Qualifications for business support professionals
Qualifications are how business advisers and other business support professionals show they meet the SFEDI Business Support Standards. They are offered by SFEDI Awards, SFEDI's Ofqual-regulated awarding organisation, and each one evidences particular Standards.
- Level 5NewView the Level 5
Level 5 Certificate in Professional Business and Enterprise Support
The qualification route to the eight Core Standards. It covers the full advisory cycle, from diagnosing what a business needs to reviewing the impact of the support, and is assessed on real client work. Optional units in business finance and project delivery add a specialist pathway, and a foundation unit supports people newer to advisory roles.
- Level 7View the Level 7 Diploma
Level 7 Diploma in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services
For experienced advisers working at a senior level. Four mandatory units cover client relationships, analysing and supporting client needs, helping clients source and evaluate other support, and developing your own practice. You then choose one specialist unit in consultancy, enterprise training, mentoring or coaching.
A funded route to the Level 5
Organisations in England can put their advisers through the Level 5 as part of a funded Level 4 apprenticeship, delivered with the Academy of Leadership and Management (ALM). The pilot cohort starts in January 2027, and we're recruiting now.
Already hold an SFEDI Awards qualification?
If you hold the SFEDI Awards Level 5 or Level 7 in Professional Business and Enterprise Support Services, your qualification continues to evidence the Core Standards. You don't need to do anything.
How qualifications relate to the Standards
The SFEDI Business Support Standards set out what good business support looks like. A qualification is the proof that you meet them. Each qualification page shows which Standards it evidences, with a link to each one, so you can see exactly what it covers.
Specialist Certification will recognise specialist practice against the Specialist Standards. It is coming soon.
Find the best way to get qualified
There are several ways to take these qualifications, including directly with SFEDI. Get in touch and we'll help you find the route that suits you or your organisation.