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Thinking about studying CIMA?

Management accountants are highly sought after, skilled professionals who combine business management with financial and analytical expertise. Studying CIMA demonstrates to employers worldwide that you’re gaining the knowledge and skills they need to drive business success.

  • Why choose CIMA?

    We are the world’s largest professional body of chartered global management accountants, and offer the most relevant accounting qualifications for a career in business and finance. By studying CIMA, you will develop the critical knowledge and skills that employers are looking for and be ready to work in any business – large or small, public or private, all around the world. Our industry-leading assessments and regularly updated qualifications ensure you’ve got the winning edge in the job market.

  • You're in control

    Our flexible syllabus and on-demand exams put you in control of your studies so you can progress through the CIMA qualification at your own pace. With CIMA, you choose when you want to sit each exam, and you can choose where you take it from more than 5,500 Pearson VUE test centres around the world.

    View CIMA's qualification structure

  • Employers choose CIMA

    If you are considering a career in business and finance and want to develop your future with a world-class employer, CIMA is the professional qualification to have. Thousands of companies around the world, from multinationals to the newest start-ups, in both the public and private sectors, train their people with us.

    Find employers who support CIMA

Getting started with CIMA

  • Choose your entry route

    Anyone can study CIMA, whether you’re new to business and accounting or already have some experience. Before registering, find out more about your entry route including information on possible exemptions and where you'll begin studying.

    View entry routes

  • Register with CIMA

    Register now and start studying the most relevant global qualification for a career in business and finance. Studying CIMA demonstrates to employers worldwide that you’re gaining the knowledge and skills they need to drive business success.

    Register now

  • Decide on your study method

    CIMA offers various study options for you to choose from, so it’s important to choose the right learning method for you. View all of the study options in one place with our handy study shop tool.

    View study options

Qualifications

At a glance

Better skills. Better business.

The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting elevates people and businesses to success by developing skills and unlocking talent.

If you don't have any exemptions or a finance or accounting background you will most likely start studying CIMA through the Certificate in Business Accounting (Cert BA).

Power up your career in the world of business and finance by gaining a solid understanding of fundamental accounting, management and business principles.

Find out more

Overview

  • Exams: 5 Objective Tests
  • Time to complete: 12-18 months
  • Designation on completion: CIMA Cert BA

Bridging the skills gap

Producing competent and confident management accounting professionals who can guide and lead their organisations to sustainable success.

The CIMA Professional Qualification is recognised worldwide as the most relevant global finance qualification for business. You’ll develop invaluable finance and business skills and the fundamental knowledge you need to drive business success.

Find out more

Overview

  • Exams: 12 (nine Objective Tests and three Case Study exams)
  • Time to complete: 3-6 years
  • Designations: CIMA Dip MA (completion of Operational level), CIMA Adv Dip MA (completion of Management level), ACMA CGMA (Admittance to membership)

CIMA leads in Islamic finance through a suite of award-winning self-study qualifications that meet market demands and requirements.

If you're a finance, accounting or law professional working in manufacturing, fossil fuel extraction and almost any other industry or sectors seeking to trade or who seek finance for future investment in a Shari’ah compliant manner, then studying one of our Islamic finance qualification is for you.

There are three levels of qualifications:

  • CIMA Certificates in Islamic finance
  • CIMA diploma in Islamic finance (CDIF)

Learn more

How much does it cost?

Find out how much it costs to study CIMA, remembering to take in to account your registration, annual subscription and exam fees along with costs associated with your preferred study method.
See the list of fees

Are there graduate programmes?

Yes, of course. 

If you are looking to study CIMA while working once you graduate from your third level studies, then applying for a graduate position is a great idea. These companies will support you while you study and help you gain valuable workplace experience at the same time.
See graduate opportunities in Ireland

How much can I earn?

A CIMA qualification can increase your earning potential, even while you are still studying. Our global salary surveys show what you can expect to earn as a fully qualified or part-qualified professional.

Check out the latest salary insights

What misconceptions do people have about your job?

Typically people think that my role in finance is just to report numbers when in actual fact it is to deliver insights that drive business performance.

Trever Roe ACMA, CGMA, Commercial Analyst Take Home Trade, Diageo Read Trevor's case study

What are your thoughts about studying CIMA?

The beauty of studying CIMA is that you are not just limiting yourself to financial accounting.

Aishling Collins, ACMA, CGMA, Treasury Accountant, Kerry Group PLC (North America) Read Aishling's case study

How did you balance study with working full time?

The CIMA qualification is extremely flexible in terms of sitting exams so you can plan your study and exams around important events.

Steven Scullion, ACMA, CGMA, Client Services Accountant, Augentius (UK) Ltd Read Steven's case study

How does working help with your studies?

The practical experience you get from your employment will help you progress as the material often translates back to real life working situations.

Hugh Martin, CIMA student, Assistant Management Accountant, Dawn Meats Group Read Hugh's case study