This paper describes a diploma programme in HRD being offered by the Academy of Human Resource Development in distance education mode to prepare HRD professionals for the HRD function. This diploma ranging over an 18 month period has been started recently. Application oriented assignments, mentors, organisational sponsorship and support to candidates, and the accreditation system are some interesting characteristics of the distance education. Although expensive due to small number, lack of subsidy and high involvement of professional experts, this diploma programme has thrown up a few lessons for making distance learning involving and useful. The paper highlights the characteristics of the programme and presents lessons for distance education.