Is CIMA appropriate for me?
Chartered Management Accountants are financially qualified business leaders who operate in all areas of an organisation. CIMA prepares employees for a career in business.
CIMA is appropriate for you if you need to develop additional business and financial strategy skills. Integral to the qualification are a wide range of requirements that give you the expertise to strengthen your position in the job market and add great value to your business.
The CIMA syllabus
The syllabus of the CIMA qualification is set to change from January 2010, which makes the November 2009 exams the last sitting of the current syllabus. The current syllabus has two levels that you need to pass in order to qualify as a Chartered Management Accountant.

1. CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting
2. CIMA Professional Qualification:
- Operational level
- Managerial level
- Strategic level
- Test of Professional Competence in Management Accounting (TOPCIMA)
Unless you hold a relevant exemption, your journey towards becoming a Chartered Management Accountant starts with the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. This incorporates five examinations tested via Computer Based Assessment (CBA). CBA tests are available at our training centres throughout the year, so you can take the exam when you are ready and wherever is convenient.
If you hold an exemption or have completed the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, you can move onto the CIMA Professional Qualification which builds up to Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA) status.
CIMA Membership
In order to become a CIMA member, you will need to complete the CIMA Professional Qualification encompassing nine examinations and the Test of Professional Competence in Management Accounting, which includes a practical experience requirement.
Pleaase click here to download the BPP's CIMA brochure.