First things first, CMI stands for The Chartered Management Institute. 

Being ‘Chartered’ means the institute has been given the power from Her Majesty the Queen to award a manager with ‘Chartered Manager Status’. This is the highest status a manager can be awarded (a bit like the ‘black belt’ status of the management world!) and can only be obtained through demonstrating to CMI exceptional management qualities and a desire for continuous development.

What does it do?

The mission of CMI is to ‘Increase the number and standard of professionally qualified managers’. And it does this by offering qualifications for all levels of management, from junior managers with no or only a few years of experience, all the way up to battle-hardened strategic managers and CEOs! 

So, as described above, CMI accreditation is offered at a number of different  levels:

Level 2-3: Aspiring or first-time managers

Level 4-5: Mid-managers or supervisors

Level 6-7: Senior managers

Level 8: Senior directors and CEOs

At each of these levels, there are three categories of CMI qualifications: Awards, Certificates and Diplomas. These qualifications vary in-depth and, consequently, the time taken to complete:

Award: 1-3 months

Certificate: 3-6 months

Diploma: 6-12 months.

In a word, yes! But I’m sure you’ll need a bit more than that to convince you! 

Is CMI a reputable body?

CMI has over 143,000 members. So by enrolling in CMI studies, you won’t be joining an unknown minority, but rather, you’ll become part of a group that is respected and revered across the globe! What’s more, you won’t be the only one taking this step – 30,000 people enrol on CMI qualifications annually, so you’ll be in good company!

But CMI qualifications aren’t degrees – will employers still recognise them?

Your CMI qualifications are broadly comparable with these academic qualifications:

CMI Level 2: GCSE’s

CMI Level 3: GCE AS/A level

CMI Level 4: Foundation Degrees

CMI Level 5: Foundation Degrees and Higher National Diplomas (HND)

CMI Level 6: Bachelor’s Degrees, Graduate Certificates and Diplomas

CMI Level 7: Masters Degrees and Postgraduate Certificates/Diplomas

CMI Level 8: Doctorate

But I still want a degree!

All this being said, nothing is stopping you from having both a degree and CMI accreditation! A recent development within CMI is their liaison with universities. Certain degrees come with CMI accreditation – for example, upon completing an MBA from the University of Brighton, graduates also obtain CMI’s Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership. A degree AND CMI accreditation – what’s not to like?! (read more on our CMI or MBA page)

CMI is based in Britain – does that mean my qualifications won’t be valid elsewhere?

Not at all! By now, you’ll have realised that CMI is really respected as a body, and CMI accreditation carries some serious weight! Therefore, the qualifications, and most importantly the skills you have learnt from them, are transferable across borders!

Is it really worth the effort?

Absolutely! 88% of CMI members said it increased their confidence as a leader, and once you reach the pinnacle of chartered manager status, there is an average pay rise of £13,000.

Not only that, but CMI accreditation and membership will open up so many new doors for you. You’ll have access to CMI’s regional networks, allowing you to learn from like-minded professionals in your area from other organisations. 

So, what are you waiting for?