Reading list
Using the reading lists
To be well prepared for the exams you should read as widely as possible.
By doing so you will broaden and deepen your knowledge. You will gain an insight into other viewpoints, be able to make comparisons and undertake more comprehensive discussions.
The reading lists, which have been recommended by the examiners, are split into two sections – ‘core reading’ and ‘additional reading’.
The books listed under core reading give satisfactory coverage of the syllabus. For some subjects the CIMA Study System is the only textbook in the core reading section. You will find references to further reading in the CIMA Study Systems.
You should supplement the core reading text with selected material from the additional reading list.
The reading lists offer you some choice in what you use, so you can decide the style of text you prefer to work with. We update the reading lists every year, however, before buying or using a book you should check that it is the most up-to-date edition.
If you are studying any of the Professional level subjects you should read this article by Graham Pitcher. It was published in the April 2005 issue of Financial Management and gives guidance on how reading the business pages of quality newspapers can make your exam answers far more insightful.
CIMA Terminology
You should be familiar with the terms and definitions in the Management Accounting: Official Terminology text.
This text has been updated in line with the current Professional qualification syllabus and is available from CIMA Publishing now.
Keeping up to date
Read your CIMA magazine for articles on new developments which relate to the syllabus - in particular these focus on how new techniques and ideas work in practice.
Our examiners strongly advise you to read a quality newspaper regularly - in particular the business sections of papers such the Financial Times, the Times, the Daily Telegraph, the Guardian and the Independent.
You can also find useful articles and in-depth discussions in the Sunday Times, the Observer and the Independent on Sunday. Quality periodicals such as the Economist are a good source of reference, as are other accounting journals.
Web links to all of these papers and journals - and other useful sites - are available from our Web Resources page.
The published accounts of non-holding companies are another useful reference source - they allow you to see practical examples of current reporting practice
If you live outside the UK read the quality daily and financial press in your country.
