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On my first day as a new manager, a former manager of mine who saw the news of my promotion on LinkedIn sent me this message:

“Lead by listening, and your team will follow by choice, not by obligation.”

That was good advice, but in truth, I didn't know how to make it a reality yet. What I needed was training that could help me.

With this experience in mind, I've put together this list of new manager courses that offer an opportunity to learn from experts in leadership and management!

Best New Manager Courses Shortlist

Here's my shortlist of the 5 best new manager courses to take in 2025. I'll cover all these (and more!) in detail below:

  1. The New Manager 2-Day Course (Total Success Training) - Best for intensive, hands-on training
  2. New Manager Training Course (Zoe Talent Solutions) - Best for global reach and flexibility
  3. Management Skills for New Managers (AMA) - Best for comprehensive skill-building
  4. Management Skills for New Managers (Starweaver) - Best for online learning convenience
  5. New Manager Course (Leadership with Louise) – Best for self-paced study

Best New Manager Courses in 2025

I chose these courses based on content, flexibility, and real-world value to help new managers build skills and lead with confidence.

1. The New Manager 2-Day Course (Total Success Training) - Best for intensive, hands-on training

This course focuses on essential management skills like communication, delegation, and influencing your team through interactive workshops, role-plays, and group discussions. Participants will engage in interactive activities and discussions, all aimed at increasing your confidence as you move into your new role.

  • Who it’s for: Newly appointed managers and supervisors
  • Topics covered:
    • Situational leadership
    • Communication skills
    • Effective delegation
  • Online, in-person, or both? Both
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Hours of instruction: 8 hours per day
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: None
  • Price: Starts at £295 + VAT per person

What to expect: The course helps build confidence in leadership roles and equips you with tools for team management. These courses are capped at 8 people per cohort, so you’ll get more personalized attention and coaching.

2. New Manager Training Course (Zoe Talent Solutions) - Best for global reach and flexibility

This new manager course is designed to equip new managers with essential leadership skills. This course stands out for its flexibility and international reach, which provides practical skills in diverse locations.

  • Who it’s for: New managers, project managers, and team leads
  • Topics covered:
    • Conflict management
    • Team motivation
    • Effective communication
  • Online, in-person, or both? Both
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: 5 days
  • Hours of instruction: 8 hours per day
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: None
  • Price:
    • Online: $3350
    • In-person: From $5475

What to expect: The course's interactive approach ensures you can apply what you learn directly to your new role. It also covers tricky topics like becoming a boss to your coworkers and providing constructive feedback effectively.

Stay at the top of your game with insights, inspiration, and how-to’s on the biggest and most pressing topics in HR and leadership.

Stay at the top of your game with insights, inspiration, and how-to’s on the biggest and most pressing topics in HR and leadership.

3. Management Skills for New Managers (AMA) – Best for comprehensive skill-building

This live, instructor-led course offers guided role plays, self-assessments, and practical exercises. Participants will develop the ability to effectively lead and manage high-performing teams, and key retention strategies like ongoing performance management and effective coaching.

  • Who it’s for: First-time managers and team leads
  • Topics covered:
    • Delegation and accountability
    • Communication and feedback
    • Coaching and performance management
  • Online, in-person, or both?: Both
  • Exam required?: No
  • Duration: 2 or 3 days, depending on format
  • Hours of instruction: 8 hours per day
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Certificate from the American Management Association
  • Price: $2,595

What to expect: You’ll learn practical tools for leading with confidence, managing conflict, and motivating your team. Plus, you’ll be better equipped to facilitate effective collaboration and teamwork. This course offers structure, accountability, and a foundational leadership skillset.

One participant shared: “This course presented great formulaic approaches to communication, coaching, delegation, direct-report task diagnosing, management skill application, and motivation. The skills I learned will be useful for years to come and will serve my staff tremendously!”

4. Management Skills for New Managers (Starweaver) - Best for online learning convenience

Taught by Catherine Mattice and the Starweaver Instructor Teams, this is an online course that provides essential skills like leadership, communication, and performance management. It’s great for beginners looking to get a foothold in management basics and effective leadership techniques.

  • Who it’s for: Beginners in management
  • Topics covered:
    • Leadership styles
    • Communication dynamics
    • Conflict resolution
  • Online, in-person, or both? Online
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: Self-paced
  • Hours of instruction: 5 hours
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Shareable certificate upon completion
  • Price: $59/month (Subscription-based)

What to expect: This course gives you a solid foundation in the skills that make for a good manager. From active listening to delegation and conflict management, it covers a little bit of everything—great to get you started on your path to becoming a more effective manager.

5. New Manager Course (Leadership with Louise) – Best for self-paced study

This is a fully online course designed for busy new managers who want to learn at their own pace. It offers practical strategies to build confidence and competence in leadership. It includes a mix of video lessons, worksheets, and practical frameworks you can apply right away.

