Your journey to the CGMA® designation

When you take the step to pursue the CGMA designation, you gain access to invaluable resources — including a network of 689,000 AICPA and CIMA members, students and engaged professionals in 192 countries and territories.

The CGMA® designation

The most widely held management accounting designation in the world

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The letters

These four letters — CGMA — boost your credibility, which can accelerate your career. As a Chartered Global Management Accountant, you show employers that you mean business.

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The unique skill set

Adding the designatory letters to your name boldly demonstrates your abilities, strategic vision and transformational mindset.

CGMA Frequently Asked Questions

CIMA membership and the CGMA designation

What is CIMA®?

CIMA stands for the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants®. CIMA is the world's largest professional body of management accountants, offering the most relevant finance qualification for business.

What credential can I achieve through CIMA?

CIMA guides candidates to achieving the CGMA® designation, and a CIMA candidate has options for how best to pursue the CGMA designation.

The CGMA designation can be achieved through the professional qualification, which structures the CGMA syllabus into three levels — Operational Level, Management Level and Strategic Level.

There are three pathways to the CGMA designation: tuition provider pathway; self-study pathway; and online digital learning through the CGMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP).

A CGMA candidate could begin the journey at the foundational level by pursuing the Certificate in Business Accounting. Pursuing the Certificate in Business Accounting is valuable to individuals with little or no accounting background.

What is the CGMA designation?

The Chartered Global Management Accountant® (CGMA) designation is a globally recognised distinction of accounting and finance professionals who guide strategic decision-making and drive business performance in organisations around the world.

Why is the CGMA designation important?

Management accountants with the CGMA designation are strategic counsellors for businesses.

CGMA designation holders are able to bridge the gap between business, strategy and finance to make informed, insightful decisions.

The CGMA designation identifies finance professionals with analytical skills and the strategic vision to meet short-term challenges and create long-term sustainability for organisations.

Anyone who wants to cultivate their commercial skills, strategic ability and transformational mindset can work towards the CGMA designation. Check out 5 reasons to earn the CGMA designation and see if you might be the management accountant of tomorrow.

Is the CGMA designation available to tax professionals?

Yes. Anyone can apply to become a CGMA designation holder. The CGMA designation is open to everybody, including tax professionals with completed AICPA or CIMA qualifications and newcomers to the accounting profession.

How long will it take me to qualify for the CGMA designation?

On average, candidates who choose to study through a tuition provider or study independently take one year to complete the Certificate in Business Accounting and four years to complete the three levels — Operational Level, Management Level and Strategic Level.

CGMA candidates who choose the online digital pathway — the CGMA Finance Leadership Program — could complete the three levels in 3-4 years, so approximately one year per level. The CGMA FLP pathway includes three case study exams and three levels of learning: the Operational Level, which focuses on short-term decision making; the Management Level, which focuses on medium-term planning; and the Strategic Level, which focuses on long-term strategic decision-making.

What are my study options?

The choice is yours! The options available include learning in the classroom with a tuition provider, online learning systems and self-study from your home.

The pathways to the CGMA designation are:

  • Tuition provider

  • Self-study

  • Online digital learning through the CGMA Finance Leadership Program

Study resources, articles, and guides are available on the CGMA Study Hub.

How much will it cost to achieve the CGMA designation?

CGMA candidates pay a one-time registration fee, an annual subscription fee, and a fee for each exam. To find out more, explore fees and other important information.

If you register between 1 January and 30 September, your annual subscription fee will be waived until the end of the year.

If you register between 1 October and 31 December, your annual subscription fee will be waived until the end of the following year.

New candidates do not have to pay their first year’s subscription fee.

Notes:

  • The CIMA subscription year runs from 1 January to 31 December.

  • You will also need to pay for study materials and any tuition classes.

Where do I register as a CGMA candidate?

You can register as a CGMA candidate online.

Select the chat icon to the right of your screen, or visit our help page for frequently asked questions and other contact information.

Can I complete my CIMA registration if I am unable to comply with previous conduct declarations?

You will need to submit full details of all sanctions, offence orders or undertakings in question before you are able to register.

We review each submission on a case-by-case basis. You will be contacted if we require any further information or clarification.

Once we reach a decision, we will confirm the outcome via email.

To move forward, please select the chat icon to the right of your screen, or visit our help page for frequently asked questions and other contact information.

Please include an email address within your contact details so that we can discuss any conduct issues with you directly. We work within the public interest and have the right to refuse an application in light of the information you supply.

Do I need to register as a candidate before I enrol with a tuition provider?

Yes. We can only confirm your status and award exemptions once you have completed your registration. You must also register to be eligible for any examinations.

Where can I find my contact ID once I have completed the registration process?

You will receive a welcome email which will contain your contact ID after registration. You will need this to access the system and then you will be able to find your contact ID under ‘My Profile’.

If you do not receive this email, you can select the chat icon to the right of your screen, or visit our help page.


My CIMA membership has lapsed. How do I rejoin?

If your membership has lapsed, you can rejoin CIMA upon paying the following fees:

  • Readmission fee

  • Current year's subscription fee

  • Any fees you owed in the year your membership ended

What are the annual subscription fees?

Annual fees vary depending on your membership type — regular, candidate, affiliate or retired — and your additional activities or credential subscriptions, such as member in practice (MiP).

Subscription fees are subject to annual changes.

Can I be stripped of my CGMA designation?

To place the designatory letters of CGMA or ACMA after your surname, you must be an active member.

If you have discontinued your membership or if the designation has been removed due to disciplinary action by CIMA, you may not use the designatory letters.

I already have a management accounting credential from another organisation am I eligible for the CGMA designation?

No. If you wish to become a CGMA designation holder, you will need to join CIMA or the AICPA. Explore your membership options.

CIMA’s members and the Code of Ethics

Is there a list of members?

Yes. Members are included in the Membership and Credential Holder Directory,which displays limited information for membership verification purposes. Members have the option to present their contact information, allowing other members and the public to contact them for hire or networking purposes.

Does CIMA have a fee arbitration scheme?

CIMA does not have a fee arbitration scheme, meaning we do not handle fee arbitration directly. As a result, we cannot be involved in cases or grievances between members and candidates and their employers or clients.

How do I handle a new client whose previous accountant is retaining client information for fee disputes?

The CIMA Code of Ethics has guidance on how to deal with disputes; you can also contact Law Express for information regarding UK Law.

Note: CIMA will not become directly involved in disputes.

What do I do if someone is falsely claiming to be a CIMA member or CGMA candidate?

False claims of membership are something we take very seriously. If you have evidence of individuals falsely claiming CIMA membership or using the letters ACMA, FCMA or CGMA after their name, please report it by emailing prof.standards@cimaglobal.com.

