ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive & Senior Level Coaches
The definitive postgraduate-level qualification for coaching senior leaders. This ILM 7 Certificate is designed for experienced managers and coaches operating at an executive or strategic level.
What is the ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors?
The ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors is an advanced executive coaching qualification designed for experienced managers, senior leaders, professional coaches, consultants and organisational development professionals who want to coach at executive and senior leadership level.
Unlike workplace coaching qualifications focused on general staff development, the Level 7 Certificate focuses specifically on executive coaching, strategic leadership conversations, organisational performance, senior-level communication and coaching within complex professional environments.
This qualification is particularly suitable for professionals who want to coach directors, business owners, executives, senior managers and leadership teams within corporate, organisational and high-performance settings.
Learners develop advanced executive coaching and mentoring skills, alongside a deeper understanding of leadership psychology, reflective practice, coaching ethics and strategic organisational coaching approaches.
The ILM Level 7 Certificate provides a shorter and more focused route into executive coaching when compared with the ILM Level 7 Diploma, making it suitable for experienced professionals who want advanced coaching credentials without undertaking the larger Diploma programme.
ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors course summary
Qualification: ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors
Best for: Experienced coaches, consultants, senior leaders, HR professionals, organisational development practitioners and people who coach executives or senior individuals.
Study format: Flexible online learning with tutor support, advanced coaching development, optional live online workshops, reflective practice and assessment guidance.
Level: Level 7 executive and senior-level coaching qualification.
Coaching context: Executive coaching, senior-level coaching, organisational coaching and coaching in complex professional environments.
Accreditation and recognition: ILM qualifications are regulated by Ofqual. The ILM is a part of the City & Guilds Group.
Main outcome: Learners develop advanced executive coaching capability, reflective awareness and professional confidence when working with senior individuals and organisational clients.
What's Included in Your Training
Explore the tabs below for a complete breakdown of this postgraduate-level, tutor-supported online programme, which you can complete in up to two years.
The ILM Level 7 Certificate is one of our most senior qualifications. It is designed for senior managers, HR/OD professionals, and experienced coaches who wish to develop their skills to an executive level.
It is designed for experienced managers, consultants, and professional coaches—both practising and aspiring—who wish to develop as leading practitioners in the field of executive coaching and mentoring.
This qualification provides a comprehensive understanding of the coaching contract, along with the knowledge, skills, and professional frameworks required to deliver measurable results for individual clients and organisations. Participants will have the opportunity to apply these skills in practice while receiving personal coaching and professional supervision throughout their learning journey.
The programme combines online study materials, live interactive workshops, a growing resource library of reference papers, reflective practice, and one-to-one supervision, all designed to enhance your capability as an executive coach or mentor and maximise your impact within your organisation or client base.
This advanced programme focuses on strategic coaching and mentoring, enabling you to support the development of others in a high-impact manner.
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 and group tutor sessions, 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
- Logical Levels and The Generative Coaching Cycle™
- 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
Students will normally be practicing senior managers or consultants with a coaching or mentoring role and the opportunity to meet the assessment demands. They will normally be expected to be able to demonstrate this through holding some form of leadership and / or qualification at Level 5 or above.
Benefits for Individuals
- Develop the ability to review and shape the context, strategy, culture, and processes for coaching and mentoring at a senior and strategic level.
- Gain a deep understanding of different coaching and mentoring models and their practical impact within organisations.
- Learn how to evaluate the effectiveness of coaching and mentoring initiatives to demonstrate measurable outcomes.
- Critically assess your own communication style, emotional intelligence, interpersonal skills, and professional values to enhance your competence as a coach or mentor.
- Confidently plan, deliver, and review coaching and mentoring sessions with clients operating at senior or executive levels.
Benefits for Employers
- Successfully implement coaching and mentoring strategies in complex or senior-level organisational settings.
- Ensure that your organisation’s coaches and mentors are fully equipped with the skills, knowledge, and ethical frameworks required for professional practice.
- Benchmark your organisational approach against current best practices and industry standards.
- Foster a coaching and mentoring culture where senior leaders actively support their own growth and the development of others, driving sustained performance improvement.
