Manager
Managers play an essential role in the sector workforce. As a highly skilled and qualified expert, being certified by CIMSPA – the sector’s professional development body – is a clear way of showing what you can do. If you are a manager or leader working in sport and physical activity, CIMSPA professional status can support you to gain professional recognition and progress in your career.
Occupation scope and impact
Managers in the sport and physical activity sector are essential to ensuring that organisations run smoothly. With managers at every level of organisations – from first-line entry managers to general managers and senior leadership positions – there are a wide range of ways that they support the provision of excellent participant experiences.
Their responsibilities may include managing people, facilities, activity programmes, business strategies and more.
based on an an annual fee of
*discounts apply if your organisation is a CIMSPA employer partner
- Verifiable professional status accreditation
- Exclusive benefits and offers
- Access free endorsed CPD
Becoming a certified sport and physical activity manager in the UK
Having a CIMSPA professional status indicates to employers, clients and your peers that you are a qualified manager with recognised sector management qualifications.
Gain professional recognition for your knowledge, skills and experience by sharing your status with employers, clients and your peers.
As you progress in your career, you can upgrade to new professional statuses that celebrate your expertise and allow you to explore more opportunities in your work.
Professional status for managers
To help you demonstrate your skills and career progression, the professional status framework is split into different levels. Read below to find out the benefits and entry requirements for each one.
Entry Manager
You are currently working in a first-line management position. You are dedicated to your professional development and providing the best possible experience to participants.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Entry Manager. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand exactly that you are a certified manager with expertise linked directly to the sector’s professional standards:
- Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
- When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of MCIMSPA.
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
To become a certified Entry Manager, you will need to complete the Entry Manager occupational professional standard by evidencing all of its competency statements. To do this, you will need to provide examples such as:
- a qualification certificate from an awarding organisation
- supporting CPD.
General Manager
You are an experienced manager in the sport and physical activity sector and are working in a role such as centre manager, operation manager, business manager, contract manager, governing body manager or head of department. You could also be a sport development manager or other manager in a community sports setting. You are dedicated to your professional development and providing the best possible experience to participants.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of General Manager. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand that you are a certified manager with expertise linked directly to the sector’s professional standards:
- Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
- When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of MCIMSPA.
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
To become a certified General Manager, you will need to complete the General Manager occupational professional standard by evidencing all of its competency statements. To do this, you will need to provide examples such as:
- a qualification certificate from an awarding organisation
- supporting CPD.
Advanced General Manager
You are an experienced manager in the sport and physical activity sector. Through your excellent performance and achievements, you have reached a position of significant responsibility within your organisation.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Advanced General Manager. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand that you are a certified manager with expertise linked directly to the sector’s professional standards:
- Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
- When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of MCIMSPA.
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
To become a certified Advanced General Manager you will need to complete the General Manager occupational professional standard by evidencing all of its competency statements. To do this, you will need to provide examples such as:
- a qualification certificate from an awarding organisation
- supporting CPD.
You will also need to provide evidence of:Â
- having reached a position of significant responsibilityÂ
- significant professional achievementÂ
- distinguished service.Â
Chartered General Manager
This chartered status shows that you are an established and excellent manager in the sport and physical activity sector. You move your organisation forwards with success.Â
By gaining this professional status, you are showing employers, clients and everyone else that you are an expert in your field.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Chartered General Manager. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand that you are a certified manager with expertise linked directly to the sector’s professional standards:
- Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
- When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of MCIMSPA (Chartered).
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
To become a certified Chartered General Manager you will need to complete the General Manager occupational professional standard by evidencing all of its competency statements. To do this, you will need to provide examples such as:
- a qualification certificate from an awarding organisation
- supporting CPD.
You will also need to complete the CIMSPA Chartered General Manager assessment process, through which you will demonstrate your experience and sustained positive impact within your role.Â
Senior Manager
You are a manager with substantial responsibility for people, a portfolio of programmes, projects, operations and/or services. You ensure the delivery of long-term organisational success. You are dedicated to your professional development and providing the best possible experience to participants.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Senior Manager. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand that you are a certified manager with expertise linked directly to the sector’s professional standards:
- Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
- When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of MCIMSPA.
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
To become a certified Senior Manager, you will need to complete the Senior Manager occupational professional standard by evidencing all of its competency statements. To do this, you will need to provide examples such as:
- a qualification certificate from an awarding organisation
- supporting CPD.
Advanced Senior Manager
You are an accomplished manager with substantial responsibility for people, a portfolio of programmes, projects, operations and/or services. You have excelled in the delivery of long-term success and significantly contributed to your organisation.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Advanced Senior Manager. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand that you are a certified manager with expertise linked directly to the sector’s professional standards:
- Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
- When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of FCIMSPA.
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
To become a certified Advanced Senior Manager you will need to complete the Senior Manager occupational professional standard by evidencing all of its competency statements. To do this, you will need to provide examples such as:
- a qualification certificate from an awarding organisation
- supporting CPD.