How do I report suspected illegal or fraudulent practices in my organisation?

Please refer to our website about ethics support or anti-money laundering to begin the process of reporting illegal and fraudulent practices.

Can CIMA help me in a dispute with my employer?

CIMA does not get involved in disputes between members and employers.

If you are in a dispute, then you can seek information on your rights from the Department of Trade and Industry and your local Citizens Advice Bureau.

Members can also contact Law Express for further advice.

The police have asked me for information about a client. What does CIMA advise?

Legal requests take precedence over the CIMA Code of Ethics and should always be respected.

Please contact Law Express for further advice.

Can I use the AICPA® & CIMA logo to promote my services?

If you are affiliated with AICPA & CIMA, you are authorised to use our logo.

The only CIMA logo authorised for business use has been designed specifically for CIMA Members in Practice (MiPs) who have been awarded a CIMA practising certificate.

Continuing professional development (CPD) for CIMA membership

What is CPD?

Continuing professional development (CPD) is the process of developing your skills, knowledge and experience to help you thrive in your professional career in management accountancy.

What are the CPD requirements for maintaining the CGMA designation?

CIMA members continue to follow the existing CIMA CPD policy and AICPA members do likewise.

Both AICPA and CIMA members follow the same CPD policy, meaning everyone working towards the CGMA designation must keep a record of learning activities they take to continue their development and remain professionally competent.

Note: We randomly select a number of members each year to ensure they are following the CPD requirements.

Do I have to complete CPD?

Yes. All members must keep a record of their CPD throughout their career.

I’m a new member; when should I start undertaking CPD?

CPD requirements begin when you are elected to membership (i.e., the date you are able to use the letters ACMA/FCMA and CGMA after your last name).

I’m taking a career break. Do I need to complete CPD?

No. You won’t need to continue CPD whilst taking a career break. However, you should continue to enhance your knowledge and skills if you intend to return to work in the future.

I work part-time. Do I need to complete CPD?

Part-time employees still need to ensure that they can meet the requirements of their roles. There are no special arrangements for members working in part-time jobs.

How much CPD should I complete?

CIMA doesn’t prescribe hours or units, meaning you can do as much as you feel you need to remain professionally competent. However, you are responsible for maintaining your professional development.

What counts as CPD?

Any activity (formal or informal) that helps you develop your knowledge and skills will count as CPD. CPD activities include but are not restricted to:

  • Work-based learning

  • Project work

  • Secondments

  • Observation and feedback

  • Coaching and mentoring or being coached/mentored

  • Delivering training

  • Academic and professional qualifications

  • Internal and external training courses

  • Conferences and events

  • Local CIMA events

  • Reading technical reports and journals

  • Online learning

  • Research

  • Discussion forums

My role doesn’t involve a lot of accounting; is that an issue?

No. If your role is outside of finance, then you should focus your professional development on the requirements of your current role and a role you want to move into in the future.

Exam requirements and policies

Where can I sit my exams?

You can sit your exams online, or you can complete them at a test centre. More than 5,500 Pearson VUE assessment centres are available in over 178 countries.

Exams can be scheduled at your convenience.

Do you have any videos with exam tips?

Yes. We have a series of videos that cover exam topics, including:

  • Introduction to online exams

  • Your top questions answered

  • CIMA study support resources

  • Online exam whiteboard guide

  • How to check in and begin your exam

Before you schedule your exams, read the tips for taking your exam online.

What will remote testing involve?

Pearson VUE’s OnVUE system ensures remote testing is conducted according to regulatory standards.

The video ‘OnVUE Testing Experience’offers an explanation in 1 minute and 27 seconds.

Are remote exams secure?

There are several ways remote exams are secured to maintain the integrity of the exam.

Pearson VUE uses a secure browser that restricts the ability to open and use additional windows and programmes during your exam session.

You are required to provide real-time photographs of the testing environment.

In addition, Pearson VUE's exam proctors/invigilators are trained to watch for and detect any behaviour that may be in violation of exam terms and conditions.

If you appear to be in violation of any exam terms and conditions, the proctor/invigilator may shut down your exam.

What are the system requirements?

To ensure your system is suitable for the online testing software, review the OnVUE technical requirements. You can then run a system test.

When should I do a system test for an online exam?

You should review the system requirements and check your equipment to ensure it meets the standards required to take the exam.

If your system fails the test, do not schedule an exam until you can resolve the issue and pass the system test. If you have already scheduled an exam, you should cancel your exam within the usual 48-hour cancellation period.

What happens if my equipment fails the system test?

Unfortunately, you can’t schedule a remote OnVUE exam if your system doesn’t pass the minimum requirements. If this is the case and you are unable to fix the issue, you will have to schedule your exam at a test centre.

How do I schedule an exam?

You can schedule your exam through My Profile. Pearson VUE offers detailed information on what is required for online exams. Once you’ve scheduled your exam, you will receive a confirmation email that will tell you the next steps.

Can I use my exam credit?

Yes. You can use an exam credit prior to its expiry date.

Can I reschedule or cancel an exam?

You can cancel or reschedule objective tests up to 48 hours before your exam.

You can reschedule or cancel case study exams only when the exam scheduling window is open.

Will special accommodation be applied in online exams?

Yes. CIMA remains committed to providing equal access to our examinations. However, we can provide only certain accommodations for exams taken online.

Please explore our policy on special accommodations and Pearson VUE’s accommodations for test takers. Find the accommodation that applies to your situation to determine if it is available for online exams. If not, please take your exam at a test centre.

If you have existing accommodations applied to your account, they will be applied to your remote exam. You do not need to apply again, but you will need to schedule your exam by contacting Pearson VUE. Pearson VUE will book your exam, you’ll pay for your test over the phone, and then you’ll receive a confirmation email.

Can I wear earbuds, headphones or air pods during the exam?

No. Devices in your ears are not permitted as it would be unclear if you are communicating with someone.

Can I use a calculator, whiteboard or note paper in the exam?

  • Calculators: We are pleased to confirm you will be able to use your own calculator from the CIMA approved calculator list.

  • Whiteboards and note paper (scrap paper): The OnVUE functionality does not allow students to use an erasable whiteboard or scrap paper. However, there will be an onscreen whiteboard available for you to enter numbers and draw shapes and lines. You can find an overview here.

Can I take my test on my work’s PC/laptop?

It depends on whether your computer meets the minimum system requirements. Please review the minimum system requirements and speak to your IT support to see what assistance might be possible.

Can I eat, drink, or take a break during an exam?

Water in a clear container is allowed during testing. However, eating, smoking, and chewing gum are prohibited.

Breaks are not allowed during the exam for any reason. If you leave your computer during your exam, the proctor or invigilator will end your session and you will be unable to continue testing.

