Search
Please make sure you are using a supported browser. To find out more click here.

Welcome to CIMA United Kingdom

The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants® The Helicon One South Place London EC2M 2RB
+44 (0) 20 8849 2251

CIMA is the world’s largest professional body of management accountants offering the most relevant accounting qualification for a career in business. If you are considering a career in business and finance, the CIMA qualification will open doors with employers all over the world.

  • Joining CIMA

    Anyone can study CIMA, whether you’re new to business and finance or an experienced professional. Increase your chances of career success by studying with CIMA to become a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

    Find out more

  • Students

    Students

    As a CIMA student, we want to help you by providing the support you need to reach your goal of qualifying as a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

    Student resources

  • Members

    Members

    As a CGMA, you get access to a wide range of benefits and services - explore what’s available to you and ensure you’re making the most of your membership.

    Member resources

  • Partners

    Partners

    As an employer, a tuition provider, a careers adviser or course provider, you help CIMA continue its work as the leading professional body of management accountants.

    Read more

CIMA's exam options

Online exam | Test centre exam

Find out more

AT A GLANCE

The Certificate in Business Accounting is our entry level accounting qualification for students with little or no accounting background. It is a recognised qualification in its own right which is valued by employers.

Our Professional Qualification is regarded highly by employers around the world for its relevance to business.

You don’t have to have a degree to progress with a professional qualification. The apprenticeship route offers a pathway through the qualification with progression from Level 4 (Professional Accounting / Tax Technician) to Level 7 (Professional Accountant) or straight to Level 7 if you qualify for exemptions, then on to membership.

Certificate in Business Accounting

You can study and register for the five certificate exams at your own pace. On average, students take one year to complete this level.


Professional Qualification

On average, students complete the 12 professional qualification exams in four years. Most students attempt two or three exams at each sitting but they can be completed in three sittings.

The Practical Experience Requirements are an essential part of the CIMA qualification. They complement the exams and measure whether students have gained enough experience of applying management accounting skills and techniques and are competent to become a CIMA member.

You will need a minimum of three years’ relevant practical experience, some or all of which may have been gained before registering as a CIMA student.

CIMA students pay a one-time registration fee, an annual subscription fee, and a fee for each exam or exemption. Check our fees list for full information.

New students do not have to pay their first years subscription.

If it takes you three years to complete CIMA and you pass every exam on the first attempt, it will cost around £1,800 (at 2016 prices).

You also need to take into account the cost of study materials and any tuition classes you enrol in.

You can study with a tuition provider, on your own at home, or using a combination of methods anywhere in the world.

Take a look at our Study Shop to see all of the options available to you.

You can now schedule all Certificate in Business Accounting, Professional Qualification and Islamic Finance exams online and over the phone.

CIMA exams can be sat at over 5,000 Pearson VUE assessment centres in over 178 countries worldwide.

Events in your area

Make the most of your membership by getting involved with the events in your area.

Upcoming events

Why CIMA?

What is management accounting?

Management accounting is the sourcing, analysis, communication and use of decision-relevant financial and non-financial information to generate and preserve value for organisations.

Read more 

CGMA

The Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation is powered by AICPA (the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants) and CIMA, two of the world’s leading accounting organisations.

Find out more

START STUDYING TODAY

The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting is being updated for 2017 based on extensive global research with industry leaders and educators.

REGISTER NOW

QUICK LINKS

  • MY CIMA

    Use MY CIMA to schedule exams, update contact details and preferences and pay your annual subscription.

  • CIMA News

    Can we go with Keep up to date with the latest accounting resources and industry updates along with news impacting CIMA members and students across the UK.

  • Events in your area

    Make the most of your membership by getting involved with the events in your area.