ILM Certifications Explained

ILM certifications are revered qualifications for anyone looking to explore a management career. Leading people, managing projects and being responsible for entire departments or business takes a lot of skills, confidence and expertise.

If you want to learn how to be a great leader and develop key management skills, then explore ILM certifications today.

ILM Certifications are management qualifications accredited by the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).

These certifications are highly regarded by employers and are key for the professional development of people in supervisory or management positions or those looking to get into these roles. By studying an ILM certification course, you can learn everything you need to excel in a career in management, mentoring, leadership or coaching.

ILM certifications are available at several levels, from level 2 to level 7, so wherever you are in your career, you can find a certification course to suit you. From beginner to advanced, you can develop your management skills and expertise through an accredited ILM Certification.

ILM Certifications are designed to help those in or looking to pursue a management career. This can include low level managers, people in senior leadership positions or people wanting to upskill in management to develop their professional career further.

They are also suitable for those looking to work in roles such as executive coaching, mentoring or team leading and can provide a more well-rounded skill-set than other qualifications which are only designed as leadership or mentoring qualifications.

There are different levels of ILM certification from level 2 to 7, so no matter what previous experience, knowledge or expertise you have, you can find a certification for your professional development. 

Level 2 certifications are designed for people who have little to no experience in a management position and want to learn fundamental leadership skills. They are equivalent to GCSE level.

Some of the subjects that a Level 2 certification covers include: communication, employee leadership, providing direction and people skills.

ILM Level 3 awards are suited to those who are aspiring team leaders, first-line managers or in leadership roles and want to move into a management role. It provides a formal qualification which is especially useful if you are in a leadership, supervisory or junior management position but do not currently have relevant qualifications. 

There are several certificates at level 3 including the Level 3 Certificate in Effective Coaching  and the Level 3 ILM Leadership and Management certificate.

Level 3 ILM certifications are qualifications that are equivalent to A Level or a BTEC Level 3.

ILM Level 3 courses can take anywhere from three days to 6 months to complete, depending on the specific qualification and your study schedule.

An ILM Level 3 opens the door to several job and career opportunities. With a Level 3 ILM certification under your belt, you can develop into higher-level management roles and take on more responsibilities in leadership positions. 

Level 4 ILM qualifications are equivalent to the first year of an undergraduate degree, an NVQ Level 4 or a higher national certificate (HNC). 

This certification is most suited to people in middle management roles, who want to progress into higher management jobs. Learners on Level 4 training programmes should at least be working in team member leadership or supervisor roles.

Level 5 ILM certifications are designed for mid level managers, heads of departments and project managers. At Level 5, you will learn skills such as how to make professional presentations, conflict management, project management, improving team performance and managing financial cases. 

ILM Level 5 qualifications are recognised as high-level certifications which prepare you for work as a manager. The skills you learn will also be diverse, giving you the ability to pivot into a variety of careers.

Level 5 ILM diplomas are equivalent to higher national diplomas (HNDs), higher apprenticeships or the second year of an undergraduate degree.

There are a variety of level 6 ILM training courses available, and they are suitable for people in senior management positions who are looking to be promoted or apply for higher managerial roles. With a Level 6 ILM qualification, you will be able to take on more management responsibilities in a wide range of areas and practise high-level strategic leadership.

Level 6 ILM certifications are equivalent to the third year of an undergraduate degree and are, therefore, more in-depth qualifications created for senior leaders and managers. 

ILM Level 7 qualification is the highest qualification you can achieve in ILM. This certification is designed to help high level senior managers to progress into managing large teams, departments and multiple levels of business. 

Level 7 qualifications are excellent for professional and personal development, helping senior managers to hone the most effective management skills and manage various aspects of a business or organisation.

Level 7 qualifications are equivalent to master’s degrees.

The best way to get an ILM certification is by studying an ILM course. There are several ILM courses online available at all levels, all delivered through distance learning by established training providers. This online course delivery method makes it accessible for people to study no matter where they are located, and they are also more affordable than in-person courses. 

An ILM certification is one of the qualifications that employers look for when hiring or promoting someone for a management position. This is because these certifications are held in high esteem and demonstrate that the learner has developed the skills needed for leadership and managerial work.  

There are also a number of transferable skills you will learn with an ILM certification course, including communication and decision-making skills.

An ILM certification is an excellent qualification to have as it demonstrates to employers that you have the skills and qualities needed to lead and manage others.