What are the exam rules on personal belongings?

During the exam, the following types of personal items cannot be accessed: mobile phones, headphones or headsets (wired or Bluetooth), handheld computers or other electronic devices, pagers, watches, wallets, purses, bags, hats, coats, books, notes, notebooks, study guides, pens/pencils, contact lens solution and lip balm, food, tobacco products, or any other materials not specifically approved.

Smartwatches and other watches must be removed and placed out of reach during the exam.

You are not allowed to use exam-specific materials or scratch paper, erasable whiteboards, or any other physical writing object, such as a pen, marker, or pencil. You may have the option to use the whiteboard feature in the OnVUE software while taking the exam online.

What type of identification will I be required to present?

To take an exam, you are required to present two forms of identification.

  • Primary forms of identification include a current valid passport, a photocard driving licence or other government-issued identification card.

  • The secondary form of required identification must present your full name and signature (e.g., a signed debit or credit card).

A photo record of all identification will be retained by CIMA for validation purposes in accordance with our data protection policy.

What could cause my exams to be stopped?

The primary reasons your exam would be stopped are as follows:

  • Technical problems — your computer or internet connection — prevent the exam from launching.

  • The proctor or invigilator sees any irregularities in the room or irregular behaviours.

  • You go outside of webcam view.

  • You get up and walk around.

  • Someone enters your testing environment.

  • You leave your testing environment.

  • You are wearing a sweatshirt with a hood, which is not considered proper clothing. Additionally, you must wear a shirt and trousers or a dress, even if the temperature is hot.

  • You eat or smoke during the exam. Water, however, in a clear container is allowed.

The following behaviours would lead you to receive a warning, which could lead to your testing session being revoked:

  • Moving your webcam.

    • You cannot move your webcam once your testing session has begun.

  • Mumbling or speaking out loud.

What are the steps for checking in and beginning my exam?

We have created a step-by-step guide to help candidates check in and prepare for exam day.

How do I start my online exam?

You can start your online exam directly from the ‘Check in to start exam’ link in your confirmation or reminder email.

You will receive the link in your confirmation email, any rescheduling email and your reminder email. You can check in to all online CIMA exams starting 30 minutes before your appointment time.

Alternatively, you can begin your exams through your CIMA account. To do this, you should log in and follow the steps at the ‘schedule an exam/start your exam’ link.

Can I receive any assistance during the exam?

No, you may not receive any assistance from other individuals while taking the exam, and you may not allow other individuals to see the computer screen that presents the exam questions.

Another person entering the room while you are testing puts your exam at risk. The proctor or invigilator cannot answer questions related to exam content.

What if I have a technical problem during the exam?

Most technical issues can be avoided by completing a system test in advance.

Common technical issues include unstable internet connection and unauthorised applications being run during the exam. A system test can indicate these technical issues.

Note: CIMA staff will be on hand to provide support for technical issues. When you schedule your exam, you’ll receive details about the available tech support.

What should I do if my exam is interrupted?

If your exam is interrupted on the day of your exam, you must notify the invigilator or test administrator immediately and obtain a Pearson VUE incident number (also known as a case number) before leaving the test centre or on the same day of the online exam.

You may also be able to apply for the CIMA special consideration process. This process takes account of mitigating circumstances out of your control (internet or power failure, fire alarm or other evacuation, external noise, etc.). In the event of a prolonged interruption, it may be necessary to retake the exam.

How do I obtain a Pearson VUE incident number (case number)?

You can obtain a Pearson VUE incident number from your exam invigilator in an exam centre, by raising an issue with the proctor/invigilator for an online exam or by contacting the Pearson VUE contact centre.

Will I get a pass/fail for the objective test on the day?

Yes. You will get a provisional pass/fail result at the end of the exam through your Pearson VUE online dashboard.

Your results will be confirmed on your exam dashboard 48 hours after the exam.

To access your provisional result:

  • Log in to your exam dashboard.

  • Click ‘Book now’.

  • Accept the CIMA Exam Terms and Conditions.

    • You will then be transferred to the Pearson VUE site.

  • On the dashboard, select ‘View Score Report'.

Could I be exempt from any exams?

Yes. If you already hold a relevant degree in accounting, finance, business or management, you could be eligible for exam exemptions or exemptions from learning competencies. As a result, you could achieve the CGMA designation sooner. Find out when you register.

If you are still at university and you choose to pursue the CGMA designation, you can start studying for the Certificate in Business Accounting straight away, which could lead you to being exempt from exams down the road. Pursuing the Certificate in Business Accounting while still a university student demonstrates a commitment to gaining a professional accounting designation and will give you a head start in the job market once you graduate.

Exam centres

How do I know which exam centres are available?

To find an available exam centre near you, visit the Pearson VUE website.

I am scheduled at an exam centre. Will I be notified if my exam is cancelled?

Yes, you will receive an email cancellation if your test centre is closed. We’ll then provide the next steps for rescheduling your exam.

What do I do if I need to self-isolate, at short notice, due to a positive COVID-19 test?

You may be able reschedule your exam to online. If taking the exam online is not possible, please contact Pearson VUE.

Do I need to wear a face mask?

Some exam centres require that you bring and wear a face mask while you're at the centre and throughout your exam. Any surgical or cloth face mask, including a homemade face mask, is acceptable as long as your nose and mouth are fully covered.

Face shields and face masks with exhalation valves are not acceptable.

You can check the specific details for your exam centre by visiting Pearson VUE's COVID-19 updates.

Are exam centres operating with special restrictions?

Our first priority is the health and safety of our candidates and employees, and test centres have additional health and safety requirements to ensure everyone is kept safe.

For more information on the exam centre status in your country, please visit Pearson VUE's COVID-19 updates.

Will I get a refund if my exam is cancelled?

Yes. If your exam payment was processed through Pearson VUE, you will receive a full refund, regardless of the cancellation window. Candidates who have scheduled using a credit through CIMA will be able to use that credit once exam centres are reopened.

Per payment card industry (PCI) compliance, if your exam was scheduled more than 90 days prior, you will need to contact Pearson VUE directly to receive your refund.

To make sure you have access to information on exam centres globally, visit Pearson VUE's COVID-19 updates.

Practical experience requirements (PER) for CGMA candidates

What are practical experience requirements?

The practical experience requirements (PER) are an essential part of CIMA’s CGMA Professional Qualification.

These requirements complement your exams and measure whether you have gained enough experience in management accounting. You will need a minimum of 3 years of verified practical experience in a relevant role, some or all of which you may have gained before registering as a candidate.

Your PER submission will be assessed to determine whether you have (1) accrued enough experience in a finance role, (2) achieved core work activities, and (3) developed critical professional skills and behaviours.

I have partially completed my submission under the previous requirements. Can I use what I have written already?

