2010 professional qualification

The CIMA professional qualification is regarded highly by employers around the world because of its relevance to business. CIMA updates the syllabus every four years, based on the key skills that employers and the market demand. The last update was in 2010.

Qualification structure
The professional qualification consists of ten exams including a final case study. You also need to gain three years of practical work experience.

You will gain expertise in three main areas:

• management accounting
• business management
• financial management.

Operational level
The three exams at this level introduce students to contemporary business subjects like ethics, forecasting, reporting and marketing, from an operations view.

Management level
The three exams at this level focus on subjects like project management, relationship management, analysis of financial accounts and budgeting.

Strategic level
The three exams at this level build on previous knowledge and cover change management, performance evaluation and strategy implementation and managing financial risk.

Test of professional competence in management accounting (T4)
T4 consists of two parts: you must complete three years of relevant, practical work based experience and you must pass a final case study exam where you apply your knowledge to a business problem.

See the full syllabus

Exams and assessment
Exams sittings are held twice a year, in May and November, at centres around the world.

Find your nearest exam centre
Find your entry route to CIMA