Our CMI Level 3 qualification in First Line Management and Leadership is designed to support both aspiring and practicing first line managers.

This CMI qualification focuses on a range of key management topics, equipping you with the skills to become an effective operational manager. It is most suited to supervisors, shift managers and team leaders, or those aspiring to similar management levels. You’ll have the flexibility to select modules which cover key subject areas, such as: understanding organisational structures, how to motivate your team and managing budgets.

By the end of the course, you’ll have the confidence to set goals and objectives, instruct and guide your team, and achieve clearly-defined outcomes.

CMI Level 3 – First Line Management and Leadership

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Study Options and Start Dates

Face to Face Classes
From £800 +VAT

Virtual Classes
From £550 +VAT

Distance Learning
From £450 +VAT

The CMI Level 3 in First Line Management and Leadership can be started on any unit via distance learning, or via virtual classes or face to face classes.

Next Virtual Class start date: w/c 28th September
Next Face to Face Class start date: 1st October

What’s Included

CMI membership included

Access to CMI learning hub Thrive

Up to 3 years of support to complete your course

Free access to a project management course 

What’s Involved

Online Learning

Depending on how many units you take, you can gain either a CMI Level 3 Award, Certificate or Diploma. To achieve the Award, you must complete units that equal a minimum Total Unit Time (TUT) of 50 hours, which typically takes around 3–5 weeks to complete.

To achieve the Certificate, you must complete units that equal a minimum TUT of 130 hours, typically taking around 3–6 months to complete.

To achieve the Diploma, you must complete all units, with a minimum TUT of 370 hours, and this typically takes around 6–12 months to complete.

Unit 330 – Organisational Awareness for First Line Managers

Unit time – 80 hours

This unit focuses on different organisational structures and how they are influenced by culture, values and ethics. You will learn of the role of an organisation’s business plan and how it contributes to organisational success.

Unit 331 – Approaches to Managing and Leading People and Teams

Unit time – 70 hours

This unit explores leadership theory and styles, equipping you with the practical skills and behaviours required to engage, motivate and inspire your team. You will also learn how best to manage and lead people by providing clear direction, as well as promoting equity, diversity, inclusion and wellbeing.

Unit 332 – Stakeholder Communication for First Line Managers

Unit time – 80 hours

This unit explores the importance of effective communication within management and leadership practice. You’ll learn how to communicate confidently with a range of stakeholders, adapting your style to suit different situations. The unit also focuses on building collaborative relationships that engage, influence and support organisational success.

Unit 334 – Contributing to the Management of Change

Unit time – 80 hours

This unit focuses on the tools and techniques needed to manage change effectively in the workplace. You’ll explore the reasons for organisational change, its impact on individuals and teams, and the barriers that can arise. You’ll also develop the confidence to support and implement change initiatives successfully.

Unit 339 – Technology for First Line Managers

Unit time – 70 hours

This unit examines how technology can support the management of people and teams. You’ll learn how digital tools can improve communication, streamline workflows and support organisation. The unit also considers the benefits and challenges of new technologies and how they can help achieve professional and organisational goals.

Each unit is assessed via a practical work-based assignment. You must pass all assignments to gain your full qualification.

Download the L3 First Line Management and Leadership Syllabus

The CMI Level 3 qualification is entirely assessment based and you will need to complete mainly written assignments. These can be in the form of written accounts, reports, scenario and case studies, work-based evidence or presentations.

The guideline word count varies for each unit, ranging between 2000-2500 words for units worth 3 credits, and between 2500-3000 words for units worth 8 credits. There is a 10% allowance above or below these guidelines.

Each unit is graded on a ‘pass’, or ‘refer’ basis.

Award
From £450 + VAT

Certificate
From £725 + VAT 

Diploma
From £2095 + VAT for the full course

We provide payment plans to suit most students. 

Please note: Price includes 1 year membership for CMI Level 3 Award or a 3 year membership for the Level 3 Certificate or Diploma.

We offer regular start dates throughout the year. Browse our upcoming timetables below.

Start month Timetable
September 2026 View the September 2026 timetable
January 2027 View the January 2027 timetable
March 2027 View the March 2027 timetable
May 2027 View the May 2027 timetable
July 2027 View the July 2027 timetable

You can study for this CMI Level 3 from the age of 16 and there are no formal entry requirements.

Try our online learning system for free!

Our online learning system provides study support for all our students. Complete the form below to gain your two-week free trial that includes access to our interactive learning materials, recorded webinars, podcasts, course notes, reading resources as well as analysis of exam questions and self-progress tests.