Yes, you can adapt what you have drafted using the previous requirements. However, as the format and criteria have changed, you must take care to ensure that the examples and your write-up meet the requirements and format of the new approach.

What if I submit and my application isn't approved?

If any part of your application does not meet the requirements, we will contact you to ask for more information, which you can resubmit.

How long does it take once I have submitted my PER?

It will take approximately 4 weeks.

How much time do I have to submit my membership application after passing my exams?

You have 4 years to apply for membership after you pass your final case study exam.

The submission deadline for a membership application is 30 September each year.

If my application is deferred, do I need to pay for another application submission?

The membership application fee is a one-time payment; any applicant who has been deferred does not need to pay the fee again when resubmitting.

Can I submit my CIMA membership application prior to receiving my Strategic Level Case Study Exam results?

Yes. You can submit a membership application once you have passed the Management Level Case Study Exam, or if you have been exempted from this level.

If my application is deferred, how long do I have to wait before I can reapply?

Unless the assessors have specified when they feel you should resubmit your application, you can resubmit your application at any time. You will need to ensure you have read the assessor comments on your deferred application and update your resubmission application accordingly.

Who can sign off my practical experience?

Your PER supervisor must have direct knowledge of your work and must be someone you work for presently or have worked for in the recent past.

You will need one or more PER supervisors. The number of PER supervisors you have will depend on how many you need to sign off your 3 years’ relevant experience and all your professional achievements.

Find more information about PER supervisors.

Do I need to split my time across all the functions/achievements set out in the assessment? Is there a minimum time to spend on each?

The only time requirement is to demonstrate 3 years' experience in a relevant role or roles. There is no need to split this down any further.

How do I apportion time based on the tasks I do?

Apportioning time is no longer a requirement.

You must record time in each role to demonstrate that the overall requirement of 3 years’ relevant experience has been achieved, but there is no need to apportion time to each professional achievement.

How do I allocate time to my experience?

You need only record the overall time — the number of months of full-time equivalent (FTE) work — in each of your roles. You do not need to break this down further by allocating time to each of the professional achievements.

If I work for an accredited employer, will there be a separate process for me to follow?

All CGMA candidates are required to complete the same process whether they work for accredited employers or not.

How long should my application be?

There is no maximum limit for the application, but here is some guidance:

  • You should aim for 500–750 words for each of the core activities and skills and behaviours in the STAR template.

  • You should aim for a word count of 250–300 words for the overview of each role and organisation.

For more details, check out the CIMA practical experience requirements (PER) guidance for applicants.

Will I be penalised if I go over the word count?

No, you won’t be penalised if you exceed the word count.

The word count is provided to advise on how much you should write and to ensure that you remain focused on providing the required information and level of detail.

How many STAR templates do I need to complete?

You will need to complete 8 in total — 3 core activities and 5 skills and behaviours.

I’m on a training contract and have worked in several areas of the business. Who should act as my PER supervisor?

You should choose the person who has had the most involvement and oversight of your work for the designated professional achievement. It may be that two or more supervisors have a similar level of involvement in your work; if so, you could choose either.

I’ve only had one manager. Does anyone else need to sign off, validating my experience?

If your line manager supervised all your professional achievements, it is fine to have only one person signing off.

I am concerned that I will need to provide sensitive and confidential information about my company. What should I do?

Please know that all submissions will be treated confidentially by everyone involved in the assessment process.

We recognise that there is a balance to be struck in terms of company or client confidentiality and providing details of the specific examples you want to use. Speak to your PER supervisor to determine the level of detail you are both comfortable sharing.

Make sure that you provide enough detail to fully respond to all prompt questions in the STAR template. Think about how you could anonymise clients, products or projects that might be commercially sensitive or how you could share a project’s success without disclosing sensitive financial information or other metrics.

The example I want to use is for a project that did not go forwards due to matters out of my control. Can I still use it?

You can still use the project, but carefully consider whether it is the best example to complete the STAR template in full, as you may struggle to demonstrate the result/benefit to the business or impact of your actions if the project was cut short prematurely.

The example I want to use is for a project that has not yet concluded. Can I still use it?

You can still use the project, but carefully consider whether it is the best example to complete the STAR template in full, as you may struggle to demonstrate the result/benefit to the business or impact of your actions if the project has not yet concluded.

My colleague and I worked on the same project. Can we both use it as an example?

Yes, but you must ensure that you write your experience separately and focus on your own actions.

Your application must be a true reflection of your achievements. If it is too similar to someone else’s application, it will be difficult for CIMA’s assessors to verify that you personally have met the standard required.

Why do I only need to write 3 out of 5 core activities, and can I write more than 3 to ensure I pass?

Due to the range of roles that CGMA candidates undertake, they may not all have the same practical experience.

A degree of choice and flexibility is built into the PER assessment to ensure that you can pick the 3 core work activities for which you will have the strongest examples to submit in your application.

It is not recommended that you write more than 3 core activities. Instead, use your time to ensure that you choose the strongest examples that you have and write them up as fully as you can.

Why is there no choice on which skills and behaviours to write?

The 5 skills and behaviours are critical to becoming a CIMA member. Please share the level to which these skills and behaviours have developed as you gained relevant experience.

Can I submit my application in a language other than English?

No, all applications must be submitted in English.

The example I want to use is not included in the CIMA list. Is that OK?

Yes, that is fine. The example activities listed for each professional achievement are suggestions. There are countless examples that could be used, and you will choose one based on your work experience.

What security checks will CIMA use on my application?

Plagiarism software will be used to assess the originality of submitted applications; this is one of the quality assurance checks that take place before you receive your results.

Your application must be a true reflection of your achievements. If it is too similar to someone else’s application, it will be difficult for CIMA’s assessors to verify that you personally have met the standard required.

Read more about originality in recording your personal work experience.

Do I have to show that I meet all the self-reflection questions and/or example activities for each of the professional achievements?

No, there is no need to cover all self-reflection questions or example activities. Simply make sure you respond in full to each section of the STAR template for the example you have chosen.

The self-reflection questions and example activities are provided as prompts to help you identify examples you can take from your work experience to complete the STAR templates required for each professional achievement.

I have not worked on any projects, so I have no project examples to use. What examples should I provide?

You can use examples from your day-to-day work for all the professional achievements. Look at the self-reflection questions and the example activities to identify how you are demonstrating the professional achievements in your day-to-day work.

As you complete the STAR template, make sure to provide a specific example instead of talking generally about your role and responsibilities.

As an example, rather than writing, ‘I regularly work on different departments’ budgets in the organisation’, focus on a particular occasion as an illustrative example. For instance, you might write, ‘In January 2022, I worked with the marketing department on their budget....’

