How long will it take to complete CIMA?
The five certificate in business accounting exams can be studied and tested at your own pace. Some students complete them in as little as three months. On average, students take one year to complete this level.

Students complete the ten professional qualification exams in four years, on average. Most students attempt two or three exams at each sitting (in May and November each year) but if you are very ambitious they can be completed in three sittings.

You also need three years' experience before you can become a CIMA member. You can gain this experience while studying.

How much will it cost?
CIMA students pay a one-time registration fee, an annual subscripttion fee, and a fee for each exam or exemption. 

For example, if it takes you three years to complete CIMA and you pass every exam on the first attempt, it will cost around £1,200. 

You also need to take into account the cost of study materials and any tuition classes you want to enrol in.

Please note: As of 1 July 2010, new students will not have to pay their first subscripttion (£94) upon registration.

Where can I study?
You can study anywhere in the world. You just need to be sure you get to one of our worldwide certificate-based assessment centres to sit certificate in business accounting assessments and one of our exam centres to sit professional qualification exams.

How can I study?
You can study with a tuition provider, on your own at home, or using a combination of methods. Find out about your options on our studying page.