CMI Level 3 Award Principles of Management and Leadership

Why Choose Us
The CMI Level 3 Award in Principles of Management and Leadership is ideal for aspiring or early-career managers, team leaders, and supervisors who want to build their leadership capabilities and take the next step in their careers. It’s also well-suited for individuals who have recently stepped into a management role and want formal training to boost their confidence, effectiveness, and credibility.

What’s included
In your CMI Level 3 Award Principles of Management and Leadership Course
The CMI Level 3 Award in Principles of Management and Leadership is ideal for early-career managers looking to strengthen their leadership abilities and build confidence in their role. This internationally recognised qualification teaches you how to set clear goals, guide teams effectively, and deliver measurable results, while demonstrating your commitment to professional growth.
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Handpick Your Units
ITonlinelearning offers all the Level 3 study units from the CMI – so you have the widest selection available to tailor a study programme that best suits you and your career!
To achieve the CMI Level 3 Award in Principles of Management and Leadership, you will need to complete 1 unit to a minimum of 40 TUT hours and 4 credits.
Being equipped with the knowledge, skills and behaviours to manage and lead effectively is essential if an individual and their organisation are to succeed. This unit has been designed for learners who want to develop or sharpen their professional edge and enhance personal effectiveness. The application of management and leadership approaches and how these can positively impact on one’s own role, lead to improved performance, and support teams, colleagues & customers.
The aim of unit 301 is to introduce the foundations for managers, which will be developed throughout all the level 3 units.
The ability to manage teams that are able to communicate effectively and overcome barriers to achievement, is a critical skill for any manager. High-performing, cohesive teams are created in an environment where there is a collective understanding of values, goals and objectives.
This unit has been developed to support managers in understanding the nature of teams in the workplace, and how these can be managed to achieve results.
High-performing individuals impact the performance of teams and the organisation.
The aim of this unit is to develop the manager’s understanding of how to confidently use their knowledge, skills and abilities to support individuals, not only to perform well, but to exceed expectations.
As the range of communication tools used by a business continues to grow, and new technologies emerge, managers are faced with the challenge of how to select and use different tools to ensure that communication is effective, timely and has impact.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with the knowledge and skills to select and use a range of workplace communication methods. These must be measurable and tailored to the needs of the target audience.
Developing relationships with internal and external stakeholders is an essential management skill. Stakeholders can have a positive or negative impact on the success of an organisation.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers to identify and understand stakeholder’s needs, know the purpose and benefits of building relationships with different stakeholder groups, and the methods of communicating with them to achieve results.
Treating colleagues, customers and stakeholders with dignity and respect enables relationships to develop and thrive.
This unit focuses on how to develop inclusive working practices in line with organisational and legal frameworks. This will not only improve the productivity and well being of staff, but impact positively on the whole customer experience.
A skilled and adaptable workforce is a collective group of people equipped with the knowledge, skills and abilities to achieve and exceed objectives.
This unit aims to support managers to identify and select innovative development opportunities. It will enable them to identify approaches to support and promote participation, and how to monitor the impact of development activities for individuals, teams and the organisation.
Volunteers are uniquely placed to offer a wealth of skills and abilities to compliment those of employed staff within an organisation. Managed well, they can help an organisation improve the quality and capacity of the service.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with the knowledge of how to engage, motivate and support volunteers to be effective within their role and address challenges with a positive ‘can-do’ attitude.
Conflict and disagreements in the workplace have a detrimental effect on team dynamics, productivity, and motivation. The ability to respond effectively to conflict is a fundamental skill for all managers.
This unit aims to support managers to understand the types and causes of conflict and how to identify strategies to respond to conflict situations in a timely and professional manner.
Change is inevitable if an organisation is to maintain competitiveness and currency of practice. Managers are constantly asked to implement change to respond to commercial pressures, legal organisational requirements, efficiencies or improvements. Success often depends on the support given by managers to staff.
The aim of this unit is to enable managers to lead people positively through change. This is achieved by implementing plans which identify ways to make change successful, which gains the support and trust of individuals and teams.
Whilst the scale, significance and complexity of a project will vary, the principles of carrying out a project will ultimately be the same.
