Course Overview
Step into leadership with a nationally recognised qualification designed for aspiring and early-career managers.
Whether you’re new to management or preparing for your first leadership role, NEC’s CMI Level 3 in First Line Management and Leadership provides a strong foundation in the essential skills you need to succeed. This professional qualification covers everything from understanding how and why organisations are structured, to the approaches to take to effectively manage and lead teams.
All organisations have a unique structure, character and culture and without developing an awarenss of how an organisation is structured and works it is difficult to lead and manage people effectively.
Through self-paced online study, you’ll gain real-world leadership skills that you can apply immediately – in any organisation or sector.
You’ll learn to understand the role of an organisation’s strategic business plan, and how you can contribute to the organisation’s success; plus how to employ practical management and leadership methods that lead people and teams with impact.
Ideal for team leaders, supervisors and first-time managers, this course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and valued by employers nationwide. You’ll be supported by a qualified tutor with experience in management and leadership, and have access to NEC’s structured online platform to guide your learning from start to finish.
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Dedicated tutor support
CMI Level 3 in First Line Management and Leadership
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
There are three levels to the qualification:
- Award: an introduction to some of the principles of management, helping to develop your basic knowledge in this area
- Certificate: builds on this basic knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to go into more detail on areas specific to your management role
- Diploma: goes into even more depth and will comprehensively equip you to become an excellent line manager
NEC currently only offers the Certificate (£587.00 + reg fee), though either available Unit could be used to fulfil the requirements of the Award.
NEC will register you with CMI. You will need to pay the registration fee when you enrol.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
No formal entry requirements
You must be 16 or over
You should be working, or aspiring to, in a middle management role
An ability to read and write in English
In order to gain the qualification CMI require a registration fee payable upon enrolment.
There are four assignments plus an Introductory assignment. The four assignments are:
- 2 Initial assignments
- 2 Main assignments
Initial assignments should be completed first; they contain questions from the Main assignments to help build confidence before formal assessment.
Course material and assignments will be provided on learn@nec. Each unit will contain a CMI Pathways booklet for the unit they are studying, a Practice Assignment and a Formal Assignment.
- Learners studying the CMI Level 3 Award will complete one unit.
- Learners studying the CMI Level 3 Certificate will complete two units.
Learners will also have access to the Course Companion, Getting Started and About Assessment sections.
Learners will have access to CMI Thrive; and need to be registered with CMI.
The qualification is assessed through written assignment work submitted to learn@nec.
Complete at your own pace
58-130 hours, plus time for completing assignments
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
There are three levels to the qualification:
- Award: an introduction to some of the principles of management, helping to develop your basic knowledge in this area
- Certificate: builds on this basic knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to go into more detail on areas specific to your management role
- Diploma: goes into even more depth and will comprehensively equip you to become an excellent line manager
NEC currently only offers the Certificate (£587.00 + reg fee), though either available Unit could be used to fulfil the requirements of the Award.
NEC will register you with CMI. You will need to pay the registration fee when you enrol.
Course material and assignments will be provided on learn@nec. Each unit will contain a CMI Pathways booklet for the unit they are studying, a Practice Assignment and a Formal Assignment.
- Learners studying the CMI Level 3 Award will complete one unit.
- Learners studying the CMI Level 3 Certificate will complete two units.
Learners will also have access to the Course Companion, Getting Started and About Assessment sections.
Learners will have access to CMI Thrive; and need to be registered with CMI.
The qualification is assessed through written assignment work submitted to learn@nec.
There are four assignments plus an Introductory assignment. The four assignments are:
- 2 Initial assignments
- 2 Main assignments
Initial assignments should be completed first; they contain questions from the Main assignments to help build confidence before formal assessment.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
No formal entry requirements
You must be 16 or over
You should be working, or aspiring to, in a middle management role
An ability to read and write in English
In order to gain the qualification CMI require a registration fee payable upon enrolment.
Complete at your own pace
58-130 hours, plus time for completing assignments
This course is accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
There are three levels to the qualification:
- Award: an introduction to some of the principles of management, helping to develop your basic knowledge in this area
- Certificate: builds on this basic knowledge whilst giving you the opportunity to go into more detail on areas specific to your management role
- Diploma: goes into even more depth and will comprehensively equip you to become an excellent line manager
NEC currently only offers the Certificate (£587.00 + reg fee), though either available Unit could be used to fulfil the requirements of the Award.
NEC will register you with CMI. You will need to pay the registration fee when you enrol.
Online learning with support from a personal tutor
No formal entry requirements
You must be 16 or over
You should be working, or aspiring to, in a middle management role
An ability to read and write in English
In order to gain the qualification CMI require a registration fee payable upon enrolment.
There are four assignments plus an Introductory assignment. The four assignments are:
- 2 Initial assignments
- 2 Main assignments
Initial assignments should be completed first; they contain questions from the Main assignments to help build confidence before formal assessment.
Course material and assignments will be provided on learn@nec. Each unit will contain a CMI Pathways booklet for the unit they are studying, a Practice Assignment and a Formal Assignment.
- Learners studying the CMI Level 3 Award will complete one unit.
- Learners studying the CMI Level 3 Certificate will complete two units.
Learners will also have access to the Course Companion, Getting Started and About Assessment sections.
