What is CIMA?

CIMA is the most relevant accounting qualification for business.

Becoming a Chartered Management Accountant can accelerate your career and boost your salary. It is a proven path to business success.

What is management accounting?
Management accountants interpret financial information to make business decisions. Top CFOs, CEOs and management consultants are Chartered Management Accountants.

Find out more about management accounting.

How is CIMA different?
Most accounting qualifications train you for private practice, working on audit and tax issues. CIMA prepares you for a career in business.

Learn more about how CIMA is different from other finance qualifications.

Will studying CIMA help me get a job?
CIMA-trained people work in industry, commerce, management consultancies, banks and not for profit and public sector organisations. Many of our members work in prestigious, high paying roles.

Read case studies about the varied jobs CIMA students and members do.

Where can I work with CIMA?
All around the world. We have 171,000 members and students working in 165 countries.

CIMA at a glance: fees, salaries, jobs

How long will it take to complete CIMA?
The five certificate in business accounting exams can be studied and tested at your own pace. Some students complete them in as little as three months. On average, students take one year to complete this level.

Students complete the ten professional qualification exams in four years, on average. Most students attempt two or three exams at each sitting (in May and November each year) but if you are very ambitious they can be completed in three sittings.

You also need three years’ experience before you can become a CIMA member. You can gain this experience while studying.

How much will it cost?
CIMA students pay a one time registration fee, an annual subscription fee, and a fee for each exam or exemption.

For example, if it takes you three years to complete CIMA and you pass every exam on the first attempt, it will cost around £1200.

You also need to take into account the cost of study materials and any tuition classes you want to enrol in.

Where can I study?
You can study anywhere in the world. You just need to be sure you get to one of our worldwide certificate based assessment centres to sit certificate in business accounting assessments and one of our exam centres to sit professional qualification exams.

How can I study?
You can study with a tuition provider, on your own at home, or using a combination of methods. Find out about your options on our studying page.

I want to work while I study. How do I find my first finance job?
For a list of employers in your area who already train their staff with CIMA, search our employer database.

For advice on finding a job in finance, visit CIMA MY JOBS. For advice on being accepted onto a graduate training scheme visit CIMA MY GRADUATE JOBS.

What will I earn with CIMA?
Chartered Management Accountants are highly rewarded.