Professional development- management cert?

[PeppermintInfusion]

Has anyone taken a certificate of management?
I'm currently in a non-manager role, although it is of a comparable level. Realistically I would need to move onto a manager track to progress long term (currently on a niche expert role, worry about being pigeon-holed).
I do get some limited exposure to line management etc and certainly mingle at that level and contribute to strategy/decisions through my current role, but I was wondering about the value of a formal qualification. I am considering the Professional Cert of Mgmt with the OU, but it isn't cheap!
So really I'm just trying to gauge if you've either done it and got the benefit, or of you'd value it in an applicant!
I did bit of research but haven't really found anything online.
I'm a contractor, so training is on my own dime unfortunately.

I am undertaking my sectors business management certificate the Cert VBM. The credits can be carried forward to an MBA in the future which is what attracted me as I feel I might what move from practice to corporate in 5 to 10 years time.

Hi, have a look at the ILM website - www.i-l-m.com/Learning-and-Development/Qualification-Finder.
They have management courses from Level 2 (GCSE equivalent) right up to post grad level, and usually local colleges can access funding for employed people through the European social fund so it costs you nothing, but you get to join as a professional member and use their "ILM" letters after your name once you gain a Level 3 award or higher (A Level). The modules are flexible so each training provider will combine either Leadership with Management, or Coaching etc. Even if you end up paying for a course, the fees are usually reasonable and value for money in future as I've noticed quite a few job adverts are asking for ILM qualifications recently. Maybe start with a funded Level 3, then go to a Level 5, as you may then get exemption from some units, so it will cost you less on the higher course? You can also claim tax relief / on the ILM membership fees and I presume the cost of any training is tax deductible as well? I know if you claim tax credits you can knock the membership fees off your yearly income, so people are entitled to more money from tax credits! I've just done 2 courses, so I've still got free student membership for a few months before conversion to full membership, and access to all their online resources - and I really enjoyed the courses!!

Charlene is right it's all tax deductible, but as a contractor you probably have an accountant doing you tax return who will sort this out for you.

Charlene, that's good to know I was looking at ILM too.
Yes it will be tax-deductible, which helps.