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LEVEL 5

COACHING PROFESSIONAL (v1.0)

The Coaching Professional Apprenticeship Assessment Explained

Coaching Professionals work across all sectors – from healthcare and education to finance, manufacturing and the voluntary sector – supporting individuals and teams to unlock potential, adapt to change and enhance performance.

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The core purpose of the role is to enable insight, development and positive transformation through skilled, non-directive coaching. Professionals in this role build trust, listen deeply, ask powerful questions, and help coachees reflect, grow, and take action – without giving advice or imposing solutions.

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They work in a range of formats, including one-to-one, team and group coaching. Sessions may be delivered in person or remotely and often span multiple meetings over time. Coaching Professionals may work independently or as part of in-house learning and development teams, supporting leadership, change, wellbeing and performance.

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Day-to-day, they interact with a diverse range of people – coachees, HR teams, senior leaders, supervisors, external partners and peer networks. They are responsible for maintaining ethical and professional standards, managing contracts, reviewing impact, and ensuring continuous professional development through supervision, reflection and CPD.

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Typical job titles include: Business Coach, Career Coach, Leadership Coach, Team Coach, Performance Coach, and Wellbeing Coach.

Professional recognition

This apprenticeship is designed to prepare successful apprentices to meet the requirements for registration as a Coaching Professional with one of the following professional bodies:  

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  • The European Mentoring and Coaching Council

  • The Association for Coaching

  • The International Coach Federation 

Timeline

The apprenticeship typically takes 14 months to complete, with assessment typically taking place in the final 3 months.

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For additional information about this apprenticeship Assessment check out the Level 5 Coaching Professional Apprenticeship Assessment Plan

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Assessment methods

01

Observation with questions

An independent assessor observes the apprentice carrying out normal day-to-day duties in their workplace. Simulation is not permitted. The apprentice will be observed conducting two one-hour coaching sessions with different individuals, followed by questions.

02

Interview supported by a Portfolio of Evidence

A structured 60-minute interview with an independent assessor.

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  • Focuses on the apprentice’s application of KSBs across the standard.

  • The apprentice may draw on their portfolio to support responses.

  • The portfolio is used as reference only and is not assessed directly.

03

Knowledge Test

A 90-minute multiple-choice test.

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  • Includes 40 questions covering coaching theories, models, ethics, reflective practice and organisational culture.

  • Completed under exam conditions. Closed-book.

Our Assessment Process

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Gateway

What is Gateway?

Gateway marks the transition from learning to assessment. It’s the point where the employer and training provider confirm the apprentice has developed the required knowledge, skills and behaviours (KSBs) and is ready for final assessment.

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To be eligible for assessment, apprentices must have:

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  • Achieved Level 2 English and maths​

Note: This is required for apprentices aged 16–18. For those aged 19+, it may not be mandatory if agreed with the employer and noted in the training plan.

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  • A Portfolio of Evidence​

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  • Completed all workplace and off-the-job training

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  • Been confirmed as occupationally competent by their employer

assessment

All Elevate assessments are delivered remotely, with flexible scheduling to meet provider and apprentice needs – whether during or outside of standard hours.

Information, advice and guidance

We guide apprentices, employers, and training providers through every stage of the EPA process, from onboarding and guidance to practical support and post-assessment insights. This includes:

 

  • Onboarding sessions covering timelines and best practice

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  • Standard-specific Guidance Handbooks

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  • Information, Advice and Guidance video with practical tips for success

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  • Post-assessment review meetings with training providers, offering data-driven insights to strengthen teaching, demonstrate apprentice readiness, and provide evidence for Ofsted

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  • Access to our articles, ‘Elevate Perspectives’, sharing insights, tips, and thought leadership on apprenticeships and EPA

Transparent pricing

Our prices are clear, competitive and compliant – always below the maximum 20% cap of the overall apprenticeship cost.

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  • The full fee for the Level 5 Coaching Professional Assessment is £1000 and is charged upon Gateway approval
     

  • We accommodate all group sizes, with tailored options for larger cohorts
     

  • We’re happy to discuss flexible pricing 

What your investment includes

  1. A flexible, responsive assessment service

  2. Structured support for apprentices, employers, and training providers, including onboarding sessions, standard-specific handbooks, guidance videos, post-assessment review meetings, and access to our articles

  3. Assessment outcomes within 25 working days, with full certification management

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