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Certificate in Business Accounting

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Overview

Certificate in Business Accounting will help you discover your true business potential, teaching core business and finance skills beyond simple accounting. It's a qualification in its own right, but it could also be the start of your CGMA journey as it's a formal entry route into CIMA's CGMA® Professional Qualification.

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Average duration

12 months

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Assessments

4 exams

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Kaplan pass rate

17% higher than global average*

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Award

Cert BA

*Versus the global average pass rate of 63%, across Certificate exams in 2024. Valid as of 2025.

Timetables

Programmes are running regularly throughout the year. View our timetables for scheduled Classroom and Live Online sessions to see when the next one is running.

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Who it’s for

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, but you are expected to have good mathematical and English skills equivalent to GCSE grade C/4 or above. If you have existing accountancy qualifications, you may be exempt from this level, You can check your recommended entry point with CIMA’s exemptions calculator.

Learning outcomes from the course

Certificate in Business Accounting teaches all the fundamentals of business economics, financial accounting, management accounting, and legal, ethical and governance considerations of commercial activity. It will give you a solid grounding in the basics of management accounting and business skills.

Apprenticeships

You may be eligible for an apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances.

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Kaplan is the best CIMA provider. They know what they are doing and what they are talking about. Their material is the best available. No wonder Kaplan is the official CIMA partner!

Vivi Sargioti
Vivi Sargioti Kaplan CIMA student

Course content

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Compulsory

Fundamentals of Business Economics (BA1)

You'll learn about the economic and operating context of business, and how competition, financial markets and government economic policy can affect a company.

from £359.00inc.VAT

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Compulsory

Fundamentals of Management Accounting (BA2)

You’ll learn the knowledge and techniques of management accounting and the role of management accounting in the commercial and public sector. You’ll gain the skills to plan, control, and make decisions.

from £359.00inc.VAT

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Compulsory

Fundamentals of Financial Accounting (BA3)

You’ll learn how to prepare financial statements for single entities within a conceptual and regulatory framework. You’ll gain an understanding of controls, the nature of errors and how to measure financial performance.

from £359.00inc.VAT

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Compulsory

Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance and Business Law (BA4)

You’ll gain an understanding of the professional standards to be demonstrated for the benefit of all stakeholders. The place of ethics and ethical conflict is an essential underpinning for commercial activity.

from £359.00inc.VAT

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Exams

Exam credit for new CIMA members: New members receive an exam credit when registering with CIMA. It can be used within 12 months, so register first to take advantage of the exam credit before booking any exams.

Certificate in Business Accounting

Computer Based Exams

As part of this level you will complete four Objective Tests which can be taken in any order, at any time, on demand.

For more information about CIMA’s exams, visit the AICPA & CIMA website.

from £147.00inc.VAT

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Courses

Inc VAT, excludes exams

Classroom from £779
Live Online from £699
OnDemand from £549
Distance Learning from £359
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Everything you need to succeed

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Expert material

Our courses include expert content, designed to help you pass your exams. You’ll get the only printed and digital study materials approved by CIMA, as well as marked mock exams and practice questions.

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Academic support

Our team of 50+ finance experts and advisors provide gold-standard personalised academic support 7 days a week. We offer exam strategies, study plans, and proactive resit advice.

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Pass Guarantee

If your results aren't as expected, we provide free access to extra content, extended tutor support, and guidance for resitting until you pass your exams.

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The science of learning

We offer dynamic courses based on insights from learning scientists and industry professionals. Our data-driven teaching methods ensure student success and progression.

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Well-being support

Access well-being support through our resource library or speak confidentially with Kaplan's Mental Health First Aiders, safeguarding team, or your tutor and talent coach.

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Accessibility

We're committed to an inclusive learning environment, ensuring accessibility and personalised support for all students to succeed.

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Course includes

  • Study programmeOutlines the course structure, providing guidance on what to do, and when.
  • Printed integrated workbook*A key resource for your studies, it guides you through the syllabus and details when to use your other study resources. Includes space to add handwritten notes.
  • Digital Study Text powered by BibliUCIMA’s official textbook with tools to revolutionise your learning - highlight, note-take and search in seconds.
  • eLearning modules**Interactive tutor-led video modules that teach the whole syllabus and extend learning via tricky topic tutorials.
  • Digital Exam Kit powered by BibliUExam style questions and answers, exam techniques and our recommended revision approach.
  • Printed Revision CardsPocket-sized, brief revision notes that highlight and prioritise the essential topics you need to understand to pass CIMA’s exams.
  • Testing and mocksKnowledge checks, consolidation tests and a progress test* to enhance your understanding and prepare you for revision. As well as 2 marked mock exams that simulate the real exam.
  • Personalised online study spaceMyKaplan is your online learning portal that allows you to access your course content, contact your tutors, and take part in discussion forums. Learn More

We know learners regard our Integrated Workbooks* and Revision Cards as their most used resources, that’s why these are printed. Our Study Text and Exam Kit supplement studies and are provided as interactive digital resources via BibliU. Find out more.

*Not included in Distance Learning.
**Distance learning courses contain self directed e-learning content instead of tutor led modules.

Study methods

Get everything you need to succeed, along with tailored features depending on which study method you choose.

Feature

Classroom
from £779

Free trial

Live Online
from £699

Free trial

OnDemand
from £549

Free trial

Distance Learning
from £359

Free trial
Live, tutor-led classes at set times
Re-watch your lessons
Interactive eLearning modules
Speak face-to-face with tutors and other learners
Speak online with students on the same course
Pass Guarantee
Study at your own pace

Excellent set-up course. MyKaplan site is well resourced and easy to navigate. Great tutor, very knowledgeable.

Matthew Freestone Kaplan CIMA student

The tutors have surpassed my expectations in making the classes easy to understand, interesting and enjoyable.

Frank Fagan Kaplan CIMA student

Ways to pay

Pay for your course using a debit card, credit card, or PayPal. We also offer alternative payment methods to suit your needs.

Invoice your employer

Your employer may fund the costs of your studies if you're already working in a related field and want to develop your learning.

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PayPal Pay in 3

A buy now, pay later service that splits your purchase into three equal interest-free payments. Offering a flexible way to spread the cost.

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Become a Kaplan client

If you're looking to train your staff and upskill your organisation, you can register as a Kaplan client.

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Alternatively, you can apply for one of our payment plans. Spread the cost by paying monthly, so you can focus on learning and passing exams.