What Do I Need to Undertake to Gain an ILM Qualification?

Thinking about gaining an ILM coaching qualification?
Wondering what is involved beyond the workshops?
Curious about the commitment required?

You are not alone.

An ILM qualification is respected.
It is rigorous.
It is designed to stretch you.

And that is exactly why it builds such credibility.

Let’s walk through what you genuinely need to undertake to gain your ILM qualification, using the portfolio requirements as our guide. No surprises. No confusion. Just clarity and confidence.

It Starts with the Workshops

Before you even begin your portfolio, you will complete the taught elements of the programme. This is where you absorb the frameworks, practise the tools, and build your confidence as a coach or mentor.

This is not passive learning.
You will practise live.
You will reflect deeply.
You will be challenged.

The workshops lay the foundation. But the qualification is earned through what happens next.

Your Portfolio of Evidence

Once the workshops are complete, your focus shifts to your portfolio.

This is where you demonstrate not just what you know, but what you can do.

At Level 5, your portfolio includes three assignments, two book reviews, 24 hours of coaching practice and at least one hour of supervision.

At Level 7, the expectation increases to three assignments, three book reviews, 30 hours of coaching practice and three hours of supervision.

This is where theory meets reality.

Let’s break that down.

Assignment One

Understanding Coaching in Context

Your first assignment focuses on understanding the principles and practice of effective coaching and mentoring within an organisational context.

At Level 5, you demonstrate your knowledge of how coaching operates within organisations and the benefits it delivers.

At Level 7, you go further. You critically analyse strategic and operational issues relating to coaching at executive or senior level.

This is not about copying theory.
It is about applying it.
It is about showing you truly grasp the bigger picture.

You will research your organisational context. You will define your role. You will explore how coaching impacts performance and culture. Expect to dedicate around 30 hours to researching and preparing this assignment at both levels.

This assignment builds depth.
It strengthens your credibility.
It sharpens your thinking.

Assignment Two

Demonstrating Coaching in Practice

This is where it becomes real.

You must evidence formal workplace coaching hours through detailed logs.

For Level 5, you are required to complete at least 24 hours of coaching or mentoring.

For Level 7, this increases to at least 30 hours, working specifically with senior managers, including at least one three-way contracting arrangement.

Each session should typically last around one hour. You are expected to prepare beforehand and reflect afterwards. You must also gather feedback from your coachee at the end of each session.

This is not a tick box exercise.
It is deliberate practice.
It is professional discipline.

You will maintain transparent and auditable logs.
You will evidence reflection.
You will demonstrate growth over time.

This is where confidence transforms into capability.

Assignment Three

Reflecting on Your Own Ability

Self-awareness sits at the heart of great coaching.

Your third assignment asks you to review your own performance as a coach or mentor.

At both Level 5 and Level 7, you must reflect on your strengths, development areas, and future growth plans.

This is not about perfection.
It is about honesty.
It is about professional maturity.

You will draw on your coaching logs.
You will explore feedback received.
You will identify how you will continue to elevate your practice.

You are also required to undertake formal coach supervision.

At Level 5, this is a minimum of one hour.
At Level 7, supervision deepens to three hours.

Supervision strengthens ethical awareness.
It challenges blind spots.
It refines your professional judgement.

This stage truly shapes you as a credible practitioner.

Book Reviews

Expanding Your Thinking

Reading forms part of your professional growth.

At Level 5, you complete two book reviews.
At Level 7, you complete three.

Each review is around two pages.
Concise.
Insightful.
Reflective.

You summarise key ideas and share how useful you found the content. This deepens your theoretical grounding and broadens your perspective.

You are not just absorbing tools.
You are engaging with thought leadership.
You are shaping your own coaching philosophy.

Academic Standards and Authenticity

ILM qualifications require academic rigour.

You must reference material correctly, typically using the Harvard Referencing System.

You must meet all assessment criteria.
You must declare the authenticity of your work.
You must submit everything in English.

Assessment decisions are either Pass or Refer. If criteria are not fully met, you will be asked to strengthen your submission.

This protects the integrity of the qualification.
It safeguards your credibility.
It ensures high standards are maintained.

Time Commitment and Deadlines

An ILM qualification is not rushed.

For Level 5, you must submit your completed portfolio within 12 months of your final workshop date.

Marking typically takes up to four weeks once submitted.

Some portfolios are selected for internal and external verification as part of quality assurance.

This may extend the timeline slightly before certification is issued.

It requires commitment.
It requires discipline.
It requires resilience.

But what you gain is lasting.

What You Truly Undertake

You undertake structured learning.
You undertake real world coaching practice.
You undertake reflection at depth.
You undertake professional accountability.

This is more than a course.
It is a professional transformation.

You will elevate your thinking.
You will refine your skill.
You will strengthen your confidence.

And when you receive your ILM certificate, it represents something meaningful. Not just attendance. But capability.

If you are ready to invest in your growth and step into coaching with credibility, this journey will stretch you and support you in equal measure.

And we will be with you every step of the way.