What is the difference between CMI and ILM?

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

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.

In 2002, CMI was granted a Royal Charter, which designated CMI as the standard-bearer for the management profession, meaning they are the only professional body in the world which can award Chartered Manager status.

This means that if you complete a CMI Level 5 Diploma (or above) and have at least three years of management experience, you’ll be able to gain prestigious Chartered Manager status – the top management accolade.

The average pay rise of a manager after being awarded Chartered status is £13,000, and Chartered Managers, on average boost their organisations’ revenue by £310000 over a 5 year period.