A CIM qualification can take from 3 to 12 months to do. The time it takes to complete a Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) qualification depends on the level and type of qualification you choose, as well as your own pace of study. Generally, there are three main levels of CIM qualifications:

1. Foundation Certificate in Professional Marketing: This is an entry-level qualification designed for those new to marketing or looking to gain a basic understanding of the field. It typically takes around 3-6 months to complete.
2. Certificate in Professional Marketing: This is a mid-level qualification aimed at those with some marketing experience or who have completed the Foundation Certificate. It typically takes around 12 months to complete, but this can vary depending on your pace of study.
3. Diploma in Professional Marketing: This advanced-level qualification is designed for experienced marketing professionals looking to develop their strategic marketing skills further. It typically takes around 12-18 months to complete.

Please note that these are general timeframes, and, as mentioned, the actual duration of each course may vary depending on the study center you choose, your mode of study (full-time, part-time, or online), and your individual time commitment each week to your studies.

At MMC Learning all our courses are delivered 100% online. You can study your CIM qualification entirely online for a flexible learning experience, dedicating as little as four hours a week to study.

Delivering our courses entirely online has always been driven by our commitment to providing flexible learning options. This approach enables the many working professionals who study with us to balance their work, extracurricular activities, and family commitments while still completing a qualification that enhances and builds upon their skills.

Online learning courses offer a number of advantages, the most notable being their accessibility from anywhere in the world and at any time. We’re proud to welcome students from around the globe. Additionally, online courses are often more affordable due to the reduced overhead costs compared to face-to-face courses.

While some study centers had to quickly adapt to the online environment during the pandemic, MMC Learning has years of experience delivering e-learning at an exceptionally high standard.

At MMC Learning, we understand what students look for in an online setting and have built a comprehensive and cutting-edge learning experience. We’ve worked with top designers and consulted with representatives at the CIM to build a state of the art learning platform with the most up-to date marketing knowledge and resources. We also work with industry experts to create bite-sized learning videos to help you learn on the go, anytime, anywhere!

Our long-standing experience in the field means we never rush our content or compromise on quality, providing learners with an exceptional and flexible educational experience.

How hard is a CIM Qualification:

Despite being more flexible, studying for an online qualification can be hard, higher level study is often challenging. Here are some time management tips to help you succeed:

1. Set clear goals: Start by setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals for your qualification. This will help you stay focused and motivated throughout your studies. At MMC Learning, our expert student support team and academic tutors can help guide you to get the most out of your learning by setting appropriate goals tailored to your chosen qualification and career aspirations.
2. Create a study schedule: Develop a realistic study schedule that outlines the time you plan to dedicate to your coursework each week. Consider your personal and professional commitments, and try to allocate consistent study periods that work for your lifestyle. Despite our courses being online, there is a set schedule of live online lessons for you to attend, which can help you structure your time effectively and ensure you’re keeping up with the content week by week and benefitting from being part of a structured class and cohort.
3. Break tasks into smaller chunks: Divide larger tasks or topics into smaller, manageable sections. This will make it easier to focus and track your progress. MMC Learning’s course materials are designed with this approach in mind, offering content broken down into digestible segments such as bite-sized videos and shorter form content you can take in in smaller chunks.
4. Prioritize tasks: Identify your most important tasks and allocate time accordingly. Make sure you focus on high-priority tasks first to ensure you’re making the most of your study time. At MMC Learning each student is assigned an academic tutor who can provide guidance on prioritizing your coursework and assignments effectively and give one to one feedback on assignments so you know what areas to work on.
5. Establish a routine: Develop a consistent daily routine that incorporates your study periods. This will help you form habits and create a sense of normalcy around your online learning. With our flexible online courses, you can easily integrate study time into your daily routine, 4 hours a week works out to around half an hours study a day, or one hours study every weeknight and weekends off – a very manageable workload!
6. Minimize distractions: Find a quiet, comfortable study space free from distractions. Turn off notifications on your devices, close irrelevant tabs, and consider using apps or tools that block distractions to help you maintain focus. MMC Learning’s online platform is specifically designed to promote focused learning by providing easily digestible content broken up into shorter video lessons meaning you can more easily keep your brain on task for shorter bursts.
7. Set deadlines: Set deadlines for completing assignments and tasks, even if they’re self-imposed. This will help you stay on track and manage your time effectively. At MMC Learning, our course structure includes clear deadlines to help you plan your time efficiently and you will have the opportunity to discuss assignments with and present drafts to your tutor and peers beforehand as a kind of early deadline so you will have plenty of time to re-think any areas that need improvement.
8. Use a timer: Use a timer or a time management technique like the Pomodoro Technique to break your study sessions into focused intervals with short breaks in between. MMC Learnings teaching style encourages students to utilize effective time management techniques to optimize their learning experience with shorter content for maximum retention in short bursts.
9. Stay organized: Keep track of your assignments, deadlines, and course materials using digital tools, apps, or a physical planner. Being organized will help you manage your time more effectively. With MMC Learning’s online platform, you have access to tools for tracking your progress and organizing your coursework.
10. Seek support: Reach out to your instructors, classmates, or online study groups for help when needed. Connecting with others can provide valuable insights, motivation, and support. At MMC Learning, we have a dedicated student support team, and each student is assigned a dedicated academic tutor and student support officer to ensure prompt assistance. You will also benefit from being part of a cohort of students and connecting with other talented marketers in your ‘class’.
11. Maintain a healthy balance: Don’t forget to take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising regularly. Prioritize self-care and relaxation to avoid burnout. Here at MMC Learning we cannot emphasise enough the importance of maintaining a healthy work-study-life balance for optimal success. We encourage all students to take advantage of our many blog posts and resources on personal development and balancing study with personal commitments and effective time management.
12. Review and adjust: Regularly review your study schedule and progress to make any necessary adjustments. This will help you identify areas for improvement and ensure you’re making the most of your time. With our courses and accompanying resources, you are encouraged to continually assess your progress and adapt your study strategies as needed.

• For Digital Marketing Qualifications; see all courses accredited by the Digital Marketing Institute
• For Management and Leadership Qualifications: see all Management & Leadership qualifications accredited by the Chartered Management Institute
• For Marketing Qualifications; see all Marketing qualifications accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing

• Study Advice: How to balance study and family life
• Personal Development: How to stop holding yourself back
• Personal Development: Top Tips On How To Prepare For An Interview (And Succeed)
• Career Progression: Important steps on preparing for a performance appraisal review
• Career Advice: What Does a Digital Marketer Do Daily?
• Career Advice: How do I break in to Digital Marketing?
• Study Advice: What qualifications do you need for Digital Marketing?
• Career Advice: Is Marketing a good career option in 2023? 
• Study Advice:  Why is MMC Learning the best place to study Digital Marketing Institute Qualifications?
• Study Advice: What is the difference between Chartered Institute of Marketing [CIM] and Digital Marketing Institute [DMI] marketing cou