People Professional Level 5
The complete HR leadership apprenticeship. Build strategic people capability with the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma embedded within a structured programme from TESS Group.
HR Professionals Ready for Strategic Impact
HR Advisors
Move from transactions to strategy. Build HR advisory capability and drive organisational effectiveness.
People Partners
Partner with business leaders. Develop strategic people capability and drive business outcomes.
L&D Professionals
Build HR foundation alongside L&D expertise. Develop talent and drive learning impact.
Career Changers
Switch into HR with credible qualification. CIPD Level 5 recognised foundation for HR careers.
Aspiring HR Leaders
Get structured foundation for HR leadership. CIPD Level 5 prepares you for senior HR roles.
HR Coordinators Advancing
Step up from HR coordination to strategic HR work. Build advisory and consultancy capability.
Your HR Qualifications
CIPD Level 5 Diploma
Associate Diploma in People Practice
7-unit CIPD Level 5 qualification embedded within apprenticeship. Fully recognised HR credential. Foundation for HR careers.
ST0238 v1.3
People Professional Standard
DfE-approved apprenticeship standard for people professionals. 16+3 month structured programme.
Your 19-Month Journey
HR Essentials
HR principles, employment law, business context, and professional practice. OTJ: 24 hours.
Recruitment & Selection
Talent acquisition, recruitment processes, selection techniques, diversity in recruitment. OTJ: 30 hours.
Employee Relations & Development
Employee engagement, development conversations, managing performance, supporting individuals. OTJ: 60 hours.
Strategic HR & Learning
Strategic HR, change management, L&D fundamentals, knowledge management. OTJ: 90 hours.
Reward & Employment Relations
Reward strategy, benefits, pay equity, managing complex people situations, legal compliance. OTJ: 84 hours.
Advanced People Topics
Organisational development, culture, technology, data analytics, strategic partnership. OTJ: 99 hours.
Real HR Project
Lead live HR project. Demonstrate people professional capability. Develop portfolio for EPA. OTJ: 100 hours.
EPA Phase
Knowledge Test, Presentation with Q&A, Professional Discussion with Portfolio. CIPD 5CO03 Assignment graded.
7 CIPD Units Included
5CO01: Resourcing Talent
5CO01 unit covering recruitment, resourcing, and talent acquisition strategies.
5CO02: People Performance
5CO02 unit covering employee performance, engagement, and development.
5HR01: Employee Relations
5HR01 unit covering employee relations, legal compliance, and conflict management.
5HR02: Learning & Development
5HR02 unit covering learning strategies, development, and knowledge management.
5HR03: HR Practice
5HR03 unit covering organisational context, HR strategy, and business partnership.
5OS05: Organisations & People
5OS05 unit covering organisational design, culture, and systemic people approaches.
5CO03: Post-EPA Assessment
5CO03 assignment completed post-EPA. Demonstrates integration of HR knowledge and practice.
13 Duties of a People Professional
Talent Acquisition & Resourcing
Source, recruit, and onboard talent aligned to organisational needs.
Developing Individuals & Teams
Coach, mentor, and develop people. Build capability and support career growth.
Performance & Engagement
Manage performance conversations, feedback, and drive engagement.
Employee Relations
Manage complex people issues, support individuals, ensure legal compliance.
L&D & Knowledge
Identify learning needs, design solutions, and embed learning cultures.
Reward Strategy
Design and manage reward and benefits strategies aligned to business.
HR Systems & Data
Use HR systems effectively, data analysis, and reporting for decision-making.
Change Management
Lead people-centred change and manage organisational transitions.
Compliance & Law
Ensure HR compliance with employment law and regulations.
Business Partnership
Partner strategically with business leaders to drive people outcomes.
Professional Practice
Maintain professional standards, ethics, and continuous learning.
Organisational Effectiveness
Contribute to organisational strategy and effectiveness through people.
Personal Development
Drive own learning, reflection, and professional development.
End-Point Assessment (16+3 Months)
Knowledge Test
90-minute written assessment covering HR principles, law, and practice. Demonstrates knowledge foundation.
Presentation with Q&A
50-minute presentation on HR project with 20 minutes Q&A. Demonstrates application and communication.
Professional Discussion
75-minute discussion of HR experience, portfolio, and professional development. Pass or Distinction grade.
CIPD 5CO03 Assignment
Post-EPA CIPD assignment demonstrating integration of HR knowledge and practice.
Ideal Learner Profile
HR Advisors
Develop from practitioner to advisor level. Build strategic people capability and business partnership skills.
People Partners
Aspiring people partners with foundational HR experience. Build consultancy and strategic capability.
L&D Professionals
Extend L&D expertise with HR foundation. Understand broader people function and strategic alignment.
Career Changers
Move into HR from other backgrounds. CIPD Level 5 recognised qualification and structured entry pathway.
TESS vs Typical Provider
| Feature | TESS Group | Typical Provider |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 19 months (16+3) | 18-20 months |
| CIPD Qualification | Level 5 Diploma (7 units) | Level 5 Diploma |
| 1-to-1 Support | Throughout programme | Limited or none |
| Assessment | Integrated throughout | End-focused |
| Funding Support | Specialist funding guidance | Basic guidance |
| Completion Rate | 94% | 82% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Helpful but not essential. Typically suited to those with HR background or strong business experience. We support career changers into HR.
CIPD Level 5 is the recognised qualification for HR professionals. It opens doors across all sectors and organisations. Internationally portable.
Up to £11,000 fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy. TESS Group helps maximise available funding and employer contributions.
You undertake End-Point Assessment (19 months). Many continue with employer; others progress to CIPD Level 6 or into HR specialist roles.
Yes. CIPD Level 5 is foundation for Chartered Member pathway. Level 5 + experience + professional development = Chartered status.
Build HR Strategic Capability
The complete HR leadership apprenticeship. CIPD Level 5 embedded. 19 months. Fully funded.