Level 5
Level 5 L&DLead learning strategy, drive employee growth, and shape the way your organisation builds capability. Earn Assoc CIPD status and step into senior L&D roles.
The CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development is designed for professionals who are passionate about helping people grow, perform, and reach their full potential. Whether you are already working in L&D, training, or organisational development, this diploma gives you the strategic knowledge and practical tools to lead impactful learning initiatives that drive real business results.
Equivalent to an undergraduate degree and internationally recognised by employers across all sectors, this qualification opens the door to senior L&D roles including Learning Business Partner, L&D Manager, and Organisational Development Specialist and earns you CIPD Associate Membership.
At Skills Plus, this programme is delivered with a practical, GCC-relevant focus by experienced learning and development professionals who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of organisations in the UAE and wider Gulf region.
Those already working in training, facilitation or instructional design who want to move into strategic L&D leadership roles.
HR professionals looking to specialise in organisational learning, coaching, and development strategy.
Foundation Certificate holders ready to progress to Associate Membership with a specialist learning and development focus.
The Level 5 OL&D diploma comprises 3 core units, 3 specialist units, and 1 optional unit each assessed through a written assignment.
Organizational performance and culture are intrinsically linked, each influencing the other in profound ways. A strong, positive culture can drive high performance by fostering an environment where employees feel valued, motivated, and aligned with the organization’s goals. Conversely, high performance can reinforce a positive culture, creating a virtuous cycle of improvement and success.
Evidence-based practice (EBP) involves making decisions and implementing strategies based on the best available evidence, including data, research findings, and expert insights. This approach ensures that organizational practices are grounded in proven methodologies, leading to more effective and efficient outcomes.
Through 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 behavior’s and practice can impact performance.
In today’s dynamic work environment, supporting self-directed and social learning is essential for fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability. Self-directed learning empowers employees to take charge of their own development by identifying their learning needs, setting goals, and finding resources to achieve them. This approach not only enhances individual autonomy but also aligns learning with personal and organizational objectives.
Effective learning and development (L&D) design is crucial for creating value within an organization. The goal of L&D programs is not just to impart knowledge but to drive measurable improvements in performance and productivity. A well-designed L&D program aligns with the strategic goals of the organization and addresses the specific needs of its workforce.
Facilitating personalized and performance-focused learning is critical for maximizing the potential of each employee and achieving organizational goals. Personalized learning tailors the educational experience to the individual needs, preferences, and learning styles of each employee. This approach recognizes that employees have different strengths, weaknesses, and career aspirations, and provides them with customized learning paths.
This module focuses on how adapting leadership styles to manage, monitor and report on equality and diversity is essential for inclusive practice and legislation.
The importance of promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce to drive a positive culture and celebrate diversity and inclusion increases organizational performance, as well as meeting the needs of employees and customers more effectively.
To be eligible to study the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organizational Learning & Development, you need to meet one or more of the requirements listed below:
possess little experience in L&D from an entry-level HR or L&D position.
In a position of executive responsibility with some L&D experience
own a university degree and want to go beyond the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in their L&D studies
If you speak English as a second language, we suggest that you have attained one of the following proficiency levels, or a comparable one:
IELTS: minimum of 5.5 in each area and an overall score of 6.0
TOEFL: minimum of 17 in each category, with a total score of 79
Cambridge: at least C or above
For each module you study, you will be required to complete a written assignment of up to 4,000 words. This will allow you to demonstrate the abilities you have learned and the new knowledge you have gained from the course.
After that, you will turn in your tasks online, where CIPD will censor them and our assessors will grade them.
The People Management diploma focuses on generalist HR employment relations, talent management, reward, and people strategy. The OL&D diploma specialises in learning and development designing programmes, coaching, digital learning, and building learning cultures. Both lead to Assoc CIPD.
You should have some relevant experience in a people-related role whether in L&D, training, HR, or management. If you have completed the CIPD Level 3 you are well prepared. Our advisors will confirm whether this programme is the right fit for you.
Sessions run on weekday evenings and weekends. You can choose virtual delivery or in-person sessions in Abu Dhabi. The programme is structured unit by unit, with tutor support, guided study, and assignment deadlines spread across the timeline.
Assessment is entirely assignment-based one written assignment per unit with no examinations. Assignments are scenario-based and connect directly to real L&D and workplace situations, making the learning immediately applicable.
Graduates typically progress into L&D Manager, Learning Business Partner, Organisational Development Specialist, Talent Development Manager, and Employee Experience Manager roles. Assoc CIPD is recognised by employers worldwide.
Yes. The Level 5 Associate Diploma is the standard pathway into the CIPD Level 7 Advanced Diploma in Strategic People Management the postgraduate-level qualification leading to Chartered Membership (MCIPD).
Level 5
Level 3Talk to a Skills Plus advisor about CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning & Development — eligibility, dates and corporate cohorts.