How far do I need to go back with my experience?

You only need to provide examples of 3 years' relevant work experience — you do not need to record your full employment history. Recent experience is more likely to meet the requirements of the assessment.

What do I do if the company I worked for no longer exists?

If your previous employer no longer exists, you can still claim the experience. To do so, please state that the company no longer exists in the section where you provide details of the role and organisation.

If you are still in touch with your previous manager, you could ask them if they would be able to sign off. They do not need to currently be your line manager, but if they had direct knowledge of your work, they could confirm the time you spent in the relevant role and the example activities you provide.

Is my experience relevant?

To help you determine relevancy, the table below summarises the types of experience that can/cannot count towards your 36 months of relevant experience in your PER application.

Experience typeYesNoNotes
Current finance rolex
Previous finance rolexMake sure you can get a PER supervisor.
Experience before you became a CGMA candidatex
Finance experience in a previous companyxCheck that your PER supervisor from the company is available.
A secondmentx
An internshipxCheck guidance to ensure the role can provide relevant experience.
A part-time positionxYou will need to allocate the time on a pro rata basis. For example, if you worked 2.5 days a week, you would need 6 years of experience to be equivalent to 3 years’ full time.
A voluntary rolex
Non-finance-related workx
A graduate programmex
Experience from 10 years ago or morexMake sure it is relevant and meets the criteria.
Parental leave or other career breakxLog as a career break.
A training course/studyingxAll examples used in your record must be from your day job.
Finance as a portion of your rolexYou will need to allocate the time on a pro rata basis. For example, if you worked 2.5 days a week, you would need 6 years of experience to be equivalent to 3 years full time.
Time while on furloughx
A finance role outside the finance functionxMany CGMA candidates and CIMA members may not be working within a traditional finance team. Instead, they may be working within the business and embedded within project and cross-functional teams, providing financial leadership and expertise.
Experience in a company that no longer existsxIn the employment history section, state that the company no longer exists. Try to contact your previous manager to be your PER supervisor.

Do I have to work for an employer who is accredited by CIMA?

No, you can work for any employer as long as you have a relevant role in finance.

Can I apply if I’m on a career break, such as parental leave?

Yes, you may apply if you have 3 years’ relevant experience. Leave, such as parental leave, cannot be counted towards the 3 years.

Can lecturing/academic experience count towards my experience?

There is a different route for academic staff and faculty who would like to apply for CIMA membership. For details of our academic route to membership, contact us by selecting the chat icon to the right of your screen, or visit our help page for other contact information.

I don’t work in the finance department. Is my experience relevant?

Yes, your experience could be relevant. At AICPA & CIMA, we recognise that the shape and structure of organisations is changing.

Many CGMA candidates and CIMA members will not be working within a traditional finance team. Instead, they may work within the business and be embedded within project and cross-functional teams, providing financial leadership and expertise.

The membership application allows you to provide details about how you work as a finance professional within the business.

Are some job titles better than others for the PER submission? Is there a list of the most relevant ones?

Job titles and responsibilities can vary greatly. For this reason, our guidance on relevant work experience focuses on the characteristics, functions and areas in which you have worked. Reflecting on your professional achievements will also help you to ascertain the relevancy of your role and experience.

I have another professional accounting qualification. Am I exempt from some or all of the work experience requirements?

CIMA membership requires all candidates to demonstrate their PER, regardless of any other qualifications.

Do I need to record 3 years' experience in my most recent role, or can I submit experience from several past roles?

You can submit one role or multiple roles. The only requirement is that you record and verify 3 years' relevant work experience.

How do I know if my experience is relevant?

Read the requirements for your practical experience and reflect on your past achievements in previous finance roles you’ve had.

You can be working in any industry or sector and any size or type of organisation. You’re likely to be working in one of the following areas:

  • Management accounting

  • Finance business partnering

  • Financial accounting

  • Professional services and consulting

  • Financial and management reporting

  • Banking

  • Treasury

  • Financial management

  • Financial planning and analysis

  • Performance management

  • Business intelligence and data analysis

  • Audit and assurance

  • Risk management

  • Taxation

More information can be found in the guidance to applicants.

Who can approve my work experience?

You should choose a PER supervisor who has insight into the work you’ve done. They should also be able to support you whilst you manage your PER submission.

Together, you can review your progress so that you can ensure your current experience is relevant and see that you get any additional experience you need to complete your PER.

Can I use experience from previous job roles?

You can use any relevant work experience from previous roles that demonstrate the required skills. However, you will need to ensure the relevant PER supervisor is available to sign off your experience.

I have 3 years' relevant work experience, but I don't have examples to use for all the required professional achievements.

We anticipate that CGMA candidates who have been in a relevant role as described in the PER guidelines for about 3 years will have the experience to meet the required professional achievements.

It can sometimes be difficult to recognise your achievements, so work with your PER supervisor to review the professional achievements, self-reflection questions and example activities to consider the examples you could provide from your experience. Remember that the example activities are just guidelines.

If you and your PER supervisor agree that you don't yet have enough experience in a specific area, then together you can identify opportunities to gain that experience.

I have less than 3 years’ relevant work experience. When should I start my application?

To submit your application, you must have achieved a minimum of 3 years' relevant work experience and have passed the Management Level Case Study Exam. We recommend starting to draft the form as soon as you pass the exam. You can then be fully aware of what is required, so you can identify any areas where you may need additional experience.

Can I use the same example for more than one professional achievement?

Our assessors want to see that you have gained a breadth of experience during your career, so use a range of examples that reflect all the experience you have gained.

Of course, one project or substantive piece of work could provide examples for more than one professional achievement, but you must be careful to ensure that the STAR template specifies the professional achievement being claimed. You must not cut and paste whole or partial responses from one STAR template to another.

Do my 3 years' relevant work experience need to be consecutive/uninterrupted?

No, the 3 years of relevant work experience do not need to be consecutive/uninterrupted.

I have gained experience at a much more senior level than the examples stated in the guidance. What do I do?

The core work activities and skills that have been selected for the assessment are fundamental to the work of a management accountant. You are therefore encouraged to delve deep into your work history to find examples of how you meet the criteria, even if this experience was gained at a more junior level in your career.

Alternatively, you could choose a more recent example from your most senior role that demonstrates how you developed the selected professional achievement beyond the threshold required.

For example, the guidance around the leadership professional achievement does not expect that all applicants will have responsibilities managing people or teams or experience developing or leading strategy or projects at the point of completing the application, but if you do have experience in these areas, then you can certainly use that experience in the examples you provide in the STAR template.

How many PER supervisors do I need?

The number of PER supervisors you need will depend on your employment history and which roles you will be using to demonstrate each of the professional achievements.

The minimum required is one PER supervisor.

