ABE Level 5 Leadership qualifications
Elevate your leadership
CPD training with a formal qualification.
Developed with The Institute of Leadership. No accreditation fee for IoL approved trainers.
Information for trainers and centres
Confidence, clarity, and conviction
Whether learners are just discovering their leadership style or ready to shape the future of their organisation, these qualifications offer flexibility, inclusivity, and real-world application.
Practical, work-based learning
Progressive – build from Award to Diploma
Flexible – ideal for working professionals
Our suite of bite-sized leadership qualifications enable training providers to enhance their provision by developing the most in-demand leadership skills along with an Ofqualrecognised qualification.
Why offer ABE leadership qualifications:
To deliver in-demand core skills
Leadership has been identified as one of the top three core skills needed by employers, according to research by the World Economic Forum
To provide qualifications developed with sector leaders
ABE has developed these qualifications with The Institute of Leadership (IoL), ensuring they are underpinned by the most up-todate thinking in leadership development
Strengths: ABE leadership assessments
To offer IoL membership benefits and value
Studying membership of IoL is included with the registration, your learners can access IoL resources to support the learning outcomes
Practical, assignment-based assessments learners apply directly to their own organisation
Flexible delivery with common units across qualifications for cost-effective, modular training
Fast six-week assessment turnaround to keep learners on track
All assessments marked by ABE — reducing admin time and overheads for you
Certificates
Printed certificates are automatically dispatched on successful completion.
Certificates carry the logos of ABE, The Institute of Leadership and Ofqual
Level 5 is the same difficulty-level as year two of a Bachelors degree. The first assessments will be available from September 2025.
ABE Level 5 Award in Leadership Self-Awareness
Understand yourself to lead others more effectively
Qualification objectives and aims
This short qualification supports individual growth as an effective leader, fostering the learner’s insight into how they lead and interact with others and helping them to promote a positive and productive environment
The qualification will equip learners with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to develop self-awareness in a leadership context, providing insight into how behaviours, personality, and emotional intelligence influence others
Learners will:
Identify personal strengths and development areas.
Apply self-assessment methods to support personal growth.
Create and implement a Personal Development Plan (PDP)
Use reflective practice to understand their leadership behaviours and the impact they have on others.
Who it’s for:
New or aspiring leaders
Qualification number: 610/5859/2
Guided learning hours: 40
Credits: 10
Unit titles:
Build a Personal Leadership Brand (5 credits)
Build Leadership Self-Awareness (5 credits )
Why study this qualification:
Discover how behaviours, values, and personality affect your leadership impact
Use proven tools such as emotional intelligence frameworks and 360° feedback to gain powerful insights
Build a personal development plan tailored to your leadership ambitions
Develop greater confidence, clarity, and influence in your professional relationships
Professionals wishing to develop their emotional intelligence
People wanting to build a solid foundation for leadership
Start your leadership journey by looking within.
ABE Level 5 Award in Powerful Leadership Connection
Communicate, influence, and build trust across your team
Qualification objectives and aims
Successful team performance requires effective leadership and interactions that inspire, motivate and empower others to achieve their full potential.
This short qualification applies a range of contemporary team management methodologies that equip leaders with the tools to optimise the performance of their teams and their colleagues.
Learners will:
Explore the principles of high-performing teams and the factors that impact team performance.
Understand the importance of aligning team objectives with the goals and aspirations of the organisation.
Discover how to cultivate high team performance and productivity.
Develop theoretical knowledge and practical skills to adapt leadership interactions in response to audiences and situations.
Apply the principles of effective communication, including building relationships within teams and across an organisation
Align interactions to meet diverse needs, applying relevant techniques to build positive relationships, manage conflicts, and resolve issues
Who it’s for:
Team leaders and supervisors
Qualification number: 610/5857/9
Guided learning hours: 40
Credits: 10
Unit titles:
Cultivate a Culture of High Team Performance (5 credits)
Powerful Leadership Interactions (communication) (5 credits)
Why study this qualification:
Learn how to tailor communication to different stakeholders and situations
Build inclusive and psychologically safe team cultures
Manage conflict constructively using proven communication models
Use proven techniques for influence, active listening, and feedback
Managers seeking to build strong relationships
Leaders needing to communicate with diverse audiences
Because leadership is built on connection, not control.
