Application and assessment

All members wishing to work as a CIMA member in practice must apply for a CIMA practising certificate.

Please read this information carefully before starting the application and ensure all the relevant documents are in place.

All the requirements outlined below are mandatory for applying to become a member in practice.
Each application screen must be completed in full before moving on to the next.

Members in Practice Application checklist

MiP phone line - this is for general queries only, we are not able to help with any technical questions.
If you are experiencing issues with the application process and would like further guidance you can either phone +44(0)203 976 8207 or you can email cima.mips@aicpa-cima.com

How to apply

The Member in Practice application is available through MyCIMA. Before starting the application it is advisable to have completed all the preliminary preparation as outlined on this page.

Please note, a decision should be communicated to you within thirty days. However, should the assessor require further information to support your application, it may take longer.

All members wishing to apply for their member in practice status are required to pay the current member in practice fee.

Your practising certificate is only valid for one year and will be issued upon approval of your application. A replacement practising certificate will be re-issued once your annual member in practice renewal is completed.

Practising under another body

In the first screen of the member in practice application process, members can notify CIMA if they already hold a practising certificate with another body and intend to practice under their regulations. Members practising under another body are not required to complete any further application screens.

CIMA’s Anti-Money Laundering / Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CTF) return:

Please complete this section first as you will be required to upload a copy of it as part of your member in practice application. You must also upload the following documents, where relevant, within your AML/CTF return.
Criminality Test (UK Only)	The Money Laundering Regulations 2017 requires UK MiPs to pass a criminality test. Please see the Members' Handbook for more information and the documentation you may need to submit to satisfy this test.
Practice Risk Assessment (UK and Republic of Ireland only)	It is a requirement of the UK and Ireland AML/CTF regimes to perform a risk assessment of your practice. You will need to upload this when requested during the AML/CTF return. Please see the Members' Handbook for a template that you can amend accordingly.
AML/CTF Policy (UK and Republic of Ireland only)	It is a requirement of the UK and Ireland AML/CTF regimes to have an AML/CTF policy, which sets out your processes to comply with your AML/CTF obligations. You will need to upload this when requested during the AML/CTF return. Please see the Members' Handbook for a sample policy that you can amend accordingly.
Client Risk Assessment process (UK and Republic of Ireland only)	It is a requirement of the UK and Ireland AML/CTF regimes that you assess the level of risk each client poses by taking into account certain factors. You will need to upload your process for assessing client risk when requested during the AML/CTF return. Please see the Members' Handbook for a sample client risk assessment process.

Information needed as part of your application

CV	You must submit a CV / Career Profile (in CIMA’s required format) as part of your application. The CV / Career Profile document can be found here. Guidance on filling in the CV can be found here.
Referees	Details of two referees must be provided: A professional referee - must be a professionally qualified accountant.* A personal referee.* * your referees cannot be a person who you are related to.
Continuity agreement	You must have a continuity agreement in place and submit your partner details to CIMA as part of the application.
Professional Indemnity Insurance (PII)	Details of your current Professional Indemnity Insurance must be entered in the application screen.

Documents you need to declare you have in place

Complaints handling procedure	You must have a complaints handling procedure in place and confirm as part of your application
Terms of engagement	You must have terms of engagement in place and confirm as part of your application.
AML/CTF Annual return	When you complete the return, please follow the instructions on the screen to download a PDF/save a copy of your responses for your records.

CIMA member in practice logo

Members in practice are permitted to use CIMA’s practising certificate holder logo on their website and business stationery. The specifically designed practising certificate holder logo signifies a CIMA member in practice, illustrating commitment and adherence to best practice and a high level of professional standards, which all help to attract and retain clients.

Access to the logo is available through your MyCIMA account upon approval of your application.

Any member in practice whose practising certificate has been suspended or withdrawn must immediately cease holding him/herself out as a member in practice and using the Institute's logo.