Overview
The main objective of this subject is to obtain a practical understanding of financial accounting and the process behind the preparation of financial statements for single entities.
These statements are prepared within a conceptual and regulatory framework requiring an understanding of the role of legislation and of accounting standards. The need to understand and apply necessary controls for accounting systems, and the nature of errors is also covered. There is an introduction to measuring financial performance with the calculation of basic ratios.
Summary of syllabus
Each subject is divided into a number of broad syllabus topics.
A percentage weighting is shown against each syllabus topic and is intended as a guide to the proportion of study time each topic requires.
It is essential that all topics in the syllabus are studied, as all topics will be examined.
| Weight |
Syllabus topic |
| 10% |
A. Accounting Principles, Concepts and Regulations |
| 50% |
B. Recording Accounting Transactions |
| 30% |
C. Preparation of Accounts for Single Entities |
| 10% |
D. Analysis of Financial Statements |
Assessments
Format: computer based
Availability: on demand at any of the 5,500 Pearson VUE centres around the world
Length: 2 hours
Questions: BA1, BA2 and BA3 each contain 60 objective test questions, while BA4 contains 85 objective test questions.
Marking: computer marked
Results: provisional result available immediately followed by confirmation no more than 48 hours later
Further information
Objective Tests are comprised of a range of items including short multiple choice questions, number entry questions, drag and drop questions and other formats. In BA2 and BA3 short scenarios may be given to which one or more objective test questions relate.
Latest exam pass rates
Transition arrangements
The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (2011 syllabus) examinations will be available until 10 January 2017. Examinations based on the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (2017 syllabus) will commence on 11 January 2017.
Some registered CIMA students will have passed examinations (or have been awarded exemptions from examinations) before 11 January 2017 based upon the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (2011 syllabus) or earlier. Students will be given credits for subjects within the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (updated syllabus), as shown in the table below.
Click on the relevant 2017 subject to download a transition guide, showing how syllabus content has moved between syllabi.