Frequently Asked Questions

CPD (Continuing Professional Development) and formal qualifications serve distinct purposes. CPD is focused on ongoing professional growth through various learning activities, such as workshops, seminars, or e-learning, to stay current in one’s field. Qualifications, on the other hand, are formal, structured educational programmes—like degrees, diplomas, or certificates—that involve assessment to demonstrate competency and award an accredited certification upon completion.

CPD stands for Continuing Professional Development, an ongoing process of learning and professional growth. It includes activities such as attending workshops, engaging in self-study, and keeping up with industry trends to enhance skills and knowledge continuously.

Both coaching and mentoring are valuable tools for personal and professional development. Coaching is typically goal-oriented and short-term, focusing on specific skills and performance improvement. Mentoring, however, is usually a longer-term relationship where a more experienced individual provides guidance and support, often focused on broader career and personal development.

Coaching helps individuals improve specific skills and achieve particular goals. It involves a coach working with the individual (coachee) to set goals and create action plans. This process often includes questioning techniques, feedback, and structured reflection to help the coachee find their own solutions.

Mentoring is a developmental partnership where an experienced mentor offers guidance, advice, and support to a less experienced individual (the mentee). Unlike coaching, mentoring is often a long-term relationship with a focus on career and personal growth.

Both coaching and mentoring contribute to improved performance, increased confidence, and enhanced skills. They support personal growth, fostering self-awareness, resilience, and motivation in individuals.

Management is focused on planning, organising, and directing resources to achieve specific objectives. Leadership goes beyond management by setting a vision, fostering a positive culture, and empowering teams to deliver their best.

A coaching qualification typically includes learning about core principles, theories, and models to support effective coaching. Assessment often involves written assignments, applying theory to practical situations, and, at Level 5, coaching practice sessions that encourage self-reflection.

Employers value management qualifications, yet only 1 in 5 managers have one (Source: CMI 2024). A qualification in management and leadership can demonstrate your competence in key areas like setting a vision, inspiring teams, and fostering organisational success.

The duration depends on the qualification level and units required. An Award generally requires one unit and can be completed in a month, a Certificate requires two or three units, and a Diploma typically involves four to seven units, taking between three to eighteen months, depending on pace and level.

To apply for fast-track Chartered status, you need either a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership or a CMI Level 7 Certificate or Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership, completed within the past five years, along with at least three years of management experience. Towercourt Training can guide you through this process.

Key areas include the project lifecycle, planning and scheduling, stakeholder management, risk management, and project execution and monitoring.

• CMI Level 3 is suited for aspiring or first-line managers, covering foundational management skills.
• CMI Level 5 targets mid-managers, focusing on core skills like resource and information management.
• CMI Level 7 is designed for senior managers responsible for translating organisational strategy into effective performance.

The minimum age to begin a qualification with Towercourt Training is 19.

You can enrol and begin a qualification with Towercourt Training at any time that suits your personal schedule.

Towercourt Training provides a comprehensive support package, including a full induction, a tailored candidate workbook, training sessions for each unit, a flexible study plan, assessment tools, and detailed feedback on all submitted work.

Learn more about the support we offer learners on our Learner Support Page.

Towercourt Training offers alternative assessment methods, allowing experienced professionals to be evaluated through Professional Discussion and Presentation rather than written assignments. This option is designed to suit various learning styles and personal preferences.

No prior qualifications are necessary to enrol with Towercourt Training. Eligibility is based on a combination of your experience and/or existing qualifications as they relate to the course level.

To apply for fast-track Chartered status, you need either a CMI Level 5 Diploma in Management & Leadership or a CMI Level 7 Certificate or Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership, completed within the past five years, along with at least three years of management experience. Towercourt Training can guide you through this process.

Yes, you can progress through qualification levels with Towercourt Training. For example, if you complete a Level 3 Award, you may complete an additional unit to achieve a Level 3 Certificate. With a Level 7 Diploma, you may also progress to an MBA by completing a final dissertation through one of our partner universities.