ProQual Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management and Leadership

This qualification is Ofqual-regulated and mapped to National Occupational Standards for Management and Leadership, offering flexible portfolio-based assessment with no formal examinations.

• Ofqual-regulated qualification (Qualification Number: 601/4757/X) on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF)

• Competence-based assessment through a portfolio of workplace evidence with no written exams

• Total qualification time of 530 hours with 247 guided learning hours

• Flexible unit selection from mandatory and optional groups to suit individual job roles

• Mapped directly to National Occupational Standards (NOS) for Management and Leadership

• Suitable across all occupational sectors and industries

The ProQual Level 5 NVQ Diploma in Management and Leadership is designed for individuals who have the ability and opportunity to demonstrate recognisable management skills in their workplace. It covers managing business processes, leading and implementing change, managing finance, providing learning opportunities, and managing projects or technical matters. The qualification is awarded by ProQual Awarding Body and regulated by Ofqual, and has been approved for use in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

• Minimum 53 credits required comprising mandatory and optional units

• 22 credits from four mandatory Group A units must be completed

• Minimum 23 credits from Group B optional units, with a maximum of 8 credits from Group C

• Internally assessed and verified by centre staff with external quality assurance by ProQual

• Directly mapped to National Occupational Standards for Management and Leadership

• Approved for delivery in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Upon completion, learners will have demonstrated competence across strategic planning, business process design, change management, and leadership through workplace-based evidence.

• Contribute to the development of strategic plans using analytical techniques and planning models

• Design and evaluate business processes including workflow patterns and modelling tools

• Plan, manage, and evaluate strategic change initiatives within an organisation

• Provide leadership and management by applying motivation theories and stakeholder engagement

• Establish and manage business risk management processes and contingency planning

• Develop operational plans, manage budgets, lead projects, and promote equality and inclusion

This qualification is aimed at individuals across all occupations and sectors who have the ability and opportunity to demonstrate management skills in their current role, whether managing people, projects, or technical functions.

• Middle and senior managers responsible for business processes and strategic decisions

• Team leaders and department heads managing resources and operational delivery

• Project managers overseeing cross-functional programmes and project governance

• Professionals responsible for leading organisational change and business improvement

• Managers seeking formal recognition of their existing leadership competence

• Aspiring senior leaders preparing for progression into higher-level management roles

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. Centres should carry out an initial assessment of candidate skills and knowledge to identify any gaps and help plan the assessment.

• No formal academic entry requirements; candidates must be in a role where they can demonstrate management and leadership competence

• Centres must conduct an initial assessment to identify skill gaps and plan the assessment pathway

This qualification is competence-based and internally assessed. Candidates must produce a portfolio of evidence demonstrating achievement of all learning outcomes and assessment criteria for each unit.

• Portfolio of workplace evidence including assignments, projects, reports, and candidate products

• Observation reports by a qualified assessor and professional discussion

• Witness testimony from workplace colleagues and managers

• Record of oral and written questioning, worksheets, and Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Successful completion of this qualification provides a direct progression route to higher-level management qualifications and senior leadership positions across all sectors.

• Level 7 NVQ Diploma in Management (direct progression route identified by ProQual)

• Senior management roles such as Operations Manager, Programme Director, or Head of Department

• Specialist management qualifications in areas such as quality, risk, or strategic marketing

• Postgraduate management qualifications including MBA programmes