  • Who it’s for: New managers or team leads with no formal training
  • Topics covered:
    • Setting expectations
    • Delivering feedback
    • Managing team dynamics
  • Online, in-person, or both?: Online
  • Exam required?: No
  • Duration: Self-paced
  • Hours of instruction: 2+ hours
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Certificate of completion
  • Price: $299

What to expect: You’ll get digestible lessons with actionable takeaways, perfect if you’re short on time. It comprises 14 chapters and over 2 hours of video lessons, covering topics ranging from establishing team dynamics, to delivering feedback, setting boundaries, and driving creativity.

Over 10,000 managers have completed the course, with many reporting increased confidence and improved team performance.

6. The New Manager (Australia Institute of Management WA) - Best for Australian-based managers

This course provides hands-on leadership training to help participants develop essential leadership and management abilities by combining theory with real-world applications. It takes place in person in Perth, Australia, and is suitable for anyone leading a team for the first time.

  • Who it’s for: New managers and team leaders
  • Topics covered:
    • Goal setting
    • Emotional intelligence
    • Conflict resolution
  • Online, in-person, or both? In-person
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: 3 days
  • Hours of instruction: 7.5 hours per day
  • Eligibility requirements: None 
  • Recognition: None
  • Price: AU$ 2,265

What to expect: You'll learn practical management tools and strategies to enhance your leadership skills. The course focuses on improving your ability to manage work priorities and support your team effectively, giving you a solid footing for your transition into management.

One student shared: “This training was extremely informative and had a great level of theory, visual and collaborative work to keep me engaged.”

7. Management 1: The New Managers Course (Schulich ExecEd) - Best for Canadian managers

This intensive course provides a structured approach to transitioning from a team member to a management role, focusing on practical tools for leadership and organizational success. The course is part of a larger certificate program.

  • Who it’s for: New and aspiring managers without formal management training
  • Topics covered:
    • Motivational leadership
    • Financial management
    • Organizational strategy
  • Online, in-person, or both? In-person
  • Exam required? Completion of the course alongside Management 2 for a Masters Certificate
  • Duration: 5 days
  • Hours of instruction: 7 hours per day
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Digital badge, 35 HRPA-CPD hours, and 30 PMI-PDU credits
  • Price: $4,750

What to expect: You'll develop key management skills like financial and performance management, but also get a sense of what your leadership style is and how to use it more effectively. The course is in-person in Toronto, ON, so it’s best suited to those who are local or willing to travel for a 5-day intensive course.

8. Leadership Skills for New Managers (Chartered Institute of Marketing) - Best for leadership focus

The course focuses on communication, team motivation, and delegation, distinguishing itself with its emphasis on practical leadership skills. It focuses on practical leadership techniques to help managers effectively direct their teams and foster a positive work environment.

  • Who it’s for: Newly appointed line managers, team leaders, or junior managers
  • Topics covered:
    • Effective communication
    • Team motivation
    • Delegation and meeting management
  • Online, in-person, or both? Virtual
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Hours of instruction: Full day
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: None 
  • Price: £525

What to expect: You'll learn to transition from an effective team member to a leader through hands-on, interactive learning.

As one student shared: “The course was very interactive and the course director really made it a fun learning experience from start to finish.”

9. New Leader (Australian Institute of Management) - Best for strategic leadership development

This new manager course provides foundational skills and tools to effectively manage both yourself and your team. It includes personalized assessments to help participants understand their leadership style and improve team dynamics.

  • Who it’s for: Emerging leaders
  • Topics covered:
    • Effective communication
    • Team building
    • Performance monitoring
  • Online, in-person, or both? Both
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: 2 days
  • Hours of instruction: 8 hours per day
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Certificate upon completion
  • Price: $1676

What to expect: You’ll get comprehensive course notes and free access to three online short courses as part of your enrollment. On-campus students also receive meals and internet access, while virtual students can join from anywhere with a stable connection and basic tech setup.

10. New Manager Skills Course - Part 1 (IGD) - Best for retail industry managers

This online program is designed for those stepping into line management roles in the retail industry. It offers essential insights and practical tools to help new managers navigate their responsibilities effectively.

  • Who it’s for: Individuals transitioning into line management
  • Topics covered:
    • Team motivation
    • Workload management
    • Effective communication
  • Online, in-person, or both? Online
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: 6 weeks
  • Hours of instruction: 6 hours total
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: IGD certificate upon completion
  • Price: Free

What to expect: The course’s webinar presents an opportunity to connect with peers who are also transitioning from individual contributor roles into management, helping you feel well-surrounded and building your network.

