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Earning the CIMA qualification is one of the most effective ways to help you land an accounting or finance job. As an industry-recognised certification, the CIMA qualification is a high-level accounting qualification on management accounting and financial strategies.
With CIMA being an advanced qualification, most entry-level candidates take the Certificate in Business Accounting as a starting point for the professional qualification.
So, how long does CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting take? What are the factors that can affect your completion time? All these questions and more will be answered as we explore the study duration for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting.
Before we discuss how long the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting takes, let's first review the qualification.
The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting is the entry-level qualification the offers. This qualification provides a solid foundation in key areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, business acumen and economics. Once you have completed your CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, you'll gain a recognised qualification to validate your skills and expertise and earn the designatory letters 'CIMA Cert BA' to go after your name. With 96% of FTSE 100 firms preferring candidates with CIMA qualifications, you'll stand out as a highly qualified candidate in the global job market.
Additionally, this qualification is a formal entry route to the CIMA Professional Qualification. Since the Certificate in Business Accounting is an entry-level qualification, it has no formal prerequisites and is open to everyone regardless of their background, prior experience or qualifications. All you need is a strong interest in finance and basic maths skills.
The CIMA Certificate level is divided into four exams that underpin management accounting, economics, financial accounting, and corporate governance. Here's a brief overview of the subjects that you will take in each exam and their weighted grade:
As mentioned, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting comprises four exams with varying study duration. Here's the breakdown of how much time you need to study each exam:
Note that these are estimated course durations for each exam if you study for an average of 5 to 8 hours per week. If you stick with this study schedule per week, you can complete the full CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting in 6 to 12 months.
You can fast-track your progress through the CIMA Certificate with the right strategies. Here are some tips you can apply so you can finish the qualifications faster:
Studying the CIMA qualifications requires time, effort, money, and a long-term commitment, so it's important to know how long it will take to complete them.
The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting typically takes 6-12 months to complete if you study an average of 5 to 8 hours per week. During this timeframe, you'll learn the foundations of accounting and finance and be prepared for the advanced levels of CIMA qualifications.
After the Certificate level, you'll move on to the CIMA's CGMA Professional Qualification, which consists of three levels: Operational, Management, and Strategic. These levels of Professional Qualification further develop the essential skills needed to become a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA). Each level will take less than 12 months if you study 5 to 8 hours weekly.
If you begin with the Certificate in Business Accounting and go through all the Professional Qualification levels, it will take you 3.5 to 4 years to complete all the CIMA Qualifications.
The time it takes to complete the CIMA qualification will depend on various factors, including:
Your study schedule directly affects how quickly you progress in your qualification. Going full-time with your studies allows you to cover more topics and spend more time understanding them.
Your study schedule depends on whether you have existing commitments such as work, responsibilities, or even personal matters. So, going part-time will let you attend to your prior commitments while still studying your qualifications.
A background in accounting or finance is advantageous, helping you better understand the course materials. In some cases, you may qualify for exemptions based on your prior qualifications, which lets you complete the qualifications faster.
How fast or slow your study pace is will dictate your course progress. Some learners have an intensive schedule which covers the course quickly, while others prefer a slower pace. Both approaches to studying CIMA are valid—what matters most is finding sticking to your own pace that works.
Ultimately, the duration depends on your circumstances and learning style. Whether you move quickly or take your time, the CIMA qualification is a valuable achievement at any pace.
The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting is a Level 4 qualification in the UK's Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) standard. This means that it is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree or an HNC-level qualification.
Once you earn your CIMA Certificate in Business and gain the designatory letters 'CIMA Cert BA', you can then apply for job roles related to accounting and finance.
Typical job roles and current salaries include:
The CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting stands out for its fundamental accounting, finance, and management knowledge, which prepares you for the advanced CIMA levels. It’s also recognised globally, so it is valuable for professionals looking for international career opportunities. Here's how it'll compare to other accounting qualifications.
Comparing it to the AAT Level 4 Diploma in Professional Accounting, both accounting qualifications are level 4 qualifications. This means that both qualifications are equivalent in the RQF. However, while they're similar in qualification level, AAT Level 4 focuses more on financial accounting and core accounting skills. CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, on the other hand, focuses more on management accounting, finance, economic, and operating context.
CIMA has a broader international reach, with more than 500,000 members and students globally. It’s also recognised as one of the largest institutes for management accounting and a partner of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) is a professional body widely known for providing industry-recognised advanced accounting qualifications. ACCA qualification covers key accounting areas such as financial accounting, management accounting, taxation, auditing, and corporate finance. Meanwhile, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting focuses more on management accounting and business management to prepare you to become a Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Getting a degree in accounting or finance covers a broader scope that can lead to further academic pursuits. While the CIMA Cert BA is equivalent to a first-year bachelor's degree, it's more focused on practical skills that can lead to immediate employment. This makes the qualification more cost-effective than a bachelor's degree.