ABE Level 5 Certificate in Leadership Dynamics
Lead with purpose. Communicate with clarity. Inspire
Qualification objectives and aims
This qualification develops well-rounded, self-aware, and adaptable leaders who can inspire, motivate, and engage diverse teams to achieve high performance It equips learners with the theoretical understanding, self-awareness and practical skills
Learners will:
Build a strong personal leadership brand
Communicate powerfully.
Create inclusive, high-performing teams
Manage diverse personalities, life stages, and neurodiversity by promoting a culture of inclusivity, trust, and respect
Contribute to a positive leadership climate
The Level 5 Certificate in Leadership Dynamics supports leadership development at both a personal and organisational level, fostering the confidence and capability to lead with purpose in a dynamic and diverse workplace.
Who it’s for:
Current or future managers
Qualification number: 610/5858/0
Guided learning hours: 110
Credits: 30
Unit titles:
Build a Personal Leadership Brand (5 credits)
Develop Leadership SelfAwareness (5 credits)
Cultivate a Culture of High Team Performance (5 credits)
Powerful Leadership Interactions (Communication) (5 credits)
Inspire Individuals and Teams (10 credits)
Why study this qualification:
Build your personal leadership brand aligned to your values Drive team performance through motivational leadership and adaptive behaviour
Learn inclusive leadership practices for neurodiverse and multi-generational teams
Apply strategies that inspire individuals and cultivate highperforming cultures
Professionals wanting to strengthen their leadership presence
Anyone leading teams in complex or evolving environments
For leaders who want to bring out the best in others.
ABE Level 5 Diploma in Effective Leadership
Qualification
objectives and aims
This qualification provides a comprehensive framework for developing confident, adaptive, and self-aware leaders who can drive individual and organisational success The qualification is designed for current and aspiring leaders who seek to:
Refine their leadership approach.
Build high-performing teams.
Create a positive, inclusive workplace culture through continuous reflection and improvement
Develop self-awareness and build a personal brand.
Communicate effectively
Optimise team performance.
Develop inclusive and inspirational leadership.
Apply adaptive leadership behaviours and reflective practice to manage diverse personalities, life stages, and neurodiversity.
Build a culture of continuous improvement within their organisations.
This Diploma develops leaders who are purpose-driven, people-focused, and performance-oriented, ready to meet the evolving demands of modern leadership.
Who it’s for:
Experienced leaders seeking formal recognition
Qualification number: 610/5859/2
Guided learning hours: 140
Credits: 40
Unit titles:
Build a Personal Leadership Brand (5 credits)
Develop Leadership SelfAwareness (5 credits)
Cultivate a Culture of High Team Performance (5 credits)
Powerful Leadership Interactions (Communication) (5 credits)
Inspire Individuals and Teams (10 credits)
Critical Reflection in Leadership (10 credits)
Why study this qualification: Apply strategic thinking, critical reflection, and leadership theory Lead diverse teams with confidence and empathy
Build a consistent leadership brand and influence at all levels
Embed high-performance culture and continuous improvement across teams
Senior professionals responsible for organisational change or growth
Those on a pathway to executive or transformational leadership roles
A transformational qualification for leaders ready to make a lasting impact.
About ABE
ABE is a British exam board which has been at the forefront of developing business education since we were founded in 1973. We have a strong international focus and, as a not-for-profit, our mission is empower people to transform their lives and communities through gaining high-quality business, leadership and entrepreneurial skills.
ABE is regulated in the United Kingdom by Ofqual and it is recognised by similar regulatory authorities in many other countries.
In 2023 ABE became an independent subsidiary of The Institute of Leadership, a charity and membership organisation founded in 1947 dedicated to unlocking leadership potential.
All leadership units are developed with The Institute of Leadership
Ready to enhance your leadership offering? Visit www.abeuk.com or contact us today to get accredited and start delivering indemand leadership qualifications.
Tel: + 44 (0)20 8329 2930