CIMA CGMA Qualification

What is the CIMA Qualification?  

  • CIMA Strategic Level/CGMA Qualification SAQA 112809 | NQF L8 

  • CIMA Management Level | SAQA 112831 | NQF L7

  • CIMA Operational Level | SAQA 112829 | NQF L6

  • CIMA Certificate In Business Accounting | 112824 | NQF L5 

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

LEARN MORE ABOUT CIMA
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Routes to the CIMA CGMA® designation

3 Flexible routes to becoming a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA®).
  Choose the pathway that matches your background, career goals, and study style.

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Self-Tailored Pathway

This route allows you to design your own study plan at your own pace. You will progress through ALL CIMA exams  (Objective Tests and Case Study Exams)  using traditional learning materials and classes, with the flexibility to choose your preferred mix of On-Campus/Online Classes, Self Study and exam scheduling. It’s ideal if you want maximum control over how you balance studies with work and life commitments.

We  offer Part-time and Full-time classes under this pathway.

 Explore the Self-Tailored Route
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The CGMA FLP Pathway

The CGMA Finance Leadership Program (FLP) is an all-inclusive subscription via CIMA's digital learning platform that lets you demonstrate competencies continuously via assessments without taking Objective Tests. You will only take Case Study Exams. It’s suited for professionals who prefer a guided, interactive, and practical learning journey. Learn more

Discover the FLP Advantage
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Special Route Pathway

This route is designed for senior finance professionals with significant experience and existing qualifications. It provides an accelerated entry into CIMA membership, recognizing your expertise and allowing you to achieve the CGMA designation faster. It’s the perfect option if you’re an experienced leader seeking global recognition of your professional standing.

Check Your Eligibility

CIMA EXEMPTIONS & Entry Level Assessment.

No entry requirements or prior education are needed to start CIMA at the foundational/certificate level. If you hold a relevant qualification in business and finance/accounting, you may qualify for exemption/credits. 

CHECK CIMA EXEMPTIONS CALCULATOR 

How to get started?

Here is a quick guide to get started with your CIMA Journey:

Step 1: Check Exemptions

Check if you get any exemptions/credits if you have a relevant qualification. You don't need any education to start CIMA from the certificate/foundational level. 

Step 2: Choose Pathway

Choose your entry pathway. CIMA has 3 possible pathways: The traditional route, the FLP pathway and the special route pathway.

Step 3: Register for Classes

Register for classes with CharterQuest for your chosen entry pathway. Access our study options for Part-time, Full-time, FLP Pathway and Special Pathway. 

Step 4: Take CIMA Exams

After attending classes, register to take your exams with CIMA. You can take exams remotely or at a PearsonVUE exam centre. Learn more about CIMA Exams.

CIMA - SAICA Membership Pathway

CIMA members can convert to the CA (SA) designation under the CIMA to SAICA Membership Pathway Agreement and hold both the CGMA & CA (SA) designations! 

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Fees & Study Options

At a Glance

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Self-Tailored Pathway

This is a Pay-As-You-Go Model. You pay per subject OR per level, exam, and tuition (where applicable). This modular structure allows you to spread costs over time and only pay for what you need when you take it. 

Study Options: 

  • Self-study using books, study guides, and practice exams

  • Online or in-person tuition classes

  • Flexibility to postpone or reschedule exams

  • Option to combine in-person and virtual support

Access CIMA Objective Test Fees OR

Access CIMA Case Study Fees.

View ALL Self-Tailored Pathway Fees & Options
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CGMA FLP Pathway


A subscription-based model. One all-inclusive annual fee covers access to the learning platform, assessments, and Case Study exam attempts (depending on your subscription level). Choose your subscription from the following packages: 

  • Silver - from 59,750 per year. Only covers access to FLP Platform with 2 exam attempts per case study level.

  • Gold - from R68,750 per year. Silver package benefits included plus access to extra CharterQuest Case Study Classes. (Online or On-Campus)

  • Platinum - from R76,250. All Gold Package benefits included, plus extra  Access to CharterQuest Competency refresher classes. (Online or On-Campus)

Explore FLP Subscriptions & Study Options
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Special Route Pathway 

Exemptions are awarded to individuals depending on their experience, which will then qualify the applicant for the appropriate package after they have been assessed. Below are the fees for each pathway: 

C-SEP Programme: GBP2,800

CFO Programme: GBP3,800

Global CA Programme: GBP3,000


Check Special Route Eligibility & FeeS

CIMA Full-time Classes

Straight from matric or university, over 2-4 years, you can “Become Your Vision: A Chartered Global Management Accountant” (CGMA) and be invited to membership of South Africa’s and the world’s largest, most prestigious and sought-after professional body of Management Accountants -the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA). What’s more? With an NQF L7 qualification, you can convert to CA(SA) whilst keeping your CGMA designation by meeting the terms of the SAICA-CIMA Membership Pathway Agreement (MPA).

