For many finance professionals, completing the AAT qualification is a major milestone. But once you reach the end of your qualification, it's natural to start thinking about what comes next.

If you're looking to move beyond technical accounting and develop broader strategic and management skills, CIMA’s CGMA qualification could be the ideal next step.

What is the CGMA qualification?

The Chartered Global Management Accountant(CGMA) qualification is designed for finance professionals who want to work in business strategy, management accounting, and leadership roles.

Unlike qualifications that focus primarily on financial reporting or auditing, the CGMA qualification develops the skills needed to support decision-making within organisations.

Throughout your studies, you’ll build expertise in areas such as:

• Strategic financial management
• Risk management
• Business performance analysis
• Corporate strategy
• Data-driven decision making

Once fully qualified, you’ll earn the CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation, which is recognised worldwide.

Common roles include:

• Management accountant
• Finance business partner
• Financial controller
• Finance manager
• Chief financial officer (CFO)

Why progress from AAT to CIMA?

AAT provides a strong foundation in accounting principles, bookkeeping, and financial processes. However, many professionals choose to continue their studies to expand their career opportunities.

Progressing from AAT to CIMA allows you to build on your existing technical knowledge while developing strategic finance skills.

Some of the key benefits include:

• Broader career opportunities - CIMA opens the door to senior finance and business leadership roles.
• Higher earning potential - Strategic finance roles often command higher salaries than entry-level accounting positions.
• Greater influence in organisations - CIMA professionals help shape business strategy and support major decision-making.
• Global recognition - The CGMA designation is recognised by employers around the world.

If you’re still deciding on your next step, you may also want to explore alternative routes such as ACCA. Our guide on moving from AAT to ACCA, and our ACCA vs CIMA comparison can help you weigh your options, so head over there to find out more about your potential next steps.

Alternative routes: funding and flexible pathways

As well as the traditional study route, there are other ways to complete the CGMA qualification:

• Level 7 accountancy apprenticeship – If you’re employed, your employer may be able to fund your studies through the apprenticeship levy. This allows you to earn while you learn, making it a cost-effective option.
• CGMA Finance Leadership Programme (FLP) – A flexible, subscription-based route that combines learning and assessment, allowing you to progress at your own pace.

These options can make studying more accessible, depending on your circumstances, so it’s worth considering which route best suits you.

AAT to CIMA: exemptions explained

One of the biggest advantages of progressing from AAT to CIMA is that you won’t need to start from scratch.

Learners who have completed AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting are eligible for exemptions from several of CIMA’s exams.

Typically, AAT Level 4 graduates can bypass CIMA’s Certificate in Business Accounting, which is the introductory level of the qualification. This means you can begin directly at the Professional Qualification stage.

However, exemptions can vary slightly depending on when you completed AAT and your individual learning record, so it’s always worth using CIMA’s Exemption Calculator before enrolling.

The CGMA qualification structure: level-by-level breakdown

After AAT Level 4 exemptions, most learners enter at the CGMA Operational Level. The qualification is structured into three levels, with each being designed to build progressively more strategic and sought-after skills.

Operational Level

The Operational Level focuses on the day-to-day management of financial information within an organisation.

The modules for this level include:

• Managing Finance in a Digital World (E1)
• Management Accounting (P1)
• Financial Reporting (F1)
• Operational Case Study (OCS)

Management Level

The Management Level builds on operational knowledge, and focuses on financial decision-making and organisational performance.

Modules for the Management Level include:

• Managing Performance (E2)
• Advanced Management Accounting (P2)
• Advanced Financial Reporting (F2)
• Management Case Study (MCS)

Strategic Level

The third and final Strategic Level prepares you for senior leadership roles in finance.

Modules included here are:

• Strategic Management (E3)
• Risk Management (P3)
• Financial Strategy (F3)
• Strategic Case Study (SCS)

After completing the final Strategic Case Study and gaining relevant practical experience, you can qualify as a CGMA.

Study timelines and costs for AAT-qualified students

Most learners study towards the CGMA designation alongside full-time work, so the qualification is designed to be flexible. Your timeline will depend on your study pace and the learning format you choose.

Typical study timeline

While it varies, many AAT-qualified learners complete each CIMA level in around 9–12 months when studying part-time.

Typically, learners complete the qualification in around 2-3 years, although some may progress more quickly depending on their study schedule.

Kaplan course fees for 2026

The cost of studying CIMA can vary depending on the study method you choose. At Kaplan, we offer several flexible options designed to suit different learning styles and schedules.

Here’s an overview of Kaplan course prices by level and study format.

Operational:

• Classroom - from £1,349
• Live Online - from £1,239
• OnDemand - from £879
• Distance Learning - from £409

Management:

• Classroom - from £1,499
• Live Online - from £1,369
• OnDemand - from £899
• Distance Learning - from £449

Strategic:

• Classroom - from £1,649
• Live Online - from £1,519
• OnDemand - from £939
• Distance Learning - from £489

In addition to tuition fees, learners should also budget for CIMA registration, annual membership, and exam entry fees, which are all set by CIMA itself.

Browse our funding options to learn more about how you can pay for your studies.

Start your CIMA journey with Kaplan

If you’ve completed AAT and you’re ready to move towards a strategic finance career, CIMA can be a powerful next step.

At Kaplan, we support learners throughout their CIMA journey with:

• Flexible study options
• Expert tutors and learning support
• Online and classroom courses
• Extensive exam preparation resources

Whether you're progressing straight from AAT or returning to study after time in the workplace, we can help you build the skills needed for senior finance roles.