CMI Level 5 Award in Leading AI Transformation

The CMI Level 5 Award in Leading AI Transformation is designed for practising and aspiring middle managers who need to lead change as Artificial Intelligence becomes part of everyday working life.

As organisations introduce AI into their processes, services and decision making, managers are the ones who help teams make sense of the change, work through resistance and adopt new ways of working with confidence.

This qualification focuses on the leadership and management side of AI adoption, not the technical side. It is not a coding or technical AI course. Instead, it helps managers understand why AI driven change happens, how it affects people and operations, and how to lead that change in a structured and responsible way.

For learners who want a recognised CMI qualification alongside practical confidence in leading AI related change, the Award offers a focused and achievable starting point.

To achieve the CMI Level 5 Award in Leading AI Transformation, learners complete one unit:

• Unit 565: Navigating and Leading Change for AI Adoption (5 Credits)

Assessment

• One assignment per unit
• No written examinations

Study support

• Every learner is allocated a UK based tutor from registration through to completion, providing guidance throughout the course and support with assignments

Study time

• 6 to 9 weeks per unit
• A study timetable is provided to keep you on track

What’s included

• CMI registration
• CMI official examination and certification
• Full access to the Acudemy Online Platform and learning resources

The CMI Level 5 Award, Certificate and Diploma in Leading AI Transformation all support managers involved in AI adoption. The best option depends on the depth of learning required and the level of responsibility in your role.

• Choose the Award if you want a focused introduction to leading AI-related change. It is suitable for managers who need to understand how to support AI adoption and manage the people side of change.

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  Choose the Certificate if you want to go further by combining change leadership with responsible and ethical AI adoption. This route is suitable for managers who influence how AI is introduced, communicated and governed within their area of work.

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  Choose the Diploma if you are playing a broader role in AI transformation. The Diploma covers change, ethics, team capability, decision-making, AI projects and leadership practice.

For many learners, the Award is a practical starting point. It gives managers a clear foundation before progressing to the Certificate or Diploma if their role requires wider responsibility for AI transformation.

Acudemy delivers accredited professional training with a focus on workplace application, business relevance and genuine learner support.

This qualification is delivered as a practical management programme, helping learners connect what they study to real organisational challenges. The focus stays on how managers can lead change, communicate with confidence and support their teams as AI becomes part of everyday working practice.

Learners receive structured guidance from experienced tutors, along with support in preparing for assessment. Employers benefit from a qualification that builds management capability around AI adoption, change leadership and operational improvement.

Acudemy can also deliver this programme for groups, teams and departments, helping organisations build a consistent, shared approach to leading AI related change.

Virtual Induction Classroom:

• 15th September 2026
• 20th October 2026
• 17th November 2026
• 15th December 2026

This qualification is awarded by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the professional body for management and leadership.

To achieve the CMI Level 5 Award in Leading AI Transformation, learners must complete at least one unit and achieve a minimum of 5 credits. The qualification carries a minimum of 16 Guided Learning Hours and 50 Total Qualification Time hours.

With Acudemy, learners complete Unit 565: Navigating and Leading Change for AI Adoption, which meets the CMI requirements for the Level 5 Award. Learners who successfully complete the unit and its assessment will be awarded the CMI Level 5 Award in Leading AI Transformation.

This course suits practising and aspiring middle managers involved in change, service improvement, digital transformation or the adoption of AI within their organisation.

It’s particularly relevant for:

• Managers leading operational or process change
• Team leaders supporting employees through AI adoption
• Department managers involved in digital or AI enabled working
• HR and L&D professionals supporting organisational AI capability
• Project and change leads working on AI related initiatives
• Professionals seeking a recognised qualification in leading AI transformation

Learners should be at least 18 years old and have a good standard of written English. Current or previous workplace experience is helpful, as it allows learning to be applied to real management situations.

How long does the Award take to complete? The Award carries 50 hours of Total Qualification Time. Completion time depends on the learner’s experience, study pattern and assessment progress.

How is the course delivered? Entirely online, through Acudemy’s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). You’ll have access to all course materials, recorded content and resources from day one, with a UK based tutor supporting you throughout. Virtual live inductions run monthly.

Are there any exams? No. There are no traditional written exams. Assessment is completed through work based written assignments, allowing learners to apply the qualification directly to practical management situations.

How much support will I get from my tutor? You’ll have tutor support throughout the qualification, including guidance on unit requirements, assessment expectations and how to draw on relevant workplace examples.

Can my employer pay for this course? Many learners are supported by their employer, particularly where the qualification supports AI adoption, change management, leadership development or digital transformation. Acudemy can provide course information to help with an internal training request.

Will this qualification lead to Chartered Manager status? The Award supports your wider professional development with CMI. Chartered Manager status depends on CMI’s own eligibility criteria, management experience and assessment requirements.

What’s the difference between the Award and the Level 5 Certificate? The Award covers one unit, Navigating and Leading Change for AI Adoption. The Certificate builds on this with additional learning on responsible leadership and ethical AI adoption, making it better suited to managers with wider responsibility for AI governance and implementation.

Can this be delivered for a group from our organisation? Yes. Acudemy can deliver this qualification for groups, teams or departments, helping organisations build a shared, consistent approach to leading AI adoption.