Qualifications improve your chances; they do not gate the job. Level 5 is the most recognised.
Level 5 most recognisedOpen entry
Your route in
Employers typically expect around L3
1
Qualifications employers recognise (Level 5)
Any of these strengthens your application.
2
Where this can take you
NCS states a Level 3+ qualification is usually needed; the Level 3 L&D Practitioner precedes the Level 5 L&D Consultant/Business Partner standard that matches 'consultant'.