Please review illustrative scenarios of how many PER supervisors would be needed and what aspects of the application each would sign off.

What happens if one of my managers no longer works for the company?

If you are still in touch with your previous manager, then you can ask them if they would be able to sign off your PER. They do not need to currently be your line manager and can sign off the time in a relevant role and the example activities you provide if they had direct knowledge of your work at that time.

I am self-employed. Who can sign off my experience?

You must find someone who can verify that you have the required 3 years' experience. The following may be able to verify your role/company and that you have been working in finance for at least 3 years:

  • A longstanding client

  • An external accountant to your company

  • Your business bank manager

In terms of the professional achievements, a client, for example, may have enough oversight of your work to sign off your completed STAR templates for work you have undertaken for them.

If you have previous experience working for another organisation and are still in contact with your previous line manager, then you can use examples from that role. If you are not, we will assign an assessor to review and approve your example activity STAR templates.

I am on a training contract/programme and I have worked in several areas of the business. Who should act as my PER supervisor — my mentor/development manager or my line manager?

You should choose the person who has had the most involvement and oversight of your work for the designated professional achievement. In this scenario, it may be that both have a similar level of involvement in your work; if so, you could choose either.

I have only had one manager so that person will be signing off all my experience. Do I need someone to act as a second signatory?

If your line manager covers all your time in a role and supervised all of your professional achievements, then it is fine to have only one person signing off.

PER supervisors

Is there any guidance/information for PER supervisors?

Yes, there are resources for supervisors who oversee a PER application.

Who can be a PER supervisor?

All PER supervisors must have direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and their contribution to the organisation. They must also be in a more senior position than the applicant.

Can I be a PER supervisor?YesNoNote
Applicant’s current managerx
A previous manager at the applicant's current companyxYou may sign off any examples that occurred during the period of time you oversaw the applicant’s work.
Someone who is not a CIMA memberxYou must have direct knowledge of the applicant’s work and have been in a more senior position to the applicant when you oversaw their work.
Someone who is not a qualified accountantx
As an applicant, I’m self-employed. Can the following be a PER supervisor? • A longstanding client · An external accountant to my company • My business bank managerxThe person would need to have had oversight of your work.
A previous manager who now works for a different organisationxThe PER supervisor would need to provide current employment and contact details in the form. Under ‘relationship to candidate’, state that you were a previous line manager/senior of the applicant at X company.
The applicantx
An applicant’s relativex
A manager of the applicant who has now retiredx
Someone in a more senior position to the applicant but not their line managerxAs long as you have enough oversight of the applicant’s work and contribution.

I am the sole PER supervisor for the application. Is that OK, or does the applicant need to find a second verifier?

If you can verify the required 3 years' relevant work experience and all 8 professional achievements — 3 core activities and 5 skills and behaviours — then one person signing off is acceptable.

As a PER supervisor, I don't recall the particular example the applicant is using, or my recollection is different. What should I do?

Discuss the example with the applicant and provide feedback that will allow the candidate to either rework the example so that you are confident in signing it off or assist them in finding an alternative.

I didn't supervise the applicant for this example. What should I do?

If you do not have direct knowledge of the applicant’s work that is being used for the example, then you cannot sign off. Work with the applicant to either find an alternative example that you can sign off or identify someone who directly supervised the work and can act as PER supervisor for the professional achievement.

Can I give feedback to the applicant to help improve the write-up?

Yes. You are encouraged to give feedback and support to coach the applicant in identifying good examples and improving draft responses to the prompt questions in the STAR template.

I don't think the example chosen by the applicant meets the selected professional achievement. What should I do?

Discuss the example with the applicant to provide feedback that will allow the candidate to either rework the example so that you are confident in signing it off or assist them in finding an alternative.

What criteria should I use to sign off the submission?

Guidance on how to assess the application can be found in the guidance for PER supervisors.

I don't think the write-up meets one or more the points under ‘achieved’. Can I still sign off?

You cannot approve the submission if you think the write-up does not meet all the ‘achieved’ criteria. Provide feedback to the applicant on what is missing or what needs to be strengthened to aid them in redrafting before resubmitting to you.

I am concerned that the applicant is including confidential information in the application. What should I do?

Work with the applicant to determine the level of detail needed to provide enough information about that particular example while maintaining company and client confidentiality. For example, the applicant could anonymise client or product names.

The write-up will focus on the applicant's experience and contributions in response to the prompt questions in the STAR template and, as such, does not require attaching or replicating company-sensitive documents.

Transitioning from one pathway to another

What are the similarities and differences in the pathways to the CGMA designation?

All learning pathways — studying with a tuition provider, independent or self-study, and the online digital pathway through the CGMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP) — are founded on the CGMA syllabus and teach the same competencies to prepare finance professionals for careers in management accounting.

The different pathways allow you to choose how you would like to pursue the designation based on personal learning style and with respect to other personal and professional obligations.

Regardless of which pathway you take, you will be assessed on the same material and must demonstrate the same level of competency and experience to earn the CGMA designation and CIMA membership.

How will my learning be different if I study with a tuition provider or study the online digital pathway through the CGMA FLP?

A key difference between the two pathways is how you learn.

  • Tuition providers are members of the AICPA & CIMA Registered Tuition Provider Scheme and work with us to offer tuition for the CGMA designation and to help you succeed in your exams.
    You have the flexibility to find a tuition provider that fits your needs, timelines, and preferred learning format.

  • In the CGMA FLP, your learning is part of the all-inclusive subscription package that is delivered online in a self-paced e-learning environment.
    With the CGMA FLP, there are no objective tests to schedule, so you can study when you like, wherever you like, and learn the topics in any order you like.

How are assessments different with the differentpathways to the CGMA designation?

  • The tuition provider pathway and self-study pathway use objective tests to assess topic proficiency within each of 9 competency areas of the syllabus.
    These objective tests are multiple choice and taken via Pearson VUE, either at testing centres or online in the comfort of your own home. You can decide when you are ready to take an objective test and schedule your exam sitting at any time.

  • The CGMA FLP blends learning and assessments to ensure you understand key topics and can apply new skills before you move on to more advanced business concepts.
    Topic proficiency is regularly assessed via multiple-choice questions that are embedded into the online learning experience.

In both pathways to the CGMA designation, you must pass the assessment of all competencies within a given level to be eligible to sit for a case study exam.

  • Case study exams
    Regardless of which learning pathway you choose, you will take the same case study exams, under the same exam conditions and to the same standards. All case study exams are offered four times per year and are administered worldwide via Pearson VUE, either in testing centres or online.

  • Practical experience requirements (PER)
    All CGMA candidates must meet the same PER. You will be advised on what steps you need to take leading up to, or upon completion of, the Strategic Level Case Study Exam.
    You will need to submit your PER and application through ‘My Profile’.

