to re-emphasize that the real fun begins once we complete the qualification after passing the final assessment and all the material & tangible benefits which you intend to achieve depends on this phase. Achieving the qualification or receiving a certificate does not guarantee anything at all. Receiving a certificate with your name on it is definitely a great feeling and a sense of achievement but, it will only be valuable if you start applying and continuously learning to change the way you do things.

Some ways of doing it is: Have your own learning goals? Or Draft your own Continuous Development Plan? Let’s not get complacent even for e moment that this is it, as the learning never stops. This is just the beginning.

Here are the three steps that I put in practice to ensure I am having fun after the course:

1.      Consciously read everything in the previous learning units, assignments and assessments.

2.      Identify the current L&D priorities in my organisation.

3.      Start applying the learning by focusing on one thing at a time, for example: learning evaluation or digital & blended learning.

Besides what you do, you will also get enough opportunities to look at the quality work of your peers/co-learner and learn from them. For example: We have certain activities where everyone would individually share their opinion or understanding about a specific topic, question or a case. This gives you an opportunity to understand a concept through multiple perspective. The collaboration which you do is in your hands since, there are cohorts which you can participate in or stay connected with your peers via LinkedIn. Other people are always interested in connecting with professionals who share common interests and passion with them.

Who is this course meant for? This course is meant for any HR and L&D professional with the condition that you have worked in learning & development, capability building, talent management, people transformation or similar areas. However, if you don’t have anything to do with other people’s learning in the work that you do then, this this course is not for you. You must remember that the most important element of any course/qualification is to apply what you learn after all. If you don’t get or create an opportunity to apply, then any kind of course/qualification/programme is worthless.

Where can I take this? Its all online virtual learning so you can take up from anywhere in the world. You have enough flexibility to manage it with your work and family commitments. The tutors, mentors and all the other staff are extremely supportive and accommodating. You can still build a great network with likeminded professionals. More information is available on their website. https://www.cipd.co.uk/learn/training/qualifications

How long does it take and how much time do I need to commit? The duration via virtual learning is 15 months and one an average one should spend 6-8 hours every week. You will learn to balance it with your other commitments by spending more time or less time during specific weeks as it fits in your schedule.

When should I be doing it? There is always a right time if you are ready to receive learning with an open mind, willing to invest your time, money and energy in it. There are options available considering your work experience, interest and investment such as Level 3 and Level 5 certificate and diploma respectively. It is always good to build your fundamentals by gaining some experience before you take the CIPD journey. What you do after your qualification is directly linked to your success.

If you take up this course or even any other course, workshop, programme or qualification, it is more exciting if it is seen as a journey than an event or a task.

When you go on a journey, you are excited, you plan well, take a break or halt when needed to recharge, set your goals and milestones. You do everything to make your journey fun-filled and adventurous. You only start exploring the place when you get there. Think about it!  

Last but certainly not the least, there are three things which you need throughout the learning journey: commitment, hardwork and effort and CIPD journey is no different!

#WednesdaywithRK