What is the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice Level 3 course?

CIPD Platinum Centre

The CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice (Level 3) is a nationally recognised professional qualification for adults aged 19 and over who want to begin or develop a career in Human Resources (HR), Learning and Development (L&D), or People Practice.

Delivered at West Notts College, a CIPD Approved Platinum Study Centre, this part-time course has been designed around the latest CIPD Profession Map, helping you develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours employers expect from today's people professionals.

Whether you are completely new to HR, already work in an administrative or support role, or want to gain a recognised qualification to progress your career, this course provides a strong foundation for future success.

If you have not studied for a while, our experienced tutors will support you every step of the way in a friendly, welcoming environment designed specifically for adult learners.

Who should study the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice qualification?

This course is suitable for adults aged 19+ who want to:

Start a career in Human Resources (HR)
Begin a career in Learning and Development (L&D)
Develop a career in People Practice
Formalise existing workplace experience with a recognised professional qualification
Build confidence before progressing to higher-level CIPD qualifications
Gain practical knowledge to become more effective in a people-focused role

It is ideal for those returning to education, career changers, supervisors, administrators and anyone supporting people management within an organisation.

What will you learn on the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice course?

During the course, you will study the core principles that underpin successful people management, including:

Business, culture and change in context
Principles of analytics
Core behaviours for people professionals
Essentials of people practice

You will develop practical knowledge of how HR and People Practice support organisations, employees and business performance. The qualification also helps you build professional behaviours, communication skills and confidence that can be applied immediately in the workplace.

Why choose West Notts College for your CIPD qualification?

Choosing West Notts College means learning with one of the UK's recognised CIPD Approved Platinum Study Centres, demonstrating consistently high standards in teaching, assessment and learner satisfaction.

You'll benefit from:

CIPD Approved Platinum Study Centre status
Experienced tutors with extensive HR industry knowledge
Small, supportive classes designed for adult learners
Opportunities to network with other HR professionals and students
Modern classrooms and excellent on-campus facilities
Access to Moodle, Microsoft Teams and online learning resources
Learning Resource Centre, café, restaurant and free parking
Easy access via public transport
Clear progression opportunities, including Level 5 CIPD qualifications and further study with Nottingham Trent University (Mansfield)

When does the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice course start?

The next course starts week commencing Monday 7 September 2026.

Early application is recommended as places are limited.

When do classes take place?

You will attend college for:

3 hours of taught sessions each week (on campus)
Approximately 1 hour of self-directed study each week

This flexible timetable allows many learners to balance study alongside work and family commitments.

How much does the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice course cost?

The course fee is £1,395.

To make studying more affordable, you can spread the cost over four instalments.

If paying by instalments:

Pay an initial deposit of £348.75 (25%) when enrolling.
The remaining balance is collected by Direct Debit in three bi-monthly payments of £348.75.

Please contact our Finance team on 0808 100 3626 for more information about payment options.

Additional costs

You will also need to become a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD). Membership fees are paid directly to CIPD and vary depending on the membership type selected. Please contact the college for current membership guidance.

How is the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice course delivered?

This version of the qualification is delivered on campus through weekly classroom-based sessions.

You will learn through a combination of:

Tutor-led teaching
Group discussions
Practical activities
Independent study
Online learning resources using Moodle and Microsoft Teams.

Our experienced HR professionals bring current industry experience into every session, helping you connect theory with real workplace practice.

Student success

Our learners consistently praise the quality of teaching, supportive learning environment and practical content.

Recent students have highlighted:

Highly engaging teaching with real workplace examples.
Excellent tutor support throughout the course.
Inclusive learning with appropriate support for individual needs.
Confidence to progress onto the Level 5 CIPD qualification.

Kellymarie Smith

I attended the CIPD Level 3 course as a foundation for beginning my career in HR, and I found the experience fantastic.
The course was well structured, covering four key areas of learning: business, culture and change, principles of analytics, core behaviours of people professionals, and essentials of people practice. It provided a comprehensive introduction to the world of HR and is ideal for individuals looking to step into the profession, as well as those already working within HR who want to develop their knowledge further.
Annette was an incredible course tutor, creating a structured and supportive learning environment that was consistent and engaging each week. She was always available to offer advice and guidance, and every session had a clear lesson plan, thorough content, and a valuable wrap-up to reinforce learning.
I enjoyed the course so much that I returned to undertake the CIPD Level 5 qualification with the college.
Stella Thorley

I have no negative feedback and have successfully completed CIPD level 3 and in the process of achieving the level 5 qualification. The course content is highly engaging, with the tutor effectively incorporating real-world examples and scenarios, supported by a varied mix of multimedia to enhance learning. I was particularly surprised by the specialist employment law assignment, which proved far more interesting than I had anticipated.
The college is also highly inclusive for disabled students. I was well supported by both my tutor and assessor, who ensured appropriate reasonable adjustments were in place. The provision of a scribe, significantly enhanced my classroom experience and helped to minimise fatigue.

Frequently asked questions

Is this CIPD Level 3 course suitable if I have no HR experience?

Yes. The qualification is specifically designed for beginners and those looking to move into HR or People Practice.
Do I need previous qualifications?

No previous HR qualifications are required. The course is suitable for adults returning to study as well as those already working in people-related roles.
Is this an official CIPD qualification?

Yes. The qualification is awarded by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), the UK's professional body for HR and People Development.
Can I progress to Level 5 after completing this course?

Yes. Many students continue their professional development by studying the CIPD Level 5 qualification.
How do I apply for the CIPD Foundation Certificate in People Practice course?

Applying is straightforward.
Complete the online application through the West Notts College website or contact our Adult Learning team if you would like advice before applying.
If you have any questions about the course, payment options or CIPD membership, our team will be happy to help.

Adult learning support and guidance

Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.
Visit our adult support page

Entry requirements
This course is only available to adults aged 19+.
- GCSE English language and Maths grade 4-9/C-A* (or equivalent)
- Completion of an initial face to face or telephone interview to ascertain whether the course is suitable and right for you.
Assessment
The course is mainly face to face, with a variety of teaching and assessment methods. There are no exams.
There is a requirement for some independent study and this is supported by a range of resources from our Learning Resource Centre and other platforms such as Moodle and Microsoft Teams.
Progression
Many learners progress to the CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Level 5) to further develop their career.
- CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (Blended Learning) - Level 5
- CIPD Associate Diploma in People Management (On-campus) - Level 5.
Careers
Completing this qualification can help you progress into roles such as:
- HR Administrator
- HR Assistant
- People Coordinator
- Recruitment Administrator
- Learning and Development Assistant
- People Services Administrator.
Studying Human Resources at West Notts College
Visit our human resources subject area to explore the full range of courses available.

Disclaimer

Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.