CMI (Other exams) study plan
CMI · Give each week a clear focus.
8 weeks · About 7 hours per week
Team Leader (Level 2) & Supervisor & First Line Manager (Level 3)
Explain the core responsibilities of a team leader in setting direction, allocating work, and monitoring performance
Distinguish between the authority and accountability of a supervisor versus a first line manager
Apply a simple performance management cycle (plan, monitor, review) to a team scenario
Identify three techniques for giving constructive feedback to a team member
Your checkpoint
A one-page comparison table of team leader, supervisor, and first line manager roles, including two example decisions each role would own.
Junior Manager (Level 4) & Middle, Operational & Departmental Manager (Level 5)
Describe how a junior manager translates departmental objectives into team-level targets
Analyse the difference between operational management and departmental management in terms of scope and stakeholder complexity
Evaluate two methods for managing a budget within a department
Outline the steps for conducting a stakeholder analysis for a new operational initiative
Your checkpoint
A 500-word briefing note that explains how a junior manager would cascade a departmental goal to their team, including a stakeholder map with at least four stakeholders.
Higher Technical Qualifications (Level 5)
Define the purpose and structure of higher technical qualifications in management
Compare the assessment methods used in higher technical qualifications with those in traditional management qualifications
Explain how work-based evidence can be used to demonstrate competence at Level 5
Identify the key knowledge areas required for a higher technical management qualification
Your checkpoint
A portfolio plan that lists three work-based projects or tasks that could generate evidence for a higher technical qualification, with a brief description of the evidence each would produce.
Professional & Senior Manager (Level 6)
Explain the strategic responsibilities of a professional or senior manager in aligning team objectives with organisational strategy
Analyse the financial and non-financial measures a senior manager might use to evaluate departmental performance
Evaluate a model for leading change across multiple teams
Describe how a senior manager builds and maintains relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Your checkpoint
A 600-word case analysis of a hypothetical change initiative, identifying three risks and a mitigation plan for each, using a recognised change model.
Senior, Director & CEO (Level 7 & 8)
Distinguish between the governance role of a director and the executive role of a CEO
Explain how senior leaders set organisational vision, values, and ethical tone
Analyse the board's role in risk oversight and financial stewardship
Evaluate the impact of external factors (regulatory, economic, social) on strategic decision-making at the top level
Your checkpoint
A board-style briefing document (max 800 words) recommending a strategic response to a regulatory change, including a risk assessment and a communication plan for internal and external audiences.
Leadership for AI qualifications (Level 3, 5 & 7)
Explain the key principles of responsible AI leadership, including fairness, transparency, and accountability
Describe how leaders at Levels 3, 5, and 7 should adapt their decision-making when AI tools are used in their teams
Identify three risks of AI adoption in an organisation and propose a control for each
Outline an ethical framework for evaluating an AI use case in a management context
Your checkpoint
A one-page AI ethics checklist with at least six questions a manager should ask before approving a new AI tool or process.
Sustainability Leadership Qualifications (Level 3, 5, 6 & 7)
Define sustainability leadership and its relevance at Levels 3, 5, 6, and 7
Explain how to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into operational planning
Analyse the role of stakeholder engagement in developing a sustainability strategy
Evaluate two methods for measuring and reporting sustainability performance
Your checkpoint
A sustainability action plan for a hypothetical department, including three measurable targets, a timeline, and a list of stakeholders to engage.
Team Leader (Level 2) & Supervisor & First Line Manager (Level 3) & Junior Manager (Level 4) & Middle, Operational & Departmental Manager (Level 5) & Higher Technical Qualifications (Level 5) & Leadership for AI qualifications (Level 3, 5 & 7) & Sustainability Leadership Qualifications (Level 3, 5, 6 & 7) & Professional & Senior Manager (Level 6) & Senior, Director & CEO (Level 7 & 8)
Synthesise key concepts from all domains into a coherent management framework
Practise applying the most complex concepts (Levels 6–8) to unfamiliar scenarios
Identify personal knowledge gaps and create a revision plan for each weak area
Complete a timed practice assessment covering all domains
Your checkpoint
A personal gap analysis report listing three strengths and three weaknesses, with a specific revision action for each weakness, plus a score from a 60-minute practice test.
Milestones
Week 2: Can explain the difference between operational and departmental management and list three key responsibilities of a junior manager.
Week 4: Can describe the strategic responsibilities of a senior manager and apply a change model to a scenario.
Week 6: Can outline an ethical framework for AI adoption and list three risks with controls.
Week 8: Achieved at least 70% on the practice assessment and completed a personal gap analysis with revision actions.