The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
About CIMA
The CIMA professional qualification is highly regarded and recognised by businesses worldwide.
The syllabus is made up of three elements:
1. The Managerial Level
Consists of six exams in the following subjects:
Paper P1: Management Accounting Performance Evaluation
Paper P2: Management Accounting Decision Management
Paper P4: Organisational Management and Information Systems
Paper P5: Integrated Management
Paper P7: Financial Accounting and Tax Principles
Paper P8: Financial Analysis
At this stage you will develop decision-making and management skills as well as expertise in technical accounting matters. When you complete these subjects you will receive the ‘CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting.
2. The Strategic Level
Consists of three exams in the following subjects:
Paper P3: Management Accounting Risk and Control Strategy
Paper P6: Management Accounting Business Strategy
Paper P9: Management Accounting Financial Strategy
The managerial level syllabus content may also be relevant for the Strategic level exams. For example, content in the Paper P1 Management Accounting Performance Evaluation syllabus may also be relevant in the Paper P6 Management Accounting Business Strategy exam. You must pass all three Strategic level subjects before you can sit the TOPCIMA.
3. The Test of Professional Competence in Management Accounting (TOPCIMA)
Is assessed by one final exam that you will sit, which is based upon a case study and set within a simulated business context. By passing this exam you will prove that you have the ability to transfer your strategic and practical knowledge to real life business situations.
Examinations are three hours long and have a pass mark of 50%. It is essential that you read the subject syllabus before starting your studies.