So, we are often asked about the different ILM qualification levels, what they mean and what are they equivalent to. So, here is a super useful guide that explains all.
ILM qualifications are critical in helping leaders and managers unleash their true potential. But with up to seven different ILM levels to complete, what does each stage involve and equate to?
ILM (formally The Institute of Leadership and Management, now a part of the City & Guilds Group) is an Ofqual regulated Awarding Organisation. They help their Approved Centres deliver accredited Leadership & Management and Coaching & Mentoring qualifications across all levels of leadership management.
Research suggests that an impressive 70,000 people take ILM qualifications every year, with 93% of employers agreeing that their managers improved after completion.
From team leaders to CEOs and senior-level coaches, ILM qualifications range from GCSE to postgraduate levels. Depending on the number of credits received at each stage of learning, all levels will award certificates, awards or diplomas.
To shed some light on the different levels and their equivalent qualifications, let’s delve a little deeper into the rewarding world of ILM training.
What Are the Different ILM Levels?
ILM education starts at level 2 and goes up to level 7. Each level has its educational equivalent, such as a BTEC level, an NVQ and an HNC.
However, unlike educational qualifications, ILM works largely through a vocational method. The difference between vocational and educational is that vocational takes a practical and pragmatic approach to learning, helping leaders and managers learn “on the job”, compared to educational approaches, which are more concerned with understanding theory.
For example, you might be a postgrad with superb knowledge in your field, but you lack the experience to manage a team or lead a project.
So, an ILM course will help you gain the skills of leadership and management that will support your expertise and knowledge in your field of speciality.
How Do ILM Levels Equate to Other Qualifications?
Each level of an ILM qualification is established by a regulatory structure that relates to different positions of leadership in various sectors and industries.
What Is ILM Level 2 Equivalent To?
An ILM Level 2 qualification is equivalent to:
In the workplace, an ILM Level 2 qualification is designed for team leaders or team supervisors. It rewards a professional’s leadership and management progress with practical training and elements of theoretical learning.
Level 2 is designed to help aspiring team leaders make a smooth transition from team member to team leader or supervisor.
There are multiple benefits to undertaking an ILM Level 2 course with key learning elements that will:
But before embarking on your ILM journey, to be a suitable candidate, you should be in a position as a practising or potential team leader. While you need no formal qualifications, the necessary element of practical experience will support your ILM education.
What Is ILM Level 3 Equivalent To?
An ILM Level 3 qualification is equivalent to:
ILM Level 3 qualification is suited to supervisors, first-line managers or junior managers. This level is perfect for individuals with management responsibilities but with no formal training.
While understanding leadership at a higher level, alongside solving problems and making more effective decisions, ILM Level 3 will also increase your ability to:
ILM Level 3 will reward the individual and the company with a more confident and effective manager. While 83% of businesses believe it’s important to develop leaders at every stage, only 5% implement these opportunities for their workforce.
To be suitable, we highly suggest that the individual already has management or leadership experience while in a current management role.
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What Is ILM Level 4 Equivalent To?
ILM Level 4 is equivalent to:
A level 4 certificate in coaching and management is best suited for a middle manager position within a company.
To be suitable to achieve ILM Level 4 status, the individual should be at least practising as a team leader or in a current supervisor position.
What Is ILM Level 5 Equivalent To?
An ILM Level 5 qualification is equivalent to:
A certificate in ILM Level 5 is well suited to practising middle managers with aspirations of becoming senior managers or directors. Level 5 also suits practising coaches and mentors.
As a dynamic level of ILM, level 5 will improve on the general levels of management and leadership cited in level 4 while:
The ILM Level 5 is a highly respected qualification. It’s ideal for practising managers and consultants to facilitate development in a role as a coach or mentor.
What Is ILM Level 6 Equivalent To?
ILM Level 6 is equivalent to:
The ILM Level 6 is recommended for senior managers and directors of smaller companies. You can expect a level 6 course to include multiple factors of learning, including:
As one of the highest levels of ILM qualification, we advise practising senior and aspiring leaders and consultants to undertake this level of course.
What Is ILM Level 7 Equivalent To?
A qualification at the highest level (7) of ILM education is equivalent to:
This final stage of ILM training is specific to the highest levels of management, including senior leaders, CEOs, executives, and directors of large organisations. It can also apply to senior-level coaches and mentors.
An ILM Level 7 consists of learning objectives to support leaders at the highest levels of business and coaching, including:
To gain a level 7 ILM qualification, we recommend that you are either a practising CEO, executive, director or an experienced coach and mentor.
ILM Courses at All Levels for Leaders and Coaches
ILM education encompasses practical training for management and leadership positions within businesses and across all organisations. Thanks to the versatility of the training and education, ILM can develop leaders in all areas of business and coaching.
UKCPD has been providing accredited, award-winning ILM qualifications and educational programmes for practising leaders and managers of all levels for over 20 years.
If you’re interested in enhancing your leadership skills or the leadership capabilities of your managers, supervisors, and team leaders within your organisation, get in touch with us today.
