The Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) is one of the most recognised marketing bodies in the UK who also have a strong reputation overseas, especially within Europe and SE Asia. Its qualifications are available internationally via a variety of learning formats and consist of a certificate, advanced certificate and diploma.

The Chartered Institute of Marketing remains the most well known marketing body in the UK, and it's qualifications are the most frequently requested non-degree qualification for marketing jobs. The qualifications are designed to provide a basic grounding in marketing which enables graduates of the course to have a broad based knowledge of the subject.

The CIM exam syllabus has been revised in the last year with some improvements being made. The course, despite the inclusion of case studies, is still too theoretical. Perhaps the most serious criticism is that the CIM marking system is guilty of restricting marketing, forcing it into a tactical role and excluding the business strategy issues which are central to marketing.

There are a few other issues with the CIM qualifications. The CIM itself is notoriously inefficient and beaurocratic, many of the students who take the exams do not remain as members, seeing little value in the membership beyond the qualifications. Many of the colleges offering the exams have also been criticised for poor teaching quality and this is an area that the CIM needs to take greater control over. Its reputation is suffering on a number of fronts and this is one area it needs to make a swift move.