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CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice (RQF)

Earn the CMI Level 5 Coaching Diploma online. Develop professional coaching skills with a recognised Level 5 RQF award.

12–18 monthsDuration
OnlineStudy Method
Level 5 DiplomaQualification Level
FlexibleStart Date

Is This Course Right For You?

This course is for you if...

  • You want to become a qualified professional coach and build a coaching practice or career
  • You're a manager or HR professional looking to embed formal coaching skills in your leadership toolkit
  • You need an Ofqual-regulated coaching qualification at Level 5 to meet client or employer standards
  • You want a CMI-awarded diploma that comes with access to the Chartered Management Institute's resources
  • You're interested in understanding advanced coaching models, ethics, and reflective supervision
  • You need flexible online study that fits around an existing career or business

Your career after this course

  • Work as a qualified professional coach with individuals, teams, and organisations
  • Build and market an independent coaching practice with a Level 5 CMI-recognised credential
  • Progress to the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Leadership Coaching and Mentoring (RQF)
  • Apply CMI membership (Affiliate, Associate, or Member level) to your professional profile
  • Integrate evidence-based coaching frameworks into leadership, HR, and L&D roles
  • Pursue accreditation with professional coaching bodies such as the ICF or EMCC

About This Course

The CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice (RQF) is an Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), one of the UK's most respected professional bodies in management and leadership. This diploma is designed for practitioners who want to establish themselves as credible, ethical, and highly effective professional coaches – whether working independently or within an organisational context.

The qualification is structured around four mandatory units, each targeting a critical dimension of professional coaching competence. CMI 531: Principles of Professional Coaching lays the conceptual and ethical foundation of coaching as a discipline, exploring its theoretical underpinnings, distinctions from mentoring, counselling, and training, and the frameworks that guide ethical contracting and delivery. CMI 532: The Role of the Professional Coach develops the knowledge, skills, and behaviours required for excellent coaching delivery, covering active listening, powerful questioning, building rapport, managing the coaching relationship, and accessing ongoing support through supervision. CMI 533: Strategies for Delivering Professional Coaching equips you to identify and apply a range of evidence-based coaching strategies, moving from prescription to practice by recommending contextually appropriate approaches for diverse clients and situations. CMI 534: Professional Coaching Practice is the applied unit, in which you plan, prepare, deliver, and reflect on a series of real coaching sessions, building your practical capability and deepening your self-awareness as a developing coach.

Assessment is portfolio-based, with no formal examinations. You compile evidence from your coaching practice, reflective journals, and written assignments, demonstrating both knowledge and applied competence. Upon successful completion, you earn 37 credits at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework and receive CMI membership as part of your qualification, opening access to CMI's extensive library of management and leadership resources, tools, and professional networks.

The diploma is widely recognised in the coaching profession and is accepted as partial fulfilment of the portfolio requirements for accreditation by leading coaching bodies including the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).

What You'll Study

The CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice comprises four mandatory units totalling 37 credits. Each unit builds systematically on the last, developing theoretical understanding, professional skills, and applied coaching practice.

4 mandatory units37 credits totalPortfolio assessedCMI membership
CMI 531Principles of Professional Coaching
6 credits

Establish a thorough conceptual and ethical grounding in professional coaching as a discipline. You examine the theoretical frameworks that underpin coaching – from humanistic and cognitive-behavioural approaches to solutions-focused and systemic models – and explore how these inform coaching conversations in practice. The unit covers the distinctions between coaching, mentoring, counselling, training, and consulting, equipping you to position your practice accurately and to make appropriate referrals. You also investigate the process for contracting with clients: establishing expectations, boundaries, confidentiality, and the psychological safety that effective coaching requires. Guided learning hours: 16. Total unit time: 60.

CMI 532The Role of the Professional Coach
9 credits

Develop the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours that distinguish excellent coaches from competent ones. This unit explores the coach's role as a facilitator of insight and growth rather than an expert advisor, examining core competencies including deep active listening, high-quality questioning techniques, reflective feedback, and the ability to sit comfortably with silence, ambiguity, and emotion. You explore how to manage the coaching relationship over time – building, sustaining, and appropriately concluding a coaching engagement – and examine how professional coaches access ongoing support through supervision, peer practice, and continuing professional development. The unit also addresses coach self-awareness, values alignment, and the importance of working within your own boundaries of competence. Guided learning hours: 28. Total unit time: 90.

CMI 533Strategies for Delivering Professional Coaching
7 credits

Move from theoretical understanding to strategic application by exploring a wide repertoire of evidence-based coaching strategies and models. You examine established frameworks such as GROW, OSKAR, Narrative Coaching, Team Coaching, Cognitive Behavioural Coaching, and Acceptance and Commitment Coaching (ACC), and develop the professional judgement to select and adapt strategies in response to individual client needs, contexts, and goals. The unit includes practical exercises in which you analyse coaching scenarios and make reasoned recommendations about strategic approaches, demonstrating both breadth of knowledge and the contextual intelligence that characterises skilled professional coaches. Guided learning hours: 16. Total unit time: 70.

