The qualification structure
To qualify as a Chartered Management Accountant you must:
- complete the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting or another exempting qualification
- complete the nine exams from the CIMA Professional Qualification
- gain three years relevant practical experience and send your ‘Career Profile’ to us for approval
- pass the Test of Professional Competence in Management Accounting (TOPCIMA).
This diagram shows the CIMA Professional Qualification structure.
The first exams under the current syllabus were in May 2005.

Important information about receiving your CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.
Upon completion of both the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (the Managerial level) we will send you a certificate to confirm that you have completed these levels of the qualification.
Once you complete your last computer based assessment for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting we will send your certificate and you should receive it within 4-6 weeks.
When you complete the Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (the Managerial level) we will send your certificate by the end of February (if you receive your results in January) or by the end of August (if you receive your results in July).
If you do not receive your certificate within three months of it being sent to you please contact us immediately and we will send you a duplicate certificate.
If you do not receive your certificate and do not contact us within three months of it being sent to you, you will be charged £16 for a duplicate certificate.
Please send all requests for a duplicate certificate to CIMA Contact:
Email: cima.contact@cimaglobal.com
Phone: +44(0)20 8849 2251
Fax: +44(0)20 8849 2450

