CIMA

Chartered Institute of Management Accountants

CIMA's CGMA Professional Qualification is recognised as the most relevant global finance qualification for a career in business, so ideal if you aspire to work as a senior management accountant or become a business leader.

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Choose your Level

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Certificate in Business Accounting

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CGMA Professional Operational Level

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CGMA Professional Management Level

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CGMA Professional Strategic Level

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Why choose Kaplan?

By choosing Kaplan, you can be confident that you will receive all the expert teaching, support and materials to unlock the door to a long and successful career.

AICPA & CIMA Registered Tuition Provider

Providing the best chance of progressing your CGMA journey. Kaplan is CIMA’s only official publisher.

Proven track record

Training over 7,000 CIMA learners every year. Holders of a Global Pass Rate Excellence Award for the 5th consecutive year, Kaplan’s pass rates are 31% higher than the global average.¹

Unrivalled choice

We offer more pathways to the CGMA designation than any other provider.

¹Versus the global average pass rate of 62%, across Case Study exams in all levels in 2024. Valid as of 2025.

CIMA’s qualifications at a glance

Average duration

3 – 4 years

Average salary*

£80,000

CIMA Members worldwide*

689,000

What you’ll learn

Throughout your studies, you’ll build the acumen to lead businesses. You’ll understand how things work and combine that with leadership skills to create a vital role. You’ll know how to adapt and innovate to drive success, and have the tools to build forecasts that drive decisions to pursue business success.

What you’ll do

CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification will set you up for success in management accounting, that could develop into a business leadership role. You’d look to the future and analyse data to create forecasts and drive business decisions.

Rather than just looking at historic financial accounting data, you’ll look at overarching business performance and how this can be improved. In an ever changing world, this is an essential role that is relevant in all kinds of companies, public and private, big and small.

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*Statistic is taken from Hays UK Salary and Recruiting trends. Valid as of 2025.

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.

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.

Endorsed at the highest level...

Kaplan continue to be a valued and trusted partner, with a long successful history, in supporting students through their CIMA professional exams. They consistently receive the global award for pass rate excellence.

Other routes to becoming CGMA qualified

Earn while you learn

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships provide a structured, applied learning route to enable you to gain relevant knowledge and learn new skills whilst working in the finance profession. You may be eligible for an apprenticeship through your employer, depending on your circumstances. Speak to your employer to find out more.

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All-in-one package

CGMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP)

A fully inclusive subscription package, delivered via an online learning and assessment platform. Learners will access self-directed learning, live online classes, knowledge checks, and real world business simulations, as well as a comprehensive case study review course. Kaplan is the official partner of CGMA FLP Skills Premium.

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