Level 5 
Level 5Diploma in People ManagmentThe benchmark qualification for HR professionals ready to operate at a strategic level. Earn globally recognised Assoc CIPD status and advance into senior people management roles.
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Management is the benchmark qualification for HR professionals who want to operate at a strategic level and gain globally recognised credentials. It is designed for practitioners with some existing HR experience who are ready to advance into more senior people management roles.
As an official CIPD Approved Study Centre, Skills Plus delivers this qualification with a focus on practical, real-world application. You will learn from experienced HR practitioners based in the UAE, ensuring everything you study is directly relevant to the GCC context.
On completion, you will be eligible for CIPD Associate Member (Assoc CIPD) status — a globally recognised mark of professional credibility that signals to employers your commitment to excellence in people management.
With 1–5 years of HR experience ready to formalise and advance their expertise into senior advisory or business partner roles.
Line managers and team leaders with people responsibilities who want recognised HR credentials and a stronger strategic foundation.
Foundation Certificate holders ready to progress to Associate Membership and take on more senior people management responsibilities.
The Level 5 diploma comprises 7 units 3 core units studied by all learners, plus specialist and optional units each assessed through written assignments and reflective practice.
This module examines the connections between organisational structure and the workplace in a business context. It also considers the factors and trends that may impact business strategy and workforce planning, whilst recognising the influence of culture, employee wellbeing and behaviour in delivering change and organisational performance.
The aim of this module is to help you understand the importance of capturing quantitative and qualitative evidence, in order to gain insight and evaluate critical information. The module focuses on analysing evidence to improve decision-making and learn how measuring the impact of people practice is essential in creating value.
In this module you will learn how applying key professional behaviours including ethical practice, courage and inclusivity can build positive working relationships and support employee participation and well-being. It considers how developing and mastering new professional behaviours and practice can impact performance.
This module focuses on looking at the key practices and tools that manage and build employee relationships, to ultimately create better working lives and leverage organisational performance.
This module examines the impact of effective workforce planning; the value of diverse talent pools and how to contract and onboard the workforce. It also involves analysis of the potential cost to the organisation (if poorly managed) and the tools and interventions required to mitigate this risk.
The focus of this module is to examine both internal and external business factors and how they influence reward strategies and policies, the financial drivers of the organisation and the impact of reward costs. It also considers the importance of the role of people practice in supporting managers to make professional reward judgments and the impact of rewarding performance.
This module is designed to help People Management practitioners to understand people practice from an international perspective. It concentrates on the challenges, considerations and importance of people practice in an international context. You will learn about the importance of people practice and the process and benefits of managing expatriates.
In order to qualify to study the CIPD HR Level 5 Associate Diploma course, you must have at least one of the following:
If English is your second language, we recommend that you have achieved one of the following (or an equivalent):
IELTS: 6.0 overall score with a minimum of 5.5 in each category
TOEFL: 79 overall score with a minimum of 17 in each category
Cambridge: Grade C or above
However, this is not mandatory and we are happy to review your case on an individual basis.
You will be expected to complete a written assignment, up to 4,000 words, at the end of each module that you study, allowing you to demonstrate your newly acquired knowledge and skills, which you have mastered during the modules.
Your assignments will then be be submitted online and marked by our assessors, while moderated by CIPD.
Once you have successfully passed your assignments, you will then be awarded your new CIPD qualification. Along with that, you will also be able to progress to the next level and begin your Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management.
Not necessarily. While the CIPD Level 3 is the most common route, you can also enrol if you hold a relevant degree or have substantial HR work experience. Our advisors will assess whether Level 5 is the right starting point for you.
Sessions run on weekday evenings and weekends. You can choose virtual delivery or in-person sessions in Abu Dhabi. Each unit has tutor-led sessions, independent study, and assignment deadlines spread across the programme.
There are no examinations. The diploma is assessed through written assignments, case studies, and professional discussions each connected directly to real workplace scenarios and immediately applicable to your role.
Assoc CIPD is awarded on completing Level 5. Chartered Member (MCIPD) requires Level 7 or equivalent experience. Chartered Fellow (FCIPD) is the highest designation for senior strategic HR leaders.
Many employers fund CIPD qualifications as part of their L&D investment. We can provide materials to help you build the business case. Speak to our team we help learners with employer funding conversations regularly.
We offer 0% interest monthly instalment plans from AED 1,250.485/month. Full payment, corporate invoicing, and deferred payment options are also available. Contact our advisors for a full breakdown.
Level 5 
Level 3Talk to a Skills Plus advisor about CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in People Managment — eligibility, dates and corporate cohorts.