CMI Level 5 Award in Professional Coaching Practice (RQF)

Modules

Unit CMI 531: Principles of Professional Coaching

Guided Learning Hours - 16

Total Unit Time - 60

Credits - 6

Upon completion of this unit, you will:

• Understand the principles of professional coaching
• Understand the process for contracting and delivering professional coaching

Entry Requirements

This qualification is designed for individuals working in or aspiring to be in management or leadership roles who want to deepen their knowledge of professional coaching. To enrol, you should have an excellent command of written English and confidence in carrying out independent research.

Minimum Age Restriction

You must be aged 19 or older to enrol on this course.

Average Completion Timeframe

The average time it takes to complete this course is around 3 months. You have 24 months to complete it.

Assessment Requirements

This qualification is assessed through written assignments. You’ll apply coaching theory to workplace-based examples and demonstrate your understanding of professional coaching practice.

Placement or Practical Required

No placement required but learners do need to be in an appropriate work setting to allow them to satisfy the criteria of the qualification.

If Placement or Practical Required, When?

Learners need to be in an appropriate work setting for the duration of the course.

Certification Timeframe

You should receive your certificate in 12 weeks, but that can be extended if an EQA sample is required.

Course Fees

All course fees, inclusive of all payment plans including our Premium Credit Limited option, must be settled before certification can be ordered.

Assessment

Assessment for this management coaching course consists of a written assignment that explores principles of coaching, ethical considerations, contracting, communication skills and organisational influence. You’ll demonstrate how coaching can be applied effectively in real workplace contexts and reflect on your own development as a coach.

Qualifications

CMI

Upon completion, you will be awarded the CMI Level 5 Award in Professional Coaching Practice (610/0903/9).

This qualification provides a valuable stepping stone to more advanced coaching pathways and strengthens your credibility as a developing professional coach.

The Chartered Management Institute is a professional institution for management based in the United Kingdom.

The Level 5 Award supports progression into roles where professional coaching skills are essential. Coaching is increasingly recognised as a vital part of modern organisational culture, making skilled coaches highly sought after.

This qualification can support progression in:

• Leadership or management roles
• People development and HR roles
• Professional coaching roles
• Learning and development functions
• Mentoring, wellbeing and staff engagement positions

With demand for coaching skills rising across both corporate and public-sector settings, this Level 5 Award enhances your employability and positions you for continued progression across the coaching profession.

Further Qualifications and Prospects

You can progress into:

• CMI Level 5 Certificate or Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice
• Higher-level CMI coaching qualifications
• CMI Level 6 or Level 7 Coaching and Mentoring pathways

Wider leadership and management qualifications

Frequently Asked Questions

Chartered Manager Status

Become a Chartered Manager with learndirect

Boost your career and gain recognition as a high-performing leader by working towards Chartered Manager (CMgr) status through your CMI qualification. This prestigious designation can be achieved automatically when you complete a qualifying course with learndirect*.

What Is Chartered Manager?

Chartered Manager is the highest accreditation awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). It is a globally respected mark of leadership excellence.

Achieving CMgr shows that you:

• Meet the CMI’s rigorous professional standards

• Deliver measurable organisational impact

• Lead teams confidently and ethically

• Commit to ongoing professional development

You’ll also gain access to CMI’s CPD tools, digital resources and exclusive member benefits.

Why Work Towards Chartered Manager?

Prove your leadership capability

CMgr status is recognised as the benchmark for managerial excellence.

Stand out to employers

2 in 3 hiring managers report they are more likely to interview a Chartered Manager.

Boost your earning potential

Managers who achieve CMgr status report an average salary increase of £13,000.

Enhance your professional profile

Add the respected post-nominals CMgr after your name.

Your Route to CMgr with learndirect

Our flexible online CMI qualifications provide a direct pathway to Chartered Manager status, with no separate assessments or interviews required.

With learndirect, you can:

• Earn a respected CMI qualification

• Build practical, career-ready leadership skills

• Become eligible for Chartered status upon completion*

• Strengthen your CV and future progression opportunities

• Study flexibly around work and life commitments

Who Is Chartered Manager For?

CMgr is ideal for:

• Managers ready to progress into senior roles

• Team leaders and project leads

• Professionals wanting recognised leadership credentials

• Anyone aiming to enhance career prospects and earning potential

• Learners completing a CMI management programme

Start Your Chartered Manager Journey

Invest in your professional future, gain industry-recognised credibility, and unlock new career opportunities with Chartered Manager status.

*Additional fee applies