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 Principles and Practice: A comprehensive written assignment (5000-7000 words) on coaching and mentoring at an executive or senior level.
Unit 2: Undertaking Supervised Coaching or Mentoring: A portfolio of evidence and coaching diary documenting a minimum of 20 hours of executive coaching or mentoring.
Unit 3: Reflecting on Your Ability: A reflective journal or log on your performance and development as an executive coach or mentor.
Online Study Lessons Include:
ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching – Course Introduction: ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching Introduction includes a welcome video and additional information. Tony Nutley, the Director of Training at the UK College of Personal Development welcomes you…
Lesson 1~ Part 1: Understanding What is Coaching. The first lesson opens up a key question on what coaching is and is not, and how Executive Coaching works.
Lesson 1~ Part 2: The Structure of Coaching & Exploring The Coaching Competencies. The second lesson explores the Core Coaching Competencies, what do they mean and encourages the student to reflect on what they believe the impact of these will be on their coaching practice.
Lesson 2 ~ Part 1: Exploring Coaching Models. This lesson explores some of the key coaching models, what are they and how do they work? This lesson includes an overview of each model and includes videos of the process being demonstrated in a live coach training workshop.
Lesson 2 ~ Part 2: Exploring Coaching Models. This lesson explores some additional coaching models, what are they and how do they work? This lesson includes an overview of each model and includes videos of the process being demonstrated in a live coach training workshop.
Lesson 3 – Models of Learning. This lesson explores some ideas around models of learning and how this impacts on the coaching process.
Lesson 4 – SWOT Analysis. SWOT Analysis in Coaching, How Not To Coach, Professional Bodies & Ethical Frameworks etc.
Lesson 5: Developing Critical Thinking Skills. Level 7 qualification assessors anticipate a high level of critical thinking in the assignments they review. As well as the textbook ” Learning To Learn – A Guide & Support For Reflective Practice. Developing Critical Thinking Skills For Personal & Professional Development” that you will be sent in the post, we also have a presentation called “Developing Critical Thinking Skills”.
Lesson 6 – Leadership Models: Their Impact on Coaching. With Lynne Copp, Founder of The Worklife Company, formed in 1998, is focused on changing the way the world works… for good! Lynne is an expert in organisational development, change and leadership; supporting clients to create great places to work that are relevant to today’s world.
Lesson 7 – Working With Client Beliefs Part 1. Working With Client Beliefs – Our beliefs either enable us to succeed or hold us back, in these two lessons we explore how beliefs develop and how a key part of the coaches role is to help their clients develop “can-do” beliefs systems.
ILM Level 7 Certificate in Executive Coaching – Lesson 7 – Working With Client Beliefs Part 2. Working With Client Beliefs – Our beliefs either enable us to succeed or hold us back, in these two lessons we explore how beliefs develop and how a key part of the coaches role is to help their clients develop “can-do” beliefs systems.
Lesson 8 – Coaching & Psychodynamics. This lesson looks at the ideas around Coaching & Psychodynamics. This lesson will give you some ideas on what it is, and how it can be used. This lesson contains an overview of Psychodynamics theory, and we have added 3 different excerpts from UKCPD workshops that explore a range of options when working with clients on a deeper level.
Lesson 9 – Guidance for ILM Students – Writing Your Assignments. Completing a Level 7 qualification can be challenging, this lesson shines a light on the key verbs and structure required by the ILM.
This course is a globally-recognised, Postgraduate-Level qualification from ILM.
The ILM Level 7 Certificate is one of ILM’s most senior awards and is a prestigious professional qualification for executive coaches.
The UK College of Personal Development is an ILM Approved Centre.
Graduates can apply to become an AC Accredited Coach via our Accelerated Coach Accreditation Scheme via APL
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.
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 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors for?
The ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors is suitable for learners who want an advanced qualification in executive and senior-level coaching.
This course may be useful if you already coach senior people, work with executives, support organisational development, lead people at senior level or want to develop a more credible executive coaching practice.
It is also suitable for experienced coaches, consultants, HR professionals, senior leaders, leadership development practitioners and professionals who want to coach in complex organisational contexts.
