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How to become a learning and development officer

Learning and development (L&D) officers — also called training officers — find out what training people need, design learning materials, deliver sessions online or in person, and check whether the training worked.

You could work in an organisation's HR or L&D team, for a training provider, or later as a freelance trainer.

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

  • Multiple routes
  • No licence needed
  • Earn while learning

3 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 AApprenticeship

    Learning and development apprenticeship (Level 3, then Level 5)

    For those who want to learn to design and deliver training at work, with a wage and training paid for.

    Starting requirements

    • You apply for an apprenticeship job; each employer sets its own requirements
    • The National Careers Service says the Level 3 apprenticeship usually asks for 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English and maths
    • The Level 5 apprenticeship usually asks for A levels or equivalent as well

    Pathway outline

    1. Apply for a Learning and development practitioner apprenticeship (Level 3)
    2. Help identify training needs, deliver sessions and evaluate learning
    3. Complete the end-point assessment
    4. You could move on to the Learning and development consultant business partner apprenticeship (Level 5)
    Estimated duration
    18 months at Level 3; 36 months with Level 5
    How we estimate this

    Find apprenticeship training lists Learning and development practitioner (Level 3) and Learning and development consultant business partner (Level 5) at 18 months each.

    Estimated direct study costs
    Up to £13,000 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 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route BWork + study

    Start in HR or training support and study for CIPD qualifications

    For those who want to start as an assistant in an HR, recruitment or training team and build qualifications while they earn.

    Starting requirements

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

    Pathway outline

    1. Start as an assistant in an HR, recruitment or training department
    2. Study the CIPD Level 3 Foundation Certificate in People Practice (8 to 12 months)
    3. Move on to the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development (12 to 16 months)
    4. Apply for training officer roles
    5. Apply for the matching CIPD membership grade if your role asks for it
    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.

    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 job.

    Evidence checked 14 Oct 2026 · Availability varies

  • Route CCareer change

    Career change: from subject expert to trainer

    For those with experience in another field — such as IT, customer service, healthcare or teaching — who want to train others.

    Starting requirements

    • The National Careers Service says employers expect experience in training or teaching, knowledge of their industry, and a relevant qualification in the subject you will teach
    • You might start at CIPD Level 5 rather than Level 3, depending on your experience
    • Taking on training tasks in your current job can help

    Pathway outline

    1. Take on training, coaching or induction tasks in your current job
    2. Study the CIPD Level 5 Associate Diploma in Organisational Learning and Development part-time
    3. Apply for training officer or L&D officer roles
    4. Apply for CIPD membership if your role asks for it
    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 a training 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 a first training role may pay less than your current job.

    Evidence checked 14 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 learning and development?

No. CIPD is a professional body, not a licence. Some employers ask for CIPD qualifications or membership; many do not.

Can I become a trainer using my current expertise?

Yes. The National Careers Service says employers expect experience in training or teaching, an understanding of their industry, and a relevant qualification in the subject you will teach — for example, a recognised computing qualification for IT training.

Sources

Evidence checked 14 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).

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