11. The New Team Leader/Supervisor/New Manager (Reed Learning) - Best for supervisory skills

This one-day intensive program is designed to equip first-time leaders and managers with essential management skills, with a focus on practical applications such as delegation and conflict resolution.

  • Who it’s for: First-time leaders and managers
  • Topics covered:
    • Delegation
    • Performance appraisal
    • Conflict resolution
  • Online, in-person, or both? Both
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: 1 day
  • Hours of instruction: Full day
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Certificate of completion
  • Price: £297.60

What to expect: You'll gain essential skills to effectively manage teams, focusing on communication and conflict management. The course offers practical insights and strategies for new leaders, accompanied by 12 months of post-course support.

12. Management for New Managers (Reed Courses) - Best for multidisciplinary management skills

This course provides a comprehensive foundation in leadership, project management, and human resources management. It’s a well-rounded option for individuals in various fields wanting to pursue a manager training program.

  • Who it’s for: New and aspiring managers
  • Topics covered:
    • Project management
    • Team development
    • Conflict resolution
  • Online, in-person, or both? Online
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: Self-paced
  • Hours of instruction: 4.7 hours
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Certificate of completion
  • Price: £30

What to expect: Whether you’re a team lead, project manager, or HR professional, this course will help you learn to manage teams, handle conflicts, and improve workplace dynamics. You’ll walk away with downloadable templates and resources to support you in your day-to-day.

13. New Manager Mastery - A Complete Guide to Managing Teams (Reed Courses) - Best for team management mastery

This course offers practical strategies and tools for managing team dynamics, fostering collaboration, and driving performance. It equips you with actionable strategies and tools to enhance your decision-making and boost team performance.

  • Who it’s for: New managers
  • Topics covered:
    • Team leadership
    • Managing stakeholders
    • Decision-making processes
  • Online, in-person, or both? Online
  • Exam required? No
  • Duration: Self-paced
  • Hours of instruction: 9.4 hours
  • Eligibility requirements: None
  • Recognition: Certificate of completion
  • Price: £12

What to expect: With 148 lectures across 8 sections, this course provides detailed guidance to help you confidently transition into a management role. It has specialized focus on things like recruitment and hiring, creating a culture of learning, and hosting more effective meetings with your team.

How to Choose a New Manager Course

It can be challenging to narrow down the right new manager course for you. Here are some factors to consider as you decide:

  1. Identify your goals: Determine what skills or knowledge you want to gain. Are you looking to improve communication, time management, or team dynamics? Knowing your goals will help you find a course that matches your needs.
  2. Research course content: Look at the course syllabus and topics covered. Ensure they align with your learning objectives. For example, if you need to focus on conflict resolution, the course should cover that extensively.
  3. Check instructor credentials: Investigate who will be teaching the course. Experienced instructors with real-world management experience can offer valuable insights and practical knowledge.
  4. Consider the format: Decide whether you prefer online, in-person, or hybrid learning. Online courses offer flexibility, while in-person courses might provide more networking opportunities.
  5. Read reviews and testimonials: Look for feedback from past students about their learning experiences. Reviews can reveal how effective the course is and whether it provides a good return on investment.
  6. Evaluate cost and time commitment: Consider your budget and schedule. Ensure the course fits your financial situation and availability without overwhelming your workload.

New Manager Courses: FAQs

Have questions about new manager courses in general? Take a look at the common questions I’ve answered below.

How do I know if a course is right for my industry?

Look for courses that include case studies or examples relevant to your industry. Check if the course content addresses industry-specific challenges. You can also reach out to the course provider to ask about the relevancy of the material to your field. This ensures that the skills you gain will be directly applicable to your work.

Can I take a course if I have no prior management experience?

Yes, many courses are designed for those new to management. They often start with the fundamentals and gradually introduce more complex concepts. Look for beginner-level courses that don’t require prerequisites. This way, you can build your skills from the ground up without feeling overwhelmed.

What type of certification should I look for?

Look for courses that offer recognized certifications or credits towards professional development. Certifications from reputable institutions can enhance your resume and demonstrate your commitment to learning. They also provide tangible proof of your new skills to your employer.

How do I balance a course with my current job?

Choose a course format that fits your schedule, like self-paced or evening classes. Prioritize your workload and set aside dedicated time for learning each week. Communicate with your team about your learning goals, so they can support you during busy periods.

What if I don’t see immediate results after completing a course?

Don’t worry if changes aren’t immediate; applying new skills takes time. Start by implementing small changes in your management style and gradually build on them. Reflect on your progress regularly and adjust your approach as needed. Over time, you’ll see improvements in your team’s performance and your management abilities.

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David Rice

David Rice is a long time journalist and editor who specializes in covering human resources and leadership topics. His career has seen him focus on a variety of industries for both print and digital publications in the United States and UK.