What will I learn on the ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors?
On this qualification, learners develop advanced coaching knowledge and reflective practice for executive and senior-level coaching contexts.
You will explore executive coaching practice, senior-level coaching relationships, ethical practice, contracting, coaching boundaries, reflective learning, coaching models, organisational context and the skills needed to support senior individuals and leaders.
This qualification helps learners strengthen professional judgement, develop deeper coaching awareness and apply coaching more confidently with executives, senior leaders and organisational clients.
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.
£2,795.00 One-Time Fee
Tutor-Supported Online Learning
Globally-Recognised ILM Qualification
ILM Level 7 Certificate
Postgraduate Level
Ideal for Executive Coaches
20 Hours Practical Executive Coaching
Includes Live Online Workshops
Personal 1-to-1 Supervision
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 £232.92
Total Investment: £2,795.00
Tutor-Supported Online Learning
Globally-Recognised ILM Qualification
ILM Level 7 Certificate
Postgraduate Level
Ideal for Executive Coaches
20 Hours Practical Executive Coaching
Includes Live Online Workshops
Personal 1-to-1 Supervision
Up to 2 Years to Complete
Start Anytime
Includes Selected Textbooks (Kindle)
How this ILM Level 7 Certificate compares
The ILM Level 7 Certificate for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors is suitable if you want a shorter advanced executive coaching qualification.
If you want the most comprehensive senior-level coaching route, compare this course with the ILM Level 7 Diploma for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors.
If you want to focus on workplace coaching, internal coaching or management coaching before moving into executive coaching, compare this course with the ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring.
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 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring, ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring and ILM Level 7 Diploma for Executive and Senior Level Coaches and Mentors.
ILM Level 5 vs ILM Level 7 Coaching Qualifications
The ILM Level 5 coaching qualifications are primarily designed for workplace coaching, internal coaching, mentoring and management development within organisational settings.
The ILM Level 7 coaching qualifications are positioned at a more advanced level and focus specifically on executive coaching, senior leadership development, strategic coaching conversations and coaching within complex organisational environments.
If your goal is to coach executives, directors, senior managers or leadership teams, the ILM Level 7 route is typically the more appropriate qualification.
The ILM Level 7 Certificate is a shorter and more focused route into executive coaching and senior leadership coaching.
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 7 Certificate for Executive & Senior Level Coaches & Mentors?
The ILM Level 7 Certificate is a senior professional qualification designed for experienced coaches, leaders and consultants who work with senior managers and executives, providing advanced coaching and mentoring skills aligned with strategic organisational realities.
Is the ILM Level 7 qualification suitable for executive coaching?
Yes. The ILM Level 7 coaching qualifications are specifically designed for executive and senior-level coaching and mentoring. They focus on coaching senior leaders, executives, directors and organisational leadership teams within complex professional environments.
What is the difference between ILM Level 5 and ILM Level 7 coaching qualifications?
ILM Level 5 qualifications are generally focused on workplace coaching, mentoring and management development, while ILM Level 7 qualifications are designed for advanced executive coaching, leadership coaching and coaching within senior organisational environments.
Who is this qualification aimed at?
It is intended for senior leaders, HR and OD specialists, internal and external coaches and professionals who coach at an executive or senior management level and want to formalise and elevate their practice.
What executive coaching competencies will I develop?
You will develop skills in advanced contracting, systemic and organisational coaching, reflective practice, stakeholder management, ethical decision-making, high-level communication and facilitating strategic thinking in senior leaders.
What practical coaching hours are required?
You’ll complete a structured set of executive-level coaching sessions, gather client feedback, reflect on outcomes and demonstrate your ability to work at senior management level.
How is the certificate assessed?
Assessment includes written assignments, coaching logs, reflective commentaries, supervision engagement and evidence of professional coaching with senior-level clients.
Is this qualification recognised?
Yes — it is a respected executive coaching qualification and is aligned with master’s-level professional standards.
What progression does it offer?
You may progress to the ILM Level 7 Diploma, expand your executive coaching portfolio, or transition into senior OD consultancy, leadership development or board-level advisory roles.