CMI 534Professional Coaching Practice
15 credits

Apply your learning in real coaching practice, planning, preparing, delivering, and reflecting on a series of coached conversations with real clients. This applied unit is the heart of the diploma, demanding that you draw on all previous units to demonstrate practical coaching competence in authentic settings. You maintain a reflective journal throughout, capturing your developing self-awareness as a coach, insights from supervision, and the adjustments you make to your practice over time. The unit also requires you to reflect critically on your overall development as a professional coach – identifying strengths, areas for growth, and a plan for continuing development. Portfolio evidence from this unit provides a substantial foundation for professional coaching accreditation pathways with bodies such as the ICF and EMCC. Guided learning hours: 32. Total unit time: 150.

What You'll Need

Open Entry — No Formal Qualifications Required

This qualification is designed for professionals with experience of working with and supporting others. No prior coaching qualification is required, but some professional experience is expected.

  • Experience working in a professional, leadership, HR, or people-development context
  • Aged 19 or over at the time of enrolment
  • A Level 3 qualification or equivalent, or substantial relevant professional experience
  • Access to individuals or a small client group with whom you can conduct coaching practice
  • Access to a computer or tablet and a reliable internet connection
  • Commitment of around 8–12 hours of study per week throughout the diploma

Not Sure If You Qualify?

Our enrolment advisers assess each application individually. We look at your life experience, motivation, and readiness to study — not just your qualifications.

Speak to our team — we're here to help you find the right course and funding option.

Call 0800 088 5050

How You're Assessed

The CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice is assessed entirely through portfolio evidence and written assignments. There are no formal examinations. All assessment is submitted online and marked by your tutor in line with CMI standards.

Portfolio of evidence demonstrating knowledge and applied coaching competence across all four units

Written assignments for CMI 531, 532, and 533 — analytical and reflective in format

Reflective journal and coaching session logs for CMI 534

Evidence of real coaching practice included as part of your CMI 534 submission

All work submitted online and assessed by a qualified tutor against CMI marking criteria

No formal examinations — assessment is continuous and portfolio-based throughout

Where This Course Can Take You

The CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice positions graduates for a wide range of coaching, leadership development, and consultancy roles. Salary data is indicative and based on 2024–25 UK industry benchmarks.

Professional Coach (Independent Practice)

£35,000 – £75,000+typical salary range

Qualified professional coaches working independently charge day rates of £300–£1,500+ depending on specialism, client base, and level of accreditation. Earnings vary widely based on the size and maturity of your coaching practice.

Internal Coach or L&D Business Partner

£38,000 – £55,000typical salary range

Many large organisations employ internal coaches within their Learning and Development, HR, or Talent functions. The CMI Level 5 Diploma is frequently cited as a minimum qualification benchmark for these roles.

Leadership and Management Coach

£40,000 – £70,000typical salary range

Specialists who coach senior managers and leaders command premium fees. The CMI context of this qualification is particularly valued when applying for executive coaching or leadership development roles.

HR Business Partner with Coaching Specialism

£42,000 – £60,000typical salary range

HR professionals with formal coaching qualifications are increasingly sought by organisations embedding a coaching culture. The CMI Level 5 Diploma complements CIPD qualifications and strengthens HR career progression.

Career Coach or Transition Coach

£28,000 – £45,000typical salary range

Career coaches support individuals through transitions such as redundancy, promotion, career change, and return to work. This growing specialism suits CMI-qualified coaches with backgrounds in recruitment, HR, or counselling.

Team Coach or Organisational Development Consultant

£45,000 – £80,000+typical salary range

Team and organisational coaches work at a systemic level, helping entire teams and organisations improve their performance, communication, and culture. This specialism typically draws on the CMI 533 strategies unit and requires significant post-qualification experience.

Ready to Unlock Your University Place?

Graduates of this course go on to universities across the UK, including Russell Group institutions. Enrol today and start your journey.

View Pricing & Enrol

Choose Your Payment Plan

All plans include the same full course content, dedicated tutor, and your awarding body certification.

Pay Monthly

£136.00

per month × 11 months

£999.99 deposit + £136.00 × 11 = £1,495.99 total

Includes

  • Pay £999.99 deposit to enrol and start immediately
  • Spread the remaining balance over 11 monthly payments
  • CMI membership included for the duration of your studies
  • Dedicated personal tutor and online learning platform
  • CMI Diploma certificate awarded on successful completion
Best Value

Pay in Full

£1495.00

one-time payment

Total: £1,495.00

Includes

  • Pay once with no monthly admin
  • CMI membership included for the duration of your studies
  • Immediate enrolment with full access from day one
  • Dedicated personal tutor and online learning platform
  • CMI Diploma certificate awarded on successful completion
30-day money-back guarantee
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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — this is a full, Ofqual-regulated qualification awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), one of the UK's most respected professional bodies. It sits at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), equivalent in level to the second or third year of a full-time undergraduate degree. The CMI Level 5 Diploma is widely recognised by employers, professional coaching bodies including the ICF and EMCC, and organisations seeking credentialed coaches.

The CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice is distinctive in several ways. It is awarded by the Chartered Management Institute, which situates coaching within a broader management and leadership context rather than as a standalone skill. It is an Ofqual-regulated diploma at Level 5 RQF, which places it at a higher academic and professional level than many short coaching certificates. It also includes CMI membership, giving learners access to CMI's management resources, networks, and professional recognition framework.

No — you do not need a prior coaching qualification to enrol on the CMI Level 5 Diploma. However, you should have experience working with and supporting others in a professional context. Many learners are managers, HR professionals, L&D practitioners, or experienced team leaders who want to formalise and extend their coaching skills. If you are completely new to professional environments, your enrolment adviser can discuss the most appropriate starting point with you.

Yes — particularly in Unit CMI 534, the applied practice unit. You will be expected to plan, deliver, and reflect on a series of real coaching conversations. These can be with colleagues, clients, friends, or individuals you approach specifically for practice purposes. Your tutor will support you in preparing for and debriefing your practice sessions. Access to a coaching supervision resource is also available to help you process your developing practice.

No — the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice is assessed entirely through portfolio evidence, written assignments, and a reflective journal. There are no formal examinations. All assessments are submitted online through the learning platform and are marked by a qualified tutor against CMI assessment criteria. This format is well-suited to working professionals who prefer applied, evidence-based assessment over traditional exams.

As part of your enrolment on this qualification, you receive CMI membership for the duration of your studies. CMI membership gives you access to an extensive online library of management and leadership resources, including models, tools, research papers, and practical guidance. You also gain access to the CMI's online community of management professionals, exclusive events, and the ability to use your CMI membership as part of your professional profile. Membership can be upgraded upon completion of your qualification.

Yes — the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice is accepted as partial evidence towards accreditation applications with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC), two of the world's most respected coaching professional bodies. Both bodies require applicants to demonstrate coaching training hours, coaching practice hours, and mentor coaching. Your CMI 534 portfolio evidence of real coaching practice contributes to your practice hours log.

The diploma carries a total of 37 credits at Level 5 on the Regulated Qualifications Framework. The four units are: CMI 531 (6 credits), CMI 532 (9 credits), CMI 533 (7 credits), and CMI 534 (15 credits). Total Qualification Time across all four units is approximately 370 hours, comprising guided learning time with your tutor and independent study and coaching practice time.

Yes — the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Leadership Coaching and Mentoring (RQF) is the natural progression route from this qualification. Level 7 is equivalent to postgraduate level study and is suited to experienced coaches who want to develop advanced strategic coaching and mentoring capabilities, often within organisational development or executive coaching contexts. learndirect also offers the CMI Level 7 Diploma, so you can progress seamlessly within the same provider.

Absolutely — the diploma is equally well-suited to internal coaches who want to embed coaching skills within their management, HR, or L&D role, and to external practitioners building an independent coaching business. The CMI context gives the qualification particular relevance within corporate and public sector environments, and the Unit CMI 532 content on managing the coaching relationship is directly applicable to internal coaching programmes and line manager coaching conversations.

Everything Else You Need to Know

Tutor Support & Study Platform

  • Dedicated personal tutor with professional coaching expertise
  • Online learning platform accessible 24/7 on any device
  • Structured unit materials, coaching models, and reflective frameworks
  • Assignment feedback and portfolio development support from your tutor
  • Access to coaching supervision resource throughout your studies
  • Student support team available by phone, email, and live chat

Qualification & Recognition

  • CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice — Ofqual-regulated (Level 5 RQF)
  • Awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
  • 37 credits across four mandatory units
  • CMI membership included for the duration of your studies
  • Accepted as partial evidence for ICF and EMCC accreditation portfolios
  • CMI Diploma certificate issued on successful completion

Funding & Finance

  • Monthly payment plans available — enrol with a £999.99 deposit
  • Pay-in-full option — £1,495.00 total
  • No hidden fees — CMI membership and all tutor support included
  • Many employers fund professional coaching qualifications — speak to HR or L&D
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on all enrolments
  • Our enrolment advisers can provide employer sponsorship documentation on request

Hear From Our Learners

I'd been coaching informally as a line manager for years but wanted a proper qualification to back it up. The CMI Level 5 Diploma gave me the frameworks and language I was missing. The reflective practice units challenged me in the best way — I'm a much more deliberate and effective coach now.

Andrew K.

CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice (RQF)

As an HR business partner wanting to move into L&D, the CMI coaching diploma was exactly what I needed. The tutor support was outstanding — detailed feedback on every assignment and genuine engagement with my practice sessions. I'm now setting up an internal coaching programme at my organisation.

Claire B.

CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice (RQF)

I completed the diploma while working full-time as a consultant. The online format was perfect — I could study around client commitments and travel. The CMI 534 unit pushed me to really examine my coaching practice critically, and I'm now pursuing ICF Associate Certified Coach accreditation.

Fatima O.

CMI Level 5 Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice (RQF)

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