CIMA: Course, Syllabus, Exemptions, Eligibility

CIMA, also known as the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants course, is a popular course in the field of management accounting. CIMA is the world’s largest professional body of Management Accountants. The head office of the CIMA course is in London, United Kingdom.

At this point, you must be wondering what CIMA is all about. What are the job opportunities available after completing this course? Is CIMA globally recognised? What are the eligibility criteria for CIMA? And so on.

The answers to all your questions are right here in this article. Let’s find out more about CIMA as a course and a career.

What is CIMA?

• CIMA is a management accounting course that prepares you for an exciting career in finance sectors like banks, audit firms, investment banks, IT sectors, and even e-commerce.
• After completing the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants course, a candidate can explore jobs in professions like Treasury Management, Corporate Finance, Business Analysis, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Project Finance, and Risk Management. 
• Because the CIMA has a partnership with the US CPA board, a CIMA credential and 36 months of practical experience allow you to get an extra CGMA designation.

CIMA Career Scope: Your Path to Strategic Management Accounting

The CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants) has been providing the most prestigious professional qualification for management accountants throughout the world. It stands out as an innovative qualification, which integrates solid and reliable financial reporting with an active role in the ultimate decision-making process of business, thus equipping the candidates for the most demanding roles in corporate finance. 

The CIMA qualification is based on the pillars of business performance, risk management, and strategic planning. The CIMA certification has the potential to lead you to the internationally recognised positions of Financial Controller, Business Analyst, and Finance Manager. 

Zell Education has taken the responsibility of providing organized CIMA coaching that will help you to acquire the fundamental skills required to work in the finance sector strategically; thus, you will have a rewarding CIMA career and even a leading position in the corporate world.

CIMA Course Details

To dive deep into what CIMA is and what your learning journey might look like if you happen to choose this course, here are some quick details on the CIMA course.

CIMA Syllabus:

Do you want to know what you’ll be learning while pursuing CIMA? This is a comprehensive review of the CIMA syllabus and learning concepts.

Certificate Level

• BA 1: Fundamentals of Business Economic
• BA 2: Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• BA 3: Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• BA 4: Fundamentals of Ethics, Corporate Governance, and Business Law
• Exam: 4 Objective-type Exams
• Award: CIMA Certificate in business accounting, CIMA cert BA

Operational Level

• E1: Organisational Management
• P1: Management Accounting
• F1: Financial Reporting and Taxation
• Exam: 3 Objective-type Exams and 1 Case study Exam
• Award: CIMA Diploma in management Accounting (CIMA dip MA)

Management Level

• E2: Project and Relationship Management
• P2: Advanced Management Accounting
• F2: Advanced Financial Reporting
• Exam: 3 Objective Type Exams and 1 Case study Exam
• Award: CIMA Advanced Diploma in Management accounting (CIMA ADV DIP MA)

Strategic Level

• E3 : Strategic Management
• P3 : Risk Management
• F3 : Financial Strategy
• Exam: 3 Objective Type Exams and 1 Case study Exam

CIMA Exemptions

If you’re wondering whether the CIMA institute does or does not offer exemptions, we have some good news for you. The CIMA course does offer exemptions in certain cases. What’s more? The Institute does not levy any additional charge on the exemptions availed.

• CIMA, or the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICMAI), signed an MOU in 2015 that stated a more seamless entrance process for members of both professional bodies beginning in March 2015.
• The members of ICMAI with specific degree qualifications or work experience would be provided with an exclusive pathway route by CIMA and allowed exemptions for 16 exams: the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting (5 exemptions) and Professional Qualification (11 exemptions), leading up to the strategic case study exam. 

What is CIMA Eligibility?

Wondering what the eligibility requirements are for enrolling for CIMA? Here’s all you need to know about CIMA eligibility.

• To enrol for the CIMA course, you either need a class 10th passing certificate or an O-level or an intermediate or an A-level.
• You can also enrol for the course with an undergraduate or graduate degree in any field. 
• For an easy entry into the CIMA course, the best route is an MBA degree or a professional accounting qualification.

Is CIMA the Right Career Path for You? Explore Your Options

We hope that with this detailed article on the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), you have received an in-depth understanding of what the profession looks like and what to expect. If you are interested in getting into this exciting and equally dynamic field, then pursuing a CIMA degree would be a good choice.

However, if you are looking to become a Management Accountant in a shorter duration, then US Certified Management Accounting is what you should be pursuing. To know more about the Certified Management Accountant course, click on the WhatsApp icon at the side of this blog and get in touch with our experts directly.

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FAQs on What is CIMA:

What kind of professional responsibilities does a CIMA-qualified expert handle?

A CIMA professional specialises in management accounting, driving business strategy, financial decision-making, and risk management within an organisation.

Who is eligible to begin the CIMA professional qualification journey?

You can start the eligibility for CIMA with no prior qualifications, but a strong background in English and Mathematics is recommended.

What is the typical starting CIMA salary for professionals in India?

The salary of CIMA in India is competitive, with a qualified professional often starting with packages between ₹6 and ₹12 lakhs annually, varying by role.

What kind of compensation can a CIMA charterholder expect globally?

The average annual CIMA salary for charterholders worldwide is high, reflecting expertise in strategic finance and management roles.

Is CIMA better than CA for a career focused on corporate strategy and management?

Neither is “better”, but CIMA focuses on global management accounting and strategy, whereas CA is stronger for audit, tax, and local compliance.

How difficult is it to clear the full CIMA qualification, including the case studies?

Is CIMA very hard? It’s challenging and rigorous; dedicated study, which Zell Education supports, and applied knowledge are key to passing the case studies.

What is the overall financial cost involved in pursuing the CIMA qualification?

The total CIMA cost includes registration, subscription, and exam fees, which are tiered by location, plus the cost of study materials like those from Zell Education.

Current Role

Co-founder and Executive Director at Zell Education

Education

• Chartered Accountant (CA) from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (2010 – 2015)
• Company Secretary (CS) from The Institute of Company Secretaries of India (2011 – 2013)
• Bachelor in Financial Markets, Finance, General from H.R. College Of Commerce & Economics (2010 – 2013)

Location

Mumbai, India

Expertise

CA Certified, CS Certified