How Long Does an ILM Qualification Take?

Whether you’re currently an aspiring leader or an accomplished manager in your industry, ILM qualifications offer an abundance of new opportunities at any stage in your career, tailoring their internationally recognised courses to suit your needs and broaden your skills. 

While a professional qualification is one of the best ways to enhance your knowledge and capabilities, it’s only natural that you might be wondering just how long it will take you to complete an ILM qualification before you officially enrol. 

To help you out, we’re taking a closer look at the time it generally takes to complete the all-inclusive ILM Diploma, the shorter ILM Certificate, and the bite-sized ILM Award online at each level.

How Long Does an ILM Level 2 Qualification Take?

If you’re looking to take the first step in your leadership and management career or have minimal experience, then an ILM Level 2 qualification is the perfect place to start.

• An ILM Level 2 Certificate in Leadership and Team Skills has a total learning time of 130 learning hours, which equates to around 5 to 7 months while working full time. 
• An ILM Level 2 Award in Leadership and Team Skills has a total learning time of 30 hours, which equates to around 2 to 4 months while working full time.

The ILM currently doesn’t offer the option for a Diploma at Level 2 in Leadership and Team Skills, however, you could instead take the ILM Level 2 Diploma in Team Leading if you so choose. 

How Long Does an ILM Level 3 Qualification Take?

We recommend a Level 3 qualification if you’re currently in a junior leadership or management role but have no formal training.

• An ILM Level 3 Diploma in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 370 learning hours, which equates to about 18 to 24 months while working full time. 
• An ILM Level 3 Certificate in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 130 hours, which equates to around 6 to 8 months while working full time.
• An ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 40 hours, which equates to about 2 to 4 months while working full time.

How Long Does an ILM Level 4 Qualification Take?

The Level 4 qualification is great if you’re striving to become a middle manager and want to gain a comprehensive understanding of how to apply effective leadership to your organisation.

• An ILM Level 4 Diploma in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 370 learning hours, which equates to about 24 to 30 months while working full time.
• An ILM Level 4 Certificate in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 130 hours, which equates to around 5 to 7 months while working full time.

An ILM Level 4 Award in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 50 hours, which equates to about 2 to 4 months while working full time.

How Long Does an ILM Level 5 Qualification Take?

Ideal for mid-level managers looking to enhance their strategic leadership skills, ILM Level 5 qualifications will help prepare you for senior management roles.

• An ILM Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 370 hours, which equates to about 16 to 18 months while working full time.
• An ILM Level 5 Certificate in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 130 hours, which equates to around 5 to 7 months while working full time.
• An ILM Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 60 hours, which equates to about 2 to 4 months while working full time.

How Long Does an ILM Level 6 Qualification Take?

This qualification is ideal for new senior managers or for middle managers who are preparing for promotion. A Level 6 qualification helps bridge you towards Level 7 qualifications.

• An ILM Level 6 Diploma in Management has a total learning time of 420 hours, which equates to about 18 to 20 months while working full time.
• An ILM Level 6 Award in Management has a total learning time of 120 hours, which equates to about 5 to 7 months while working full time.

The ILM currently doesn’t offer the option for a Certificate at Level 6 for Management.

How Long Does an ILM Level 7 Qualification Take?

Level 7 qualifications with ILM are fantastic if you’re a senior leader or manager who wants to continue to develop your skills and knowledge in applied settings and invest in your own personal brand along the way.

• An ILM Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 600 hours, which equates to about 24 to 26 months while working full time.
• An ILM Level 7 Certificate in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 200 hours, which equates to around 10 to 12 months while working full time.
• An ILM Level 7 Award in Leadership and Management has a total learning time of 100 hours, which equates to about 6 to 8 months while working full time.

To explore even more courses specific to leadership, management, coaching, and training, you can check out ILM’s qualification finder here. 

Factors That May Impact Your Completion Time

Aside from the level and type of ILM qualification you choose, there are other factors that might affect how long it will take you to complete your course. The study method you prefer and the learning provider you choose, in particular, will make a big difference here.

With ILM qualifications, you have the option to learn in a classroom, online, or via a mixture of both - all of which come with pros and cons for you to weigh out depending on your life, family, and work obligations.

If you decide to learn in the classroom, for example, it might take you less time (i.e. days to weeks to complete a specific ILM qualification), but you’ll need to dedicate yourself to set class times on top of self-study.

If you choose online learning, on the other hand, most providers (like us!) offer flexible qualifications with extended support periods so you can shape your studies to fit you rather than the other way around. There’s also often an option to fast track your ILM qualification if you so choose. 

Taking the time to enrol on an ILM qualification can do wonders for your leadership and management career. Now that you know how long it will take you, all that’s left to do is get started!

Discover how an online professional ILM qualification can accelerate your career. Get your free ILM course guide today to get started.