CMI Accredited Centre

CMI Level 7 · Standalone qualification

Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice

A standalone CMI Level 7 (Master's-degree level) for directors, heads of function and senior leaders shaping organisational strategy. Ofqual qualification number 603/4837/9.

6Units (indicative)

370+TQT hours · 37+ credits

12-24Months

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 7 Strategic Management & Leadership Practice 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
12-24 months
CMgr eligible with 3+ years' management experience
Group discounts available

See pricing →

Apprenticeship route

Bespoke senior leader cohort

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

Six CMI Level 7 units (indicative), meeting the Diploma's 37-credit rule of combination.

Each unit is delivered live online, supported by a named tutor, and assessed against CMI's Level 7 standard. Final unit selection is agreed per cohort within CMI's rules of combination (minimum 37 credits and 370 TQT, with at least 30 credits from units 701–716).

701 · Strategic Leadership

The core practice of leading at the top: vision, sense-making and direction-setting.

705 · Leading Strategic Change

Designing and leading complex organisation-wide transformation programmes.

708 · Strategic Risk Management

Risk appetite, scenario planning and protecting the organisation from existential threats.

714 · Personal and Professional Development for Strategic Leaders

Building authority, influence and a credible professional profile, with a development plan for leading at the top.

704 · Developing Organisational Strategy

Shaping, testing and communicating organisational strategy, and the operating model and resourcing decisions that follow from it.

715 · Strategic Approaches to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

EDI as strategy, not compliance, leading from the top.

Investment

Transparent pricing. No hidden fees.

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

CMI Level 7 Strategic Management & Leadership Practice · 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
CMgr eligible with 3+ years' management experience
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 7 FAQs

CMI Level 7: cost, entry requirements & Chartered Manager

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

How much does CMI Level 7 cost?

As a standalone qualification, the CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership Practice is individually priced per cohort, including tutor support, CMI registration, assessment and certification. We confirm your exact price on a short discovery call.

What are the entry requirements for CMI Level 7?

There are no rigid entry requirements, but CMI Level 7 is a master's-level qualification aimed at practising senior managers, heads of function and directors. Most learners join with a CMI Level 5, a related degree, or substantial management experience. We confirm the right fit on a quick discovery call.

How long does CMI Level 7 take to complete?

At TESS the CMI Level 7 Diploma runs over 12–24 months of blended, flexible study, built to fit around a senior role. The Diploma is a minimum of 37 credits and 370 hours of total qualification time.

Is CMI Level 7 equivalent to a master's degree?

Yes. CMI Level 7 sits at the same level as a postgraduate certificate or diploma and master's degree on the regulated qualifications framework (RQF), a respected, work-applied alternative to an MBA-style academic route.

Does CMI Level 7 lead to Chartered Manager (CMgr) status?

CMI is the only body that can award Chartered Manager (CMgr), the gold-standard accreditation for managers. After completing CMI Level 7, with around three years of management experience, you can fast-track an application for CMgr, and on completion you are entitled to use MCMI (Member of the Chartered Management Institute) after your name.

What is the difference between CMI and ILM Level 7?

Both are respected UK awarding bodies. CMI is the chartered body for management and the only one that can confer Chartered Manager status; ILM (part of City & Guilds) is the largest by volume, known for practical leadership learning. Compare them in our CMI levels guide and ILM levels guide.

Talk to TESS

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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