CIMA · CGMA
CIMA is the world's largest professional body of management accountants. The qualification climbs four progressive levels and, on completion, awards the globally recognised CGMA (Chartered Global Management Accountant) designation. Here's every level, every module, the entry requirements, and the routes we support.
Overview
Every level of CIMA is built across three pillars that run the whole way up the qualification, each deepening as you climb:
At the end of each of the Operational, Management and Strategic levels, a Case Study exam integrates all three pillars into one realistic business simulation. The Case Study is where most students need the most help — and it's exactly where CGMA Academy concentrates its live support.
You sit the objective tests at each level (they can be taken on demand, in any order), then sit that level's Case Study in a fixed exam window. Passing the Strategic Case Study completes the qualification and, with the required practical experience, leads to CIMA membership and the CGMA designation.
The full structure
Click any level to see its modules and the entry requirements to begin it.
Open entry — no formal qualifications required. Each of the four exams is an on-demand, computer-based objective test. Completing Cert BA awards the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting and progresses you to the Operational level.
Entry via the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, or through an approved exemption route — relevant degree holders and AAT members may be exempt from Cert BA and enter directly at Operational. Pass E1, P1 and F1 before sitting the Operational Case Study.
Completion of the Operational level (including the Operational Case Study), or entry via the CIMA Gateway route for eligible degree and professional qualification holders. Pass E2, P2 and F2 before sitting the Management Case Study.
Completion of the Management level. Pass E3, P3 and F3, then sit the Strategic Case Study. Passing the SCS completes the professional qualification; with three years of verified practical experience you achieve CIMA membership (ACMA) and the CGMA designation.
Routes we support
Choose the route that fits your background. We coach all three.
Sit the objective tests and case studies level by level. The classic, flexible path — ideal if you're building from the Certificate or entering with exemptions.
The objective-tests-free Finance Leadership Programme — you still sit one case study exam per level. We provide tuition-only support on top of your FLP subscription. See FLP →
Relevant degree or professional qualification holders can skip ahead via the CIMA Gateway, entering at the Management level. We run a focused Gateway package to bridge you in.
The Gateway in detail
If you already hold a relevant master's degree or professional qualification, the Gateway lets you enter at the Management level rather than starting from scratch.
We check your degree or professional qualification against CIMA's exemption database to confirm Gateway eligibility and where you enter.
Our Gateway package covers the integrated Management-level knowledge (E2, P2, F2) and case-study technique you need to pass the Gateway entry assessment.
Once through the Gateway, you complete the Management Case Study, then progress to the Strategic level and on to CGMA membership.
PER Consultation
Passing the exams is only part of becoming a CGMA. To achieve CIMA membership you must also meet the Practical Experience Requirement (PER) — three years of relevant, verified work experience, recorded against CIMA's competency framework.
Many qualified students stall here simply because the PER record is unfamiliar and easy to get wrong. Our PER Consultation walks you through it: mapping your real experience to the competencies, structuring your record, and getting it submission-ready so your membership isn't delayed.
Ready when you are
Register, choose your level and modules, pick a study option, and start learning the same day.
