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 Level
• Graduate with relevant degree - apply for exemptions and start with Certificate Level or higher
• Member 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 on
• Do not select anything under CIMAstudy.com
• Pay CIMA directly or include these fees in your IBTC booking
• Receive a confirmation email from CIMA with your contact ID

Step 3 - Apply for exemptions
• Pay your registration fee over to CIMA or IBTC first
• Submit transcripts and certificates of prior qualifications to [email protected]
• Receive exemption confirmation from CIMA (allow 20 working days)
• Email [email protected] to decline any exemptions

Step 4 - Choose your study method
• Choose a study method that suits you best
• Consult with an IBTC student advisor to help you plan your subject selection and study method
• Select either part-time evening or weekend class, online classes, home study or exam prep classes
• Consult 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 methods
• Add your CIMA registration and exam fees to your booking (optional)
• Pay in full via EFT or pay a deposit and complete the debit order form
• Receive 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 account
• Select your closest Pearson VUE exam centre and a date and time that will suit you
• Pay your exam fees directly to CIMA or select ‘pay later’ if you’ve included it in your IBTC booking
• Receive 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 first
• Draw up your full study plan with your exam date in mind
• Study three nights a week, three hours per subject, for ten weeks
• Increase your study hours to 20 hours two weeks before your exam
• Do all the questions in your Exam Practice Kit
• Do at least two mock exams
• Write your exam within two weeks after your last class

Step 8 - Get your results
• Receive your OT results immediately
• Receive your CS results six weeks after writing your exam

Step 9 - Progress
• Complete all OTs and CS exams per level
• Pay your CIMA subscription fee every year
• Apply for your free Pass Assured re-do with IBTC if required
• Complete 36 months of practical work experience
• Obtain 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.”