ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching & Mentoring
The ideal qualification for managers and consultants. Gain a globally-recognised, degree-level ILM qualification to develop your capability as a professional coach or mentor.
What is the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring?
The ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is a focused professional qualification designed for managers, HR professionals, team leaders and aspiring workplace coaches who want to develop practical coaching and mentoring skills.
This qualification is ideal if you want a recognised coaching qualification without committing to the larger Level 5 Diploma. It focuses on the core principles of workplace coaching, mentoring conversations, coaching structure, communication skills, reflective practice and practical coaching application.
Learners develop the confidence to use coaching and mentoring techniques effectively within professional and organisational settings. The course is particularly suitable for people who want to integrate coaching into leadership, management, staff development or internal people-support roles.
Compared with the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring, the Certificate route is shorter, more focused and requires fewer coaching practice hours, making it a strong entry point into professional coaching and mentoring development.
ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring course summary
Qualification:Â ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
Best for:Â Managers, HR professionals, learning and development practitioners, internal coaches and professionals who want to use coaching and mentoring skills in the workplace.
Study format: Flexible online learning with tutor support, coaching practice, optional live online workshops, reflective development and assessment guidance.
Level:Â Level 5 coaching and mentoring qualification.
Coaching context:Â Workplace coaching, management coaching, internal coaching and mentoring conversations.
Accreditation and recognition:Â ILM qualifications are regulated by Ofqual. The ILM is a part of the City & Guilds Group.
Main outcome:Â Learners develop practical coaching and mentoring skills, reflective awareness and the confidence to use coaching approaches in professional settings.
What's Included in Your Training
Explore the tabs below for a complete breakdown of this flexible, tutor-supported online programme, which you can complete in up to two years.
This ILM Level 5 Certificate is a well-established and highly respected qualification. It’s ideal for anyone considering a role as a performance coach within an organisation or looking to become a business coach working with leaders and managers. The aim is to develop your capability to coach using established frameworks.
This is a Professional Tutor Supported Distance Learning Programme. This blended model provides comprehensive online videos and learning materials, supplemented with live online workshops, group practice sessions, and personal 1-to-1 tutor support and supervision.
The online learning materials include a range of videos, qualification guidance documents (PDF downloads), and other supporting resources. Once you are registered, you’ll have immediate, 24/7 access to the core study content—allowing you to begin your course straight away. These comprehensive resources provide all the essential coach training you need to successfully complete your qualification. In addition, your learning is supported and enriched through a series of live online workshops, group tutor sessions and a Personal Tutor ensuring a fully interactive and engaging study experience.
The live online workshops focus on a blend of coaching approaches and the exploration of various coaching models. The live group tutor sessions provide an excellent opportunity to ask questions, practise different techniques, and take part in co-coaching activities.
Your personal qualification tutor will guide you through the available options and recommend the most suitable combination of workshops to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from your training experience.
Examples of LIVE Online Workshops include:
The Structure of Coaching and Session Contracting
Exploring Core Coaching Competencies
Understanding the GROW Model and the OSKAR Model
The Meta Model and the Power of Questions
Advanced Coaching Models: OSCAR, APROCESS, and Logical Levels of Change
Appreciative Inquiry as a Coaching Model
The ACHIEVE® Coaching Model
In addition, you’ll be invited to take part in our regular Co-Coaching events, supervision sessions, and continuing professional development (CPD) activities—providing ongoing opportunities for growth, reflection, and professional networking.
Entry Requirements
Applicants are typically practising managers, consultants, or professionals who already have experience in a coaching or mentoring capacity and the opportunity to meet the course assessment requirements.
Benefits for Business Coaches, Consultants, and Trainers
Strengthen your effectiveness and impact as a professional coach
Gain a nationally recognised qualification to enhance your credibility and attract more clients
Build greater confidence and professional authority in your coaching practice
Master the ability to coach effectively, even in brief, focused sessions lasting just a few minutes
Benefits for Managers and Senior Leaders
Develop the confidence to coach and empower your team more effectively
Acquire practical coaching skills to bring out the best in individuals and teams
Learn how to coach colleagues from different departments—even when you’re not familiar with their specific roles or challenges
Enhance your career prospects by developing a recognised leadership and coaching skill set
Gain the ability to conduct impactful, time-efficient coaching sessions within everyday management conversations
This qualification is achieved by completing three mandatory units through written assignments. You will have up to three years to complete your work. Your personal tutor will guide you through:
Unit 1: Understanding the Skills, Principles and Practice: A comprehensive written assignment (4000-5500 words) demonstrating your understanding of coaching and mentoring within an organisational context.
Unit 2: Undertaking Effective Coaching or Mentoring: A portfolio of evidence and a coaching diary documenting a minimum of 18 hours of practical coaching or mentoring.
Unit 3: Reviewing Your Own Ability: A reflective journal or log on your performance and development as a coach or mentor.
Credit Value: Â 16 Credits at Level 5
Online Study Lessons Include:
Module One:
- Lesson One: Course Introduction and Overview
- Lesson Two: A brief history of coaching
- Lesson Three: Exploring Coaching in the workplace
Module Two:
- Lesson One: Exploring barriers to CoachingÂ
- Lesson Two: First Steps in Coaching Practice
Module Three:
- Lesson One:Â The GROW Coaching Model Lesson Two: The WHATâ„¢ Coaching Method
- Lesson Three: The APROCESS Coaching Model
Module Four:Â
- Lesson One: Exploring Coaching Competencies
- Lesson Two: Coaching Tools and additional developmental ideas (part one)
- Lesson Three: Coaching Tools and additional developmental ideas (part two)Â
This course is a globally-recognised, high-level qualification from ILM (City & Guilds).
