CIMA recognises MBA or Master's in accounting holders as future business leaders.
We have developed an accelerated route into the CIMA professional qualification.
Completion of the master's gateway route and CIMA membership will enable you to:
- offer strategic advice
- make and support key decisions
- manage risk and change in today’s challenging business climate
- commit to a robust professional code of ethics
- demonstrate ongoing professional development.
MBA or Master's in accounting holders who can demonstrate this level of professionalism will have a strong advantage in the job market.
After consulting with leading business schools and employers, CIMA is able to offer those with an MBA or a Master's in accounting qualification the opportunity to ensure their future success.
Master's gateway assessment
As an MBA or a Master's in accounting holder, you are eligible to take up the gateway assessment. On successful completion of the exam, you will be granted 11 exemptions from the CIMA professional qualification (all exemptions are free) and will be awarded the CIMA advanced diploma in management accounting.
You will then be able to enter the strategic level papers P3, E3 and F3.
Find out about the exam
Find exam information here.
The offer
Registration for the masters gateway route is GBP600.
This package includes:
your CIMA student registration fee
- one exam entry and attempt at the assessment exam
- five CIMAstudy.com online study modules (E2, P2 and F2 plus two others*).
*Students will be able to chose one of four options:
Option A: C1 + C2: This option may be suitable for an MBA graduate with a non accounting background, or anyone who would like to brush up on the basics. These papers cover the fundamentals of management and financial accounting; which are considered ‘assumed knowledge’ for the gateway paper.
Option B: P1 + F1: This option may be suitable for an MBA graduate who would like to become more familiar with the performance and financial pillars, which form part of the gateway assessment. The performance pillar considers how finance facilitates the way strategy is formulated and implemented; whilst the finance pillar considers how financial statements are prepared and interpreted.
Option C: E1 + P1: This option may be suitable for a Master's in accounting graduate who would like some focus on the enterprise and performance pillars. The enterprise pillar considers how we formulate and effectively implement strategy; whilst the performance pillar considers how finance facilitates the way strategy is formulated and implemented.
Option D: E1 + F1: This option may be suitable for a Master's in accounting graduate who would like some focus on the enterprise and financial pillars. The enterprise pillar considers how we formulate and effectively implement strategy; whilst the finance pillar considers how financial statements are prepared and interpreted.
Please ensure you select the option most appropriate to you.
To help you make your choice, please have a look at the current certificate and professional level syllabi.
Stand out as a future business leader
CIMA is a proven route to achievement in a dynamic and rewarding career. Our commitment is to help you learn, develop and fulfil your business potential.
Register as a CIMA student and select Master's gateway route.
If you were a CIMA student and have lapsed, you can re register for the master's gateway route.
Login to MY CIMA using your contact ID and password, and choose 'Settle my account’ under 'My Financials’.
For more information please see the frequently asked questions.
Student registration deadline
You must have registered as a CIMA student by 31 January to enter the May exam and by 31 July to enter the November exam.
Exam entry deadlines
To sit the master's gateway assessment exam in May, ensure you register for the assessment by 14 March.
To sit the exam in November, ensure you register for the assessment by 14 September.