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CMI First Line Management and Leadership (Online) - Level 3
CMI training that fits your life - not the other way around
Whether you’re balancing a full-time job, family commitments or worries about fees, we’re here to support you. Speak to us today and discover the flexible routes that can help you gain these qualifications with confidence.
Or call 01623 900485
What is the CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership
course?
The CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership is a nationally recognised qualification designed to help you develop the practical skills, knowledge and confidence needed to become an effective manager.
Ideal for adults aged 19 and over, this flexible online course prepares you to manage people, lead teams, communicate effectively and support organisational success. Whether you are new to management or already supervising others, you will gain valuable leadership skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
This qualification is awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), one of the UK's leading professional bodies for managers and leaders.
Who should study the CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership qualification?
This course is suitable for adults aged 19+ who want to develop their management and leadership skills, including:
- New or aspiring managers
- Team leaders and supervisors
- Employees preparing for promotion
- Existing managers looking to build confidence and formalise their experience
- Anyone wanting a recognised management qualification to support career progression.
You do not need to have recently studied. If you have been out of education for a while, our experienced tutors will support you throughout your learning journey.
Should I study the Award, Certificate or Diploma?
CMI qualifications come in three different sizes, depending on how in-depth the qualification is and how long it will take you to complete it.
| Award | Certificate | Diploma | |
| Description | The shortest and most concise qualification | Provides a broad base of knowledge and skills | Provides a comprehensive and extensive programme of learning |
| Duration | 8 weeks | 14 weeks | 9-12 months |
| Fee | £399 | £699 | £1,395 |
What will you learn on the CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership course?
During the course, you will develop practical management skills that can be used in a wide range of workplaces.
Topics include:
- Understanding the role of a manager
- Leading and motivating teams
- Effective communication with colleagues and stakeholders
- Managing projects and workloads
- Organisational awareness
- Professional development as a manager
- Using technology to support management and leadership
- Improving team performance and workplace productivity
Learning is based on real workplace situations, allowing you to apply your knowledge directly within your own organisation where appropriate.
There are no exams. Instead, you will complete practical assignments that demonstrate your understanding and ability to apply management principles.
- Award
- Organisational awareness for first line managers
Or
- Approaches to managing and leading people and teams
- Certificate
- Organisational awareness for first line managers
Or
- Approaches to managing and leading people and teams
And
- Stakeholder communication for first line managers
- Diploma
- Organisational awareness for first line managers
Or
- Approaches to managing and leading people and teams
And
- Stakeholder communication for first line managers
Plus a selection of additional management topics, including
- Delivering organisational activities
- Contributing to the management of change
- Contributing to the management of projects
- Managing problems and decision making
- Professional development as a first line manager
- Budgeting for first line managers
- Technology for first line managers
- Supporting people throughout the employee life cycle
- Equality, diversity and inclusive working practices
- Managing meetings, data and information
- Customer service, quality improvement and health and safety
- Developing and sharing good practice
- Presenting for success
- Responding to conflict in the workplace
- Managing volunteers
When does the CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership course start?
These courses start at various times throughout the year. Please register your interest to be the first to know about upcoming dates. Simply click the green Register your interest button in the Course Information section on this page. One of our friendly team members will then be in touch with more details.
When do classes take place?
Classes are delivered online on a part-time basis, making it easier to fit your studies around work, family and other commitments.
You will learn alongside other adult learners in small, supportive groups, giving you opportunities to share experiences, discuss workplace challenges and learn from one another.
How much does the CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership course cost?
- Award - £399
- Certificate - £699*
- Diploma - £1,395*
*Don’t let paying for the course hold you back from achieving your goals. If you choose to study the Certificate or Diploma. you can split the cost of the course over four instalments. If you wish to pay in instalments, you will be required to pay 25% of the total fee on the day of enrolment and a Direct Debit mandate would then to be completed to enable the college to collect further three payments (monthly for the Certificate, bi-monthly for the Diploma). The payments will be taken on the date you choose on the Direct Debit mandate form.
Please contact the college’s finance department for further details on 0808 100 3626.
How is the CMI Level 3 First Line Management and Leadership course delivered?
This qualification is delivered entirely online for adults aged 19+.
You will benefit from:
- Live online teaching from experienced management professionals
- Small class sizes with other adult learners
- Ongoing support from your tutor and assessor
- Practical assignments instead of formal exams
- Flexible learning that fits around your existing commitments
If you are worried about your digital skills, there is no need to be. We will support you with using email, Microsoft Word and Microsoft Teams throughout the course. We also offer free adult digital and IT courses if you would like to build your confidence before starting.
Why study this course at West Notts College?
When you choose West Notts College, you'll benefit from:
- Nationally recognised CMI qualification
- Brand new course for 2026
- Flexible online learning
- Adults-only classes (19+)
- No exams, only practical assignments
- Experienced management tutors
- Supportive learning environment
- Personal tutor and assessor support throughout your qualification
- Skills you can apply immediately in your current or future workplace
- What support will I receive as an adult learner?
If you have not studied for a while, do not worry. At West Notts College you will:
- Study in small, supportive classes
- Learn alongside other professionals
- Receive support from experienced tutors
- Get guidance from a dedicated assessor
If you need to build digital confidence before starting, the college also offers free short digital and IT courses for adults.
- Entry requirements
These courses are only available to adults aged 19+.
- There are no formal entry requirements, although these courses are best suited to aspiring or practising supervisors, team leaders and first-line managers.
- Learners should have a good standard of written English and be able to complete assignments at Level 3.
- Assessment
- Assessment is completed through written assignments based on workplace scenarios and practical management activities.
- There are no examinations.
- Progression
Successful learners may progress to:
- CMI Level 5 qualifications in Management and Leadership
- Higher-level leadership and management qualifications
- Promotion into supervisory, team leader or management roles.
- Careers
This qualification can support progression into roles such as:
- Team Leader
- Supervisor
- First Line Manager
- Shift Manager
- Department Supervisor
- Operations Supervisor
- Project Co-ordinator
- Office Manager
- Qualifications gained
- CMI Level 3 in First Line Management and Leadership (Either Award, Certificate or Diploma)
- Pathway to Chartered Manager Status: Earn Foundation Chartered Manager Status – a recognised stepping stone to becoming a fully Chartered Manager.
- Studying Leadership and Management at West Notts College
Visit our leadership and management subject area to explore the full range of courses available.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.