The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is a professional body in the UK focused on promoting excellence in management and leadership. Established in 1947, CMI offers respected management qualifications from levels 2 to 7 that are well-regarded across industries.

CMI also encourages continuous professional development and networking through its member community, helping managers stay up to date with best practices. Known for its commitment to high standards, CMI is valued by professionals looking to thrive and advance in their careers.

To meet the evolving demands of today’s businesses, CMI courses focus on essential skills such as ethical leadership, and practical knowledge. Building on this foundation, DLC Training offers CMI qualifications from levels 2 to 7, catering to professionals at various management stages.

Which CMI Course Should I Study?

CMI courses include:

The most suitable level for you will depend on your current knowledge and experience, as well as any prior qualifications you may hold.

Team Leaders – Level 2

The CMI Level 2 course in Team Leading is an introductory qualification. It’s designed for individuals who are new to team leading roles as well as those aspiring to take on management responsibilities. This course covers skills needed to effectively lead a team such as communication, planning, and providing support to team members.

Learners develop a strong foundation in leadership principles and learn how to improve team performance, motivate members, and manage basic projects. The Level 2 course is an ideal starting point for those looking to build confidence, establish essential leadership skills, and set themselves up for further progression in management.

First-Line Managers – Level 3

The Level 3 CMI course is suitable for first-line managers and supervisors looking to strengthen their leadership skills and knowledge. This qualification covers essential topics, such as motivating and developing teams, planning and monitoring workloads, and improving workplace communication.

The course offers practical insights and tools to help you manage people effectively and make informed decisions while enhancing confidence in management roles. This is ideal for those who already have a foundation of knowledge in management and want to build on this to further support them in their role.

Middle Managers – Level 5

The Level 5 CMI course is suitable for those looking to develop their knowledge at a middle management level. This course delves into critical areas such as managing resources and operational planning. It can also cover people management skills, such as leading people through organisational change.

The course offers a balanced mix of theoretical knowledge and practical techniques, helping managers build confidence in making complex decisions while also managing teams effectively.

Level 5 is ideal for supervisors aiming to progress as well as middle managers seeking to elevate their skills. It can greatly boost career prospects by equipping managers with the expertise to lead effectively and drive organisational success.

Senior Managers – Level 7

The Level 7 CMI course is suitable for senior managers and leaders looking to sharpen their leadership skills and influence at a senior level. This advanced qualification explores high-level management areas such as strategic planning, organisational development, and leading through complex change. In addition to this, the course focuses on developing the strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership abilities essential for senior roles, offering tools and insights to drive organisational growth and innovation.

Ideal for experienced managers ready to step into top-level leadership, the Level 7 CMI qualification is highly respected and can open doors to strategic roles. It also serves to formalise the expertise of those already in senior positions, further enhancing their credentials and leadership impact.

Course Options

To help you decide on the best path, each level offers a variety of course options, including an Award, Certificate, Diploma, and Extended Diploma. The table below breaks down the different options available.

Course Option Suitability Availability
Award This option allows learners to cover one core unit. It is suitable for people who would like to increase their knowledge within a specific area. Levels 2, 3, 5, and 7
Certificate This course offers more depth than an Award, allowing you to expand your knowledge across a range of key topics. It’s ideal if you want to build a solid foundation in leadership while studying for a relatively short period. Levels 2, 3, 5, and 7
Diploma The Diploma offers a more extensive learning experience than the Award and Certificate. This course provides a broader range of units that equip you with in-depth skills to advance your career. CMI Diploma courses feature longer study periods and enhanced support as well as a deeper exploration of essential management topics. Levels 2, 3, 5, and 7
Extended Diploma The Extended Diploma is available at CMI Level 5 and 7. These advanced courses allow you to develop your skills even further by providing a deeper understanding of leadership and management. Levels 5 and Level 7

Speak with a member of our team today to find out which CMI course level is suitable for your career development.