ILM Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring – Level 3
Develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to coach and mentor others effectively. This nationally recognised qualification combines coaching and mentoring theory with practical workplace application, enabling learners to support the development, performance and wellbeing of others.
Course Summary
Course Information for Students
Who is this course for?
The ILM Level 3 Certificate in Coaching and Mentoring is designed for individuals who wish to develop their coaching and mentoring skills to effectively support the development, performance and wellbeing of others within a professional setting.
The qualification is suitable for both new and existing coaches and mentors, as well as individuals with responsibilities for supporting the learning, development or progression of others. It is particularly relevant for pastoral staff, learning mentors, people development practitioners, supervisors and those seeking to build coaching and mentoring capability within their role.
Learners will develop an understanding of coaching and mentoring principles and undertake practical coaching or mentoring activities to build confidence, competence and professional effectiveness.
Benefits for individuals:
- Develop practical coaching and mentoring skills
- Build confidence in supporting the development of others
- Improve communication, questioning and active listening skills
- Develop reflective practice and self-awareness
- Gain a nationally recognised coaching and mentoring qualification
- Enhance professional development and career progression opportunities
Benefits for employers:
- Develop a coaching culture within the organisation
- Improve staff engagement, performance and wellbeing
- Support talent development and succession planning
- Enhance communication and professional relationships
- Increase the capability of employees who support the development of others
In order to support future progression and life skills, learners will also continue to develop their communication, digital, English and professional skills throughout the programme.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
It is suitable for learners aged 18+ who:
- Have the opportunity to coach or mentor others within a workplace, voluntary or community setting
- Wish to develop their coaching and mentoring knowledge and skills
- Are committed to completing coaching or mentoring practice as part of the programme
- Can identify between two and three coaches and/or mentees to support during the qualification
Learners should be willing to participate in reflective practice, professional discussions and independent learning activities.
What will you learn?
Learners will complete three mandatory units.
Unit 300 – Principles of Coaching and Mentoring
This unit develops an understanding of the purpose, benefits and boundaries of coaching and mentoring. Learners will explore the roles and responsibilities of coaches and mentors, ethical practice, professional relationships and a range of coaching and mentoring models and techniques.
Unit 302 – Coaching and Mentoring Extended Practice
This unit provides the opportunity to apply coaching or mentoring knowledge and skills in practice. Learners will plan, prepare for and undertake a minimum of 12 hours coaching and/or mentoring with between two and three individuals, gathering evidence of their professional practice.
Unit 303 – Reviewing to Improve Own Coaching or Mentoring Practice
This unit focuses on reflection, self-evaluation and continuous professional development. Learners will review feedback, evaluate their effectiveness as a coach or mentor and identify actions for future development.
Throughout the programme learners will also develop:
- Professional communication and interpersonal skills
- Active listening and questioning techniques
- Reflective practice and self-awareness
- Professional boundaries and ethical practice
- Equality, diversity and inclusion awareness
- Digital skills
- Professional documentation and record keeping
- English and communication skills through written assignments and reflective activities
How will you learn?
The programme is delivered over approximately nine months and combines individual tutorials, independent study, coaching or mentoring practice and portfolio development.
Learners will take part in a 1.5 hour individual tutorial each month, delivered either face-to-face or via Microsoft Teams. These tutorials provide an opportunity to discuss coaching and mentoring concepts, review progress, receive feedback, reflect on practice and receive support with assessment activities.
In addition to the monthly tutorials, learners will:
- Undertake a minimum of 12 hours coaching and/or mentoring practice
- Work with two – three coachees and/or mentees
- Participate in a minimum of two hours of recorded formal supervision
- Receive observation and feedback on their coaching and/or mentoring practice
- Complete independent learning and portfolio activities
- Gather evidence to support assessment requirements
Learning activities may include
- Individual tutorials
- Professional discussions
- Case studies
- Reflection and self-evaluation
- Coaching and mentoring activities
- Independent research and reading
- Portfolio development
- Digital learning resources
OneFile and Microsoft 365 will be used to support learning, communication and portfolio development.
What will you need to bring with you?
You will need access to:
- A laptop or computer
- Internet access
- Microsoft Teams
- A headset or speakers for online sessions where appropriate
All course materials will be provided electronically.
How will you be assessed?
Assessment is portfolio-based and there are no formal examinations.
Learners will build evidence throughout the programme and submit their portfolio through OneFile.
Assessment activities may include:
- Reflective accounts and learning logs
- Records of coaching and mentoring practice
- Portfolio evidence
- Observations of coaching and/or mentoring practice
- Feedback from coaches and/or mentees
- Professional discussions
- Evidence of a minimum of 12 hours coaching and/or mentoring practice
- Evidence of a minimum of two hours of recorded supervision
- Self-evaluation and professional development planning
Assessment evidence will be generated across Unit 300, Unit 302 and Unit 303.
Where next?
This qualification provides progression opportunities to the:
- ILM Level 5 Certificate in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
- ILM Level 5 Diploma in Effective Coaching and Mentoring
- ILM Levels 3 and 5 Leadership and Management qualifications
The qualification can also support progression into coaching, mentoring, pastoral support, learner development, people development and supervisory roles.
Who do you contact for more information?
For more information, contact Derby College Group on 0800 0280289 or enquiries@derby-college.ac.uk
Course Information for Employers
Information for Employers
Career Information
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Find out what funding could be available to you:
Thinking about returning to education or developing new skills? Use our funding calculator below to get an estimate of the financial support you may be eligible for based on where you live.
Whether you’re looking to retrain, progress in your career, or try something new, funding could make your next step more accessible than you think.
Simply enter your postcode into the calculator to see an estimate of the funding that may be available in your area. This is based on regional funding allocations and typical eligibility criteria for adult learners.
Important:
The results shown are a guide only and are not a guarantee of funding.
Funding availability can vary depending on:
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- The course you choose
- Government and local funding rules at the time of enrolment
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Course Information Last Updated On: October 27, 2026 8:35 am
