Find out more about ILM Awards and Impellus Certificates of Learning so you can decide which is best for you and your organisation. Before making a decision, it’s important to understand the academic level at which you will be required to study and the time commitment involved.   

This blog post covers: 

  • What is an ILM Award? 
  • What is an Impellus Certificate of Learning? 
  • Who is eligible to study for an ILM Award? 
  • Who can gain a Certificate of Learning? 
  • What is the main difference between ILM Awards and Certificates of Learning? 
  • What is the time commitment for ILM Awards? 
  • What is the time commitment for Certificates of Learning? 

What is an ILM Award? 

ILM, part of City & Guilds, is the country’s leading provider of leadership, coaching and management qualifications and training. ILM Awards are internationally recognised and respected management qualifications. They also meet CPD (continuing professional development) requirements. 

Impellus offers course-based ILM Awards at Levels 3 and 5 in Leadership and Management.  

What is an Impellus Certificate of Learning? 

Impellus Certificates of Learning provide formal recognition of a delegate’s learning. They are a respected and valuable alternative to ILM Awards and ideally suited to meet the requirements of CPD. 

Who is eligible to study for an ILM Award? 

ILM Awards are academically rigorous and require a commitment to set aside time for researching and writing assignments. 

The ILM Level 3 equates to an A level qualification. This means that to successfully study for an ILM Level 3 Award, you must be: 

  • Educated to at least GCSE grade 4 or O level grade C. 
  • Able to study independently. 
  • In a management position or expecting to be in management during the course of your studies. Delegates with previous management experience will also be considered. 

The ILM Level 5 equates to the second year of an undergraduate degree. This means that to successfully study for an ILM Level 5 Award, you must be: 

  • Educated to at least A level grade D or an equivalent vocational qualification. 
  • In a senior leadership position or have recent senior leadership experience. 
  • Able to provide a range of objective evidence related to leadership activities and abilities based on personal experience. 

Who can gain a Certificate of Learning? 

  • The Impellus Level 3 Certificate of Learning in Leadership and Management is for line managers and those new to supervisory roles or dealing with new or changing teams.  
  • The Impellus Level 5 Certificate of Learning in Leadership and Management is for senior managers, department heads, directors, and leaders who oversee managers. 
  • The Impellus Level 3 Certificate of Learning in the Professional Sales Environment is for anyone whose role includes setting up or delivering sales results and client satisfaction. 

What is the main difference between ILM Awards and Certificates of Learning? 

The key difference between ILM Awards and Impellus Certificates of Learning is that there are no formal or written assessments involved in achieving an Impellus Certificate of Learning. Instead, attendance on a set number of courses is required. 

What is the time commitment for ILM Awards? 

Programmes of ILM study with Impellus must be completed over 24 consecutive months, starting on the day the first course is taken. However, we strongly recommend you complete your Award in nine to 12 months. 

ILM Level 3 Award 

Delegates must: 

  • Attend three one-day courses. 
  • Complete three written assignments taking a minimum of seven hours per assignment: a total of at least 21 hours.  

ILM Level 5 Award 

Delegates must: 

  • Attend two two-day courses. 
  • Complete two written assignments taking a minimum of 15 hours per assignment: a total of at least 30 hours. 

What is the time commitment for Certificates of Learning? 

Certificates of Learning must be completed over 24 consecutive months, starting on the day the first course is taken. However, we strongly recommend you complete your Certificate in three to nine months. 

  • Level 3 Certificates of Learning require attendance at four one-day courses. 
  • Level 5 Certificates of Learning require attendance at three two-day courses. 

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