A course giving students a solid grounding in all the key concepts, techniques and skills needed to develop effectively as a PR practitioner. It is a qualification in its own right, but serves as a valuable preparation for the CIPR Diploma in PR, the major vocational qualification for membership of the CIPR.

This qualification is set at level 5 NQF (UK). Level 5 qualifications recognize the ability to increase the depth of knowledge and understanding of an area of work or study to enable the formulation of solutions and responses to complex problems and situations.

Those achieving success on the Advanced Certificate Course qualify for entry to the CIPR Diploma. The Advanced Certificate Course provides the basic knowledge and understanding of theory and practice necessary to enable students to begin to develop as effective and efficient professionals. The Diploma builds upon that knowledge and understanding. On completion of the course candidates are eligible for Associate membership (ACIPR) that allows them to have an access to the research results and resources of the association.