Build the essential foundations of people management. This CIPD Level 3 qualification is the perfect starting point for HR professionals, team leaders, and anyone entering the people and talent function. Master core concepts in recruitment, employee relations, and people development.
Whether you're transitioning into HR or building people management skills as a team leader
Starting your HR career? This foundation qualification provides the CIPD accreditation that signals professional competence to employers and opens doors to career progression in people and talent.
Line managers handling recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. Gain the formal qualification and structured knowledge to manage people effectively and professionally.
Transitioning into HR from another field? This qualification provides the foundational knowledge and CIPD credential to position yourself as a professional in the people function.
HR administrators, recruitment coordinators, or talent acquisition specialists looking to formalize your knowledge and build a pathway toward Level 5 senior roles.
Senior leaders and managers who need to understand people strategy, employment law, and best practice in HR to support business outcomes and compliance.
Talented professionals with aptitude for people management looking to build recognized credentials and lay the foundation for advancement into strategic HR roles.
The foundation qualification recognized by HR professionals worldwide
On completion, you earn the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice — a UK-regulated qualification recognized by employers across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors globally.
Six core modules covering the foundations of people management and HR practice
Understand the role of HR in organizations, key responsibilities in people management, organizational structures, and how people strategy aligns with business objectives.
Best practice in job analysis, job design, advertising, shortlisting, interviewing, and selection decisions. Understand legal requirements and fair recruitment practices.
Employment law essentials: contracts of employment, statutory rights, grievance and discipline, termination, and building positive employee relations.
Understanding learning needs, designing training, coaching for development, and measuring the impact of learning interventions on business outcomes.
Job evaluation, salary structures, pay fairness, benefits, and non-financial rewards. Understand compensation strategy aligned to organizational objectives.
Leading people through change, organizational culture, building engagement, and the role of HR in shaping organizational values and performance.
From foundations to qualified HR professional
Your progress is evaluated through:
Blended Learning
2–3 days per week: guided learning, workshops, 1:1 mentoring, and independent study. Flexible scheduling around your work commitments.
Your learning is supported by HR experts, experienced assessors, cohort learning with peers, and regular progress reviews to ensure you succeed.
This is the official CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate — recognized globally and valued by employers worldwide as proof of professional HR competence.
Learn in context. Every module connects to real HR challenges you face in your role. Apply theory directly to your workplace.
Learn from experienced HR practitioners and CIPD-trained assessors who understand the profession, not just the theory.
This qualification opens the door to CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma and senior HR roles. Build your career with recognized credentials.
The CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate is your first step toward professional recognition in people management. Start your journey with TESS Group today.
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