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Level 5 Certificate — 4–8 Months — 18 Hours Observed Coaching

The UK's Most Respected
Coaching Qualification

A practice-intensive 4–8 month programme that transforms managers into skilled coaches — combining coaching theory, observed practice, and professional supervision. Accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management, the UK's largest professional body for leadership.

ILM Level 5 — City & Guilds Group | 18 Hours Observed Coaching | Foundation Degree Equiv | Professional Supervision | Industry Standard
L5
ILM
Accredited
4–8
Month
Delivery
18
Hours
Coaching
Supervised
Professional
Practice
Google
★★★★★4.9/5
Trustpilot
★★★★★4.9/5
Ofsted
Good Provider

For Managers Who Develop People,
Not Just Direct Them

Whether you're building organisational coaching capability or embedding coaching into daily practice

👥

HR & L&D Professionals

Build formal coaching capability across your organisation and reduce reliance on expensive external coaches.

👨‍💼

Line Managers

Embed coaching in daily practice, moving from directive management to developmental leadership.

🎯

Internal Coaches

Formalise your coaching capability with an industry-recognised qualification and structured framework.

🌟

Mentors

Distinguish between mentoring and coaching, and apply structured coaching frameworks to your relationships.

You'll Be Equipped For

Industry Benchmark

The benchmark for workplace coaching capability in the UK. ILM Level 5 is the gold standard, with thousands of practitioners and proven ROI across all sectors.

What Makes This Different

Practice-based learning, not just theory. You learn by doing, with structured feedback and professional guidance

3

Three mandatory modules covering coaching foundations, real-world practice, and reflective mastery — each building on the last.

18 Hours
1
Real Coaching Practice
Observed Coaching with Real Individuals
Not role-play. Real workplace coaching with 2-3 individuals from your own organisation. Your coaching is observed, recorded, and reviewed.
Professional Support
2
Professional Supervision
1 Hour Minimum Formal Supervision
Just like clinical practitioners. Supervision creates space for reflection, challenge, and development with experienced coaches.
Evidence-Based
3
Reflective Practice
Reflective Practice Journal
Build self-awareness as a coaching practitioner. Your journal captures sessions, reflections, learning, and development into a coaching portfolio.

Why ILM L5 Coaching Stands Out

Many providers offer coaching theory. ILM L5 is different: you prove capability through 18 hours of real, observed coaching. This is authentic, measurable evidence of coaching competence—not hypothetical exercises.

18hrs
ILM L5
Theory
Typical

The Curriculum: 3 Mandatory
Modules

Each module builds progressively from foundational knowledge through to autonomous practice and reflective mastery

Module 1

Understanding the Skills, Principles & Practice of Effective Coaching

Coaching vs mentoring, GROW, OSKAR, CLEAR models, ethical practice, professional boundaries, coaching contracts, and when coaching is appropriate.

Theory Foundations
Module 2

Undertaking Coaching in an Organisational Context

18 hours observed coaching with 2-3 individuals from your organisation. Adapting approach, maintaining records, measuring progress. 1 hour professional supervision minimum.

Practice Real-World
Module 3

Reviewing Own Ability as a Coach

Holistic self-review of your coaching effectiveness. Reflective practice models, personal strengths and development areas, personal development plan, coaching portfolio.

Reflection Development

Assessment & Accreditation

Real-world evidence. Recognised globally.

Assessment Method

Written Assignments
Coaching Knowledge & Understanding
Assessments demonstrating your coaching knowledge and theoretical understanding, grounded in your practice.
Observed Coaching Log
18 Hours Real Coaching
Evidence of 18 hours real coaching with real individuals from your own organisation. The core of your qualification.
Professional Supervision
Reflective Dialogue & Support
Record of 1-hour minimum professional supervision and reflective dialogue with an experienced coach.
Reflective Journal
Learning & Development Portfolio
Your coaching journal capturing sessions, reflections, learning, and development into a coaching portfolio.

Your Qualification

ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching & Mentoring

Accredited by the Institute of Leadership & Management, the UK's largest professional body for leadership development. City & Guilds validated.

Recognised as the Industry Standard

ILM membership upon completion. Positioning you as part of a professional community of coaching practitioners and leaders.

Foundation Degree Equivalent

Level 5 qualifications sit at foundation degree level, providing equivalent standing to HE qualifications and recognised by employers globally.

"The 18 hours of real coaching practice was transformational. We didn't learn coaching theory in isolation—we became coaches through genuine practice, supervision, and reflection."
— L&D Manager, NHS Trust

Real Practice, Real Evidence

You don't memorise theory for an exam. You coach real people in your own organisation, with professional guidance and evidence of competence.

Professional Supervision Included

Like clinical practitioners, you receive professional supervision. This creates space for reflection, challenge, and development with experienced coaches.

Build Internal Capability

Develop internal coaching capacity. Less reliance on expensive external coaches. Your qualified internal coaches become a permanent resource.

Ready to Build Internal Coaching Capability?

Speak with our team about how the ILM Level 5 can transform coaching practice in your organisation.

Request a Consultation
TESS GROUP
Leadership Development & Coaching
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching & Mentoring
Accredited by City & Guilds Group