The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) is the world’s leading, and largest, professional body of management accountants. Their unique blend of management accounting, financial accounting and business-focused subjects produces competent and confident CGMAs who can lead their organisations to sustainable success.

WHY CIMA? 

CIMA is the world’s largest professional body of chartered global management accountants.

EXAMS:

OBJECTIVE TESTING

You will have to do an objective test (OT) for each subject. The OTs are PC-based exams available on demand – so you can do them all year round. The

results are made available immediately. You must complete each OT within a level before you can attempt the case study (CS) exam for the same level.

So, for each level (except Certificate Level) you will need to complete 3 x OTs and 1 x CS before passing.

CASE STUDIES

You will have to do a case study (CS) exam at each level (except Certificate Level). The CS exams are PC-based and available four times per year in February, May, August and November. These exams combine the knowledge and learning areas within the three pillars from the same level. They include pre-seen case study material. IBTC is an accredited, Pearson Vue exam center. 

GETTING STARTED

Step 1 - Identify your entry route

Depending on your previous qualifications, you may be eligible for exemptions from certain exams. Wait until you’ve officially been awarded your exemptions by CIMA before you make a decision on what subject(s) to start with. Your likely starting point:

School leaver/working/undergraduate - start with Certificate LevelGraduate with relevant degree - apply for exemptions and start with Certificate Level or higherMember of IFAC body/MBA/Masters in Accounting - start with CGMA or CFO Gateway

Step 2 - Register with CIMA

Visit www.cimaglobal.com and click ‘Register as a student’Apply for exemptions (if applicable) or move onDo not select anything under CIMAstudy.comPay CIMA directly or include these fees in your IBTC bookingReceive a confirmation email from CIMA with your contact ID

Step 3 - Apply for exemptions 

Pay your registration fee over to CIMA or IBTC firstSubmit transcripts and certificates of prior qualifications to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. exemption confirmation from CIMA (allow 20 working days)Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to decline any exemptions

 Step 4 - Choose your study method 

Choose a study method that suits you bestConsult with an IBTC student advisor to help you plan your subject selection and study methodSelect either part-time evening or weekend class, online classes, home study or exam prep classesConsult the IBTC timetable on the web for the latest class dates

Step 5 - Book with IBTC

Book your course online or get a quote at www.ibtc.co.za by selecting ‘BOOK NOW’

Select your subjects and study methodsAdd your CIMA registration and exam fees to your booking (optional)Pay in full via EFT or pay a deposit and complete the debit order formReceive your study material and access to your class/tutor

(Note: Study material is dispatched based on the study period you select when making a booking.)

Step 6 - Register for your exam

Book your exam as soon as you start studying. It’s important to set a date and work towards it.

Register for your exam via your MyCIMA accountSelect your closest Pearson VUE exam centre and a date and time that will suit youPay your exam fees directly to CIMA or select ‘pay later’ if you’ve included it in your IBTC bookingReceive a confirmation email from CIMA

Step 7 - Start studying

Each student has unique study needs. Typically, we have found that most successful students follow the approach below:

Check the Pass Assured requirements related to your course firstDraw up your full study plan with your exam date in mindStudy three nights a week, three hours per subject, for ten weeksIncrease your study hours to 20 hours two weeks before your examDo all the questions in your Exam Practice KitDo at least two mock examsWrite your exam within two weeks after your last class

 Step 8 - Get your results

Receive your OT results immediatelyReceive your CS results six weeks after writing your exam

Step 9 - Progress

Complete all OTs and CS exams per levelPay your CIMA subscription fee every yearApply for your free Pass Assured re-do with IBTC if requiredComplete 36 months of practical work experienceObtain the CGMA designation

“A financial qualification within a global context enables world-class competitiveness. Now is an opportune time to pursue a CGMA designation and set yourself apart.”