Learners will have access to CMI Thrive; and need to be registered with CMI.
The qualification is assessed through written assignment work submitted to learn@nec.
Complete at your own pace
58-130 hours, plus time for completing assignments
Why study CMI Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership
This course is ideal if you
- Are keen to enhance your leadership skills in your current role.
- Would like to develop your knowledge in key leadership and management skills.
- Need a flexible training solution that fits your lifestyle.
- Relish the challenge of building your managerial and leadership skills.
- Would benefit from gaining more confidence in your abilities.
- Want to gain an internationally-recognised CMI qualification.
- Enjoy applying learning to the workplace.
- Pursuing more senior leadership and managerial roles in the future.
Affordable study
Flexible payments and financial help
- As an education charity dedicated to helping independent learners achieve life-changing qualifications we want to keep fees affordable. All of our course fees are clear and transparent to help you plan for any additional costs.
- NEC’s fees offer some of the best value on the market, with multi-buy options, special offers, personal discounts and affordable finance options.
- Used responsibly, finance is a great way to spread the cost of your course. We’ve teamed up with Omni, one of the UK’s leading finance specialists.
- Depending on your own circumstances, there are a number of possibilities for getting help to fund your course.
Visit our Fee information page or
Monthly instalments
Study now, pay your way
It’s your choice: you can pay in full at the point of enrolment, or you can spread the cost over monthly instalments with our finance offer. We offer a choice of six or 12 monthly repayment plans, with 0% APR as standard.
To pay in instalments you will need to enrol by telephone.
The National Extension College (NEC) work with finance company OMNI. For more information on our relationship with OMNI and replayment plans see our Fee Information page.
With you every step of the way
Enjoy 1-2-1 support from your course tutor
You’ll have access to 1:1 support from your tutor. All NEC tutors are subject experts, with experience in supporting online learners.
MORE ABOUT OUR TUTORS“I am passionate about the value of learning and dedicated to the profession having worked in education for over 27 years both as a tutor, assessor and manager of vocational training. I understand the challenges of distance learning, having been a distance learner myself, and know the value of good quality, responsive and flexible tutor support and encouragement. Now as a freelance contractor, I work with a number of awarding bodies, colleges and training providers to develop learning resources to enable learners to meet their qualification goals and longer-term career aims.”
GOT A QUESTION?
Talk to one of our course advisors
Unsure whether online self-study is right for you?
Our friendly Course Advice Team are here to help answer your questions and take you through your options.
- Book a call and someone will get back to you at a convenient time.
- Or contact us today by phone or email.
We’re waiting to help you get ahead and achieve your goals, your way.
Frequently asked questions
Your common questions and concerns answered. Read more FAQs.
NEC offers flexible, online GCSEs, A levels, and vocational courses that you can study anytime, anywhere. When you enrol, you’ll receive a welcome email with login details for learn@nec, our virtual learning platform.
You’ll be supported by a qualified subject tutor who provides feedback on your assignments and helps guide your progress. Our expertly designed courses include engaging materials, interactive learning activities, and selected online resources — all created by experienced teachers, examiners, and learning designers.
Our courses are designed to let you study at your own pace — all within a clearly defined enrolment period to help keep you on track. Many courses let you study your way, with flexible assignment deadlines to suit your schedule. Others may include set dates — especially for things like exams or NEAs (Non-Exam Assessment) — to help you stay on track.
Yes! You can connect with other learners in your course’s online forum. Many students find discussing topics with peers helps reinforce their learning — and helps them feel part of a wider learning community.
Yes. Most NEC courses, including all GCSEs and A levels, lead to qualifications awarded by major UK exam boards such as AQA, Edexcel, OCR and Cambridge International. You’ll earn exactly the same qualification as students in school or college.
We’re also approved to offer CMI qualifications for management, as well as TQUK-accredited courses and Functional Skills qualifications in English and Maths. These nationally recognised qualifications are designed to help learners build practical skills and are ideal for both personal development and career progression.
Some short courses, like those in the arts, are for personal development and enjoyment but don’t lead to formal accreditation.
Yes, NEC is a JCQ-approved exam centre, which means we can support your exam entry, provide verified access arrangements, and oversee non-exam assessments (NEAs) — essential for subjects like English, Science and Geography.
Yes. Many students complete a one-year fast track option, especially if working towards university or career deadlines. You’ll need to commit regular study time and plan carefully around assignment deadlines and exams.
If you’re unsure whether fast track is realistic, we’ll advise you.
Yes. You can enrol any time and begin studying when it suits you. However, if your course involves an exam, you’ll need to complete all assignments and assessments (also known as coursework or NEA — Non-Exam Assessment) in time for set exam dates — so don’t leave it too late!
If you’re planning to apply to university, please also be aware of UCAS deadlines. For example, to receive predicted grades through our UCAS Application Service, you’ll need to have completed a certain number of assignments by specific dates.
Check the individual course pages for guidance, or book a call with an advisor to discuss your timeline and study plans.
Yes — NEC is ideal for international students. Many of our courses are available worldwide, but there are a few things to check before enrolling:
Exams: You’ll need to arrange a local exam centre. AQA does not offer international exams, so you’ll need to travel to the UK for those.
Qualification recognition: Ensure your chosen qualification is recognised in your country.
Our team is happy to help you explore your options.
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