Skip to content
ApplySafer

How to become an HR professional

HR (human resources) professionals help organisations recruit, support and develop their people — handling recruitment, contracts, pay, wellbeing, training and employee relations.

You could work in a company's HR team, a recruitment agency, the public sector, a charity or as an HR consultant.

You do not need a licence to work in HR. CIPD qualifications are widely recognised, and some employers ask for them.

  • Multiple routes
  • No licence needed
  • Earn while learning possible

4 routes into this career

Each route is a real, published way in. None is guaranteed, and requirements vary by employer. Select up to 3 to compare side by side.

  • Route AWork + study

    Work in HR and study for CIPD qualifications

    For those who want to start in an HR support role and build qualifications step by step while they earn.

    Starting requirements

    • An entry role such as HR assistant, HR administrator or recruitment coordinator
    • Study centres set their own entry checks for CIPD courses
    • Some employers pay for CIPD study; others do not

    Pathway outline

    1. Start in an HR assistant or administrator role
    2. Study the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate (8 to 12 months)
    3. Move on to the Level 5 Associate Diploma (12 to 16 months)
    4. You could take the Level 7 Advanced Diploma later (16 to 24 months)
    5. Apply for the matching CIPD membership grade
    Estimated duration
    About 20 to 28 months to Level 5
    How we estimate this

    CIPD's typical durations: Level 3, 8 to 12 months; Level 5, 12 to 16 months. Level 7 adds 16 to 24 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £3,176 to £6,176Paid up front by you: £3,176 to £6,176Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From your first HR job.

    Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BApprenticeship

    HR apprenticeship (Level 3, then Level 5)

    For those who want to earn a wage and have their HR training paid for.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own requirements
    • At least 20% of your normal working hours is off-the-job training
    • Vacancies are competitive and availability varies by region

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Level 3 HR support apprenticeship
    2. Work and train; your employer and the government pay for the training
    3. Complete the end-point assessment
    4. You could move on to the Level 5 People professional apprenticeship
    5. Level 7 Senior people professional is possible later, subject to the funding age rule
    Estimated duration
    18 to 40 months to Level 5
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists HR support (Level 3) at 18 months and People professional (Level 5) at 22 months.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £15,500 of training (funding band maximum), paid for youPaid up front by you: £0 — training and assessment are fundedApprentices do not pay for training or assessment. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    From day one — apprentices are employees and are paid a wage.

    Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CUniversity

    University degree, then an HR role

    For those who want to study a relevant subject — such as business, HR management or psychology — before working in HR.

    Starting requirements

    • Universities set their own entry requirements
    • Some courses include a CIPD qualification — ask the university and check with CIPD
    • After graduating, an HR graduate scheme or entry role

    Pathway outline

    1. Study a degree in a relevant subject (or any subject)
    2. Look for HR work experience or a placement
    3. Apply for HR graduate schemes or entry roles
    4. You could add a CIPD qualification at work
    5. Apply for CIPD membership if your role asks for it
    Estimated duration
    About 3 years, then work
    How we estimate this

    A typical full-time bachelor's degree in England takes 3 years. CIPD study after graduating is optional.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £29,370Paid up front by you: £0Up-front figure assumes a Tuition Fee Loan pays the tuition. The loan is repaid from future earnings above a threshold, so it is shown separately as a loan balance.Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    Usually after graduating, although many students work part-time or take a paid placement.

    Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route DCareer change

    Career change into HR

    For those with experience in another field — such as management, admin or customer service — who want to move into HR.

    Starting requirements

    • Experience managing or supporting people can count in your favour — employers decide
    • You might start at CIPD Level 5 rather than Level 3, depending on your experience
    • CIPD also offers an experience assessment route to membership

    Pathway outline

    1. Look for HR tasks in your current job, or an internal move
    2. Apply for HR administrator, coordinator or adviser roles
    3. Study CIPD Level 5 part-time (or Level 3 if you are new to HR)
    4. Build HR experience
    5. Apply for CIPD membership, or use CIPD's experience assessment
    Estimated duration
    About 12 to 16 months for CIPD Level 5
    How we estimate this

    CIPD's typical duration for the Level 5 Associate Diploma. Moving into an HR role can take longer or happen sooner.

    Estimated direct study costs
    £1,778 to £3,778Paid up front by you: £1,778 to £3,778Published fees only, at the lower and upper ends of official ranges. Training provider fees are extra. Change the assumptions in Compare costs.
    When you can start earning
    You keep earning, although an entry HR role may pay less than your current job.

    Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

Choose “View full journey” on a route to see every step, cost and source.

Good to know

Questions people ask

Do I need CIPD to work in HR?

No. CIPD is a professional body, not a licence. Some employers ask for CIPD qualifications or membership, especially for adviser and manager roles; many entry roles do not.

Sources

Evidence checked 12 Oct 2026. Every fee and requirement on this page links to one of these.

UK reference: median full-time pay for all employees was £39,039 in April 2025 (ONS ASHE, provisional).

Compare routes side by side