CIPD guide
How to revise for CIPD
CIPD qualifications are assessed by assignment, not exam. 'Revision' means researching, drafting, and evidencing units to the assessment criteria. Below, how to structure that work at Level 5 and Level 7.
Read the assessment criteria first
Every unit has published assessment criteria. Read them before you start drafting — assignments are marked against them line by line. Missing a criterion means a resubmit, however good the rest is.
Word count discipline
Level 5: 3,000–4,000 words per assignment. Level 7: 4,500–7,000. Both enforce a 10% tolerance. Plan word budget by criterion before drafting.
Reference published research
Level 7 assignments must engage with published research — not just CIPD's own materials. Reference at least 10 peer-reviewed sources per assignment.
Case-study application
Use a real (anonymised) case from your workplace. Assignments that stay theoretical score lower than ones grounded in observed practice.
FAQs
- How long does CIPD Level 5 take?
- 12–18 months part-time is typical.
- Do I need Level 5 before Level 7?
- No. Level 7 has no CIPD prerequisite, though it assumes prior HR experience or a related degree.
- How is CIPD assessed?
- By written assignment per unit — no exams.
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