CIMA

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is a British-based organization described as the world's largest professional body for management accountancy. Its activities include training and professional examinations, including the main CIMA qualification, billed as equivalent to a graduate degree. There are lesser qualifications available for students working their way through the process.

The main CIMA qualification follows a syllabus that is broken down into operational, management, strategic and professional competence levels. Candidates must pass all levels to achieve the qualification and become a member of the institute.

The first part of the course is split into three subjects: enterprise, performance and financial management. In each subject, the student must take the syllabus and pass the examination at an initial level known as operational, then pass an examination on the same subject at a more advanced management level. It is possible to move on to the management level in one subject before completing the operational level in the other subjects.

Once the student has completed the six modules, covering the two levels of the three subjects, she moves on to strategic level. This is an even more advanced syllabus and examination for each of the three subjects. The student must pass the management level of all three subjects before moving on to strategic level of any of the three.

Entry routes

The CIMA professional qualification is for anyone with the drive and desire to succeed in business.

All you need is competence in mathematics and the English language.

If you’re new to business or accounting studies, you will first need to work towards gaining the CIMA certificate in business accounting.

This will then enable you to move on to the CIMA professional qualification.

Entry routes to the CIMA professional qualification
Find your route into CIMA on the relevant link in the right hand navigation.

Talk directly to our personal advisors about CIMAWe want to make sure you get advice tailored to you.

If you wish to register as a CIMA student, or discuss any aspect of studying the CIMA qualification, you can speak to one of our personal advisors by calling us on:
 +44 (0)208 849 2251 (select option 1).

Contact centre opening hours: 8am to 8pm (UK time) Monday to Friday and 9am to 5pm (UK time) on first and third Saturdays of every month (excluding Jan/Feb/Jul/Aug).

EXAM SESSION

May and November exams

How to enter
You can check which papers you are eligible to sit here. Do not enter exams until you have received your results from the previous session.

All eligible students may enter for paper based exams in May and November.

Review the entry guidelines.

March and September 'extra' exam sittings

To sit in the March or September 'extra' exams (where available), students must have previously sat or been absent from the paper. T4 students may also sit for the first time.

T4 'extra' exams are available on PC in March, May, September and November, and on paper in May and November. See the 'Where' tab for availability.

You may only enter exams at one exam centre.

	Paper based exams	PC and March/September 'extra' exams
Entry	Exam entries are made through your MY CIMA account. Please read the instructions for exam entry (PDF 156KB) and online user guide before entering.	Contact an exam centre (see 'Where' tab). Your exam centre will provide you with an entry form and process your entry. Please note that availability is limited and you may be required to register for a tuition course.
Payment	Payment is made by credit or debit card through MY CIMA as part of the entry process. Students outside the UK and ROI may choose to pay by bankers draft.	The exam entry fee must be paid directly to CIMA before the payment deadline (you can pre pay your account at any time) by logging into MY CIMA and accessing 'My financials' and 'Settle my account'.
Acceptance of exam rules	By entering the exam you are agreeing to abide by CIMA's exam rules and regulations (PDF 71KB).	By entering the exam you are agreeing to abide by CIMA's exam rules and regulations for paper based (PDF 71KB) or PC exams (PDF 35KB).
Confirmation	By email, within 24 hours. If you do not receive this, check your exam entry in MY CIMA.	By email, within 48 hours. If you do not receive this, contact your exam centre.
Admission advice	Available via your MY CIMA account approximately 1 month before the exam. You must print and bring this to your exam.	Available via your MY CIMA account approximately two weeks before the exam. You must print and bring this to your exam.
Special needs	CIMA welcomes entries from students with disabilities or special needs and is able to provide additional help or concessions, such as extra exam time, as appropriate to individual needs. See further details.
Cancellations	We do not accept cancellations or refund fees.	We do not accept cancellations or refund fees.
Changes	Changes to exam papers and centres can be made. See 'how much' and 'when' tabs for details of fees.	Changes to exam papers and centres can be made. See 'how much' and 'when' tabs for details of fees.

EXAM FEE 2012

Exam fees 2012
CIMA certificate in business accounting	GBP47 per subject assessment. Please note that CBA centres may charge administration fees in addition to the standard fee.
Operational and management levels (May/Nov)	GBP79
Operational and management levels ('Extra')	GBP133
Strategic level (May/Nov)	GBP85
Strategic level ('extra')	GBP145
T4 (May/Nov)	GBP107
T4 on PC ('Extra')	GBP149
Additional late entry fee	GBP199
Very late entry fee	GBP399
Change of exam paper/centre	No charge
Late change of exam paper/centre	GBP64
Very late change of exam paper/centre	GBP86
Exam non payment admin fees	GBP64
Script review	GBP152
Duplicate certificate	GBP21
Admin review	GBP50