Yes, studying and passing the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting exams can be challenging. The varying pass rates for each exam in the Certificate level, as shown below, can depict the levels of preparation needed for success:
Source: CIMA exam pass rates November 2023 - November 2024.
Some of the challenges that learners face when studying the qualifications and taking the exams include:
Fortunately, numerous resources are available that can help you overcome these challenges, particularly in understanding core concepts. CIMA offers official learning resources such as study guides, StudyHub, and CIMAstudy.
e-Careers also provides comprehensive training courses for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting, helping you gain essential skills that will fast-track your career advancement.
All these learning resources can make your CIMA journey more manageable and attainable.
Achieving success in CIMA exams involves more than just studying hard. Besides how hard you study, several other factors can influence your CIMA exam results. These factors include your exam preparation time, how much information you've retained during your prep, exam techniques, support, guidance in the course, and the study resources available to you.
Ultimately, all these considerations contribute to the success rates of learners taking the CIMA exams.
You can get exemptions on your exams while studying for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. Exemptions allow you to complete the qualifications faster based on your previous qualifications or experiences. Here's how you can determine if you can claim your exemptions:
CIMA offers exemptions to CIMA candidates who have relevant background, prior qualifications, or experience.
In general, you can qualify for exemptions if you:
You can further confirm your eligibility with the CIMA exemption calculator. Simply input your qualifications and years of experience working in the industry to know which modules or levels you may skip.
Once you've determined your exemptions, you must register as a CGMA candidate and submit the necessary documents.
Upon successful review, the approved exemptions will be added to your account. The exemptions will be reflected during your course enrollment.
Planning for your CIMA studies should account for more than just the completion time. Another significant aspect you must consider is the cost to cover during your studies.
Here's a breakdown of the key costs to consider when studying the CIMA qualification:
These fees can add up as you're studying for the qualification, but there are ways to reduce the financial burden. One way to minimise costs is by applying for scholarships or checking for discounts for your CIMA studies. You can also apply for exemptions to help you skip over exams or subjects. Both approaches can reduce the costs you'll incur in your studies.
As an investment in your career, the benefits of completing the CIMA Certificate are often worth it. CIMA graduates see higher earning potential, more career opportunities and increased professional recognition. This makes studying CIMA qualifications worthwhile if you consider advancing your accounting or finance career.
Jan Honzak, Senior Cloud Accountant at Grunberg & Co, credits his career success to studying CIMA and earning the CGMA qualification. He started as a Finance Manager for a medium-sized company within the catering industry with a hands-on approach at work.
Studying the CIMA qualification is why he joined a practice firm like Grunberg. The qualification aligns with his career goals since his work now focuses more on management accounting and advisory than financial accounting. He also highlights how CIMA's syllabus helped him adapt as he transitioned to the new role. The qualification also built his confidence, making him more comfortable in senior meetings.
Jan's growing expertise and progress at Grunberg have earned him recognition, including Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year awards.
If you're considering taking the CIMA Professional Qualification, the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting can be your formal entry route to the advanced qualification. This entry-level qualification takes less than 12 months to complete and will provide foundational business, accounting, and finance skills. You can then use the qualification to advance your career or pursue advanced CIMA levels. And to help with your CIMA studies, e-Careers delivers everything you need to succeed.
Earning your CIMA qualification has never been more attainable with us! e-Careers helps aspiring professionals transition to their dream finance careers. We provide training courses via our eLearning, CIMA-accredited courseware, and hardcopy books so you can be sure you're receiving comprehensive study resources. With the support of our expert accounting tutors, you'll receive personalised guidance to help you make steady progress towards your career goals.
For more information about our CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting course, call us at +44(0) 20 3198 7700 or email us at ask@e-careers.com to speak with our career advisors.
Can you earn the Cert BA after completing AAT?
If you have completed the AAT qualification, you can earn the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting by applying for exemptions. Your AAT certifications can help you skip the entry-level qualification and use it as a formal entry route to the CIMA Professional Qualifications.
How does CIMA compare to ACCA and CPA?
CIMA, ACCA, and CPA are highly valued certifications with varying focuses and specialisations. CIMA specialises in management accounting, finance, and business acumen. ACCA covers a broad range of accounting areas, which include auditing and tax. Finally, becoming a CPA means being certified in accounting practices tailored to the US market.
What study materials are available for CIMA?
After registering as a CIMA student, you'll receive official study materials such as study texts, practice exams and platforms like StudyHub and CIMAstudy. We also provide comprehensive study resources and Tutor support to help you pass your CIMA exams.
What free resources can I use to prepare?
Several free resources are available in your CIMA StudyHub to help you prepare for the CIMA Certificate in Business Accounting. These resources include practice tests, study planners, shared study notes, and peer support. You can also refer to YouTube videos and open-access resources such as articles, podcasts, and blogs.
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