CMI Qualifications
Which Level Is Right For You?
What is CMI Level 5 equivalent to? A CMI Level 5 qualification sits at the same level on the national framework as a foundation degree or HND — designed for established or aspiring middle managers. CMI Level 3 aligns with A-level standard and CMI Level 7 with a master’s degree. All three are delivered by TESS as standalone qualifications or inside levy-funded apprenticeships.
Discover the perfect management and leadership qualification to match your career goals and experience level
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Find Your Recommended Level
Your Recommended Level
CMI Qualifications Overview
LEVEL 3
Principles of Management and Leadership
6-12 months
Academic Equivalent
A-Level
Who It's For
New to management, looking to establish foundational knowledge and entry-level professional credentials.
Core Modules
- Management Principles and Practices
- People Management Fundamentals
- Self-Awareness and Development
- Managing Activities and Resources
Professional Status
Foundation Chartered ManagerCMI
Pricing
Tailored per cohort
LEVEL 5
Diploma in Management and Leadership
6-18 months
Academic Equivalent
Foundation Degree
Who It's For
Mid-career professionals seeking to advance to management and specialist roles with Chartered Manager status.
Core Modules
- Leading and Managing Teams
- Developing Others
- Financial Management
- Organisational Context and Change
- 1-2 specialist electives
Professional Status
Foundation Chartered Manager (fCMgr); CMgr eligible with 3+ years' management experienceCMI
Pricing
Tailored per cohort
LEVEL 7
Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice
12-24 months
Academic Equivalent
Master's Degree
Who It's For
Experienced leaders targeting director, board, or strategic leadership positions with advanced professional recognition.
Core Modules
- Organisational Strategy and Governance
- Leading Change and Transformation
- Advanced People Strategy
- Strategic Financial Management
- 2 specialist electives
Professional Status
Chartered Manager (CMgr) eligible with 3+ years' management experienceCMI
Pricing
Tailored per cohort
LEVEL 5
Professional Coaching Practice
4-12 months
Academic Equivalent
Foundation Degree
Who It's For
Managers and HR professionals developing coaching expertise to embed coaching cultures in organisations.
Qualification Options
Award, Certificate, Diploma or Extended Diploma in Professional Coaching Practice
Assessment Method
Written assignments plus observed coaching practice with real coachees
Pricing
Tailored per cohort
LEVEL 6
Coach Supervision
6-9 months
Academic Equivalent
Honours Degree
Who It's For
Experienced coaches developing the supervisory practice to support other coaches. The natural next step after a CMI L5 Coaching qualification.
Qualification Options
CMI Level 6 Certificate in Professional Coach Supervision (14 credits, 140 TQT)
Assessment Method
Observed supervision practice with at least two supervisees, written work and reflective accounts
Pricing
Tailored per cohort
CMI Management Qualifications Comparison
| Criteria | Level 3 | Level 5 | Level 7 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Title | Principles of Management and Leadership | Diploma in Management and Leadership | Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice |
| 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 | 3+ years experience or L3 completion | 5+ years experience or L5 completion |
| Study Hours (TUT) | 370 hours | 380 hours | 370 hours |
| Assessment Method | Portfolio, assignments | 3000-4000 word assignments | 3500-4500 word assignments |
| Professional Status | Foundation Chartered Manager | Foundation Chartered Manager; CMgr eligible with 3+ years' experience | Chartered Manager (CMgr) eligible with 3+ years' experience |
| Pricing | Tailored per cohort | Tailored per cohort | Tailored per cohort |
| Career Outcomes | First-time managers, supervisors | Experienced managers, leaders | Senior executives, strategic leaders |
CMI Coaching Pathway Comparison
| Criteria | Level 5 Coaching | Level 6 Coach Supervision |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Professional Coaching Practice | Coach Supervision |
| Duration | 4-12 months | 6-9 months |
| Academic Equivalent | Foundation Degree | Honours Degree |
| Entry Requirements | Management or coaching experience | L5 Coaching qualification or 3+ years coaching practice |
| Qualification Options | Award, Certificate, or Diploma | Certificate in Professional Coach Supervision |
| Assessment Method | Written assignments plus observed coaching practice with real coachees | Observed supervision practice with at least two supervisees, written work and reflective accounts |
| Pricing | Tailored per cohort | Tailored per cohort |
| Ideal For | Managers, HR professionals, aspiring coaches | Practising coaches stepping into supervision of other coaches |
Your CMI Learning Pathway
3
Foundation
Build core management competencies and get your Foundation Chartered Manager status.
→
5
Development
Deepen leadership skills, manage larger teams, and achieve Chartered Manager status.
→
7
Strategic
Master strategic leadership, organisational governance, and senior-level management.
CMI qualifications: your questions answered
What is a CMI qualification?
CMI qualifications are leadership and management qualifications awarded by the Chartered Management Institute, the UK's only chartered professional body for managers. They are Ofqual-regulated, nationally recognised, and can lead to Chartered Manager (CMgr) status, the highest accolade for a practising manager.
What are the CMI levels?
At TESS the core management pathway is Level 3 (new and first-line managers), Level 5 (middle and operations managers) and Level 7 (senior leaders and directors), plus a Coaching & Mentoring pathway at Level 5 and Level 6 (coach supervision). Each step up adds strategic depth and scope.
Which CMI level is right for me?
As a guide: Level 3 if you are new to management; Level 5 if you are an established or middle manager; Level 7 if you are a senior leader or director. For coaching, Level 5 to build coaching skills and Level 6 for coach supervision. Use the level-finder quiz at the top of this page.
Does CMI lead to Chartered Manager (CMgr) status?
Yes, CMI is the only body that can award Chartered Manager (CMgr), the gold-standard accreditation for managers. After a CMI qualification (typically Level 5 or above) plus relevant management experience, you can apply for CMgr, and you can use MCMI (Member of the Chartered Management Institute) after your name on completion.
How much do CMI qualifications cost, and how long do they take?
CMI qualifications at TESS are priced per cohort rather than from a fixed rate card. As a guide to duration: Level 3 typically runs 6–12 months, Level 5 6–18 months, Level 7 12–24 months, and CMI coaching qualifications 4–12 months. We confirm exact pricing and funding options on a short discovery call.
What is the difference between CMI and ILM qualifications?
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 and known for practical leadership learning. Compare them in our ILM levels guide.
How do you want to start?
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