  • Awards
    Awards are the same for both routes. Upon achieving the CGMA designation, you will be awarded CIMA membership at either the ACMA or FCMA level.

Am I eligible for the CGMA Finance Leadership Program?

All CGMA candidates at the Operational Level or above are eligible to transition to the CGMA FLP.

  • Certificate in Business Accounting candidates are not eligible for the CGMA FLP. You can begin the CGMA FLP at the Operational Level once you have successfully completed the Certificate in Business Accounting.

  • Lapsed CIMA candidates are welcome to transition to the CGMA FLP. There is no re-registration fee, as all fees are covered in the bundled CGMA FLP purchase price.

  • Any person who is restricted from being a CIMA candidate for disciplinary or other reasons will be ineligible.

  • Candidates from other CIMA routes (e.g., the Senior Executive Programme) are eligible for the CGMA FLP but will have to be addressed on a case-by-case basis as there is no standard process for transitions from other programmes.

What happens when a CGMA candidate wants to transition to the CGMA Finance Leadership Program?

Any CGMA candidate who wishes to transition from the tuition provider pathway or self-study pathway to the CGMA FLP can do so by starting the CGMA FLP registration process.

During the registration process, the person will be identified as a CGMA candidate, and a notification will be sent to the Global Engagement Centre to review status, location and other relevant information to ensure the person is eligible for the CGMA FLP.

If you are eligible, the reviewer will send you a consent email, explaining the details of making the switch. You must then confirm that you wish to make the switch. Upon receipt of the confirmation, you will be notified within 3 business days.

How is the progress I made with the tuition provider pathway or self-study pathwaytransitioned to the CGMA Finance Leadership Program?

You will maintain the progress you have made with CIMA, as outlined here:

  • If objective tests have been passed, you will receive credit for the corresponding competency area learning and assessment. This means you will not be required to retake the learning or assessment in competency areas where you have already proven your proficiency via objective test.

  • If case study exams have been passed, you will receive credit for them in the CGMA FLP and will not be required to retake them.

  • No credit is given for learning taken with other providers, as it did not include the necessary assessment that is embedded in the CGMA FLP.

How is the entry point for the CGMA Finance Leadership Program determined?

You enter the CGMA FLP at the same level as you were while studying through a tuition provider or independently.

What is included in the CGMA Finance Leadership Program subscription?

Everything you need to complete the CGMA FLP is included; no supplementary learning materials or tuition support are required. Regardless of length, each subscription includes:

  • Registration fee

  • Candidate fees

  • Case study exam fee

  • All learning materials

  • All assessment materials

  • Interactive exercises

  • Business simulation assignments

  • Access to tutor videos about how to approach your case study exam

  • Video analysis of the pre-seen materials for your case study window

  • Graded case study mock exams with personalised feedback

Is learning all competencies mandatory in the CGMA Finance Leadership Program?

Mandatory learning depends on where you enter the CGMA FLP.

You must complete all learning, including embedded assessments and case study exams, to pass a level and progress through the CGMA FLP.

You have access to all levels of learning at all times, regardless of your entry route.

How much does the all-inclusive CGMA Finance Leadership Program subscription package cost?

The CGMA FLP is a subscription-based route. You will purchase a 1-, 2- or 3-year subscription that includes your registration fee, all candidate fees, access to learning, exam preparation courses and all assessments and case study exam fees.

Current CGMA candidates who wish to transfer to the CGMA FLP are offered a 30% discount.

The all-inclusive subscription package includes your CIMA membership fees.

  • If you do not have an active membership, we will start one for you.

  • If you have an active membership, we will transition it into the new CGMA FLP subscription and add a new end date.

The discount provided for candidates transitioning to the CGMA FLP takes into account fees already paid to CIMA.

I have already paid for an objective test and/or case study exam. Can I get a credit for that?

You will not automatically get a credit when you transfer to the CGMA FLP. You must cancel your scheduled exams with Pearson VUE, and you will receive a refund to the card you used to pay for the exams.

Note: Exams must be cancelled at least 48 hours ahead of the scheduled exam sitting to be eligible for a full refund.

Can I do more than one level and case study exam per year in the CGMA Finance Leadership Program?

Yes, with an active subscription to the CGMA FLP, you can progress as far as you’re able for the duration of your subscription.

The subscription does not prevent or restrict progression. For example, if you have time to complete the learning materials and exam prep for one level and pass the case study exam, you can then continue to the next level learning and possibly even finish the exam prep and case study exam for that level, too. Active CGMA candidates are encouraged and rewarded.

Will CIMA mail me the diploma and advanced diploma when I complete the CGMA Finance Leadership Program?

Yes, all CGMA candidates will get diplomas sent via mail when they pass the Operational Level Case Study Exam or Management Level Case Study Exam.

Can I pay my CGMA Finance Leadership Program subscription in instalments?

No. You pay for your chosen subscription in one payment.

Upon completion of the CGMA Finance Leadership Program, do I obtain the CGMA designation as I would have with another professional qualification pathway?

Yes. The CGMA Finance Leadership Program is simply another way to achieve the CGMA designation.

Can I switch back to a tuition provider or the self-study pathway if I decide that I no longer wish to proceed with the CGMA Finance Leadership Program?

Yes, switching between the various pathways will be available when you update your registration.

Will I get a refund if I have already made payments for the current year?

After a discount ends, no refunds can be awarded.

Who can I talk to if I have more questions?

For additional queries, you can speak directly to the Global Engagement Centre. Please select the chat icon to the right of your screen, or visit our help page for frequently asked questions and other contact information.

Filing a complaint

How do I complain about a CIMA member?

Please review the Membership and Credential Holder Directory to find out if the person you wish to complain about is registered with this professional body.

Next, decide whether your issue is covered by the CIMA criteria for complaints or if you should try another approach.

If you wish to make a complaint, follow the instructions on how to make a complaint of misconduct.

How do I make a complaint about a CGMA designation holder?

We value and uphold protecting the public, maintaining confidence in the profession and proper standards of conduct in the profession.

Our website details the processes for filing a complaint.

What is 'misconduct'?

Misconduct is a breach of CIMA’s laws — these are the rules governing the professional behaviour of CIMA members and registered students.

Unprofessional behaviour and not behaving to the standard required by the CIMA Code of Ethics are regarded as misconduct (please see what constitutes misconduct).

Conduct resulting in a conviction or sanction by a court or other tribunal also falls within the definition of misconduct (for further information, please see the glossary).

What happens after I make a complaint?

Once your notification of complaint form is received by the professional conduct team, your complaint will be articulated for you in a form that could go to the investigation committee.

You may be asked for further information in relation to your complaint, and you will be sent a summary of the complaint to confirm accuracy.

