CIM qualifications
CIM’s qualifications are arranged in four levels – Introductory Certificate, Professional Certificate, Professional Diploma, and the Chartered Postgraduate Diploma. Each qualification is at a different level in the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) run by QCDA, the UK Government regulator for education.
Each qualification is made up of self-contained units, and each unit has its own CIM assessment.
At each level the different units reflect the key knowledge and skills you will need to fulfil your marketing role professionally and effectively. The system provides a clear understanding of the standard of a person’s learning and their ability.
Where do I start?
Where you start at depends on the qualifications and experience that you already have. If you are:
- interested in finding out about marketing, then you might start at the Introductory Certificate. You don’t need experience or qualifications to take this; it will ground you in the essentials of marketing theory, and gives you practical knowledge to take back into the workplace.
- looking to advance your career, then you might start at the Certificate. It’s for those in tactical marketing positions looking to progress, and gives you in-depth knowledge of everything from understanding customers to how to collect and analyse data.
- getting into marketing management, then you might start at the Diploma. It’s for marketers with operational responsibility and an eye on management. You’ll learn how to plan, implement and measure marketing activities at the operational level, and understand the impact of marketing decisions on other functions within the business.
- aspiring to be a senior marketer, then you might start at the Chartered Postgraduate Diploma. This is a challenging marketing qualification that demonstrates your specialist, professional knowledge across a range of areas. It’s perfect if you’re looking to manage and influence marketing strategy at the highest levels in your organisation.
We have to approve your intended starting level if CIM have not already done so. To do this, we will need to see evidence of your previous qualifications and/or a CV. Contact us if you want to discuss your start point.
Language requirements
You should have a minimum standard in the use of English equivalent to the British Council International English Language Testing System (IELTS) 6.5 proficiency or Trinity ISE III/IV.
