Level 1 Award in Mentoring (RQF)
Study the Level 1 Award in Mentoring online with SJA tutor support. This introductory mentoring course covers mentoring skills, effective communication and supportive relationships through three mandatory units. Build a portfolio of evidence as you learn.
Pay in full: £135.00. Or start with £14.99 and access your course after confirmed payment. Then pay 1 monthly instalment of £100.00 and a final instalment of £20.01. Total: £135.00, interest-free. First invoice issued 30 days after enrolment. Pay within 20 days of each invoice; overdue course access is suspended. Restore registration by paying the overdue instalment plus £25.00.
About This Qualification
The Focus Awards Level 1 Award in Mentoring (RQF) introduces the knowledge and skills needed to support another person’s learning, confidence and development. Study three mandatory units online with SJA tutor guidance. Prepare a portfolio that meets the assessment criteria.
Build Your Mentoring Skills
This introductory mentoring course covers listening, clear communication and supportive relationships. Learn to keep professional boundaries and recognise when to refer a concern to the right person or service.
An effective mentor helps the other person think through their goals. For example, you might listen to a colleague’s concerns, ask open questions and help them identify a useful next step. These examples help you connect course content to everyday support.
Understand the Qualification
The Level 1 Award in Mentoring includes three mandatory units, 3 credits and 30 hours total qualification time. This is an introduction to mentoring rather than a full teaching qualification. Read the Focus Awards qualification details.
Study the Level 1 Award in Mentoring online with SJA. Work through the units, prepare your own evidence and use tutor feedback to address any gaps.
Choosing an Introductory Mentoring Qualification
This mentoring qualification introduces the purpose of mentoring, effective communication and supportive relationships. It may suit people beginning to support colleagues, learners or community members. It is a Level 1 introduction, rather than a professional coaching diploma or a full teaching qualification.
When comparing mentoring courses online, check the qualification level, awarding organisation, units and assessment arrangements. SJA provides online learning materials and tutor guidance for the Level 1 Award in Mentoring. Build your own portfolio evidence against the unit criteria and use assessor feedback to address gaps. Check the course requirements and ask about support before enrolling, especially if you are new to online study.
Who Is the Level 1 Award in Mentoring For?
The Level 1 Award in Mentoring is designed for adults who want to understand mentoring before taking on or developing a supportive role. It may be relevant to people supporting learners, colleagues or community members. Employers and organisations may set additional requirements for particular roles.
- New or aspiring mentors
- Education or workplace support staff
- Colleagues helping others settle into a team
- Community volunteers supporting personal development
What You Will Learn on the Level 1 Award in Mentoring
On the Level 1 Award in Mentoring, you will explore the foundations of mentoring and how a mentor can support another person’s development.
- Understand the purpose of mentoring
- Recognise a mentor’s responsibilities and professional boundaries
- Use listening and questioning to support communication
- Build trust and respectful mentoring relationships
- Identify ethical considerations and when to refer a concern
Qualification Structure / Units
The qualification consists of three mandatory units. Each unit carries 1 credit and 8 guided learning hours; together they total 3 credits, 24 guided learning hours and 30 hours of total qualification time. There are no optional units.
M/652/2431 — Understanding Mentoring
R/652/2432 — Effective Communication in Mentoring
T/652/2433 — Developing Mentoring Relationships
Entry Requirements
Focus Awards sets a minimum age of 14, with entry at the centre’s discretion. There are no other formal entry requirements in the qualification specification, and the award is available in England. For online study, you will need internet access, a suitable device and the ability to prepare and submit your own evidence. Contact SJA before enrolling if you are under 18 or need a reasonable adjustment.
Practical / Workplace Requirements
The qualification specification does not set a fixed placement duration, mentoring-hour total or number of observed sessions. You do not need to assume a workplace placement is required. If practical examples or workplace evidence are relevant to your assessment plan, your assessor will explain what evidence is appropriate and how it must meet the unit criteria.
How You Will Be Assessed
An assessor internally assesses your portfolio against every learning outcome and assessment criterion in the three units. Your evidence must be your own and must demonstrate the required learning. Your assessment plan sets out the evidence needed. It may include assignments, worksheets, questions, observation, witness testimony, learner work or recognition of prior learning. Your assessor gives feedback. You may need to add evidence before a decision is confirmed. SJA uses Pass/Refer decisions and the required quality assurance checks.
How Online Learning Works
Study through your online learning account at a pace that fits your commitments.
- Read the material one unit at a time.
- Make notes in your own words.
- Prepare the evidence in your assessment plan.
- Submit your portfolio and review your assessor’s feedback.
- Add further evidence if it is needed.
To complete the course, you must meet all unit requirements. The qualification’s 30 hours of total qualification time includes independent learning and assessment preparation. It does not guarantee completion within a fixed number of days.
SJA confirms course access and submission timescales during enrolment.
Tutor Support
Your tutor can clarify the unit content, assessment guidance and the type of evidence needed for your portfolio. Use the course contact channels to ask questions as you study, and discuss any accessibility needs or reasonable adjustments with SJA as early as possible.
Certification & Recognition
You achieve the Focus Awards Level 1 Award in Mentoring (RQF), qualification number 610/7696/X, after meeting the requirements for all three mandatory units. SJA confirms assessment decisions and completes internal quality assurance before certification is requested from Focus Awards; any external checks must also be completed. SJA’s usual certification timeframe is 3–5 weeks after successful assessment and completion of required quality assurance. An e-certificate is provided by default. A printed certificate is optional for £7 plus postage.
Career Opportunities
This introductory award can help you develop foundational knowledge for mentoring and other supportive responsibilities in education, work or community settings. It may be relevant to people beginning a mentoring role or adding structured learning to their existing experience. Employers decide what qualifications, checks and experience are required for a particular post; the award does not guarantee employment or eligibility for a specific role.
Progression Routes
Possible next steps may include further mentoring or coaching study, leadership development, supporting teaching and learning, or a broader education and training qualification such as the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. Check the entry requirements and suitability of any next qualification with the receiving provider before you enrol.
Why Choose SJA?
SJA Global Academia offers flexible online study with clear assessment guidance and tutor support. The course fee is £135, with the payment options displayed at checkout. You can work through the units around your commitments and receive feedback to help you address any evidence gaps.
- Focus Awards qualification
- Online learning with tutor support
- Clear portfolio guidance
- £135 course fee
- Pass/Refer assessment decisions
Frequently Asked Questions
You will achieve the Focus Awards Level 1 Award in Mentoring (RQF), qualification number 610/7696/X, after successfully completing all three mandatory units and the required quality assurance.
The award has three mandatory units, each worth 1 credit and 8 guided learning hours. There are no optional units.
The specification does not set a fixed placement duration, mentoring-hour total or number of observed sessions. Your assessor will explain any practical evidence required by your assessment plan.
You submit a portfolio of evidence that is assessed against the learning outcomes and assessment criteria. Your assessor provides feedback, and you address any gaps before the final decision. SJA uses Pass/Refer decisions.
Yes. SJA provides online learning with tutor support. Study around your commitments and prepare portfolio evidence as described in your assessment guidance.
Focus Awards sets a minimum age of 14, with entry at the centre’s discretion. The qualification specification lists no other formal entry requirements.
The course fee is £135. The qualification has 24 guided learning hours and 30 hours total qualification time; your calendar study period depends on your pace and course access arrangements.