Why do you ask for so much information?

A complaint of misconduct against a member or registered candidate of CIMA is a serious matter, and we must receive the needed information as evidence of the alleged misconduct.

Should the facts be proven, the investigation committee determines if there is a case for the member or registered student to answer to. If a case subsequently proceeds to the disciplinary committee stage, it may be necessary to gather further evidence or information (see how to make a complaint of misconduct).

Can I make a complaint about a firm of accountants?

CIMA only registers and regulates individuals — you can make a complaint against an individual CIMA member or registered student associated with a firm. However, the conduct process is not applicable to customer disputes over fees or services. We do not resolve disputes and cannot compel CIMA members to give any kind of customer redress(see what CIMA can investigate).

I think my accountant has overcharged me or has not performed accounting services as I expected. Is there anything I can do about that?

CIMA Members in Practice (MiP) — accountants that provide accountancy services to the public for a fee — are required to have a letter of engagement.

Please check your letter of engagement to understand the terms of service to be provided to you.

If you are unhappy, we advise that you speak with your accountant and ask for a copy of their complaint procedures. Note: Complaint procedures are a requirement of CIMA MiP registration.

See the member in practice rules for information on this, and also see what CIMA can investigate.

If, in the course of a contractual dispute, your accountant behaves unprofessionally, this may be misconduct and you may wish to make a complaint about this. It will be entirely separate from any contractual dispute. See examples of misconduct.

Can CIMA make my accountant do what I want?

No. The CIMA complaints procedures are in place to protect the public from unprofessional behaviour by CIMA members or registered students. If you have a dispute with your accountant, you should ask for a copy of their internal complaints procedures, and if this does not resolve your issue, you may wish to look at the alternative dispute resolution page.

What constitutes 'unprofessional behaviour'?

Unprofessional behaviour is behaviour that would bring the profession of management accountancy into disrepute. The CIMA Code of Ethics sets out the requirements and standards of behaviour for CIMA members and registered students.

Examples of unprofessional behaviour may be:

  • Tardy communication or failure to communicate

  • Failure to complete a professional engagement within the time agreed and without the client’s consent

  • Rude or obstructive behaviour

For further information, see examples of misconduct.

Can CIMA give me legal or technical advice in relation to my complaint?

No. CIMA can, however, provide advice on the procedures and protocols that enable the conduct process.

Is CIMA biased towards its own members? How do I know my complaint will be dealt with fairly?

CIMA is impartial to complaints against its members.

To ensure impartiality, the conduct committees are appointed via an independent external process and include both individuals from a non-accountancy background and CIMA members. The majority of the committee will be non-CIMA members.

There are strict protocols in place to ensure that nobody on a conduct committee has any conflict of interest with individual parties in a complaint or any of the legal advisers, or any other connection with the complaint. See information about the conduct committees.

When will I hear the outcome of my complaint?

You can contact the professional conduct team (prof.conduct@cimaglobal.com) at any time, and they will tell you how the case is progressing. If you are to be called as a witness, you will be given plenty of notice of hearing dates.

Why does processing my complaint seem to be taking so long?

The conduct processes address complaints of misconduct in the public interest. Complaints are dealt with thoroughly and carefully. They go through the investigation committee stage initially and may or may not proceed to a hearing; some complaints are determined at that first stage.

Cases that do proceed to the disciplinary committee for public hearing may take up to a year or more to be concluded. For further information, please see the conduct process page.

I want to begin civil proceedings against my accountant; how long will it take for my complaint to be resolved?

The CIMA conduct process typically is put on hold if any criminal or civil proceedings are taking place. For further information, please see the conduct process page.

What will happen to the accountant I complained about?

If the complaint is upheld, there are a range of sanctions that CIMA can impose on its members and registered students, from a reprimand to expulsion. The sanction imposed will depend on the seriousness of the alleged offence. The outcomes of disciplinary hearings are published on our site.

Payment methods

What payment options are available when making payments to CIMA?

We offer a variety of payment options to suit your needs.

  1. Pay online.
    Log in to ‘My Profile’.
    We accept debit cards; VISA, MasterCard or American Express; and PayPal.

  2. Call our 24/7 payment hotline to pay with a debit or credit card.
    The payment hotline is an automated service.
    If you’re in the UK, call 0844 292 0240.
    If you’re outside the UK, call +44 (0) 20 8602 0861.
    Be sure to have your customer payment reference number ready. You can find this number on the top of your financial statement in ‘My Profile’.

  3. Send a cheque, money order, UK postal order or sterling bank draft.
    Make cheque payable to CIMA.
    Be sure to write your contact ID on the back of your cheque.
    Send cheque with a copy of your invoice and a remittance advice (PDF 50KB) to:
    CIMA
    The Helicon
    One South Place,
    London, EC2M 2RB
    United Kingdom

Is the global payment hotline a secure payment method?

Yes, the payment hotline allows you to type in your credit or debit card number using your telephone keypad. This is a completely secure process.

If I make a payment via the global payment hotline, when will that payment be reflected in my account?

The payment will be reflected within 24 hours. You will see the payment in your payment history within ‘My Profile’.

If I make a payment via the global payment hotline, when will I receive confirmation of that payment?

Once your payment has been processed, you will receive an email confirmation within 24 hours.

How do I establish direct debits?

You can set up a direct debit through banks in the UK and Republic of Ireland only.

To set up a direct debit, log in to your account. Within ‘My Profile’, you’ll see ‘my wallet’, ‘my payment methods’, and ‘add new payment method’.

Please note that CIMA does not allow monthly instalments via direct debit. Any amounts due are taken in full on the next available direct debit processing date.

How will I be issued a refund?

If you require a refund due to an overpayment or duplicate payment, select the chat icon to the right of your screen, or visit our help pagefor frequently asked questions and other contact information.

Please do not under any circumstances send us your debit or credit card details through the post or email to any CIMA email address.

What is a customer reference number and where do I find it?

Your customer payment reference number is a unique identifier to be used when making payments to CIMA via the 24/7 global payment hotline.

It can be found on the top of your financial statement found in your account under ‘My Profile’.

How will I know that the payment I made will go into my account and not someone else’s?

Your customer payment reference number is unique to your account and any payment that you make using your customer payment reference number will only be allocated to that account.

Providing that you hold an up-to-date email address, you will receive an email confirmation. You can also view the payment in ‘My Profile’.

Can I still send my payment by post?

Yes. The only payment methods that CIMA accepts via post are cheque, money order, UK postal order or sterling bank draft.

What should I do if I experience problems making a payment online?

If you are unable to resolve the problems with your online account, please reach out to CIMA support.

Please provide as much detail as possible relating to the action that you were attempting to carry out, and staff will work to solve the problem.

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