The complete HR leadership apprenticeship. Build strategic people capability with the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma embedded within a structured programme from TESS Group.
Move from transactions to strategy. Build HR advisory capability and drive organisational effectiveness.
Partner with business leaders. Develop strategic people capability and drive business outcomes.
Build HR foundation alongside L&D expertise. Develop talent and drive learning impact.
Switch into HR with credible qualification. CIPD Level 5 recognised foundation for HR careers.
Get structured foundation for HR leadership. CIPD Level 5 prepares you for senior HR roles.
Step up from HR coordination to strategic HR work. Build advisory and consultancy capability.
Associate Diploma in People Practice
7-unit CIPD Level 5 qualification embedded within apprenticeship. Fully recognised HR credential. Foundation for HR careers.
People Professional Standard
DfE-approved apprenticeship standard for people professionals. 16+3 month structured programme.
HR principles, employment law, business context, and professional practice. OTJ: 24 hours.
Talent acquisition, recruitment processes, selection techniques, diversity in recruitment. OTJ: 30 hours.
Employee engagement, development conversations, managing performance, supporting individuals. OTJ: 60 hours.
Strategic HR, change management, L&D fundamentals, knowledge management. OTJ: 90 hours.
Reward strategy, benefits, pay equity, managing complex people situations, legal compliance. OTJ: 84 hours.
Organisational development, culture, technology, data analytics, strategic partnership. OTJ: 99 hours.
Lead live HR project. Demonstrate people professional capability. Develop portfolio for EPA. OTJ: 100 hours.
Knowledge Test, Presentation with Q&A, Professional Discussion with Portfolio. CIPD 5CO03 Assignment graded.
5CO01 unit covering recruitment, resourcing, and talent acquisition strategies.
5CO02 unit covering employee performance, engagement, and development.
5HR01 unit covering employee relations, legal compliance, and conflict management.
5HR02 unit covering learning strategies, development, and knowledge management.
5HR03 unit covering organisational context, HR strategy, and business partnership.
5OS05 unit covering organisational design, culture, and systemic people approaches.
5CO03 assignment completed post-EPA. Demonstrates integration of HR knowledge and practice.
Source, recruit, and onboard talent aligned to organisational needs.
Coach, mentor, and develop people. Build capability and support career growth.
Manage performance conversations, feedback, and drive engagement.
Manage complex people issues, support individuals, ensure legal compliance.
Identify learning needs, design solutions, and embed learning cultures.
Design and manage reward and benefits strategies aligned to business.
Use HR systems effectively, data analysis, and reporting for decision-making.
Lead people-centred change and manage organisational transitions.
Ensure HR compliance with employment law and regulations.
Partner strategically with business leaders to drive people outcomes.
Maintain professional standards, ethics, and continuous learning.
Contribute to organisational strategy and effectiveness through people.
Drive own learning, reflection, and professional development.
90-minute written assessment covering HR principles, law, and practice. Demonstrates knowledge foundation.
50-minute presentation on HR project with 20 minutes Q&A. Demonstrates application and communication.
75-minute discussion of HR experience, portfolio, and professional development. Pass or Distinction grade.
Post-EPA CIPD assignment demonstrating integration of HR knowledge and practice.
Develop from practitioner to advisor level. Build strategic people capability and business partnership skills.
Aspiring people partners with foundational HR experience. Build consultancy and strategic capability.
Extend L&D expertise with HR foundation. Understand broader people function and strategic alignment.
Move into HR from other backgrounds. CIPD Level 5 recognised qualification and structured entry pathway.
| 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% |
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.
The complete HR leadership apprenticeship. CIPD Level 5 embedded. 19 months. Fully funded.
