LEVEL 3 CERTIFICATE IN FIRST LINE MANAGEMENT AND LEADERSHIP (CMI)

Introduction

Ready to develop your confidence and capability as a first-line manager?

The CMI Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership is designed for aspiring, new and practising first-line managers who want to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence to manage people and teams effectively.

This qualification provides an opportunity to build a broader understanding of first-line management and leadership, helping you develop the skills needed to communicate effectively, support and motivate team members, manage performance and contribute to organisational success.

Delivered through flexible remote learning, the course allows you to study around your work and other commitments. You’ll have access to online learning materials, dedicated tutor support and personalised one-to-one sessions to support you throughout your qualification.

Whether you are stepping into management for the first time, already supervising a team or looking to progress your career, the nationally recognised CMI Level 3 Certificate can help you develop your professional management skills and prepare for your next career opportunity.

Develop your management skills, build your confidence and take the next step in your leadership career.

Course code

OCFL

Location

Remote Learning

Duration

Up to 6 weeks to complete each unit (2 or 3 units)
Remote learning with access to online materials
Tutor support via email, phone, or video call
One-to-one sessions to guide your progress

Learners are encouraged to follow this schedule to ensure timely progression through the course.
If the outlined timeframes are not met, additional fees may be incurred to extend access or support beyond the standard duration.

Price

£485.00

Availability

Location: Open Learning
OCFL – Level 3 Certificate in Principles of First Line Management (CMI) – 01 Oct 2026 12:00

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for the CMI Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership.

The qualification is suitable for those who are currently working in, or aspiring to, a first-line management or supervisory role and want to develop their knowledge, skills and confidence in management and leadership.

You do not need to have previously completed a management qualification or have formal management experience. However, learners should have the ability to undertake Level 3 learning and assessment.

Additional Entry Requirements

To successfully participate in our online courses, learners must have access to a suitable digital device such as a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet with a reliable internet connection. This ensures that students can view course materials, take part in interactive activities, and complete assessments without technical difficulties. Having the appropriate device is essential for fully engaging with the learning platform and getting the best possible experience from the course.

Course Content

The CMI Level 3 Certificate in First Line Management and Leadership allows you to develop your knowledge and skills across key areas of first-line management and leadership.

Our default units for this qualification are:

Unit 330 – Organisational Awareness for First Line Managers
Unit 331 – Approaches to Managing and Leading People and Teams

These units provide a strong foundation for developing your understanding of the role of a first-line manager and how effective management and leadership can contribute to team and organisational success.

Please note: Units 330 and 331 are our default units for the Certificate. Your tutor will discuss your current role, experience and career goals with you and, where appropriate, help you select alternative units that are better suited to your individual development needs.

Unit 330 – Organisational Awareness for First Line Managers

Develop your understanding of how organisations operate and the important role first-line managers play within them.

You will explore:

Different types of organisational structures and how they operate
Organisational culture, values and ethics
The role and responsibilities of a first-line manager
How organisational objectives and plans influence your role
The importance of understanding the wider organisation
How first-line managers can contribute to organisational performance and success

Unit 331 – Approaches to Managing and Leading People and Teams

will help you develop your understanding of different approaches to management and leadership and how these can be applied effectively in real workplace situations.

You will explore:

The relationship between management and leadership
Different approaches and styles of management and leadership
How different approaches can be applied to workplace situations
How managers can engage, motivate and inspire individuals and teams
How to recognise and respond to the different needs and aspirations of team members
Approaches to creating positive and effective working relationships
The importance of equality, diversity and inclusion when managing and leading people
The importance of supporting employee wellbeing
How to adapt your management and leadership approach to achieve positive outcomes

The unit encourages you to look at management and leadership from a practical perspective, considering how different approaches can affect individuals, teams and workplace performance.

CMI Level 3 Qualifications – Credit Requirements
Award: 6 credits (1 unit), Approximately 50 Total Qualification Time
Certificate: 13 Credits (2-3 Units), Approximately 130 Total Qualification Time

Assessments

Assessment Method: Written assignments for each unit.
Format: Structured responses based on workplace scenarios.

Additional funding information

The course cost listed is applicable only to Scottish residents.
If you reside outside Scotland, please contact us to request the applicable fee:
openlearning@dumgal.ac.uk

Are you, or do you employ, someone aged 15–25?

In partnership with The Holywood Trust, fully funded training is available to help young people across Dumfries and Galloway build skills for a career in the hospitality industry—whether they are just starting out or already working in the sector.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

To secure a place and access this funding, please complete the relevant booking form below:

Training Booking Form Funded By The Holywood Trust for 15 – 25 Year Olds – Fill in form

D & G Coastal Benefits Fund Via Springboard

Individuals aged 25 and over, who live in eligible coastal communities across Dumfries and Galloway can access funding to receive high-quality hospitality training that helps individuals develop new skills, enhance career opportunities and support the continued growth of the local hospitality sector.

Before completing this form, please ensure that you:

Are aged 25 years or over.
Live within one of the eligible Coastal Benefit Fund communities listed below.
Meet any course-specific entry requirements (where applicable).

Nith Estuary / Solway Coast Caerlaverock, Cummertrees & Cummertrees West, Eastriggs, Dornock & Creca, Gretna & Rigg, Kingholm Quay, Kirkbean, New Abbey, Royal Burgh of Annan, Ruthwell & Clarencefield, Southerness, and Troqueer Landward

Stewartry (Kirkcudbrightshire Coast) Auchencairn, Borgue, Buittle Parish, Colvend & Southwick, Dalbeattie, Dundrennan, Gatehouse of Fleet, Kirkcolm, Royal Burgh of Kirkcudbright & District.

Wigtownshire / Machars / Rhins Cairnryan, Cree Valley, Garlieston, Isle of Whithorn, Kirkmabreck, Kirkmaiden, Leswalt, Old Luce, Port William, Portpatrick, Stoneykirk, Stranraer, Whithorn, and Wigtown & District.

Places are limited, so early booking is recommended.

To secure a place and access this funding, please complete the relevant booking form below:

D&G Coastal Benefits Funded by Springboard Form