CMI Accredited Centre

CMI Level 3 · Standalone qualification

Certificate in Principles of Management and Leadership

The CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management and Leadership (Ofqual qualification number 603/2021/7) for new and aspiring managers, the Chartered Management Institute's foundation leadership qualification. Take it as a standalone certificate, or embedded within a levy-funded leadership apprenticeship.

4Units (indicative)

130+TQT hours · 13+ credits

6-12Months

TailoredPer-cohort pricing

See pricing & book → Book a 25-min discovery call

Ofsted Good Skills England Approved Provider CMI Accredited Centre ★ 4.9 / 5 · 732 reviews 72% distinction at EPA on our apprenticeships

Two ways to take this

Standalone, or alongside a TESS apprenticeship.

You can take CMI Level 3 Principles of Management & Leadership as a direct, self-funded or employer-paid qualification. If your organisation is developing the same people through a levy-funded TESS apprenticeship, talk to us about how the two fit together. Coachy, our 24/7 AI tutor, is included either way.

Standalone (this page)

Direct qualification

You pay for the qualification only. Suits learners who already have a role and want a formal credential, or organisations not eligible for apprenticeship levy funding.

Tailored per-cohort pricing
6-12 months
Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) eligible on completion
Group discounts available

See pricing →

Apprenticeship route

AI for Team Leaders L4

A levy-funded TESS apprenticeship that builds the same capability, with Coachy AI tutor, a named skills coach and an end-point assessment. Whether this qualification can sit alongside it, and on what terms, is agreed per cohort.

Apprenticeship training levy-funded for eligible employers (5% co-investment for most non-levy SMEs)
Qualification alignment agreed per cohort
Coachy AI tutor included free
Dedicated skills coach from day one through EPA

Apprenticeship route →

What you'll cover

Four CMI Level 3 units (indicative), meeting the Certificate's 13-credit rule of combination.

Each unit is delivered live online, supported by a named tutor, and assessed against CMI's Level 3 standard. Final unit selection is agreed per cohort within CMI's rules of combination (minimum 13 credits, 130 TQT).

301 · Principles of Management and Leadership

How management responsibilities map to the role, and how to apply leadership styles in real settings.

302 · Managing a Team to Achieve Results

Building, motivating and supervising a team to deliver work safely, on time and to standard.

303 · Managing Individuals to be Effective in their Role

One-to-ones, performance conversations and developing people as the manager closest to them.

304 · Principles of Communication in the Workplace

How to communicate up, down and across an organisation. Written, verbal and meetings done well.

Investment

Transparent pricing. No hidden fees.

Full price includes all tutor support, CMI registration, assessment fees and certification on successful completion.

CMI Level 3 Principles of Management & Leadership · Standalone

Tailored pricing per cohort

per learner · price varies with cohort size and delivery model

CMI learner registration and certification
All assessment fees included
Named tutor, live online delivery
Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr) eligible on successful completion
Group discounts from 5+ learners

Get a tailored quote →

Pricing is confirmed on your discovery call based on cohort size, delivery model and any group discount. If you are developing people through a TESS apprenticeship, see the apprenticeship route above.

Why TESS for CMI

The accreditation, the outcomes, and the AI advantage.

Ofsted

Good provider

Independently inspected. Ofsted Good rating for our overall provision and outcomes for learners.

4.9★

732 verified reviews

Independently verified on Trustpilot (252) and Google (480). Real learners, real outcomes.

10K+

Learners trained

Across 1000+ employers, FTSE 100 to four-person SMEs. Public sector, retail, healthcare and beyond.

Specialist AI provider

The UK's specialist AI apprenticeship provider. Microsoft AI Industry Leader, Coachy AI tutor built in.

CMI Level 3 FAQs

CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership: your questions

The questions learners ask us most. Still unsure? Leave your details and we'll tailor the answer to you.

How much does the CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership cost?

The CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership is individually priced per cohort as a standalone qualification. We confirm your exact price on a short discovery call.

What are the entry requirements?

There are no formal entry requirements. The CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership is designed for new and first-line managers, you just need to be in, or moving into, a relevant role and able to study at this level.

How long does the CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership take?

At TESS the CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership typically takes 6–12 months of blended, flexible study (minimum 13 credits, around 130 total qualification hours), built to fit around your role.

Who is the CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership for?

It is built for new and first-line managers.

What does the CMI Level 3 Certificate in Principles of Management & Leadership lead to?

CMI is the UK's chartered body for management. This Foundation-level qualification builds core management capability and is the natural step before the CMI Level 5 Management & Leadership.

Can it be funded through the apprenticeship levy?

Not as a standalone qualification: apprenticeship funding pays for an apprenticeship, not for a qualification bought on its own. If your organisation is developing people through a levy-funded TESS apprenticeship, talk to us about whether this qualification can sit alongside it and on what terms. Explore our AI-enabled apprenticeships.

What is CMI Level 3 equivalent to?

CMI Level 3 sits at RQF Level 3, the same level as an A-level. It is the foundation rung of the management ladder, before Level 5 (foundation-degree level).

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How do you want to start?

Two ways forward. Pick the one that suits you.

Leave your details

Tell us your level, cohort size and goals. We will send a tailored quote and route map covering the standalone option and the apprenticeship route if you're eligible.

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Book a 25-min discovery call

Speak directly with our CMI specialists. Walk through pricing, content, delivery options and group discounts live. No deck, no pressure.

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