The different CMI qualifications explained

Management is a profession. Anyone who is serious about becoming a great manager and developing their career needs to know about the different Chartered Management Institute (CMI) qualifications. They offer a life-long learning opportunity, enabling professionals to develop their management and leadership skills and knowledge.

The CMI offers a range of qualifications for all levels of management, from managers with little or no previous experience, all the way up to strategic managers and chief executives. Each level builds on both real-life experience, and professional best practice. There are no formal entry criteria (other than being 18 years+) and it is not necessary to start right at the beginning. Each level has the option of an award, certificate, or diploma qualification, reflecting the breadth of study you undertake, the number of units and total unit time (TUT) that are required.

To help you decide which qualification might be right for you, let’s take a look at the different qualifications and what they entail.

CMI Level 3 – Principles of Management and Leadership

The CMI Level 3 – Principles of Management and Leadership, is suitable for practising or aspiring managers who will supervise or manage a team to achieve clearly defined outcomes. They will set and monitor goals and objectives by providing instruction, direction, and guidance. Day to day operational and project activities are a key part of their role.

The qualifications have been designed for practising or aspiring managers in roles such as team leader, supervisor, project officer, shift manager or foreperson.

CMI level 3 qualifications include Award, Certificate and Diploma, and take between 6 and 18 months to complete, with a wide selection of modules to choose from, including areas such as ‘building stakeholder relationships using effective communication’, ‘principles of equality, diversity & inclusive working practices’ and ‘responding to conflict in the workplace’.

Level 3 qualifications are an excellent entry point into CMI qualifications and are equivalent to an A level within the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

CMI Level 5 – Management and Leadership

At CMI level 5, there are a range of qualifications aimed at middle and operational managers, who already have some experience in their role.

Two award level qualifications are available, covering ‘Management and Leadership’, and ‘Managing Equality, Diversity and Leadership’. Each takes up to 6 months to complete and includes tutorial support.

Level 5 certificate awards, which typically take up to 12 months, include a more in depth look at ‘Management and Leadership’, as well as a standalone ‘Project management’ qualification, which covers ‘Managing Projects to Achieve Results’ and ‘Conducting a Management Project’

The highest qualification level of diploma is also available at level 5. This 18-month study includes 6-8 assignments and a selection of 13 modules. Once again, full tutor support is available.

Level 5 CMI qualifications are widely respected, and are equivalent to an HND or foundation degree within the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

CMI Level 6 – Professional Management and Leadership Practice

CMI Level 6 qualifications are aimed at management professionals with significant experience or responsibility. This may include senior or regional managers, specialist managers, for example quality, finance, risk, marketing, sales, IT, human resources etc, as well as company directors.

Level 6 qualifications in Professional Management and Leadership Practice are available as Award, Certificate and Diploma, reflecting a 6, 12 or 18 month study period and increasing levels of assignment and modules undertaken.

The level 6 modules start to look at strategic management areas, including ‘Organisational Culture’, ‘Developing and Leading Strategy’, ‘Principles and Practices of Ethical Decision Making’, and ‘Innovation and Change’.

Level 6 CMI qualifications are equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree within the Regulated Qualifications Framework.

CMI Level 7 – Strategic Management and Leadership Practice

CMI Level 7 qualifications are aimed at senior and specialist managers, directors and senior board executives looking to develop their strategic thinking and skills.

Three award level qualifications cover Strategic Approaches to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Strategic Approaches to Mental Health and Wellbeing, and Strategic Management and Leadership Practice. Each offers up to six months of study and includes tutoring.

Level 7, which is equivalent to a Master’s degree within the Regulated Qualifications Framework, also includes a certificate (12 months study) and Diploma (18 months) in Strategic Management and Leadership practice. Optional modules include ‘Strategic Risk Management’, ‘Entrepreneurial Practice’ and ‘Leading Strategic Change’.

Chartered Manager

A CMI Chartered Manager qualification is the highest status that can be achieved in the management profession. Two routes are available, reflecting previous experience and qualifications.

The Fast Track route to the prestigious Chartered Manager status, requires a minimum CMI level 5 Diploma, and a minimum of 3 years suitable management experience.

For experienced managers without a CMI qualification, an Assessment route is available. Prerequisites include either a degree level qualification that is management, business or leadership focused, plus 3 years’ experience in a management role. For those without a formal qualification, 5 years’ management experience, equivalent to Level 5 or operational or senior management level, can be used. Assessment for the qualification is undertaken by written submission and a telephone interview, demonstrating consistent and effective performance in the past 18 months, and your future personal development plans. Your application will need to be corroborated by a senior manager in your organisation.

How Inspired2Learn can help you gain your CMI qualification

As an approved CMI training partner, Inspired2Learn can help you gain a CMI qualification. We have a proven track record of success helping people like you to achieve their CMI management and leadership qualifications. We offer a flexible study environment, with online multimedia learning materials in our bespoke portal. Here you will access learning journeys created by us for each unit of study in your qualification. You will also be able to conduct your own searches of the extensive resources, with no rigid requirement to log in to e-learning at specific times or complete specific tasks. You are free to choose the study methods and timescales that suit you best.

You will receive expert tutorial support every step of the way, via e-mail, telephone or online. You will have a dedicated, named tutor from our team who is there to guide and advise you. With no formal entry requirements, you can choose the exact CMI qualification that is right for you. We offer competitive prices and instalment payment plans if required.

If we can help you realise your management and leadership potential, please get in touch. You can also sign up for our newsletter. Good luck with your career and if we can help, we would love to hear from you.

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