CMI Level 3 Certificate Professional Coaching Practice

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is the only organisation in the world that can award Chartered Manager status – the highest professional recognition you can achieve as a manager or leader.

With over 60 years of experience and a Royal Charter to its name, CMI is a globally respected authority on leadership and management. It supports more than 100,000 members worldwide, setting the standard for what great management looks like.

CMI qualifications are recognised by employers across industries, helping you build the strategic skills, professional credibility, and career confidence you need to take the next step in your leadership journey.

Coaching and mentoring are sometimes used interchangeably, but there are key differences between the two concepts.

Coaching is a structured and short-term type of learning partnership. It's usually delivered by qualified instructors or coaches, and focuses on specific, achievable goals or skills gaps.

Mentoring is more focused on longer-term goals and development. It can be delivered by anyone with lived-in experience or knowledge, and often involves broader scope for ongoing career development.

Coaching and mentoring are both essential in building and uplifting teams in the workplace. Providing the right kind of support to someone can be instrumental in helping to develop their skills and career prospects.

The right CMI course for you depends on your current level of experience, the role you’re working towards and how much depth you want from your qualification.

CMI Level 3 in Coaching and Mentoring courses are perfect for current or aspiring first line managers and supervisors. They’re ideal if you want to develop your skills as a mentor or professional coach while also supporting wider organisational goals.

• CMI Level 3 Coaching and Mentoring Award is the shortest option, allowing you to focus on the core principles of coaching and the fundamental skills you need to start mentoring employees.
• CMI Level 3 Coaching and Mentoring Certificate builds on what you learned in the previous qualification. It's a great middle-ground option if you want to deepen your understanding of mentoring processes while equipping yourself with practical coaching skills for the workplace.
• CMI Level 3 Coaching and Mentoring Diploma is the most comprehensive Level 3 option, helping you build a broader understanding of coaching and mentoring across a wider range of topics. These include professional development, team dynamics, organisational culture, and equality and diversity.

CMI Level 5 in Professional Coaching courses are designed for established leaders who want to further their development and expertise as professional coaches.

• CMI Level 5 Professional Coaching Practice Award is the shortest course. It'll help to build a solid understanding of coaching processes and theories for those looking to break into professional coaching.
• CMI Level 5 Professional Coaching Practice Certificate goes further than the Award qualification. It covers skills such as problem solving, communication and managing organisational change, as well as other key areas of professional coaching practice.
• CMI Level 5 Professional Coaching Practice Diploma is the most advanced coaching qualification offered by CMI. You’ll learn a wide variety of topics to equip you with the skills to become an exceptional professional coach and drive real change for your mentees.

CMI Level 5 qualifications are typically equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree or Foundation degree level in the UK education system: 

• CMI Level 5 Certificate is roughly equivalent to the first part of a Bachelor's degree.
• CMI Level 5 Diploma is more comprehensive and could be seen as equivalent to the second year of a Bachelor’s degree.

CMI Level 5 courses are aimed at professional coaches at middle management level and are ideal for those looking to progress in their careers by developing their coaching and mentoring practice.

The CMI Level 5 Certificate in Professional Coaching Practice is absolutely worth it if you’re an established or aspiring professional coach looking to hone your coaching skills to deliver real, high-level business impact.

Awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), it focuses on the underlying theories and practical skills needed to work as a professional coach, either internally within a business or as an external contractor. 

The Certificate sits between the CMI Level 5 Award and the CMI Level 5 Diploma, making it a good middle-ground option. You’ll gain more depth than the Award, but with a more focused study commitment than the full Diploma.

It may be less suitable if you don't already have experience working as a professional coach or a middle manager. In that case, a CMI Level 3 qualification may be a better fit.