CIMA PQ to CGMA PQ name change - FAQs

• The CGMA PQ is the educational pathway and work experience you must complete.
• The CGMA designation is what you earn upon completion

The CGMA designation is the world’s most widely held management accounting designation, with more than 137,000 designees. The AICPA® & CIMA established it in 2012 to recognise a unique group of management accountants who have reached the leading benchmark of quality and competence. The CGMA designation is built on extensive global research to maintain the highest relevance with employers and develop the most in-demand competencies. CGMA designation holders qualify through rigorous education, exam, and experience requirements

No. CIMA, which employers know and trust, still awards the CGMA designation. The CGMA PQ will open opportunities throughout their careers and make CGMA candidates and designation holders highly sought after by employers worldwide

No. This is simply a change to the name of the PQ

No. The candidates can access the same high-quality resources as before the name change. In addition, the CGMA PQ expands your learning possibilities by incorporating the latest thinking and practices from leading experts.

Absolutely! This name change reflects the combined power and resources of the AICPA & CIMA. Both organisations will continue to serve their members and offer new opportunities through the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants®. CIMA will continue to provide the CGMA Professional Qualification that enables candidates to become CIMA members and earn their CGMA designation.

Yes, CIMA is still the awarding body for the designation, so you still belong.

• The transition brings consistency and recognition of a mastery of management accounting, business, and finance. When hiring a CGMA designation holder, you know they’re hiring the best.
• It means they’re adding digital-first talent to their workforce.
• It means the CGMA designation holders have gone through a rigorous professional education programme that delivers a master’s degree-level command of business and finance skills.

• It gets students off to the best start for a long and rewarding management accounting career, helping them develop the capability, confidence, knowledge, know-how and relevant digital skills they’ll need to succeed.
• It will keep students resilient, ready and equipped with the skill set to adapt to the blistering rate of change, from their first job to their last.
• It gives students access to over 2,500 CPD learning products that foster skills and insights they’ll use at every stage of their careers
• It gives them access to a PQ and syllabus developed in consultation with 5,500 finance professionals across 150 countries