TESS Group
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CIPD Approved Provider
CIPD APPROVED CENTRE
CIPD Level 5 • Standalone • Premium

Associate Diploma in People Management

The Professional Standard for Senior HR | Flexible, Self-Funded, Fully Supported

7 Units
420 TQT Hours
12-18 Months
No EPA Assignment-Based

Who Is This For?

The standalone route suits self-funded professionals and employers investing in their top talent.

HR Managers

Want formal credentials to step into strategic roles. Build evidence-based practice across your organisation.

HR Business Partners

Ready to lead people strategy at executive level. Strengthen your seat at the leadership table.

L&D Professionals

Broadening into people and organisational strategy. Expand your scope and credibility.

Career Changers

2+ years HR experience? Formalise your expertise and access senior-level opportunities.

What You'll Study

7 Units • 420 TQT • 100% Assignment-Based Assessment

5CO01
Organisational Performance & Culture
7 Credits
Explore how organisational structure, strategy and culture interconnect. Learn to analyse the external environment and its impact on people practice. Understand culture change and sustainability.
5CO02
Evidence-Based Practice
6 Credits
Develop skills in analysing data, building business cases, and using evidence to influence people practice decisions. Learn to evaluate interventions and demonstrate impact.
5CO03
Professional Behaviours & Valuing People
5 Credits
Examine ethical practice, professional courage, and building inclusive cultures. Develop your professional identity as a people practitioner. Explore diversity, equity and belonging.
5HR01
Employment Relationship Management
6 Credits
Understand employment law fundamentals, employee voice, and conflict resolution. Navigate complex ER scenarios. Develop dispute resolution and negotiation skills.
5HR02
Talent Management & Workforce Planning
6 Credits
Design recruitment strategies, succession planning, and workforce analytics. Align talent with business needs. Develop employee engagement and retention strategies.
5HR03
Reward for Performance & Contribution
6 Credits
Evaluate reward strategies and total reward approaches. Understand the link between reward, motivation and retention. Design compensation and benefits aligned with strategy.
5OS01
Optional Specialist Unit
5 Credits
Choose from: Managing People in International Organisations | Diversity and Inclusion in Organisations | Well-being at Work. Specialise in your area of interest.

Simple, Transparent Pricing

Choose the tier that matches your needs. Interest-free quarterly payments available on all tiers.

Bronze
£2,500
or £625 per quarter × 4 interest-free
  • Complete CIPD study materials
  • Online learning platform access
  • Assignment guidance documents
  • Monthly 1:1 tutor session (30 min)
  • Email tutor support (48hr response)
  • CIPD student registration included
  • Access to TESS learner community
Recommended
Silver
£3,300
or £825 per quarter × 4 interest-free
  • Everything in Bronze, PLUS:
  • Monthly 1:1 tutor session (60 min)
  • Priority email support (24hr response)
  • Written feedback on draft assignments
  • Mock assessment walkthrough
  • Personalised study plan
  • CIPD student membership included
Most Popular
Gold
£4,300
or £1,075 per quarter × 4 interest-free
  • Everything in Silver, PLUS:
  • Monthly 1:1 tutor session (2 hours)
  • Dedicated named senior tutor
  • 24hr async support (ask anything, any time)
  • 2 ad-hoc sessions per term
  • Progression coaching to L7
  • Priority marking (faster turnaround)
  • LinkedIn recommendation on completion
  • CIPD Associate membership upgrade included

How It Works

4 simple steps from enquiry to graduation

1

Enrol & Plan

Choose your tier, register with CIPD, receive study materials, and schedule your first 1:1 (Silver/Gold).

2

Study & Apply

Work through units at your pace. Submit assignments. Get feedback. Typical 12-18 months of flexible study.

3

Assess & Achieve

Complete all 7 unit assignments. All assessed via written work, no exams. 100% course work.

4

Graduate & Progress

Receive your CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma. Gain Associate CIPD membership. Progress to Level 7 or Chartered.

Why 200+ Organisations Choose TESS

✓
Ofsted Good
⭐
4.9/5 Google
⭐
4.9/5 Trustpilot
🏅
CIPD Approved
"The dedicated tutor support and personalized coaching made all the difference. I went from HR Manager to Head of People within a year of graduating. The qualification opened doors I didn't expect."
Sarah M.
CIPD Level 5 Learner | Head of People

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does CIPD Level 5 take?

Typically 12-18 months. You study at your own pace, balancing work and personal commitments. All assessment is via assignment submission - no time-pressured exams.

What's the difference between standalone and apprenticeship?

Standalone = self or employer-funded, fully flexible pace, no EPA (End Point Assessment), no time-lock. Apprenticeship = Levy funded, 18-month fixed term, includes EPA and additional qualifications. Choose standalone if you want flexibility and premium support.

Can my employer pay for this?

Yes, absolutely. Many employers fund standalone CIPD for their top talent. We can invoice your employer directly. It's often treated as professional development or L&D investment.

Do I need HR experience?

We recommend 2+ years of HR experience. However, every learner is assessed individually for suitability. If you have strong foundational knowledge, we may be able to discuss your eligibility.

What CIPD membership do I get?

During study: CIPD Student Member. On completion: CIPD Associate Member (included in Gold tier, can be upgraded in Bronze/Silver). Associate membership is for life and gives access to networks, CPD resources, and professional support.

Can I upgrade my tier mid-course?

Yes, you can upgrade from Bronze to Silver or Gold at any point. We'll calculate the difference and adjust your agreement. Many learners start with Bronze and upgrade once they realise the value of 1:1 support.

Ready to Start Your CIPD Level 5?

Join hundreds of HR professionals who've stepped up to strategic roles with TESS.

Interest-free quarterly payments available. CIPD student registration included.