CIMA’s Business Accounting Qualification Levels
This is the Certificate level, which offers an entry route to the CIMA Professional Qualification, and has direct links to the three learning pillars on which the Professional Qualification is based. Alternatively the Certificate in Business Accounting can be completed as a stand-alone qualification, providing students with foundational knowledge of the essential elements of finance. Students who have completed all the Certificate exams, can use the letters: CIMA Cert BA after their names.
This is the Operational level, which is made up of 4 ‘subjects’; which consists out of 3 exams (Objective Tests) and 1 Integrated Case Study. Students who have completed the Operational level are awarded the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting and will receive the letters CIMA Dip MA.
This is the Managerial level, which is made up of 4 ‘subjects’; which consists out of 3 exams (Objective Tests) and 1 Integrated Case Study. Students who have completed the Managerial level are awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting and will receive the letters CIMA Adv Dip MA.
This is the Strategic level, which is made up of 4 ‘subjects’; which consists out of 3 exams (Objective Tests) and 1 Integrated Case Study. Students who have completed the strategic level subject must then complete the strategic level Integrated Case Study (ICS) to become CIMA qualified. After passing all your CIMA exams and gaining your practical experience, you will gain the letters ACMA, CGMA.
CIMA Qualification Breakdown
Certificate Level
The Certificate in Business Accounting (CertBA) consists of four subjects which consists out of 3 exams (Objective Tests) and 1
Integrated Case Study . Upon completion students are awarded the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (NQF level 5) and may use the ‘CIMA Cert BA’ designation behind their names.
Subjects:
• Fundamentals of Business Economics
• Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• Fundamentals of Business Law, Corporate Governance and Ethics
Duration:
12 Months
Entry Requirements:
There are no formal entry requirements for the CIMA qualification. All you need is a good understanding of mathematics and the English language.
If you do not have any post-school qualification you will start with the Certificate Level. If you are in possession of another relevant qualification already, you can apply for exemptions with CIMA to start your studies at a higher level. See the ‘Exemptions’ tab for more information.
Operational Level
The operational level is made up of four subjects which consists out of 3 exams (Objective Tests) and 1 Integrated Case Study.
Students who have completed the Operational level are awarded the CIMA Diploma in Management Accounting (NQF level 6) and will receive the letters CIMA Dip MA.
Subjects:
• Management Accounting
• Organisational Management
• Financial Reporting and Taxation
• Operational Level Case Study
Duration:
First level plus an additional 12 months totaling a duration of 2 years.
Entry Requirements:
To enter for any CIMA exam you must be a CIMA student with a valid CIMA contact ID.
If you have completed the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting or received exemptions for the certificate level you may enter at the operational level.
Managerial Level
The management level is made up of four subjects which consists out of 3 exams (Objective Tests) and 1 Integrated
Case Study. Students who have completed the Managerial level are awarded the CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting (NQF level 6) and will receive the letters CIMA Adv Dip MA.
Subjects:
• Advanced Management Accounting
• Project and Relationship Management
• Advanced Financial Reporting
• Managerial Level Case Study
Duration:
First and second levels plus an additional 12 months totaling a duration of 3 years
Entry Requirements:
There are no formal entry requirements for the CIMA qualification. All you need is a good understanding of mathematics and the English language.
If you do not have any post-school qualification you will start with the Certificate Level. If you are in possession of another relevant qualification already, you can apply for exemptions with CIMA to start your studies at a higher level. See the ‘Exemptions’ tab for more information.
Strategic Level
The strategic level is made up of four subjects – 3 exams (Objective Tests) and 1 Integrated Case Study. After passing
all your CIMA exams and submitting your PER (practical experience requirements), you become an Associate Chartered
Management Accountant (ACMA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) – NQF level 7. You can now
use the letters ACMA, CGMA.
Subjects:
• Risk Management
• Strategic Management
• Financial Strategy
• Strategic Level Case Study
Duration:
First, second and third levels plus an additional 12 months totaling a duration of 4 years
Entry Requirements:
There are no formal entry requirements for the CIMA qualification. All you need is a good understanding of mathematics and the English language.
If you do not have any post-school qualification you will start with the Certificate Level. If you are in possession of another relevant qualification already, you can apply for exemptions with CIMA to start your studies at a higher level.
Yes you can start your CIMA studies today!
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You don’t need any previous accounting experience or qualifications or accounting school subjects when you register on the CIMA qualification. What you need, is a basic understanding of Mathematics and English. So that you are able to understand the course material and your lecturers. We courier your study materials to you. From our hands, directly to your hands. You will have your first study materials in days. You can be studying by next week.
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You can call us, email us or chat to your lecturer in your online study group. We will respond on the same day if you submit a request or query before 3 in the afternoon.
You have unlimited access to your tutor. Studies have shown that students who engage with their tutor and ask questions during their studies perform better in the exams.
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Your assignment are marked within a week. And you get useful and detailed feedback from your Tutors.
Your Study Plan tells you which questions, progress tests and mock exams you must do. And when you must do them.