The RECs Institute of Professional Recruiters (IRP) is launching a new suite of qualifications which has been designed to develop and enhance professional capability in the £20 billion recruitment industry. These new qualifications represent a huge step-change for the recruitment sector. They will equip professional recruiters with all the knowledge and skills they need to meet the rapidly changing demands of clients and candidates. The new Entry Level Certificate and Professional Level Diploma join the Masters in Recruitment Practice in providing the most comprehensive set of qualifications for the recruitment industry anywhere in the world. They are launched following a year long review of the Qualifications offering involving more than 500 REC members. As the UKs awarding body for recruitment qualifications, the RECs review included extensive feedback from recruiters and other key stakeholders such as clients, academics and Government. The qualifications are being aligned with IRP membership grades. IRP members now have access to the most up to date qualifications to support the drive to develop best practice among professionals at every stage of their careers. Neil Smith, the RECs Chair, said: These qualifications are the result of a very rigorous and thorough review which received tremendous input from recruiters and numerous other stakeholders with a vested interest in the success of the UK recruitment industry. Qualifications and training are at the heart of the REC. We are excited to be launching these qualifications as we believe that not only do they better reflect the industry as it is today, but also help build capability for the future. The new comprehensive Diploma will become an essential marker of professional excellence that clients and potential employers will look for. Judith Armatage, the RECs Director of Professional Development, added: We now have a world-class qualifications programme which will equip IRP members with the knowledge, skills and confidence they need to help them build long term client relationships and enhance their reputation among candidates. The new features of the qualifications are: Increased recruiter competence and confidence because of robust accredited development Employer recognition because these qualifications have been developed by the industry for the industry The ability to differentiate themselves as a qualified recruiter sending out a clear message about their skills and capability enabling them to stand out from the crowd Increased business acumen as all IRP qualifications have detailed sections on business best practice Full IRP membership which is given upon completion of the Diploma or Masters in Recruitment Practice along with the use of letters after their name The new qualifications are as follows: Entry Level: Certificate in Recruitment Practice Thoroughly updated and modernised, the new Certificate has been designed to give recruiters in the first 12 months of their careers, a thorough knowledge of the fundamentals needed to work effectively, efficiently and ethically in the industry. It can be studied via distance learning, through fast track training, employer-led training programmes or direct exam access. It comprises six core units: * Build and Sustain Relationships * Sell recruitment services * Manage the recruitment process * Essential legislation and operational processes * Market the recruitment business * Manage yourself for success Professional Level: Diploma in Recruitment Practice The Diploma is for experienced recruiters, team leaders and recruitment managers, who want to be seen as true professionals. It will develop their recruitment, sales and recruitment business knowledge and also gives students a broader perspective on the wide range of issues they face, enabling them to develop the knowledge and skills to excel. The Diploma can be studied through a flexible learning programme with students choosing when they enrol and take their assessments. Units can be completed any time within a four year period. It comprises four core units plus two optional units from a choice of five. They are: Core Units * Build and develop networks and relationships * Advanced recruitment sales * Manage the recruitment process * Law and ethics in recruitment Optional Units * Business development and marketing * Manage people * Manage operational processes * Manage finances * Recruitment business planning Masters in Recruitment Practice Masters Degree The Masters is being delivered in partnership with Middlesex University Business School and is designed for the recruitment industry’s elite wanting to reach the pinnacle of their career. Using the Schools internationally renowned Work Based Learning framework, the Masters offers flexible learning opportunities for those taking it to reflect on and evaluate their work, helping them maximise their full potential. The next Certificate and Diploma programmes using the new qualifications will start in September and November this year. For further details about the qualifications and how to enrol on the courses, please go to: http://www.rec-irp.uk.com/career-development/qualifications