This unit aims to equip managers with the knowledge, tools, and techniques for managing and monitoring projects. It also identifies approaches to managing risk and responding to the needs and expectations of stakeholders. The skills a manager will learn will not only enable them to improve their own working practice, but will also impact the achievement of a project’s outcome.
Working efficiently is essential if a business is to remain competitive. A well structured workload is key to individual and team success.
Developing and sharing good practice enables individuals and organisations to develop and increase their potential to exceed personal and organisational expectations.
This unit explores how good practice can be developed, maintained, adopted and shared with stakeholders.
Budgets and resources are crucial to the functioning of any organisation. Organisations need to plan and manage money and resources to remain operational.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with the knowledge that they need to manage budgets and other resources.
Health and safety is important as it protects the well-being of employees and customers. There are serious, legal, financial, and reputational consequences if neglected.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with an understanding of their statutory and organisational responsibilities in making the workplace safer.
The name of organisations who have built their reputation on the quality of their products or services readily come to mind. Managing quality is a collective activity, which has to be monitored continually to ensure standards are consistently met.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with the understanding of how quality systems are used, the tools and techniques for monitoring and measuring quality, and the requirements needed to support a quality audit. The impact of this knowledge is to drive a culture of continuous improvement within the organisation.
Customers are key to the success of any business. It is essential to know how to deliver a great customer experience that meets and exceeds all customer expectations. This is regardless of whether they are a colleague, department within an organisation, or a member of the public purchasing a product or using a service.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with an understanding of the parameters in which good customer service is delivered. It focuses on the end to end customer journey and encourages the manager to reflect on the customer service experience through the customer’s eyes.
The ability to solve problems, make timely business decisions and respond to customers needs is all dependent on the ability to access good quality data and information. With growing volumes of data, this challenge has become increasingly difficult to manage.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with the knowledge of how to gather, assess and analyse different types of data and information, and how to report findings for different business purposes within legal and organisational guidelines.
Managers are increasingly faced with days packed full of meetings that leave little time to get things done. Run well, meetings can be a place where issues are discussed, problems resolved, and decisions are made. However, all too often, meetings lack purpose and there is frustration if little has been achieved.
This unit has been designed to challenge traditional thinking. It aims to equip managers with the knowledge and tools to try different approaches when conducting meetings. It also explores good practice for preparing for and leading meetings, which have impact and also delivers results.
Delivering presentations can be very challenging. When done successfully, a presentation can lead to a job offer or a new contract. It also has the potential to engage team members to buy-into new ideas, or embrace new projects and opportunities.
The aim of this unit is to equip managers with the knowledge and skills to plan presentations to meet the needs of a target audience. The unit will enable managers to develop the knowledge and tools to deliver great presentations, which engages an audience and motivates them to want to know more.
In order to meet the demands of an ever-changing workplace, individuals need to ensure they continue to update and develop their knowledge and skills. Planning for personal and professional development ensures greater opportunities for success.
The purpose of the unit is to support the manager in identifying the benefits of engaging in personal and professional development. By using the knowledge gained, a meaningful development plan will be created to support them to become an effective manager in the workplace.
Career and Progression Prospects
The CMI Level 3 Award in Principles of Management and Leadership prepares you for roles like Supervisor or Junior Manager and helps you build the skills needed to lead with confidence. It also offers a clear path to more advanced qualifications and career progression into senior management roles.
What You Could Earn
We want to help you achieve the best outcome in your studies so you can flourish in your desired path.
Junior Supervisor
per year
Supervisor
per year
Manager
per year
Included with your course.
Stay on track with direct access to expert recommendations, general support, and answers to all your questions. Kick-start your course with a 45-minute guidance session within 1-week of enrolment, followed by regular monthly check-in emails. You can also request a live session with your trainer halfway through the course.
