Who CYL is for
Anyone aged 15–24 inclusive when they apply. You do not need a job, to be enrolled in education, a title, or to have managed anyone.
CYL is a separate foundation certification. It is not part of the CEL–CXL professional pathway, and it is not required before CEL.
Candidates under 18. LII accepts CYL candidates under 18. A parent or guardian must give written consent before LII can accept the application, and the young person makes their own candidate declaration. The young person remains the candidate: a parent or guardian may support consent and administration and may receive formal communications, but does not prepare evidence or take part in the assessment. Where local law sets a different age of majority, LII applies the more protective consent route for that application. At present, applications from candidates aged 15–17 can be accepted only from the United Arab Emirates.
What leadership can look like
Specific moments where you took the lead: at school, college or university, in sport, clubs, the community, volunteering, enterprise or early work. It is assessed in proportion to your age and opportunities.
- Organising a school event or campaign
- Captaining a team
- Leading a club or society activity
- Mentoring a younger student
- Resolving a problem in a group project
- Changing your approach after feedback from a coach or teacher
- Running a small enterprise or volunteering project
What candidates need to demonstrate
Evidence across four areas.
Leadership Self
Taking responsibility for your decisions and conduct, even when it is uncomfortable.
Team Contribution
Noticing and supporting the people around you, not just whether your team did well.
Communication & Influence
Explaining to a group why, not just what, and thinking about people beyond your group.
Personal Impact & Development
Changing your approach when something isn't working.
Examples of evidence
- Event plans, announcements, meeting notes, a presentation, club records and a short reflective account.
- At least two pieces of evidence for each of the four areas, mostly from this academic year or last.
- At least two Supporting References: short written statements from adults who actually saw your leadership, such as a teacher, coach, club or society advisor, employer or community supervisor. Referees write and sign their own references.
- Your own writing is limited to 2,000 words. Quality and specific examples matter more than length.
How CYL works
- A written portfolioYou submit a single written CYL Portfolio. There is no interview, panel or live event.
- Independent reviewA CYL Assessor reviews it, and a second CYL Assessor checks it independently before any outcome is confirmed.
- One standard, applied proportionatelyA 15-year-old is not expected to show the scale of responsibility of someone older.
- The outcomeCertified Young Leader; Certified Young Leader with Distinction; or Not Yet — Evidence Resubmission Invited, with one resubmission addressing only the named gaps.
What happens next
Start with an enquiry. Young people, parents and guardians, schools and organisations can all ask LII about CYL. LII replies in writing.
If you later have the professional leadership experience for CEL, you apply and are assessed for CEL in your own right, like any other candidate.
Questions
Is CYL a professional certification?
No. It is a separate foundation certification, not a level of the professional pathway.
Is CYL required before CEL?
No, and it does not convert automatically into CEL.
Is there an interview?
No. CYL is assessed entirely in writing.
Is CYL a course or an exam?
No. It is not a course, an exam, a participation award or an academic qualification. It recognises leadership you have already shown.
How long is CYL valid?
CYL is valid for three years from the date of award.