CMI Level 7 CertificateStrategic Management & Leadership Practice

While you don’t need any formal qualifications to study the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice, you must be at least 19.

Additionally, as this course is tailored for current or aspiring senior-level managers, directors, and CEOs, we strongly recommend having practical experience in a high-level management or leadership role. This will help you confidently apply advanced concepts and successfully complete your assignments.

If English is your second language, we also recommend you have an IELTS 6 or equivalent, but we're happy to review your case on an individual basis.

Your CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is 100% online.

A more focused qualification than the CMI Level 7 Diploma, you’ll select a combination of modules that add up to at least 140 learning hours:

• Strategic Leadership (110 hours)
• Developing Organisational Strategy (90 hours)
• Leading Strategic Change (80 hours)
• Organisational Design and Development (80 hours)
• Strategic Management of Data and Information (80 hours)
• Personal and Professional Development for Strategic Leadership (90 hours)

For full details of what you'll learn in each unit, download your free online CMI Level 7 Certificate course guide.

Like your course, your CMI assessments are 100% online.

You'll complete a written assignment of around 3,500 to 4,500 words for each unit you study. Your assignments will be submitted online through our virtual learning platform, mystudyspace, and marked by our CMI tutors.

For more details, download your free CMI Level 7 course guide.  

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is the only organisation in the world that can award Chartered Manager status – the highest professional recognition you can achieve as a manager or leader.

With over 60 years of experience and a Royal Charter to its name, CMI is a globally respected authority on leadership and management. It supports more than 100,000 members worldwide, setting the standard for what great management looks like.

CMI qualifications are recognised by employers across industries, helping you build the strategic skills, professional credibility, and career confidence you need to take the next step in your leadership journey.

CMI Level 5 courses are designed for mid-level managers who usually report to a senior manager or business owner. 

• CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership is a shorter course, covering two modules. It's ideal if you want to focus on developing your core strategic management skills. 
• CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership allows you to choose a wider array of modules from a selection of nine options. It's ideal if you'd like to expand your knowledge and master a wide variety of strategic skills, from change management to coaching and mentoring.

CMI Level 7 courses are designed for senior managers and directors. They're ideal if you have responsibility for strategically leading an organisation.

• CMI Level 7 Certificate Strategic Management and Leadership Practice is a shorter course, allowing you to focus on the modules that are most valuable to your progression as a leader.
• CMI Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice covers a wider range of modules, giving you the comprehensive management expertise you need to deliver organisational results across a range of business areas.

Completing the Level 5 or Level 7 Diploma also grants you a fast-tracked route to Chartered Manager status, the most prestigious management accolade!

CMI Level 7 qualifications are equivalent to postgraduate-level qualifications in the UK education system, designed for senior managers and directors who are responsible for leading organisations at a strategic level: 

• CMI Level 7 Certificate is comparable to a Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert), which is typically the first stage of a master's degree.
• CMI Level 7 Diploma is more comprehensive and is equivalent to a Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip), which is a qualification just below a full master's degree.

These CMI qualifications are highly regarded by employers as they demonstrate advanced management and strategic leadership skills.

Choosing between a CMI or ILM qualification depends on your career level, goals, and preferred learning style. Both are prestigious, internationally recognised awarding bodies that can significantly boost your leadership skills and career prospects. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:

• ILM Level 2: Ideal for supervisors or team leaders
• ILM Level 3: Best for first-line managers
• ILM Level 5 / CMI Level 5: Designed for experienced or mid-level managers
• CMI Level 7: Tailored for senior managers, leaders, and directors

What’s the difference between ILM and CMI qualifications?

CMI qualifications:

• More strategic and theory-focused
• Fewer modules, but each is explored in greater depth
• Perfect if you're aiming for high-level management or senior roles

ILM qualifications:

• More practical and hands-on
• Covers a broader range of topics with shorter, more focused modules
• Great for building day-to-day management skills and applying them immediately at work

ILM vs CMI: Which course is right for you?

• Choose CMI if you're focused on long-term strategic leadership and want to become a Chartered Manager.
• Choose ILM if you're looking for practical management training with real-world applications across a wider set of topics.

Still unsure? Get in touch with our Course Advisors today for more guidance. 

Chartered Manager (CMgr) status is a professional award from the Chartered Management Institute (CMI). It demonstrates that you have the skills, experience, and knowledge to manage people and lead organisations effectively.

CMgr is the highest professional level in management and leadership. To achieve it, you must show you can apply management skills in real workplace situations and commit to ongoing professional development.

Becoming a Chartered Manager demonstrates that you have met recognised industry standards and can deliver real impact in your role. Employers often see the status as a mark of credibility, helping you stand out, progress into more senior positions and increase your earning potential.

You can work towards Chartered Manager status through relevant CMI qualifications, alongside practical management experience, typically at least three years in a management or leadership role.