CIPD Level 5 is the most popular qualification for mid-career HR professionals in the UK. But what does it actually cost, and how do you get the best value?
Here's everything you need to know about CIPD Level 5 fees in 2026.
CIPD Level 5 Cost: Quick Summary
| Provider type | Typical cost | What's included |
|---|---|---|
| Online self-paced (e.g. VQ Solutions) | £2,000 - £2,500 | LMS access, videos, tutor support |
| Online with live classes | £2,500 - £3,500 | Scheduled webinars, group learning |
| University/college | £3,000 - £4,500+ | Face-to-face teaching, campus facilities |
| Apprenticeship route | £0 to learner | Funded via Apprenticeship Levy |
At VQ Solutions: £2,160 upfront or £190/month over 12 months.
What's Included in the Fee?
Not all providers include the same things. Here's what you get with VQ Solutions for £2,160:
- 400+ explainer videos covering every assessment criteria
- Detailed assignment guidance for each of the 7 modules
- Regular drop-in sessions with qualified HR tutors
- Free resubmission if you don't pass an assignment first time
- 24/7 LMS access — study whenever suits you
- 99% pass rate — one of the highest in the UK
- Certificate upon completion
What's NOT included (any provider)
- CIPD student membership — approximately £98/year, paid directly to CIPD. This is mandatory to undertake any CIPD qualification.
- Textbooks — not essential at VQ Solutions (our videos and materials cover everything), but some learners like having the core textbook (around £40-50)
Payment Options
Pay upfront: £2,160
The best value option — save £120 compared to monthly payments.
Monthly instalments: £190/month × 12
No interest, no credit check. Total cost: £2,280.
Buy now, pay later
Klarna (Pay in 3) and Clearpay (Pay in 4) available at checkout — 0% interest, subject to approval.
Can Your Employer Fund It?
There are several ways employers can help with the cost:
1. Professional Development Budget
Many organisations have a training budget. CIPD Level 5 is a recognised professional qualification, making it easy to justify. We can provide a business case template to help you pitch it to your manager.
2. Apprenticeship Levy
If your employer pays the Apprenticeship Levy (annual payroll over £3 million), the People Professional Apprenticeship includes the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma at no cost to the learner. The levy covers 100% of training and assessment fees.
3. Government Co-Investment
Even if your employer doesn't pay the levy, they may only need to contribute 5% of the apprenticeship cost — the government covers the other 95%. See our funding guide for details.
4. Tax Relief
If you're self-employed, CIPD Level 5 fees may be tax-deductible as a professional development expense. Consult your accountant for specifics.
How Does VQ Solutions Compare?
| Feature | VQ Solutions | Provider B | Provider C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £2,160 | £2,800 | £3,900 |
| Explainer videos | 400+ | Limited | None |
| Self-paced | Yes | No (cohort-based) | Partly |
| Pass rate | 99% | Not published | ~85% |
| Free resubmission | Yes | No (£50/resit) | No (£75/resit) |
| Payment plans | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Is CIPD Level 5 Worth the Investment?
Let's look at the numbers:
Average salary with CIPD Level 5: £42,000/year
Typical salary uplift: £5,000 - £10,000 compared to non-qualified HR professionals
Cost of qualification: £2,160
Payback period: The salary uplift alone pays for the qualification within the first few months.
Beyond salary, CIPD Level 5 is listed as a requirement or preference in the majority of UK HR manager and HR business partner job adverts. It's the qualification that moves you from operational HR into strategic roles.
CIPD Level 5 vs Level 3: Which Do You Need?
| CIPD Level 3 | CIPD Level 5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | £1,152 | £2,160 |
| Level | Foundation | Associate Diploma |
| Equivalent to | A-level/BTEC | Foundation degree |
| Best for | HR beginners, career changers | Experienced HR professionals |
| Entry requirements | None | Recommended: Level 3 or 2+ years HR experience |
| Modules | 4 | 7 |
If you're new to HR, start with CIPD Level 3. If you already have HR experience, go straight to Level 5.
Ready to Start?
CIPD Level 5 — £2,160 upfront or £190/month. 100% online, self-paced, start anytime.
