Quick answer. For the CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership studied online, fixed-fee UK providers price the qualification between £1,529 and £2,039 as of September 2026. Lift College works differently, a cancel-anytime subscription of £89.99 a month with a 7-day free trial, no deposit and CMI registration included, which typically works out at £809.91 to £1,079.88 over a 9 to 12 month completion. ICS Learn is £1,529 in a current sale, and NEC positions itself at £1,574 but adds a CMI centre registration fee on top. All three providers deliver the same regulated Ofqual qualification.
Verified September 2026
Competitor prices in this comparison were checked on the providers' public websites on 26 August 2026, and Lift College pricing was updated on 3 September 2026. Course prices and sales change frequently, so always verify on the provider's own site before purchasing.
Side-by-side price comparison
| Provider | Pricing model | Typical total cost | Monthly outgoing | Deposit | Registration included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lift College | Subscription, cancel anytime, 7-day free trial | £809.91 to £1,079.88 over 9 to 12 months | £89.99 / month | None | Yes |
| ICS Learn | Fixed fee, £2,039 RRP, £1,529 in current sale | £1,529 to £2,039 | £61 / month | £65 | Yes |
| NEC (National Extension College) | Fixed fee, £1,574, 0% APR available | £1,814 including CMI registration | From £131 / month (12 mth) | Varies | No - added separately |
Sources: Lift College CMI Level 5 course page [1], ICS Learn CMI Level 5 course page [2], NEC CMI Level 5 course page [3]. Competitor prices verified 26 August 2026, Lift College pricing updated 3 September 2026.
CMI centre registration fees
The Chartered Management Institute charges every learner a centre registration fee. This is separate from the tuition fee your provider charges. For the 2025-26 academic year, CMI publishes these Standard registration fees [4]:
| Qualification | Standard registration fee | Top-up fee |
|---|---|---|
| CMI Level 5 Award | £155 | - |
| CMI Level 5 Certificate | £185 | £45 |
| CMI Level 5 Diploma | £240 | £90 |
| CMI Level 5 Extended Diploma | £340 | £140 |
When comparing providers, check the total cost including this registration fee. Lift College and ICS Learn include it in their headline prices. NEC lists the registration fee separately - typical add-on is £240 for the Diploma.
What is included at each provider
Lift College
- Ofqual-regulated CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership.
- CMI Standard registration included.
- Unlimited tutor support by phone and email.
- Personal course adviser callback service (UK-based).
- Study at your own pace, the subscription runs only while you need it.
- Optional Chartered Manager pathway support after completion.
ICS Learn
- Same Ofqual-regulated CMI Level 5 Diploma.
- CMI Standard registration included.
- Live online tutor sessions (webinars).
- 24-month access window.
- Payment plan £61 / month with £65 deposit.
NEC (National Extension College)
- Same Ofqual-regulated CMI Level 5 Diploma.
- CMI Standard registration added separately.
- Tutor support by email.
- Charity status - a not-for-profit distance-learning college.
- 0% APR 12-month interest-free instalment plan.
How to choose
- Check total cost, not headline price. Add CMI registration to any provider that does not include it. NEC's £1,574 headline plus £240 registration = £1,814 total, cheaper than ICS Learn's full RRP but still roughly double Lift College's typical subscription total of £809.91 to £1,079.88.
- Compare what you are locked into. ICS Learn and NEC are fixed contracts for the full fee. Lift College's £89.99 / month subscription can be paused or cancelled at any time, so you only pay while you study.
- Assess tutor support. Lift College offers unlimited tutor support and a free UK callback service; ICS Learn provides live webinars; NEC provides email-based tutor support.
- Time-box your decision. Sale prices at ICS Learn are time-limited. Verify the current price on each provider's website on the day you enrol.
- Book a call. A quick 15-minute callback with a Lift College adviser can uncover funding options (employer sponsorship, Advanced Learner Loan for Level 4+, career progression funding) that you may not see on the course page.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the CMI Level 5 Diploma cost?
Do all providers deliver the same CMI Level 5 qualification?
Are CMI centre registration fees included?
Which provider offers the best value for CMI Level 5?
Can I pay monthly for CMI Level 5?
Sources
- Lift College - CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership (course page, updated Sep 2026)
- ICS Learn - CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management and Leadership (course page, verified Aug 2026)
- NEC (National Extension College) - CMI Level 5 in Management and Leadership (course page, verified Aug 2026)
- CMI - Partner Fees Guide 2025-26 (PDF, official registration fee schedule)
- gov.uk - Advanced Learner Loan (funding for Level 3+ qualifications)