Certified Practising Manager (CPMgr) Accreditation

Australia and New Zealand’s only recognised professional accreditation for managers and leaders.

Every manager deserves formal recognition for the skills, experience and professional expertise they bring to their organisation. Certified Practising Manager (CPMgr) accreditation gives you verified, industry-recognised validation of your management and leadership capability. It strengthens your credibility, expands your professional opportunities and demonstrates your commitment to continuing professional development (CPD).

Why become a Certified Practising Manager?

A credential that strengthens your career, credibility and confidence.

Professional recognition across Australia and New Zealand

Gain professional recognition as a credible, trusted leader, backed by the Institute of Managers and Leaders and recognised by employers, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Lead with confidence

You’ll be up to date with emerging trends, skills and best practice with access to hundreds of resources to support your leadership development

Career progression and opportunity

Accreditation can position you for career advancement, new responsibilities and leadership opportunities.

Self-paced, reflective assessment process

You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your achievements through our flexible, self-paced assessment process.

Ongoing development and professional community

Maintain your CPMgr accreditation through continuous professional development while connecting with a national community of leaders, with access to exclusive benefits and events.

Who CPMgr is built for

CPMgr is suited to professionals who are:

Seeking formal recognition for leadership experience
Managing teams, functions or departments
Experienced leaders without formal qualifications who are seeking professional accreditation
Wanting a verified pathway to professional accreditation
Completing or have completed leadership and management courses or qualifications

How CPMgr fits into IML’s leadership pathway

CPMgr is the capstone professional accreditation in IML’s leadership development pathway. It provides formal recognition of leaders’ progress and capability and complements courses such as Foundations of Intentional Leadership and Accelerate for Executive Leaders.

What you’ll gain

Use of the CPMgr post-nominal, signalling your accredited status
Access to IML ANZ’s professional community and leadership resources
A personalised development plan aligned to the IML Competency Framework
Confidence underpinned by accreditation from a recognised professional body
Access to ongoing CPD options including online resources, webinars, events, short courses and leadership development courses
Use of the CPD Portal to manage and track your professional development

The Journey

Your leadership experience matters, and CPMgr is designed to recognise it. Our simple 4-step process makes the pathway clear and achievable.

Here is what the application involves:

Step 1.

Check your eligibility

There are multiple ways to qualify for Certified Practising Manager status.

Pathway A

Two or more years managing at least two direct reports within the last three years
Bachelor degree with management or leadership units

Pathway B

Three or more years managing at least two direct reports within the last three years
Certificate IV in Leadership and Management, or completion of IML’s Foundations of Intentional Leadership or Accelerate for Executive Leaders courses

Pathway C

Five or more years managing at least two direct reports within the last three years
No formal qualification required

All applications are assessed on merit.

Step 2.

Complete your assessment

Showcase your leadership journey through a guided process

Your career story including your management and leadership experience
Your key professional achievements
Examples that demonstrate the relevant IML Competency Framework capabilities
How you apply current management and leadership skills in your workplace

Referees

You will provide two referees who have managed you during your pathway period.

IML 360 Diagnostic Survey (optional)

You can complete an IML 360 survey to support your assessment and development plan by identifying strengths and development areas.

Step 3.

Attend the CPMgr capstone session

You will attend a live virtual capstone session hosted by the Institute. This compulsory one-hour workshop gives you the core foundation needed for accreditation and covers:

Core principles of effective management and leadership
Guidance on your development plan and CPD requirements
An overview of the Institute’s Code of Conduct
Opportunities to connect with and contribute to the IML community

Step 4.

Become accredited and maintain CPD

You will then be awarded your Certified Practising Manager (CPMgr) accreditation. To maintain your designation, you need to complete 48 CPD credits every two years. This equals 48 hours of professional development or about two hours per month. You can earn CPD credits through IML short courses, programs, webinars, and events, as well as external conferences, training, and other approved learning activities. All CPD must be recorded in your CPD Portal to stay current and compliant.

Pricing

Assessment Fee:

IML Members: $295
Non-members: $468 (includes 12 months IML Membership)

Ongoing requirement: Active IML Membership from $345 per year to maintain CPMgr status.

Success stories from Certified Practising Managers

Real experiences from leaders who have completed the CPMgr accreditation.

CPMgr marked a pivotal moment in my career, helping me reflect on strengths and focus my leadership growth.

Daniel Swart CPMgr AFIML

Head of Clinical Operations at QBiotics Group Limited Australia

The accreditation gave me external recognition of leadership standards I’ve lived by for years, and strengthened my strategic thinking.

Adam Hennessy CPMgr MIML

Sales & Leasing Director at TGC

CPMgr has reinforced my confidence, sharpened my leadership practice and grounded my decisions in strong governance and clarity.

Hayley O’Brien CPMgr AFIML

Acting Manager, Place Branch – Planning & Development Services Group at Toowoomba Regional Council

Supporting Tools and Resources

IML Management Competency Framework

IML ANZ Code of Conduct

CPD Guidelines

CPD Portal access

Professional development for leaders resources

Leadership and management courses, events and webinars

FAQs

What is the Certified Practising Manager (CPMgr) accreditation?

A professional management certification that recognises leadership capability and ongoing CPD.

Who is eligible to apply?

Managers with two or more years of leadership experience and at least 2 direct reports, depending on the pathway.

How do I maintain CPMgr?

Complete 48 CPD credits every two years and maintain IML membership.

How is CPMgr recognised by employers?

CPMgr is a recognised benchmark of managerial excellence, signalling demonstrated capability, alignment with professional standards, and a commitment to continuous development and ethical leadership. It builds credibility and supports career progression

When are the Capstone units held?

Capstone units are delivered online and scheduled regularly throughout the year. Session dates and registration details are provided once you reach this stage.

How long does the process take?

Your CPMgr assessment will take approximately 10 hours to complete. Once submitted, an assessor will review your application and provide an update within four weeks.

What happens to my CPD if I’m on a career break or parental leave?

If you’re on parental leave or an extended career break, you can request a temporary pause or exemption from CPD requirements by contacting the IML Membership team.

Why employers value Certified Practising Managers

Strengthening leadership capability across organisations

Demonstrates verified management and leadership capability
Aligns employees with the leadership competency framework
Supports ongoing CPD and professional growth
Helps build strong leadership pipelines
Upholds ethical and professional standards