CIMA is open to all from school leavers and graduates through to employees with a number of years’ experience. No previous academic qualifications or work experience are required to register and begin studies. Those with relevant degrees or qualifications may receive exemptions from certain exams. To know the suitable exemptions for you, please discuss it with us.

CIMA qualification consists of four levels: Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA), Operational Level, Management Level, and Strategic Level. Each level builds on the previous one, culminating in the CIMA designation.

The time required to complete the CIMA qualification varies by individual commitment and study pace. Typically, it can take anywhere from 3 to 5 years to complete all levels, including required work experience.

CIMA exams are computer-based and comprise multiple-choice questions (MCQs), objective test questions, and case studies at the higher levels. Each level has specific subject assessments.

‣ Associate/ Fellow Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA/FCMA)
‣ Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) the professional global designation common between the CIMA UK and the CPA USA Members.

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation is a globally recognised distinction of accounting and finance professionals who guide strategic decision-making and drive business performance in organisations around the world. CGMA is the professional global designation common between the CIMA UK and the CPA USA Members.

Management accountants with the CGMA designation are strategic counsellors for businesses. CGMA designation holders are able to bridge the gap between business, strategy and finance to make informed, insightful decisions. The CGMA designation identifies finance professionals with analytical skills and the strategic vision to meet short-term challenges and create long-term sustainability for organisations. Anyone who wants to cultivate their commercial skills, strategic ability and transformational mindset can work towards the CGMA designation.

The practical experience requirements (PER) are an essential part of CIMA’s CGMA® Professional Qualification. Once you have completed both the CGMA exams and your PER application you will be awarded CIMA® membership and the CGMA designation.

The PER requirements complement your exams and measure whether you have gained enough experience in management accounting. You will need a minimum of 3 years of verified practical experience in a relevant role, some or all of which you may have gained before registering as a candidate.

Your PER submission will be assessed to determine whether you have:

• accrued enough experience in a finance role,
• achieved core work activities, and
• developed critical professional skills and behaviours.

The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and its predecessors have served the public interest for 137 years. The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) was founded in 1919 and has helped shaped the profession for over a century. In 2017 both professional bodies came together as AICPA & CIMA to forge a powerful international alliance that promotes accounting and finance in every corner of the world.

All members must keep a record of their CPD throughout their career. Both AICPA and CIMA members follow the same CPD policy, meaning everyone working towards the CGMA designation must keep a record of learning activities they take to continue their development and remain professionally competent.

• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) focuses on management accounting and strategic business management, preparing professionals for roles that involve financial decision-making in organizations.
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant) emphasizes management accounting and financial management, particularly in internal business settings, equipping professionals with skills for management roles.
• CPA (Certified Public Accountant) centers around financial accounting, auditing, and taxation, primarily preparing accountants for roles in public accounting and regulatory compliance.

CIMA aims to develop strategic management accountants who can drive business performance and decision-making in dynamic environments. Its curriculum covers various areas, including management accounting, financial strategy, risk management, and strategic business leadership, ensuring that professionals are equipped to meet the challenges of modern organizationse other hand, CMA focuses on equipping professionals with advanced skills in financial planning, performance management, and analytics. The CMA curriculum emphasizes core topics such as budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis, enabling management accountants to contribute effectively to internal decision-making processes .

CIMA offer a wide range of options for students having previous qualifications and/or experience, our dedicated team will be helping in sort out the exact exemptions available whenever required. We will assist you by assessing your certifications and detailed work experience.