As part of your CMI course with ITonlinelearning, you’ll benefit from our assignment pre-checking service, designed to give you added confidence before submitting to the CMI. Our team will review your assignments in advance to ensure they meet the required standards, are correctly structured, and align with the assessment criteria. This supportive step helps you identify areas for improvement, reduce the chance of resubmissions, and maximise your chances of passing successfully on the first attempt.
All our CMI qualifications come with free CMI membership for the duration of your course. As a member, you’ll have full access to the CMI’s extensive resources and support, including the ManagementDirect portal, career development tools, CPD materials, webinars, and networking opportunities with like-minded professionals. This membership not only supports you throughout your studies but also enhances your professional credibility as you progress in your management career.
Join a vibrant community of current students and certified tutors where you can share experiences, ask questions, and exchange valuable insights. Our student community gives you the chance to gain practical course tips, and explore industry-specific knowledge that supports both your studies and your career growth. By being part of this network, you’ll never feel alone on your learning journey and will benefit from the collective experience of those who have already achieved success.
Stay motivated throughout your learning journey with a personal study coach who provides all the ad-hoc support you need to succeed in your certification.
Once you’ve successfully achieved your CMI certification, our dedicated recruitment team will support you in taking the next step towards your career goals. We’ll help you optimise both your CV and LinkedIn profile, ensuring they highlight your new qualification, showcase your skills effectively, and appeal to employers in your chosen field. This personalised review is designed to make you stand out in a competitive job market, giving you the best chance of securing interviews and advancing your career.
Get instant help whenever you need it! Our live chat team is always on hand to provide prompt, real-time assistance with your questions and challenges. Whether you need clarification on course material, guidance on assignments, or support navigating your learning platform, our dedicated team ensures you’re never left without help. And if our team is offline, you can still reach out and we’ll respond as soon as possible to keep your learning journey on track.
You’ll have 12 months of full access (unless otherwise stated or arranged with a career consultant on sign up) to your course materials as standard with every CMI qualification. While many learners complete their studies in a shorter time frame, we believe in giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Having a full year of access means you can revisit the content whenever you need, refresh your knowledge, and make the most of the resources throughout your learning journey.
CMI Level 3 Award in Team Leading Frequently Asked Questions
You have questions, and we have all the answers
The Level 3 CMI qualification is intended for first-time Managers looking to grow their existing skills in management and leadership, and is ideal for Supervisors and First-Line Managers.
The Level 3 CMI qualification is equivalent to GCE AS/A-Levels in academic terms.
CMI qualifications are available at different levels of depth and duration. Awards are the shortest and most concise qualification type. Certificates provide a broader base of knowledge and skills and take longer to complete. Diplomas provide a comprehensive and extensive program of learning and typically take the longest of to complete.
CMI qualifications do not require individuals to take any official exams. However, a series of assignments must be completed and assessed by CMI-qualified Tutors before a qualification can be awarded. These assignments are research-based and have specific requirements, including font size and structure, as well as word limits that vary depending on the award, certificate, diploma, or extended diploma, and the level of the qualification.
The Chartered Manager status is the epitome of professional recognition in the management and leadership field. It signifies a commitment to exceptional management skills and continuing professional development, as well as a demonstrated ability to deliver measurable impact. As the only professional body with a Royal Charter, the CMI is uniquely qualified to award this prestigious designation. As a Chartered Manager, you would be able to indicate the prestige of your qualification with the post-nominals ‘CMgr’ following your name on professional documents and platforms including LinkedIn, your CV, or your email signature. Those just starting their careers in management may be interested in Foundation Chartered Manager status, which recognises existing skills and knowledge and provides a pathway to full Chartered Manager status.
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CMI Level 3 Award Principles of Management and Leadership
The CMI Level 3 Award in Principles of Management and Leadership qualification is aimed at aspiring or early-career managers who want to gain the knowledge and skills to become an effective leader.

CMI Level 5 Award in Management and Leadership
The CMI Level 5 qualifications are targeted towards experienced middle managers and leaders in operational, divisional, departmental, or specialised roles.

CMI Level 3 Certificate Principles of Management and Leadership
The CMI Level 3 Certificate is focused on developing the skills to set and track goals and objectives, provide instruction, direction, and guidance, and oversee operational activities.

CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership
The CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership qualification is ideal for middle managers who are typically accountable to senior managers or business owners.



