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Which CMI Qualification Is Right For You?

TESS Group delivers CMI Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7 qualifications

Find the perfect fit for your management journey

Quick Qualification Finder

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CMI Qualification Levels

Level 3

Diploma in Principles of Management & Leadership

Duration
6-12 Months
Study Hours
370 TUT

Equivalent to

A-Level qualification

Who It's For

First-line managers, team leaders, and supervisors new to or early in their management career

Key Units

  • Principles of Management & Leadership
  • Managing a Team
  • Resource Management
  • Problem Solving & Decision Making

Professional Status

Foundation Chartered Manager

£1,500 - £2,000
Apprenticeship funded (Team Leader L3)
Level 5

Diploma in Management & Leadership

Duration
6-18 Months
Study Hours
380 TUT

Equivalent to

Foundation Degree

Who It's For

Middle managers and operational leaders developing strategic thinking and team leadership skills

Key Units

  • Operational Leadership in Context
  • Developing & Leading Teams
  • Managing Change
  • Managing Finance

Professional Status

Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI)

£1,020 - £2,300
Apprenticeship funded (Operations Manager L5)
Level 7

Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership

Duration
12-24 Months
Study Hours
370 TUT

Equivalent to

Master's Degree

Who It's For

Directors, C-suite executives, and senior leaders shaping organizational strategy and governance

Key Units

  • Strategic Leadership
  • Organisational Governance
  • Strategic Risk Management
  • Finance for Strategic Leaders

Professional Status

Pathway to Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI)

£3,000 - £6,000
Commercial funding only (funding withdrawn Jan 2026)

Detailed Comparison

Criteria Level 3 Diploma Level 5 Diploma Level 7 Diploma
Duration 6-12 months 6-18 months 12-24 months
Academic Equivalent A-Level Foundation Degree Master's Degree
Entry Requirements In or aspiring to management role 3+ years experience or L3 completion 5+ years experience or L5 completion
Study Hours 370 TUT hours 380 TUT hours 370 TUT hours
Assessment Method Portfolio & assignments 3000-4000 word assignments per unit 3500-4500 word assignments per unit
Professional Status Foundation Chartered Manager Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) Pathway to Chartered Manager
Typical Price Range £1,500 - £2,000 £1,020 - £2,300 £3,000 - £6,000
Funding Eligibility Apprenticeship funded (Team Leader L3) Apprenticeship funded (Operations Manager L5) Commercial only (no government funding)
Career Outcomes Lead teams effectively, first-line management excellence Middle management, operational strategy, department leadership Executive leadership, board-level strategy, organizational governance

Your Management Development Pathway

Level 3

Foundation

Master the core principles of effective management and build confidence in leading teams

Level 5

Development

Progress to middle management with strategic thinking, change management, and operational planning skills

Level 7

Strategic

Reach executive level with mastery of strategic leadership, governance, and organizational strategy

CMI Coaching & Mentoring Qualifications

In addition to our core management and leadership qualifications, CMI also offers specialized Coaching & Mentoring qualifications at Level 3, Level 5, and Level 7. These are ideal if you want to develop expertise in coaching others, mentoring emerging talent, or establishing coaching cultures within your organization.

Combine your management qualification with coaching credentials to become a truly transformational leader.

Ready to Advance Your Management Career?

Speak with one of our education advisors to find the right qualification for your goals