Profession Map general FAQs

The Profession Map and its purpose

The Profession Map defines the knowledge, behaviours and values that underpin our profession. It is the most effective way for people professionals, globally, to make sound decisions and bring about change for people, work and organisations.

By setting clear standards, the Profession Map supports people professionals to make good decisions, develop their careers, and champion better work and working lives, whether they’re a CIPD member or someone starting out on their professional journey.

The Profession Map provides a firm foundation for our membership levels, learning pathways, qualifications and our work with employers. It supports people professionals - generalists and specialists - as they develop throughout their careers, ensuring that membership of the CIPD remains relevant and valuable.

How can you use the Profession Map?

The Profession Map enables people professionals and people teams to benchmark knowledge, behaviours and values against a globally-agreed industry standard.

The Profession Map can help you to:

develop and demonstrate your expertise in people, work and change
challenge and act with confidence
navigate complexity and uncertainty
make better, evidence-based decisions
increase your impact and drive positive change
work at the cutting edge of the profession
stand out as a relevant and credible practitioner
plot your own professional development
plan your team’s professional development.

Our Profession Map pages provide everything you need to get started including learning, guides, case studies and links to further information, resources and support.

Why did we create a new Profession Map?

Designed with input from members, partners, employers and academics, the Profession Map is a practical, evidence-based benchmark for all people professionals, whatever your role, level, specialism or industry.

In recent years its focus has shifted from activity-based practice to values-based decision-making that supports the best outcomes and impact in all contexts. We continue to review it twice a year to keep our standards relevant and future-fit.

Why are we using the term 'people professional'?

We’ve moved from referring to 'professionals working in HR and L&D' to talking about 'people professionals'. This asserts clearly that people are at the heart of what we do. And it's more inclusive of the wide range of specialisms that are forming and transforming our worldwide profession.

This simple and profound term includes all EDI, HR, L&D and OD professionals, and those working in other people specialisms, whether they are members or non-members.

The Profession Map

Make the most of the Profession Map

The Profession Map is for everyone in our profession – individuals and teams, members and non-members. Learn more about the Profession Map and how you can use it.