1. I have made little use of a computer before is this a problem?
No it is not a problem as no complicated techniques are required. If you have used a word processor, e-mail and the internet you should be fine and the tutor is always there to provide assistance if required.

2. During what times is the course available online?
The aim is to have it as close to 24 hours a day seven days a week as possible.

3. Do I need a high tech PC to do the course?
No this is not necessary and any PC with internet access and a word processor would be fine. The course is designed to be usable on older PCs with limited display resolution.

4. Do I need broadband internet access to take the course?
This while not required is obviously an advantage. Dial up access that has an unlimited time feature would probably prove cost effective.

5. Do I need to be sponsored by my employer to take the course?
No this is not essential, though obviously it is helpful to have your employer’s support as some of the assignments require assistance from your employer where possible.

6. Do I need to be working in an HR Department to take the course?
No this is not required however you would get more out of the course if you can discuss points from the course with people currently working in HR.

7. Are there any additional hidden costs associated with the course?
No the price quoted is an all in cost. A course workbook and a text book are provided and there are no additional fees for exams, marking, assessments etc.

8 How much time per week would the course take me?
This would vary by student and also the work required does tend to build up as the course progresses. Most students would require three to five hours a week at Level 2 and between five to eight hours a week at Level 3.

9. Would my employer be given details of my performance on the course?
If your employer sponsors you this information would be available to them if they request it. This information can be used by employers to identify potential in students completing the course which can be a big advantage for them and also for you.

10. Can I ask questions directly relating to my day to day work on the course?
There is a forum on the course that would enable this, though questions that are both relevant to your work and also relevant to the course would be preferred. There is also an online chat facility where you can talk to other students and your tutor may arrange for additional HR experts in their field to join the course from time to time.

11. How would I be assessed when on the course?
You would submit assignments based on course activities and these would be assessed by the course tutor and verified by independent assessment. There is a timetable for assignment submissions however exceptions can be made with a valid reason. There are no examinations as such to be taken.

12. How would I submit any course assignments?
These would normally be typed into a word processor and e-mailed to your course tutor as an attachment.

13. I am quite a slow typist. Does this matter?
Not really as the assignments are usually quite short and no one else on the course would be aware of how fast you are typing. You can access the course when convenient and submit contributions to discussions at your own pace.

14. I am not very good at putting my point across in e-mails and sometimes tend not to bother. Is this going to be a problem?
Whilst we encourage you to collaborate with other students, it is the role of the online tutor to ensure that everyone participates to a level sufficient to undertake each assignment. You should not let this worry you.

15. Would I need to download any software onto my PC for the course?
No, the course is run entirely over the internet and as long as you have internet access you would be fine.

16. Do I have to do the course at work or can I do it at home as well?
This is entirely up to you. As long as you have internet access you can do the course where you like. However if you are on holiday in Barbados and you want to keep up with the course while you are there you should consider getting a life!

17. Can I sign up for Level 2 and then decide about Level 3 later?
Yes this is perfectly acceptable. At the end of Level 2 it is possible to continue straight on to Level 3 or to take a break and then continue, obviously depending on the availability of places on the course. If you start Level 3 within six months of finishing Level 2 then a substantial saving is available on the cost of Level 3.

18. What happens if I encounter problems either at work or at home and am unable to keep up with the course?
We aim to be flexible with this and for a small administrative fee you can move to another course giving you a few weeks off. You would start the other course exactly where you left off the first.

19. Do I need to prepare a portfolio of achievement as part of the course?
No, such a portfolio is generally required for an NVQ qualification. The BTEC qualification is assessed on assignments and these have been structured to give you a broad range of activities which are tutor assessed.

20. What qualification would I get if I successfully complete the course?
If you complete Level 2 you will receive a BTEC Level 2 which is equivalent to a GCSE or NVQ Level 2. If you complete Level 3 then you will receive a BTEC Level 3 which is equivalent to an ‘A’ level or NVQ Level 3.

21. What is collaborative learning as is mentioned in the course description and how would this help me?
Collaborative learning means that you will have the opportunity to share your learning with your fellow students and tutor. Research has shown us that e-learning is more effective if we feel part of a group. Think of your online course as one big classroom with a tutor and students. You will be amazed how quickly you feel part of the group – even though you may never meet your tutor or fellow students face to face!

22. Do I need to be a member of the CIPD to take the course?
There is no requirement to be a member of the CIPD.

23. How does this course compare to the CIPD Certificate in Personnel Practice course?
This course is in many ways equivalent to the CPP course and it has a very similar syllabus. However, to the best of our knowledge, we understand that this is the only human resources qualification available online that is an approved qualification to BTEC Level 3.

24 Would completing this course give me any exemptions from parts of the CIPD professional qualification?
At this stage we are not aware that this course would give you any exemption from the CIPD course. As with the CPP course, this course provides an excellent foundation for further career progression within human resources. We endorse the standards of the CIPD and would encourage anyone seriously considering a career in human resources to continue with their studies and eventually undertake the full CIPD qualification if they wish.