The ILM Level 5 Certificate is equivalent level to a Foundation Degree or HND.
The UK College of Personal Development has been training leaders and coaches for over 25 years and is an ILM Approved Centre.
Students receive one year of Student Membership with the Association for Coaching (AC) — the leading UK professional body for coaching.
Once you successfully complete your qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to upgrade to Full Professional Membership at a special discounted rate through our Organisational Membership Group Discount Scheme, giving you continued access to professional recognition, resources, and networking opportunities.
College Membership – Membership of the UK College of Personal Development is awarded to all students and Graduating Members, plus a Digital Credential and Professional Post Nominal Letters: PM-UKCPD.
ILM coaching and mentoring students can take up the offer of a 25% discount for membership of the EMCC UK. The EMCC UK is a professional membership organisation which encourages excellence and progression for mentors, coaches and supervisors.Â
CoachFinder Listing – All qualified graduates are offered a free listing on our brand new Professional Coach and Practitioner Listing website:  https://thecoachfinder.com
Who is the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring for?
The ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is suitable for learners who want a focused coaching and mentoring qualification for workplace use.
This course may be useful if you are a manager who wants to support team members more effectively, an HR or learning and development professional developing internal coaching capability, or an aspiring coach who wants a recognised qualification.
It is also suitable for professionals who want to improve coaching conversations, strengthen mentoring skills, support performance development and build confidence when helping others learn, reflect and grow.
What will I learn on the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring?
On this qualification, learners develop the knowledge and practical skills needed to coach and mentor effectively in workplace and organisational settings.
You will explore the role of coaching and mentoring, coaching skills, mentoring approaches, contracting, ethical practice, reflective learning, goal-setting, listening, questioning and how to support development conversations.
These skills can help learners improve the quality of workplace conversations, support performance, develop others and apply coaching and mentoring approaches with greater confidence.
You can also compare this course with other UKCPD routes on our ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualifications page.
Choose Your Plan
We offer two simple ways to pay.
Both options include VAT and our 0% interest-free guarantee.
Pay in Full
Make a single, one-time payment to get fully enrolled instantly.
£2,395.00 One-Time Fee
Tutor-Supported Online Learning
Globally-Recognised ILM Qualification
ILM Level 5 Certificate
Foundation Degree Equivalent
Ideal for Managers & Aspiring Coaches
18 Hours Practical Coaching
Includes Live Online Workshops
Personal 1-to-1 Tutor Support
Up to 2 Years to Complete
Start Anytime
Interest-Free Plan (UK Students Only)
Spread the cost over 12 months with our flexible, 0% interest plan. (UK Students Only)
12 x monthly payments of £199.58
Total Investment: £2,395.00
Tutor-Supported Online Learning
Globally-Recognised ILM Qualification
ILM Level 5 Certificate
Foundation Degree Equivalent
Ideal for Managers & Aspiring Coaches
18 Hours Practical Coaching
Includes Live Online Workshops
Personal 1-to-1 Tutor Support
Up to 2 Years to Complete
Start Anytime
Includes Selected Textbooks (Kindle)
How this ILM Level 5 Certificate compares
The ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring is a focused qualification for learners who want to develop core coaching and mentoring skills for workplace use.
If you want a broader and more in-depth Level 5 coaching and mentoring qualification, compare this course with the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.
If you already coach senior people, work with executives or want to develop executive coaching capability, compare this course with the ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors.
Related ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualifications
Explore the full ILM Coaching & Mentoring qualifications pathway to compare UKCPD’s Level 5 and Level 7 coaching routes.
Related qualifications include the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring, ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors and ILM Level 7 Diploma for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are a few of our commonly asked questions about this course. If you have questions not covered here, use the form below to book a discovery call with our team.
What is the ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching & Mentoring?
The ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching & Mentoring is a recognised professional qualification designed to build structured coaching and mentoring skills for managers and practitioners working with individuals and teams.
Who is the Level 5 coaching certificate for?
It is suitable for managers, HR professionals, team leaders, supervisors and practising coaches who wish to embed coaching and mentoring into their leadership style.
What coaching skills will I develop?
You will gain skills in contracting coaching relationships, powerful questioning, giving feedback, building rapport, structuring coaching sessions with various coaching models and supporting behavioural change in individuals and teams.
How is the programme assessed?
Assessment includes 3 unit assignments that include, an essay, 18 documented coaching / mentoring hours, reflective and planning log.Â
How long does the qualification take?
The ILM give you 3 years, however, we think this is far to long and encourage students to set a target of a year or just over. Â
Is the ILM Level 5 coaching accreditation recognised?
Yes — this qualification is aligned with ILM standards and valued in professional coaching, HR and leadership development.
What opportunities follow this qualification?
Graduates may progress to the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Coaching & Mentoring, executive coaching roles, internal organisational coaching, leadership development functions or continue to ILM Level 7 coaching programmes.