CIMA

CIMA’s Qualifications

CIMA’s qualifications include Certificate in Business Accounting, a standalone ‘beginner’ qualification, and the CGMA Professional Qualification, which is split into three levels: Operational, Management, and Strategic. If you have an accountancy or finance degree, or are AAT qualified, you may be eligible to start at the CGMA Professional Qualification. You can check your recommended entry point with CIMA’s exemptions calculator.

Choosing this route will give you the most flexibility to progress throughout your studies. You can choose from four different study methods, and mix-and-match throughout your learning, plus complete your course and sit your exams as quickly or as slowly as you would like.

1. Certificate in Business Accounting

   Your starting point if you're new to accountancy. You'll learn the fundamentals of business economics, financial accounting, management accounting, and the legal, ethical and governance considerations of commercial activity. Certificate in Business in accounting is a qualification in its own right, and also forms a formal entry route to the CGMA Professional Qualification. Most students take around 12 months to complete the qualification.

   Go to Certificate

2. CGMA Professional Operational Level

   Teaches you about how finance interacts with the rest of the organisation, costing and analysis used in production, and financial reporting and taxation. You'll take around 12 months to complete the level.

   Go to CGMA Operational

3. CGMA Professional Management Level

   Equips you with the skills to perform advanced management accounting and advanced financial reporting tasks. You'll also learn about business ecosystems, managing people and projects. You'll take around 12 months to complete the level.

   Go to Management

4. CGMA Professional Strategic Level

   Develops your leadership and strategic management abilities, as well as your risk management and financial strategy skills. You'll take around 12 months to complete the level.

   Go to CGMA Strategic

To achieve the CGMA designation, you’ll need to complete or have exemptions from all three Professional Levels and have three years of relevant practical experience.