This is a first-of-its-kind formal music manager certification program, designed to elevate and recognise the profession. It addresses a critical industry need for standards, aligning with the establishment of the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority and positioning the MMF (Music Managers Forum) and its members as high-quality, qualified practitioners. The programme aims to establish a quality benchmark for the profession and validate the knowledge and skills of music managers.
Who the MMF Certification is for
The MMF Manager Certification is designed for professional music managers who want their work formally recognised and benchmarked against the highest standards in the creative industries. It is specifically open to MMF Professional members who are actively representing at least one artist, songwriter, producer, or musician.
This certification is particularly relevant for:
Established managers seeking validation of their knowledge and experience.
Managers running a business who want to strengthen their professional foundation and credibility.
International managers working who want to understand the UK market and demonstrate standards.
Managers who lead or employ teams and need to show accountability in line with best practice.
Why You Should Take the Exam
Professional Recognition: The certification signals to music makers, business partners, and the wider industry that you meet a recognised quality benchmark.
Ethical Standards: It embeds CIISA guidelines and the MMF Code of Practice, giving you credibility and showing a commitment to safeguarding and equality.
Industry Validation: Developed with experts in law, finance, and management, the programme proves you understand the complexities of music rights, business practices, and management responsibilities.
Career Advantage: Certification strengthens your profile when negotiating deals, applying for funding, or seeking new clients.
Commitment to Clients: By achieving certification, you demonstrate your commitment to supporting your music makers careers responsibly and sustainably.
Future-proofing: With certification valid for three years, it provides ongoing recognition of your expertise, provided you remain a PRO MMF member.
What Are the Topics of MMF Certification
Eligibility: The programme is offered to members on the Professional tier of MMF (UK) who are professionally representing at least one music maker (artists, songwriters, producers, musicians).
Quality & Standards: The program was developed in partnership with experts from Prager Metis, SRLV, ICONAC, CMU and Simkins LLP. It also embeds the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA) guidelines to ensure top-tier ethical and professional standards.
Industry Leadership: The certification demonstrates a commitment to music makers and workers’ welfare by validating the knowledge of certified, high-calibre managers. This is intended to both drive success and safeguard the well-being of all parties.
Validity: The certification is valid for three years once completed with a continued Pro membership.
Assessment: The certification is achieved by passing a multiple-choice examination, which is supported with video content and supplementary reading.
Commitment: In total, access to around 8 hours of video material is provided, with additional reading. The exam is expected to take 2-4 hours and PRO members have access for one month and can take it in stages.
How the MMF Certification Works
Certification is achieved by completing an online multiple-choice exam, supported with around 8 hours of video content and supplementary reading. You’ll have one month’s access to the materials and can take the exam in stages over 2–4 hours. Once you pass, your certification is valid for three years (with an active professional membership).
Modules Covered in the Exam
The exam covers four standard modules:
Role of Music Management & Managing Business Teams
This module covers the crucial business aspects of management.
Topics include managing relationships with professional teams like insurance providers and accountants, as well as an understanding of management contracts and working with lawyers.
Professional Standards & Ethics
This module focuses on the fundamental responsibilities of a music manager and the MMF’s code of conduct.
It also includes topics on UK Equality Law, Safeguarding and Child Protection, Anti-Bullying/Harassment Training, and the Creative Industries Independent Standards Authority (CIISA)
Music Rights
This module is dedicated to the financial and legal framework of music rights.
It covers Copyright and Licensing, Rights Management & Royalties, an understanding of organisations like PPL and PRS and Data Management.
Finance & Business for Music Managers
This module focuses on the financial health and structure of a manager’s business and the role they play in that of the clients they represent.
Topics include Business Models and Company Setup, Budgeting and Cash Flow Management, UK & International Withholding Tax, working with accountants, and understanding Deals, Investment, and Recoupment.
What is Not Covered By the Certification
Specifics of Day-to-Day Operations: While the program covers general business management, it doesn’t detail the day-to-day tasks like tour logistics, social media strategy, public relations. These vary vastly amongst members’ clients’ needs and as such are supported by other MMF training modules, events and resources.
Creative A&R (Artists & Repertoire): The program focuses on the business, legal, and ethical aspects of management. It does not cover the creative side of a manager’s role, such as A&R, music production, or artistic development.
Marketing and Promotion: The program does not cover specific marketing strategies, promotional campaigns, or working with different types of media (radio, press, digital platforms).
Global Market Specifics: The information highlights UK-specific topics like “UK Equality Law” and “UK & Withholding Tax.” Whilst key specific legal or tax regulations for other countries are mentioned, the certification has limitations for full global implementation, and it is always best to research, consider and apply specific country knowledge where appropriate.
Advanced Financial Modelling or Investment Strategies: While budgeting and cash flow management are included, the program does not cover more complex financial topics like advanced investment strategies or detailed financial modeling.
Mental Health, Psychology or Mentoring: The program touches on the manager’s role regarding welfare and well-being, but it doesn’t provide specific training on the psychological aspects of managing creative individuals, acting as a mentor or advanced mental health support. We signpost members to our partners Music Minds Matter, Music Support and Tonic Rider, who offer expertise in this area and other professional certifications such as Mental Health First Aid England.
FAQ's
I’ve been managing for years. Why do I need to sit an exam?
Manager Certification is about evidencing your experience and knowledge as well as demonstrating the professionalism of the role of music management. Certified managers will be listed on the public database will not only endorse your expertise it will show to the industry music managers conduct themselves professionally and to the highest standards.
Do I need to complete/watch all materials first?
No – Manager Certification has been purposely designed to enable you to dip into bite size chunks. The majority of the modules contain video content of no more than 15-20mins per topic enabling you to study at your own pace within the month of access. If you are an experienced manager it’s also possible to go directly to the exam but we advise familiarising yourself with the content provided.
Why does it not cover A&R, touring or marketing?
The focus of certification is to raise and evidence professional standards across all music managers. Whilst there are areas of expertise managers need to successfully manage their clients, these various and therefore would be challenging or unrealistic to build into the programme. Other MMF Training events and courses cover these areas and are available to members. Our Essentials of Music Management book is also a great overview of the experiences managers have and includes contributions from members on how the manage.
Can I re-take the exam?
Yes – you can re-sit if you don’t pass the first time.
Is it recognised outside the UK?
Manager Certification is UK-focused underpinned by UK law, the MMF UK Code of Practice and CIISA standards. We hope the framework and validation on the course will help with international recognition of the certified professionals.