AAT to CIMA

If you have completed AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting you are exempt from the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and can start the CIMA Professional Qualification straight away.

If you hold the AAT Level 2 certificate or Level 3 diploma (level 5/6 in Scotland) you can still study for CIMA.

You will begin with our entry level qualification, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. When you have completed the certificate level, you can progress to the CIMA Professional Qualification.

We've also removed exemption fees for new students meaning you will pay nothing to have your eligible learning with AAT recognised.

AAT students receive:

• Four-day exemption processing (as opposed to the standard 20-day processing)
• 50% off AAT full membership fees while studying the CIMA Professional Qualification.

1. Register with CIMA
2. Email student.admissions@cimaglobal.com with a copy of either:

(a) Your AAT Statement of Achievement from your MYAAT account that confirms successful completion of the Professional Diploma in Accounting / Diploma or 
(b) Your AAT Professional Diploma in Accounting / Membership Certificate

Make sure the email subject line clearly states your CIMA contact ID and includes 'AAT'.

You will receive an email confirming your exemptions within four working days. Once confirmed, you can check and pay for your exemptions via your MY CIMA account.

CIMA reserves the right to contact the AAT directly to confirm your qualification.

If you’re an AAT member, you’ll get over 50% off your full AAT membership while studying CIMA. The reduced rate is available for the duration of your CIMA studies, regardless of when you became an AAT member. 

Professional members (MAAT) who study with CIMA will pay £70 a year for their full AAT membership, or £64 if paying via direct debit. Fellowship members (FMAAT) who study with CIMA will pay £73 a year, or £67 if paying via direct debit.