As outlined here, only CharterQuest combines your CIMA Full-time exam-focused tuition and the required practical work experience opportunities to secure your employability upon graduation!”

Learn more ABOUT The Cima FULL-TIME PROGRAM
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CIMA PER

To gain the Chartered Global Management Accountant® (CGMA) designation, you need three years verified relevant professional experience:

Main Points to note about CIMA PER: 

  • You will need to record and have your PER supervisor/s verify three years’ experience (full-time equivalent). This can be accumulated before, during and after your studies)

  • You can work in any industry or sector and size or type of organization.

  • There is no prescribed list of acceptable Or expected job titles.

  • The only time requirement is to demonstrate three years’ experience in a relevant role(s). There is no need to split this down any further.

  • You can add details regarding your practical experience requirements (PER) to your dashboard ANYTIME.

  • You will be able to submit your PER for audit (to be signed off) once you have completed the Management Level.

  • Complete 3 of the 5 core activities. For each activity, provide one example of your work experience and complete the STAR template, showing how you demonstrate this activity in your day-to-day role. The total word count for the STAR template is 500-750 words.

Choose 3 out of 5 Core Activities:

  1. I have evaluated opportunities to add value

  2. I have implemented strategic decisions

  3. I have managed performance and cost to add value creation

  4. I have measured the performance

  5. I have managed internal and external stakeholders

Demonstrating the development of (all below) professional skills or behaviours that are essential to the management accountant. List of Skills & Behaviours:

  1. Ethics & Integrity

  2. Leadership

  3. Growth Mindset

  4. Profesional Scepticism

  5. Communication

Learn more about CIMA PER

CIMA Exam Cycle

Objective Tests:  Exams are on-demand - available all year. 

Case Study Exams: There are four windows a year when you can sit the case study exams (February, May, August, and November). Within each window, exams will be available for three days from Wednesday to Friday.

Pre-seen material for the case studies can be found on the CIMA Study Hub. Access the dates here and mark the CIMA Exam deadlines. 

What job can I get with a CIMA qualification?


  1. Chief Finance Officer (CFO)

  2. Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

  3. Finance Officer

  4. Operations Manager

  5. Debtors/Creditors Controller

  6. Risk Manager

  7. Project Auditor/Manager

  8. Management Consultant

  9. Management Accountant

  10. Finance Business Partner

  11. Financial Accountant

  12. Business Analyst

  13. Accounts Assistant

Value of Management Accountants

1. They are business leaders - Through understanding how a business works, CIMA members will know business models,strategic context and competitive position inside out, including leadership skills one plays a vital role in any business.

2. They are innovation advisors - For a business to thrive, it needs to constantly adapt to keep pace as the world changes. As a management accountant, you’ll grab every opportunity for innovation and help drive future success.

3. They are data-backed decision makers- By combining financial and non-financial data, you’ll paint a complete picture of the business. You’ll use that in-depth analysis to make decisions and pursue business success at the highest level.

4. They are forecasters - Management accountants focus on the future. You’ll gather information and analyse statistics to spot trends and help make strategic decisions – from improving internal efficiencies to tackling market expansion.

CIMA Strategic Alliance

CIMA members have access to a number of strategic alliances, including:

  1. An accelerated route to Associateship of the Association of Corporate Treasurers

  2. A mutual recognition agreement with the Society of Management Accountants of Canada

  3. A mutual recognition agreement with CPA Australia

  4. A strategic alliance with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Australia

  5. On 26 September 2006, CIMA announced a joint qualification program with the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants

  6. Memorandum of understanding with the Institute of Cost Accountants of India

  7. Strategic Alliance with the Institute of Cost and Management Accountants of Pakistan (ICMAP)

  8. A joint venture with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants to establish and promote a new, internationally recognised designation for management accounting — the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).

  9. Recognition from the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants

  10. An accelerated route to the CGMA designation for members of the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)

  11. An accelerated route to the CGMA designation for members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, Ghana (ICAG)

  12. Memorandum of understanding with CPA Canada: Upon passing day 2 and day 3 of the Common Final Examination, CIMA members are eligible to apply for the CPA designation.

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Class Timetables

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