You will also need to provide evidence of significant professional achievement and a record of distinguished service.Â
Chartered Senior Manager
This is the highest professional status for managers in the sport and physical activity sector. You are well-established and excellent in your career, and you have contributed towards moving the sector forwards with success.Â
By gaining this professional status, you are showing that you are a leading expert in the sector.Â
Benefits
Title
You will gain the professional status title of Chartered Senior Manager. You will be able to use this to ensure that clients and employers understand that you are a certified manager with expertise linked directly to the sector’s professional standards:
- Try using your title in your website or social media bio to show clients that you’re a trained expert. Many other professions such as healthcare practitioners and financial advisers use these to demonstrate their credibility.
- When applying for jobs, your professional status title is an important addition to your CV. Employers will be able to see your skill level and are assured that your qualifications are quality assured – all from a quick glance.
Postnominals
You will gain the postnominals of FCIMSPA (Chartered).
Many established professions, such as accountancy and medicine, use postnominal letters to show that an individual is accredited by a professional body.
You will be able to use yours after your name on social media, your website and business communications to demonstrate that you are a recognised professional.
Find out more about postnominals
Accreditation credentials
Your accreditation credentials – which take the form of a digital badge – will offer a verifiable visual representation of your professional status which you can use on your website and social media to showcase your expertise. When you click on them, anyone will be able to see further information about your status and that it is verified and up to date.
Entry requirements
To become a certified Chartered Senior Manager you will need to complete the Senior Manager occupational professional standard by evidencing all of its competency statements. To do this, you will need to provide examples such as:
- a qualification certificate from an awarding organisation
- supporting CPD.
You will also need to complete the CIMSPA Chartered Senior Manager assessment process, through which you will demonstrate your experience and sustained positive impact on the sector as a whole.Â
Apply for your professional status
Step 1 – prepare your evidence, apply and payÂ
Provide evidence of your qualifications and CPD documentation in PDF, JPEG or PNG format.Â
Debit card, credit card or direct debit payment options are available.Â
Step 2 – We will process your applicationÂ
You will receive email updates as we review your application.Â
We will let you know if we require any further information from you.Â
You will receive an email confirming that your professional status has been approved.Â
Chartered status
To start your journey to the highest levels of professional status in sport and physical activity, please complete the enquiry form linked below.Â
Our accreditation team will then contact you to guide you through your first steps to chartered success.Â
What does CIMSPA professional status confirm?
Holding professional status issued by your sector’s professional development body is more than just a membership. It delivers:
Employer verification
Employers use professional status to create job descriptions and plan staff training. Use yours to show that you have the right skills and knowledge for the job at a glance – when you add your status and a link to your accreditation credential to your CV, employers can quickly verify your expertise and commitment to your continuing professional development.
Client and partner trust
Give your potential clients and partners a clear signal that you are the right choice. Professional status confirms that you are qualified and adhere to our Member Code of Conduct. By encouraging partners, clients and other sector stakeholders to check your professional status, you are showing that you are a manager that they can trust.
Career progression
Being a certified manager doesn’t stop there. The clear progression pathway allows you to plan your development and show employers and clients the expertise you’ve gained. Higher levels of professional status allow you to unlock increased credibility and opportunities within your work. With your annual CPD requirement, you’ll naturally keep your knowledge up to date as you grow, too.
Professional status is about being recognised for your impact, your expertise and your dedication to the role. When you have an easy way to demonstrate your knowledge and skills, this can open doors for your career. Apply now to gain the manager certification you deserve.
Supporting your career
Take complete control of your career progression and stay at the forefront of our sector.
To help you maximise your professional status and develop your knowledge and skills, we offer a range of exclusive benefits that complement your professional status:
- Get endorsed management qualifications and CPD for less with discounts from a range of training providers.
- Enhance your career prospects – many of our Employer Partners commit to only employing CIMSPA-certified professionals.
- Stay up to date with sector news and in-depth guidance with exclusive access to Move Professional, our quarterly online publication.
- Get regular bite-sized sector updates via email with our tailored monthly bulletin.
- Learn and develop through CIMSPA’s member-only webinars featuring cross-sector experts.
- Make connections through CIMSPA and partner events and conferences and at our professional development boards and consultations (by invitation).
- Be the first to hear about opportunities to be involved with CIMSPA consultations and insight, helping to influence sector policy and future research.
- Help shape the sector’s future by taking part in focus groups and committees.
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CPD requirement and how it works
To maintain your professional status, you are required to complete 10 points of continuing professional development (CPD). This can be anything from a wide range of training linked to your role, from formal manager qualifications to attending our exclusive member webinars. As a member, you will have access to a range of free and discounted opportunities via your bespoke CIMSPA Dashboard. You can also use our endorsed training directory to explore quality-assured learning opportunities on a wide range of topics.
Find out more about what CPD counts
We ask you to complete CPD every year to ensure that your professional knowledge remains up to date and relevant. This also helps you to deliver the best service to your clients and progress in your career as you learn.
We’ve kept the requirement as flexible as possible so that you can choose learning that supports your personal career goals and development needs.