What is the difference between CMI and ILM?

Whether you’re looking to enter the world of Leadership and management for the first time or to improve and hone existing skills, you may be considering undertaking one of the many leadership and management qualifications on offer.

Management Qualifications can give a huge boost to your skills and career prospects and are highly sought after by employers as they demonstrate that you have the dedication and practical management skills required to thrive in your role.

The management sector boasts a wide range of qualifications, provided by two world-class awarding bodies, the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM).

Both are prestigious, well-respected institutions, internationally recognised as providing world-class management training – so what’s the difference? And who’s who?

Contents:

  • Who are the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)?

  • Who are the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM)?

  • Which is best CMI or ILM?

  • What is Chartered Manager Status?

Who are the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)?

The CMI (orginially named the British Institute of Management) was founded in 1947 in the aftermath of the Second World War with the aim of helping to rebuild British industry.

They created the first ever diploma in management studies, and have remained one of the world leading management training providers ever since, aiming to improve the quality and standard of workplace management everywhere.

CMI Qualifications are highly respected by employers as they represent a global benchmark for excellence in management. 80% of managers said they considered CMI qualifications to be an essential step in becoming a professional manager.

Besides their Leadership and management qualifications, CMI offers a range of membership options where you can sign up to recieve access to exclusive tailored support, tools, invitations to events and resources which will help support you throughout your management career.

Membership will also provide you with access to a range of CMI’s community and regional networks and events.

CMI’s Career Journey map featured on their website can help you identify what stage of your career you are at as well as helping you pinpoint what level of membership is right for you.

Key information points on CMI:

  • Founded 1947, created the first diploma in Management studies
  • Highly respected by employers
  • A range of membership options available offering tailored career support
  • Offer a range of qualification levels
  • Provides a pathway to become a Chartered Manager

Who are the Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM)?

The Institute of Leadership & Management is a professional membership body for leaders and managers. It is the UK’s largest management body with members in countries around the world and a mission to inspire great leadership everywhere.

ILM is Europe’s largest provider of leadership and management qualifications with more than 70,000 people taking an ILM qualification each year.

ILM is an independent charity and like CMI, combines their industry-leading qualifications with member services, providing 1000’s of curated online resources Careers: advice, tools and resources to help you take your next career step.

Their online forum The Hub, provides you with a community of likeminded people (over 50000 leaders and managers) on your doorstep and is a space for managers of all levels to network, learn from and support each other.

Key information points on ILM:

  • One of the largest management body, consisting of members around the world
  • Independent charity
  • Membership options providing access to online resources and career advice
  • Offer a range of qualification levels
  • Online community and networking opportunities

Which is best CMI or ILM?

Both organisations offer a variety of industry leading qualifications ranging from Level 2 to 7 all of which will provide world class training supporting you through every stage of your management career.

However, it’s important to note the slight differences when deciding which body will provide the right training for you.

ILM qualifications are practical based, and often place a greater emphasis on helping learners apply management skills.

The modules are usually shorter than CMI modules, allowing you to study more subjects in less depth, making them ideal for those who are just starting out.

For example ILM Level 2 courses for supervisors or ILM Level 3 courses for first-line managers.

If you are looking to learn about a broader range of hands-on management topics and develop a wider working knowledge of management skills to kickstart your management career then this is the awarding body for you.

In contrast CMI qualifications are ideal if you’re hoping to deep dive into professional leadership and practice.

Whilst you’ll study fewer modules than on an ILM qualification, you’ll cover each topic in greater depth.

CMI courses are more strategic in focus, meaning they are perfect if you want to develop your high-level strategic management knowledge and progress in your career.

For example CMI Level 5 courses for mid-level managers and CMI Level 7 courses for senior managers and directors.